1974 was a memorable yr for music, with many nice artists producing their greatest work. Among the most iconic bands and singers characteristic within the record of musicians that launched albums. The yr produced a various vary of information from artists of all genres, however one factor unites every launch: they’ve influenced different musicians, whereas every is good in its personal proper.
Fifty years on, which albums proceed to encourage and affect others? Which works proceed to get pleasure from airtime whereas occupying a treasured house in your file assortment? We scoured the annals of music historical past and produced these 30 influential albums turning 50 this yr.
Queen: Sheer Coronary heart Assault
It was a busy yr for Queen, who launched two albums in 1974. Sheer Coronary heart Assault arrived in November, offering a big breakthrough for the band, as “Killer Queen” reached quantity two within the UK charts. It was Queen’s greatest hit at that time, and it helped the group transfer from the fringes of rock into mainstream music.
The album additionally made an impression within the US whereas hitting prime ten standing round Europe. Together with the singles, “Brighton Rock,” with its prolonged guitar solo, is a standout monitor.
Queen was on the point of stardom, as 1975 gave us the good primary “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Wanting again, it is fascinating to listen to this earlier launch and hearken to how their sound was about to hit the mainstream.
David Bowie: Diamond Canine
Having moved on from his Ziggy Stardust interval, 1974 was a transitional yr for David Bowie. He needed to “break up the band,” which means Bowie performed lead guitar on Diamond Canine as a substitute of Mick Ronson.
The album embraces glam rock for one final time, and the title monitor, plus “Insurgent Insurgent,” are among the many most memorable songs in a forgettable style. Diamond Canine got here out to blended critiques, however it’s an thrilling manufacturing with some underrated tracks.
Every of those 1974 albums has the good thing about hindsight, and we will see how an artist’s profession is creating. Within the case of David Bowie, the progress is extremely fascinating as he appears to shed the “Ziggy Stardust” picture and be taken extra severely as his personal man.
Abba: Waterloo
Swedish pop band Abba made an early impression round Europe by successful the 1974 version of the Eurovision Track Contest. Waterloo was their second album, together with their breakthrough single of the identical identify.
The discharge flopped within the US, and it will be a while earlier than the group broke in America, however it’s develop into in style in hindsight. Waterloo is the album that took Abba from Sweden to the brink of world stardom.
Whereas the title monitor will at all times appeal to essentially the most consideration, Waterloo has some underrated tracks. Take a look at “King Kong Track,” and the band’s earlier single “Honey Honey.”
Rush: Rush
Neil Peart had not joined Canadian rockers Rush when the band launched its debut album in 1974. Along with his duties as a drummer, Peart turned the first lyricist and helped form the group’s sound and magnificence.
It signifies that 1974’s Rush is a curiosity, with John Rutsey behind the package and Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson writing all of the songs. You’ll want this to finish your Rush assortment, however later releases supply a greater introduction to the band.
Whereas many see Rush as a curiosity, there are some memorable moments, together with the only “Within the Temper” which simply scraped into the US Billboard Sizzling 100.
Bob Dylan: Planet Waves
Bob Dylan was lively all through the Seventies. A yr earlier than his basic 1975 launch Blood on the Tracks, he produced one other number-one hit album. Planet Waves debuted in 1974, reaching the highest of the charts in the US and Canada.
Dylan is supported by members of The Band, and because of the later success of Blood on the Tracks, Planet Waves has develop into a misplaced basic. “Ceaselessly Younger” and “Going Going Gone” are arguably essentially the most memorable tracks from the album.
In distinction, “Dirge” is an odd monitor. It is appropriately named, because it’s powerful to hearken to, however if you’re Bob Dylan you may embody the occasional duff monitor.
Elvis Presley: Good Instances
The record-buying public regarded elsewhere for his or her good occasions in 1974. Elvis Presley’s profession declined within the mid-Seventies, and this album flopped, hitting a low variety of 90 on the US charts.
Wanting again, with Elvis three years away from his dying, Good Instances is a tragic album, filled with covers equivalent to “Spanish Eyes” and “Loving Arms” that aren’t worthy of the king of rock and roll.
Good Instances additionally holds the unenviable file of being the primary Elvis launch to hit the cut-price bins throughout a forgettable interval in his profession.
Kraftwerk: Autobahn
German digital geniuses Kraftwerk launched their first album in 1970, however Autobahn is taken into account their breakthrough. It noticed them remodel from experimental musicians into masters of their craft whereas absolutely embracing synthesizers and drum machines.
Kraftwerk was absolutely digital, and Autobahn is the album that influenced many future artists. Look out for the gorgeous title monitor that occupies Aspect One and a number of different classics on the reverse.
If you wish to perceive why Pleasure Division and Depeche Mode cite Kraftwerk as influences, give Autobahn a spin.
Deep Purple: Burn
It was a transitional yr for Deep Purple, which entered 1974 with a brand new lineup. Burn was the primary album to characteristic new vocalist David Coverdale, whereas bassist Glenn Hughes additionally made his recording debut.
Devoted Purple followers had been uncertain in regards to the recent faces, and Burn is a forgotten launch regardless of making the High Ten on each side of the Atlantic.
It was a shaky begin for the brand new Deep Purple, however Burn has some memorable moments. The title monitor was a minor hit within the US, and it incorporates a guitar riff that many really feel to be the band’s greatest.
Joni Mitchell: Courtroom and Spark
It wanted six albums earlier than Joni Mitchell landed the industrial success she deserved. Courtroom and Spark reached quantity two on the Billboard Charts and made an impression abroad.
The manufacturing consists of the hit single “Assist Me” and a few notable, underrated tracks. Whereas it was a industrial hit, Joni Mitchell didn’t stray too removed from her folks roots.
Courtroom and Spark was groundbreaking, proving that people artists might break into the mainstream with out “promoting out.” The style was on the fringes of music earlier than this launch hit the charts.
Dolly Parton: Jolene
The yr additionally noticed Dolly Parton get pleasure from a breakthrough. From the fringes of the nation music scene, the title monitor from this 1974 album turned a worldwide hit, incomes top-ten standing.
Jolene additionally options Dolly’s unique model of “I Will All the time Love You,” it stays the important album for anybody wanting to find her music for the primary time.
Dolly followers could have blended emotions in regards to the 1992 movie The Bodyguard. Whitney Houston’s cowl of “I Will All the time Love You” helped hundreds of thousands to find the 1974 unique, however it led to a lot debate over which model was the perfect.
Kiss: Kiss
On first impressions, there wanted to be extra to advocate Kiss primarily based on their 1974 debut album. The make-up supplied a putting picture, however their self-titled launch was a flop, peaking at quantity 87 within the US charts.
Nostalgia can have an effect on our judgment, however it is a gorgeous launch, and Kiss incorporates fan favorites, together with “Strutter,” “Nothin’ to Lose,” and “Deuce.”
Of the three singles, many really feel that “Strutter” was the perfect, however extremely it didn’t chart.
Sparks: Kimono My Home
The Mael brothers, Ron and Russell, had little success within the music business by 1974. Sparks shaped in 1971, and their first two albums didn’t chart. 1974’s Kimono My Home was their breakthrough, pushed by their world hit “This City Ain’t Massive Sufficient for Each of Us.”
Sparks followers are grateful for the success of this album. It had been an extended journey for the musical siblings, and extra flops might have seen the top of this iconic group. As a substitute, Sparks has been prolific, and the band launched their twenty fifth studio album in 2023.
Whereas success within the US remained elusive, this album led to many years of nice songs, and fortunately, Sparks continues to be recording in the present day.
Barry White: Can’t Get Sufficient
Barry White’s wealthy voice was on a roll in 1974. Can’t Get Sufficient was his third consecutive album to achieve number-one standing, and he turned the primary artist to prime the Billboard 200 together with his first three releases.
This manufacturing is a favourite amongst followers, because it options a lot of his best-loved songs, together with “You’re the First, My Final, My Every thing,” and “Can’t Get Sufficient of Your Love Babe.”
White’s suggestive lyrics had been a part of his enchantment, and they’re evident on this album. Cannot Get Sufficient could have been his third consecutive hit, however it was a breakthrough for UK followers.
John Lennon: Partitions and Bridges
Former Beatle John Lennon’s profession and private life dipped throughout the Partitions and Bridges recording. He had separated from Yoko Ono, and his earlier two albums had been chart flops, however this marked a return to type.
“No matter Will get You via the Night time” is essentially the most memorable monitor, however there are a lot of highlights, together with a canopy of Lee Dorsey’s “Ya Ya.”
The discharge of “Ya Ya” is particularly poignant because it options his 11-year-old son Julian with a contribution on the snare drum.
Linda Ronstadt: Coronary heart Like a Wheel
Coronary heart Like a Wheel was her fifth album, offering an overdue breakthrough for Linda Ronstadt. It was her first launch to achieve primary within the US, whereas the lead single, “You’re No Good,” additionally topped the charts. Sarcastically, the album options many canopy variations.
Ronstadt was contractually obligated to launch Coronary heart Like a Wheel by way of Capitol. It was her final launch for the label, and the album hit double platinum.
“When Will I Be Beloved,” and the duvet of the Buddy Holly track, “It Would not Matter Anymore” had been additionally main hits, as Linda Ronstadt packed a lot into half an hour of genius.
Unhealthy Firm: Unhealthy Firm
The yr noticed one other notable debut album, and this one got here from the supergroup Unhealthy Firm.
Members hailed from the nice bands King Crimson, Mott the Hoople, and Free. Supergroups do not at all times work as egos get on this means, and it is typically powerful to determine who’s the chief.
This collaboration, nonetheless, labored completely. Unhealthy Firm, album was a smash, reaching platinum standing 5 occasions over.
Genesis: The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway
Later Genesis releases are extra accessible, however 1974 noticed the band in the course of their impenetrable prog heyday. They divided opinion: You both beloved or hated them, and there was no center floor.
The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway is a mighty work lasting over 94 minutes. Fifty years later, many Genesis followers really feel that is their greatest manufacturing.
Highlights of this album embody “The Carpet Crawlers,” a posh track that was as near commercialism as early Genesis might handle.
Rod Stewart: Smiler
Rod Stewart’s contribution to music in 1974 is curious. Smiler incorporates 12 tracks, and Stewart was concerned within the songwriting of simply two. The remainder are cowl variations of unique tunes by Chuck Berry, Elton John, Carole King, Paul McCartney, and others.
Whereas Stewart possesses a flexible voice, it is puzzling that so few of his unique works are on right here. He is a greater artist than this album suggests, and 1975 would show this.
Rod would get pleasure from a worldwide smash with Atlantic Crossing a yr later, and Smiler appears like an odd placeholder.
The Eagles: On the Border
1974 was a transitional yr for The Eagles as they launched their third studio album. On the Border was the primary to characteristic new guitarist Don Felder, because the group aimed to shed their nation roots and goal for a extra mainstream, rocky fashion.
Felder and different group members would later fall out, and his keep was temporary. 1974 is, nonetheless, an fascinating interval for The Eagles and one which followers typically overlook.
It was essentially the most profitable of their three albums then, however On the Border lacks the allure and high quality of its predecessor, Desperado. The Eagles returned to type a yr later with One in every of These Nights, whereas On the Border is basically forgotten.
Stevie Surprise: Fulfillingness’ First Finale
It’s a sophisticated title, however that didn’t put consumers off. Fulfillingness’ First Finale hints at a potential retirement. Stevie Surprise had been releasing albums since 1962, so was he about to take a break? Fortunately, the artist has since produced an unlimited physique of labor, however that is thought of one in every of his basic albums.
The album additionally contains a duet with Minnie Riperton, and that is not the final time you will hear her identify on this record.
Fulfillingness’ First Finale was one of many greatest sellers of 1974, whereas its two singles, “You Haven’t Performed Nothin” and “Boogie on Reggae Girl,” hit primary within the Billboard Sizzling Soul chart.
T. Rex: Mild of Love
I used to be shocked to find lately that the nice T. Rex made no impression in America. Greater than forty years after the unhappy passing of singer Marc Bolan, I’m on a mission to place that proper. T. Rex is among the few “glam rock” bands price listening to, with Bolan’s clever lyrics masking unforgettable tunes.
I would advocate earlier T. Rex albums if you wish to discover out why they had been such an important band within the UK.
Mild of Love got here out in 1974, and its most memorable tunes are the title monitor and the only “Teenage Dream.” It’s not their best hour, however Mild of Love is an effective start line for moving into this marvelous band.
Brian Eno: Right here Come the Heat Jets
Following his departure from Roxy Music, Brian Eno launched his first solo album in 1974. Right here Come the Heat Jets made just a little impression on the worldwide charts, however it’s a superb work that has led to many extra solo productions and collaborations.
Eno was unkindly accused of producing background music, the type you’d hear in lifts and airports, however there may be far more substance behind his solo work.
When you’ve got but to listen to it and are into digital and ambient music, please take a couple of minutes to hearken to the title monitor. Hopefully, you’ll be hooked on a world of great weirdness.
Blue Oyster Cult: Secret Treaties
The yr produced one other misplaced basic within the form of Blue Oyster Cult’s third studio album. Secret Treaties was a minor hit at its launch, and whereas it hit gold standing, it wasn’t commercially appreciated.
It is a curious album with a large mixture of influences. Future punk poet Patti Smith is among the many totally different lyricists concerned with Secret Treaties.
Fifty years later, the good thing about hindsight exhibits the band at its inventive greatest. Secret Treaties achieves overdue accolades, and it’s a should for anybody who has but to find the band.
Rolling Stones: It’s Solely Rock ‘N Roll
1974 was pivotal for the Rolling Stones. It’s Solely Rock ‘n Roll was the final album that includes guitarist Mick Taylor, and it reached primary on the US Billboard Charts in November. Curiously, Ronnie Wooden made some contributions and would shortly substitute Taylor within the band.
It was a transitional interval for the band, and far of Taylor’s greatest work seems. It’s, nonetheless, potential to trace Wooden’s enter and see the place the Stones could be heading sooner or later.
The discharge is notable for its title monitor and features a rocking cowl of the Temptations’ “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg.”
Invoice Wyman: Monkey Grip
It was a busy yr for the Rolling Stones’ Invoice Wyman. Alongside together with his work on It’s Solely Rock and Roll, the bassist launched his debut album in 1974.
Monkey Grip is a curiosity amongst many prime releases, however it’s an enchanting manufacturing. The truth that Wyman sings lead on each monitor could trace at his frustration together with his restricted vocal duties in his major band.
He is a unusual artist who would later get pleasure from successful single with 1981’s “Si Si, Je Suis un Rock Star.” Invoice Wyman was the quiet one within the Rolling Stones, however Monkey Grip exhibits that his solo work deserved to be heard.
The Jackson 5: Dancing Machine
Tensions between the brothers had been constructing round when Dancing Machine got here out in 1974. Michael was trying in new instructions, however the Jackson 5 produced yet one more customary disco file for now.
The songs on the album are much less well-known than most of the group’s releases, and it’s not their greatest manufacturing. Dancing Machine reached quantity 16 on the Billboard charts, representing a relative flop.
The Jackson 5 timeline additionally begins to take form from this level. Solo careers beckoned, and Michael would quickly develop into one of many best-selling artists of all time.
Hawkwind: Corridor of the Mountain Grill
The underrated musical style generally known as “Area Rock” loved one in every of its most vital releases in 1974. Hawkwind launched Corridor of the Mountain Grill after briefly having fun with chart success with the only “Silver Machine.”
Corridor of the Mountain Grill is crucial for the band and Area Rock motion, because it marks a departure from that industrial interval. The departure of the vocalist Robert Calvert took the band in a brand new course, and this album is an enchanting subsequent step on the Hawkwind journey.
This album lacks any hit singles, however it exhibits the band at its indulgent greatest. Highlights of the album embody “Misplaced Johnny” and “D-Rider.”
Minnie Riperton: Good Angel
Minnie Riperton’s profession was sadly reduce brief, and he or she left a small however stunning again catalog. 1974’s Good Angel was her most commercially profitable album, and it contained the only Lovin’ You, which might develop into a worldwide primary.
As soon as a protege of Steve Surprise, Riperton contributed to her mentor’s 1974 launch, however Good Angel lastly proved she might make it alone.
It was a exceptional turnaround for the singer, who had entered a hiatus following the failure of her 1970 debut album, Come to My Backyard.
New York Dolls: Too A lot Too Quickly
There’s an irony on this album’s title. The New York Dolls’ debut album, launched a yr earlier, was a sensation. The proto-punk heroes prompted a stir with memorable songs, together with “Jet Boy” and “Persona Disaster.” 1974’s follow-up, Too A lot Too Quickly, proved that the band suffered from second album syndrome.
The album consists of covers and demos of outdated Dolls’ songs, suggesting their rise to the highest was “an excessive amount of too quickly.”
The New York Dolls had been infamously put down by UK music journalist Bob Harris, who referred to as them “mock rock.” Sadly, their 1974 album suggests Harris was proper.
Elton John: Biggest Hits
There are such a lot of nice albums on this record, and it appears fallacious to finish with a compilation. 1974 ended, nonetheless, with Elton John’s Biggest Hits being primary on the Billboard charts, so it’s a very good one to conclude with. It’s additionally the right buy for followers, and it’s simple to see why it was so in style.
1974 appears early for Elton John to launch a biggest hits album, contemplating he would proceed producing hit songs for many years. Nonetheless, he already possessed a formidable again catalog at that time in his profession.
Biggest Hits consists of all of the important Elton tracks as much as that time, equivalent to “Your Track,” “Crocodile Rock,” and “Goodbye Yellow Brick Highway.”
