1971 was a hell of a year! Vietnam, Nixon, The French Connection, Dirty Harry, All in the Family, and Jim Morrison and Barry Oakley passed away. It was one of the most iconic years of music as some of the greatest albums of all time came out within these 365 days half a century ago. These albums have stood the test of time. At least one these tracks have been played to death on “classic rock” radio. In terms of ranking, I ranked the entire album, not just the one hit song. Since the first 33 1/3 was pressed record companies would look for that one hit song and put a bunch of crap on the rest of the album. If you think I’m fooling, name another track from the Baja Men or Right Said Fred! But not these works of art. These musicians made an entire body of work.
Ranking these were not easy. Again this the best work from the best bands.
#5 Sticky Fingers: The Rolling Stones still on a roll after Their Satanic Majesties Request, Beggars Banquet, Let it bleed, Get your ya-ya’s out, and now this! Top tracks include: “Can’t you hear me knocking?” “Sway” “Wild Horses” “Moonlight Mile”
#4 The Yes Album: The best Yes album made. “Yours is no disgrace” “I’ve seen all good people” “The clap” “Perpetual Change” and “Starship Trooper.”
#3 Who’s Next: The best Who album next to Tommy. This album includes: “Baba O’Reily” “Won’t get fooled again” “Love ain’t for keeping” and “Behind Blue Eyes.”
#2: LA Woman: The Doors final album with Jim Morrison. This album has a bunch of hidden gems include: “L’America” “Haycinth House” as well as “LA Woman” And “Riders on the Storm”
Honorable mentions. Again; this was no easy task. Each of these albums is iconic in own right. These are in no particular order. It would be too hard.
Live at The Fillmore East: The Allman Brothers Band
Fragile: Yes
Pearl: Janis Joplin
Meddle: Pink Floyd
Chicago III: Chicago
The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys: Traffic
Aqualung: Jethro Tull
4 Way Street: Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young
Fireball: Deep Purple
#1: Led Zeppelin IV: Led Zeppelin. The album had no mention of the band on the front let alone words. The official album name is the four symbols the band took for itself. But; every song a masterpiece. This album has more songs than just “Stairway”and “Black Dog” “The Battle of Evermore” “Four Sticks” and “Misty Mountain Hop.”
People say I’m stuck in the 70’s. I grew up in the 80’s with English pop, hair bands, and rap music like MC Hammer. Is there any reason why I wouldn’t want to live in this era?
SEVEN FIVE RADIO 