7 Classic Rock Albums To Relive 1971

All The Best LPs

These are seven more reasons why the 1970s became the golden age of rock ‘n roll. From heavy metal to soft rock, 1971 catered to every musical taste. These albums propelled the following acts to another level of stardom and secured them a spot as legends. Even over four decades later, nothing can ever rival their greatness. They hold up well even after all these years.

So let’s revisit these LPs that defined 1971.

7. Black Sabbath – “Master of Reality”

Master of Reality is a landmark album and one that helped in the creation of several other subgenres like doom, stoner, and sludge metal. It’s a stunning LP from beginning to end with most of the songs becoming instant classics. Drummer Bill Ward said, “Previously, we didn’t have a clue what to do in the studio, and relied heavily on Rodger. But this time we were a lot more together, understood what was involved and were more opinionated on how things should be done.”

6. The Allman Brothers Band – “At Fillmore East”

The Allman Brothers Band’s first live album was a game-changer for them. It was a huge hit but more than that, it set the bar high for other live LPs. At Fillmore East showcased their musicianship and chemistry – and for that, it remains one of the greatest live albums of all time.

5. Sly and the Family Stone – “There’s A Riot Goin’ On”

Darker than their previous releases, this would go on to influence several other artists and their music. It’s one of those records that perfectly summed up the whole mood of 1971. From the get-go, it’s easy to see that this wasn’t their usual bright and bold fare. Nevertheless, the change worked well for them.

4. The Rolling Stones – “Sticky Fingers”

https://youtu.be/iQyKVyiR23g

The LP that defined the band. It’s not flawless but it’s clearly one of their finest works. The Rolling Stones were in top form but the album’s not without controversy – from the songs to the artwork cover, it got people talking even until today.

3. The Who – “Who’s Next”

Developed from the shelved Lifehouse project, The Who released it at a time when they were already well-established as a force of nature in the rock world. From the opening to the closing track, they proved over and over again that they could upstage their contemporaries with classics that stood the test of time.

2. Joni Mitchell – “Blue”

Of all the releases in 1971, there’s nothing quite like Joni Mitchell’s magnum opus. There are no fillers, no weak moments. And every song is breathtaking, beautiful, and at times, sad. It may be on the depressing side but looking at it as a whole, it’s an absolute masterpiece and some of the tracks hit close to home for listeners.

1. Led Zeppelin – “Led Zeppelin IV”

Led Zeppelin answered their critics and haters in the best way possible, by dropping their tour de force LP. It spawned their signature song Stairway to Heaven. Other tracks showed the band at the peak of their creative powers – Black Dog and When The Levee Breaks. Even with dozens of stellar albums, this one truly stood out.