What makes a classic album in the streaming era? or What Charli XCX could learn from The Police

Critical reviews, industry awards and actual consumption all line up to break an album into the wider cultural consciousness. In recent years, we might pick out Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, Beyoncé or Kendrick Lamar as having success in this respect. It used to be that consulting a trusted media brand such as Pitchfork, Rolling Stone or the New York Times would guide us towards the best albums released in any given year.  Keith Jopling / The Quietus