20 extraordinary albums turning 50 this year

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As a child of the ’70s, I was fortunate to have grown up with these timeless albums that still resonate today. Each one is a testament to the genius and creativity of their respective artists.

1974 might not be hailed as the pinnacle of contemporary pop music, but it could very well have been the most diverse and versatile. In essence, this means that a wide range of music styles were produced in that year.

In 1975, during the 17th Grammy Awards ceremony, which honored recordings from the previous year, the award for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group was given to the Pointer Sisters. This was half a century before Cowboy Carter was created. On the other hand, Elvis Presley won the prize for Best Inspirational Performance. The songs “I Honestly Love You” by Olivia Newton-John and “The Way We Were” by Barbra Streisand took home Record of the Year awards, while Album of the Year went to Stevie Wonder’s Fulfillingness’ First Finale, a progressive funk album.

35 distinct songs held the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, which is likely close to a record. There wasn’t one specific artist or genre that dominated. Instead, Paul Anka’s emotional ballad “Having My Baby” was followed by Eric Clapton’s cover of Bob Marley’s “I Shot the Sheriff,” and then “Rock the Boat” was dethroned by “Rock Your Baby.” Toward the end of the year, “You Haven’t Done Nothing” was knocked off its pedestal by “You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet.” In other words, there was a significant amount of change at the top of the chart.

20 fantastic albums turning 50 in 2024

1. At the peak, there were instrumental tracks. A couple of amusing tunes also made an appearance. Various genres like rock, pop, and soul were present. Three out of the four former Beatles achieved a number one hit (with apologies to George). There was even a song that started with the well-known opening “Ooga-chaka, ooga ooga, Ooga-chaka ooga ooga.”

1974 served as a blend of pop music’s past and future, with just a few genres capturing the public’s attention. Rock & roll was powerful then, yet it hinted at maturity. It began to fragment into numerous subgenres – progressive rock, heavy metal, punk, funk, each carving out its unique path over time. Meanwhile, country music was rebelling in Texas, and in New York City’s Bronx, innovative youth were reworking old records, altering the musical landscape forever.

In a few years, disco and arena rock would become extremely popular but their popularity wouldn’t last long. Essentially, they were just temporary detours in music. However, in 1974, that was yet to come. At that time, popular music resembled the untamed frontier of the old west – anything could happen.

20 remarkable LPs from 1974, showcasing an array of different genres. You’ll find both well-known and lesser-known albums on this list – from the celebrated to the overlooked. The only criteria are that these are albums released in 1974, and they all boast exceptional music.

20. Exotic Birds and Fruit by Procol Harum

As a dedicated fan, I must admit that Procol Harum seemed to be losing their magic a bit during the early ’70s. However, they managed to reclaim their former glory with the release of “Exotic Birds and Fruit”. This album brought back memories of their golden era hits like “Whiter Shade of Pale” and “A Salty Dog”. Gary Brooker’s bluesy vocals were as powerful as ever, and despite the departure of key musical figures such as organist Matthew Fisher (who had left a few years prior) and guitarist Robin Trower (who parted ways after the previous album), the band was able to adapt and continue making great music.

Chris Copping effortlessly took over as organist, filling Fisher’s role admirably. Although Mick Grabham didn’t quite reach Trower’s level of skill, the songs remained strong, and the fusion of classical and rock music was once again in top form. Brooker truly excels on “Butterfly Boys,” showcasing his vocal talents as well as his piano skills.

19. Bad Company by Bad Company

One of the initial supergroups to truly find success was formed by its members, who weren’t just dabbling or experimenting on the side. Vocalist Paul Rodgers and drummer Simon Kirke hailed from Free, while Mick Ralphs contributed his guitar skills from Mott the Hoople. Moreover, Boz Burrell had already established himself as a versatile bassist, having played with numerous other bands previously.

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve got to say that Rodgers and Ralphs truly knocked it out of the park with their debut album back in ’74. They nailed the vibe that fans and music pundits had been eagerly anticipating. Rodgers started us off strong with the infectious “Can’t Get Enough,” and from there, it was a non-stop ride. The original crew went on to release six more albums in the following decade, but none matched the unity and consistency of this debut masterpiece. It was pure magic!

18. Do Your Thing But Don’t Touch Mine by Goose Creek Symphony

Goose Creek started releasing albums as early as 1970. Over the subsequent four decades, they produced approximately a dozen new recordings, featuring various musicians along the way, yet they never achieved significant mainstream recognition. However, their dedicated followers adored their unique musical blend. The album “Do Your Own Thing…” commences with the funky “Teresa,” characterized by a saxophone that plays continuously throughout, followed by the title track – an energetic hoedown driven by bluegrass fiddle.

Later on, they unambiguously expressed their musical preferences: “We enjoy country music – We’re into rock and roll” followed by the song title “Everyone Wants to Boogie.” The album boasts the upbeat 18-minute “Saturday Night at the Grange” medley and the rousing “Pick Up the Tempo,” a track that seems like it originated from the Irish countryside.

17. Sally Can’t Dance by Lou Reed

Reed found his fourth solo album challenging, yet upon reflection, perhaps it wasn’t as complex as it seemed. He openly declared his dislike for it, and reports from studio colleagues suggest he didn’t devote much effort to its production. However, it contains some exceptional tracks such as the groovy “N Y Stars,” the jazzy “Animal Language,” and the intense, angry “Kill Your Sons,” a confrontational response towards the mental health system. Remarkably, even though he may not have appreciated it, the title track continues to be enjoyable.

It’s possible that he felt bitter about the success because his most successful solo album was also his most commercially successful, outperforming masterpieces like “Transformer” and “New York”. Being exceptionally talented as Lou Reed was seemed to be both a blessing and a curse.

16. Tasty by Good Rats

They were virtually unrecognized outside of New York, but they were legends in that city. Their second album, Tasty, was their best opportunity to break into mainstream popularity, yet it didn’t quite take off. Consequently, we are left enjoying catchy pop tunes such as “Back to My Music” and “Fireball Express.” The title track of the album, composed by Peppi Marchello, is a subtle yet poignant reflection on the band’s transformation.

15. Goodnight Vienna by Ringo Starr

It wasn’t until the Beatles disbanded that many people truly appreciated Ringo Starr’s abilities. He was like a bond holding everything together, able to connect with anyone and everyone. In essence, he was an exceptional bandleader. By cultivating friendships, particularly with some of the most gifted musicians in rock & roll during that era, and selecting timeless, classic songs, Ringo played a crucial role in shaping the Beatles’ sound.

Let’s take a glance at the musicians who played piano on various tracks of “Goodnight Vienna”. They include Elton John and Dr. John, as well as Nicky Hopkins and Billy Preston. Additionally, Gary Wright and James Newton Howard contributed with synthesizers. Notably, these are just the keyboard players – the guitarists, bassists, and horn section were all top-notch talents.

Indeed, a feline musician named Lennon was featured on many tracks from the album too. It seems he and Ringo Starr had previously been bandmates. Their songs “No-No Song” and “Only You” were the adorable hits, but there’s also a good amount of hard rock and blues to keep things well-rounded.

14. Heart Like a Wheel by Linda Ronstadt

It’s important to note that we had already recognized Linda Ronstadt’s exceptional singing abilities before the release of “Heart Like a Wheel.” She had beautifully covered songs such as “Love Has No Pride” and “Rock Me on the Water” in her earlier solo albums. However, the sudden appearance of “Heart Like a Wheel” felt somewhat unexpected. The initial chords of “You’re No Good” were captivating, and her voice carried an impact comparable to a powerful tidal wave.

Despite maintaining her ability to deliver soft and sweet tunes on tracks such as “It Doesn’t Matter Anymore” and “Willin’,” the modern Linda had an impressive capacity to perform powerful rock numbers like “When Will I Be Loved.” Her renditions proved effective across styles. Unfortunately, some contemporary critics were quick to criticize her for primarily covering songs. They overlooked the fact that many of the songs she recorded were exceptionally well-executed versions of their original counterparts.

13. Radio City by Big Star

Radio City served as Big Star’s second studio album, which for a while remained their last one. The production process was fraught with issues right from the start. These difficulties were exacerbated when one of the band’s co-founders, guitarist Chris Bell, decided to leave the group following their highly praised debut album, #1 Record. This departure left vocalist and guitarist Alex Chilton in control of the second album’s direction. His penchant for pop music is evident throughout the record.

Chilton followed Brian Wilson as an exceptional pop songwriter, creating beautiful, intricate tunes like “September Gurls,” “You Get What You Deserve,” and “Back of a Car.” These songs, with their catchy guitar melodies and stunning harmonies, are true treasures. Later, Paul Westerberg of the Replacements recognized Chilton and Big Star’s impact on shaping a fresh era of pop music in his song titled “Alex Chilton.”

12. Sneaking Sally Through the Alley by Robert Palmer

1. During the ’60s, Alex Chilton served as the lead vocalist for the band known as Big Star. Meanwhile, Robert Palmer was part of Vinegar Joe’s lineup. In 1974, Palmer embarked on a solo career. His first album, titled “Sneaking Sally Through the Alley“, received mixed feedback from critics. Some argued that Palmer, with his good looks, didn’t quite fit the blues genre he was singing in. They thought his voice wasn’t gritty enough, and his production lacked the rough edge typical of blues music.

Yet, if you listened with an open mind, it became clear that this wasn’t traditional blues – it had its roots there but branched out in unique ways. In truth, it was something else entirely. Palmer’s performance was vibrant, and as one song flowed into another so effortlessly, the transitions seemed almost imperceptible. With contributions from Little Feat co-founder Lowell George, who penned a few songs and lent his guitar skills to many more, Palmer produced an album that stood out among the best of its time.

11. Phases and Stages by Willie Nelson

Willie Nelson’s 17th studio album, Phases and Stages, embodied the essence of outlaw country more than few other albums. The term “outlaw” didn’t apply because it was about defying Nashville’s country music authorities; rather, it was a rebellious statement against them. At the time, Nelson was going through a divorce and as an artist, he found it necessary to express his feelings through songs.

As a long-time music enthusiast who has been through a tumultuous marriage myself, I find this concept album to be remarkably insightful and captivating. The artist’s decision to explore the dissolution of a marriage from both partners’ perspectives is a bold move that resonates deeply with my own experiences.

Despite being sandwiched between two iconic country music albums, “Phases and Stages” is often underestimated. However, it doesn’t diminish the fact that tunes such as “Pretend I Never Happened” and “Bloody Mary Morning” grew to be significant additions to Willie’s collection of outstanding songs.

10. Graham Central Station by Graham Central Station

Larry Graham served as the bassist for the groundbreaking group Sly & the Family Stone. However, he had some disagreements with Sly Stone, which led him to establish his own band in 1974. Similar to Sly… this new band was a diverse ensemble, consisting of members from various racial and gender backgrounds, and they were renowned for their mastery of funk music. Graham is frequently recognized as the pioneer behind the slap bass technique, which added an extra layer of punch to funk tunes.

Following a short spiritual rendition titled “We’ve Been Waiting,” the fresh ensemble, led by Graham and backed by Freddie Stone on guitar, kick off with the rhythm of “It Ain’t No Fun to Me.” We’re immediately in motion. The bass stands out prominently in “Hair.” For a while, the horns steer the direction in “Can You Handle It,” before the powerful “Ghetto” brings the album to a close, mirroring the gospel intro of “We’ve Been Waiting” on a grand scale.

9. Second Helping by Lynyrd Skynyrd

Couldn’t a popular hit song sometimes turn into a misfortune rather than a boon? The opening track on Lynyrd Skynyrd’s second album, “Sweet Home Alabama,” became their signature tune. And it makes sense why. It’s a powerful anthem that taps directly into the country tradition, as exemplified by Johnny Cash’s praise for Tennessee and countless others who have celebrated Texas in song.

The issue lies in how one standout track often outshines an entire album packed with fantastic southern rock pieces, such as “Don’t Ask Me No Questions” and the energetic “Call Me the Breeze.” It includes the ominous “The Needle and the Spoon,” as well as the stunning blues homage “The Ballad of Curtis Loew.” “Sweet Home Alabama” played a significant role in pushing Second Helping into the top ten, but the other tracks didn’t receive the recognition they deserved.

8. In For the Kill! by Budgie

The band Budgie was instrumental in shaping metal as a significant genre, yet they never experienced substantial commercial triumph. Burke Shelley handled both the bass and vocals, while Tony Bourge complemented Shelley’s heavy bass lines with his guitar playing. Pete Boot joined them on drums, stepping in for original drummer Ray Phillips just before recording, with the notable album “In For the Kill!” being a testament to their collaboration.

Boot may not have had a long lifespan, but he made a significant impact on their fourth album. From the get-go, they kicked things off strongly with the opening track and didn’t slow down. By the time they reached the powerful “Hammer and Tongs,” where Bourge was given free rein, it became clear that even though Led Zeppelin took a break in 1974, there was still an abundance of rock & roll being generated.

7. Sheer Heart Attack by Queen

On their initial two albums, Queen hinted at what they might evolve into, but with Sheer Heart Attack, everything coalesced beautifully. The opening track “Brighton Rock” set the pace, and “Killer Queen” solidified the impression. By the time we reached “Stone Cold Crazy”, it was clear that this band was destined for longevity.

Freddie Mercury’s dynamic vocals, paired with Brian May’s speedy guitar solos, consistently brought high-energy performances. Mercury channeled his skills to make heartfelt songs such as “Lily of the Valley” and “Dear Friends” captivating, but truly shone when Queen accelerated. Moderate rock tracks like “Now I’m Here”, “Bring Back That Leroy Brown”, and the title song were given the unique Queen touch, transforming them into more enjoyable than they should have been. The iconic “Bohemian Rhapsody” was nearly complete by then.

6. Feats Don’t Fail Me Now by Little Feat

By the time they released their album “Feats Don’t Fail Me Now” in 1974, Little Feat had solidified their classic lineup following their previous album, “Dixie Chicken” in 1973. At this point, they were a well-established band, branching out in various directions. The album opens with the catchy duo of “Rock and Roll Doctor” and “Oh Atlanta,” followed by the funky Paul Barerre composition titled “Skin It Back.”

From that point on, things became more and more unpredictable. The carefree melody of the opening track sets the stage for the intricate beats of “The Fan” and the vast “Cold Cold Cold/Tripe Face Boogie,” where Bill Payne lets his piano skills run amok.

5. Queen of the Night by Maggie Bell

It’s puzzling why Maggie Bell, despite having a career, didn’t reach stardom like her vocal performance suggested on “Caddo Queen”, her debut album’s first track. Prior to this, she was part of Alex and Leslie Harvey in the band Stone the Crows before their disbandment.

In her first album, she demonstrated her versatility by giving a calypso-influenced rendition of J.J. Cale’s “After Midnight,” showcasing her ability to rock. She could slow things down beautifully with “A Woman Left Lonely,” adding a heartfelt country feel with John Hughey’s pedal steel guitar. She delivered the bluest interpretation yet of a John Prine song on “Souvenirs.” Furthermore, she offered unique perspectives on songs by Carole Bayer Sager and David Clayton Thomas, among others. Her version of “Oh My My” departed from Ringo Starr’s witty delivery, favoring a raw blues sound instead.

Maggie Bell infuses a soulful tinge of the blues into every song she sings. (Just for the sake of fairness, I live with someone who is not a fan at all of how Maggie Bell alters her songs, but we still find a way to coexist harmoniously.)

4. I Want to See Bright Lights Tonight by Richard and Linda Thompson

Richard was part of the pioneering English folk-rock group Fairport Convention. Sometimes, Linda joined him and the others in The Bunch for performances. Their voices harmonized beautifully, and they shared enough camaraderie to eventually tie the knot. Together, they released “I Want to See Bright Lights Tonight,” their debut album of six records spanning a decade. This record showcases Richard’s exceptional guitar playing and songwriting abilities, further accentuated by Linda’s captivating vocals. While she remains in the backdrop for the first couple of songs, her rendition of “Withered and Died” reveals an ethereal quality that is genuinely mesmerizing.

The deep-toned “Down Where the Drunkards Roll” showcases her strength, while “Poor Little Beggar Girl,” reminiscent of Fairport Convention origins, demonstrates her extraordinary versatility even more. Additionally, you’ll find the title track, a duet that is one of Richard’s most memorable pop tunes.

3. Pretzel Logic by Steely Dan

In my opinion, Pretzel Logic stands out as Steely Dan’s finest album. From the intriguing beginning of “Rikki Don’t Lose That Number” to the rhythmic blend of blues and funk in “Monkey in Your Soul,” it offers a collection of eleven well-crafted songs within approximately 30 minutes. The less impressive tracks are still enjoyable. However, the standout moments – and there are many – showcase some of the most intricate pop song compositions of that decade. “Barrytown” presents a strikingly insightful political critique.

Fifty years on, I’m still not swayed by tales that circulate; I trust only what I read in The Daily News, every single word. In the album “Through With Buzz,” Donald Fagen and Walter Becker delve deeper into their jazz influences, crafting tight songs instead of letting them roam free. The title track takes us on a bewildering journey with the smoothest of rhythms, while “With a Gun” captures the spirit of a western movie in less than three minutes. Hidden towards the end of the album, “Charlie Freak” remains one of the most overlooked tracks from the ‘70s. They even toss in a bit of Duke Ellington in the quick and jazzy “East St. Louis Toodle-Oo.”

2. Court and Spark by Joni Mitchell

Purists might lean towards Mitchell’s “Blue,” but isn’t it possible for an artist to have two masterpieces? I’ve already penned a lengthy homage to her sixth album, so I won’t repeat all of that here. In essence, this is her most approachable fusion of the jazz beats she would continually delve into throughout her career, complemented by exceptionally catchy pop songs that are nothing short of brilliant.

1. “Help Me” and “Free Man in Paris” were undeniably successful. “Car on the Hill” tells an epic story of heartbreak. “People’s Parties” hides its self-doubt beneath a charming pop veneer. And “Raised on Robbery,” driven by Robbie Robertson’s persistent guitar, is truly one of the standout songs of the year. Lastly, “Twisted,” the album’s final track – you really need to listen to it to fully grasp it.

1. Fulfillingness’ First Finale by Stevie Wonder

By 1974, when the album “FFF” was released, Stevie Wonder was already reigning supreme in the pop music world. At just 24 years old, he had an impressive discography with a total of 16 albums to his name. The previous year, “Innervisions” had taken home the Grammy, and it wouldn’t be a stretch to argue that the two albums before it were equally deserving of the award as well.

In the ’60s, he was a child prodigy in music. Now, as a fully-grown adult, his music has grown more daring and impressive. To put it another way, FFF could be described as a slightly relaxed take on what he’s been producing. The only exception being the intense anger expressed in “You Haven’t Done Nothin”, it is an enjoyable, romantic album overall. Yet, it continues to showcase the unmistakable rhythm that appears to emanate from Wonder’s very soul.

Title “Boogie on Reggae Woman” is a lively tune that gets the crowd grooving. The rest of the album sparkles with a sensual atmosphere. “Creepin'” and the melancholic “They Won’t Go When I Go” bring things to a more relaxed pace, but they keep a captivating tension that makes them must-listen tracks.

Admittedly, I lean towards “Innervisions” and its successor “Songs in the Key of Life,” but if I were to rank Stevie Wonder’s “FFF” alongside “Talking Book,” both would be among the top three. Regardless, being third-best on a Stevie Wonder album still outshines most other musicians’ best works.

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2024-08-24 16:02