Great Classic Rock Albums Released In Each Month Of 1971
Electric Light Orchestra live at Rockpalast - Duke Albert / Youtube
The colorful beginnings of the 70s decade just got better and better with records being released left and right. There’s no more denying that 1971 was indeed the home of some of the greatest albums made by the musicians at their artistic peak, and we are more than lucky that the fragments of such greatness can still be observed even today. And while it’s tempting to talk about Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin only, below, we would also like to introduce some of the noteworthy albums that gave the whole year of ’71 a marvelous moment to be alive. Here are some of them:
January: Chicago III – Chicago
This experimental double LP of Chicago marked the 3rd studio release for them. Still hung-up from the vast success they received from their previous album, the band took time to bring out the best of their skills, therefore, therefore making this album a special one.
February: If I Could Only Remember My Name – David Crosby
David Crosby’s debut solo album was an ensemble of rock musicians who helped the singer achieve his power piece of art. It garnered a cult following, praising Crosby’s musicianship amidst the growing loud and hard rock of the 70s.
March: Black Oak Arkansas – Black Oak Arkansas
Black Oak Arkansas got lucky to score a debut album that wasn’t bad at all. Generally, the LP contained a mix of Hard, folk, and blues rock—- talking mostly about sex and religion.
April: 4 Way Street – Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
The live album from Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young showcased the growing tensions that the four members have against each other that eventually led to a 3-year hiatus. Yet, it didn’t affect the whole status, since the album would go on and reach the top spot for Billboard 200.
May: Man in Black – Johnny Cash
Johnny Cash’s tumultuous nickname, “man in black” came from this 38th album of his. Man in Black addressed the issues of politics, and the Vietnam War.
June: Tarkus – Emerson, Lake & Palmer
When Tarkus was released, many people would think that this would not dwell on its own time effectively. But, due to the growing popularity of progressive rock, ELP catapulted to fame, making them one of the faces for the said genre.
July: Fireball – Deep Purple
When Deep Purple decided to create their 5th album, it was almost a disastrous one, or at least that’s what Ritchie Blackmore thought. The maturity that stems from the driving force from the group to create this album is extreme, and the results are also amazing.
August: Fillmore East – June 1971 – The Mothers of Invention
This live album contained a concept that binds it together. Most of the songs were also created by Frank Zappa.
September: Future Games – Fleetwood Mac
Future Games marked a turning point for Fleetwood Mac with new changes to their personnel, and a new drive to their music. It also was one of the underrated classics from the group.
October: American Pie – Don McLean
American Pie was Don McLean’s most renowned albums of all time. But while the LP contains different meanings depending on the listener’s view, McLean relates it with “The day the music died,” when Buddy Holly was killed in a plane crash.
November: Nursery Cryme – Genesis
The third LP from Genesis spurred a dynamic change to their style. The album itself yielded some of the greatest hits of their time, and it is a fan favorite as well.
December: The Electric Light Orchestra – Electric Light Orchestra
The eponymous debut album of Electric Light Orchestra incorporates a baroque feel to its songs. One funny anecdote with this LP was that it was named No Answer in the US release when a United Artists Records executive misunderstood the “no answer” response to the caller.
