This Month in Music - Classic Albums Released in December
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There’s something about December: the year’s end seems to sharpen artists’ focus. Whether it’s a surprise midnight drop that upends the rules of release, a classic record aiming for the Christmas market, or an ambitious double-LP that arrives just in time for winter listening, some of the most interesting albums in musical history have landed in the last month of the year.
1. Beatles for Sale - The Beatles (released 4 December 1964)
The Beatles were already global superstars by late 1964; Beatles for Sale is the weary, slightly darker response to constant touring. It’s an album that balances originals and covers, and it marks the band beginning to push beyond teen pop into more reflective territory. The UK release date is 4 December 1964.
2. Rubber Soul - The Beatles (released 3 December 1965)
One year later the transformation was obvious: Rubber Soul (3 December 1965) introduced folk textures, sophisticated arrangements and introspective lyrics that opened the door to studio experimentation. It’s a pivot point - you can hear the band negotiating pop, folk and more complex songwriting structures in real time.
Buy Rubber Soul by The Beatles on Vinyl
3. Hunky Dory - David Bowie (released 17 December 1971)
Bowie’s Hunky Dory arrived in mid-December 1971 and stands as a quietly brilliant record: piano-forward, literate, and full of songs that would become staples (“Life on Mars?”, “Oh! You Pretty Things”). It’s the calm before the Ziggy storm - a masterclass in melody and theatrical songwriting. UK release: 17 December 1971.
4. London Calling - The Clash (released 14 December 1979)
A double album released on 14 December 1979, London Calling is a post-punk milestone that folds in reggae, rockabilly, ska and classic rock into a single, muscular statement. It arrived at the end of the year and immediately changed expectations for what a punk band could sound like.
Buy London Calling by The Clash
5. BEYONCÉ - Beyoncé (released 13 December 2013)
Beyoncé’s self-titled visual album exploded onto iTunes without prior notice on 13 December 2013. Its surprise release and the marriage of music with film (each track had an accompanying video) helped reset how pop albums could be launched in the streaming era. The record’s sonic and cultural impact remains profound.
6. evermore - Taylor Swift (released 11 December 2020)
A contemporary example of a December surprise: Taylor Swift released evermore on 11 December 2020 as a companion (“sister”) record to folklore. It doubled down on stripped-back, narrative songwriting and proved that a late-year release can still dominate charts and year-end conversation.
Chalkys always has a massive catalogue of classic albums available on CD and vinyl, have a look on site to see if you can crate dig that classic you have been looking for. Tell us your favourite classic in the comments below.