Album of the Day

Paul Westerberg led The Replacements to the forefront of alternative rock in the 1980s, so after the Minneapolis band's break-up, expectations were high for the singer-songwriter's first solo album. 14 SONGS did not disappoint; the 1993 collection brims with keenly observed, passionately played rockers like “Runaway Wind” and opener “Knockin' On Mine.” With such kindred spirits as Faces keyboardist Ian McLagan and Joan Jett lending support, Westerberg's heartfelt, occasionally humorous, performances cut straight to the bone. Life beyond the 'Mats offered both uncertainty and possibility, a combination that remains exhilarating on 14 SONGS, which we'll cue up in honor of Paul Westerberg's birthday.