11 EXCELLENT 1971 ALBUMS

BY: Tony Brown

Americans were dying overseas because of failed nation-building experiments, systemic racism, police brutality, and everything seemingly going to shit. Does it sound familiar? Today looks a lot like 1971. This year marks the 50th anniversary of what some say was the most groundbreaking year in recorded music. Apple TV commemorated this milestone with an eight-part docuseries and companion album. 

We thought a list would be more helpful. So while Top Tens are standard, in the spirit of ’71, we are breaking the mold and doing an Excellent 11 (seven of which made it into Rolling Stone’s top 100 of its list of 500 greatest albums). So here goes…4…3…2…1!

 

 11. Rolling Stones / Sticky Fingers

This album was recorded during a big transition time for the band (first without Brian Jones, first on a new label, and a return to blues roots). Classic tracks include Brown Sugar, Wild Horses, and Can’t You Hear Me Knocking. The album cover was shot and designed by Andy Warhol. Initially, the jeans had an actual functioning zipper that revealed a man’s tighty-whities underneath. Warhol certainly outdid the Velvet Underground banana sticker.

 

10. Sly and the Family Stone / There’s a Riot Goin’ On

Facing a growing drug problem and political pressure from all sides, Sly pulled a Brian Wilson, locked himself away from the band, and recorded/demoed much of There’s a Riot Goin On alone with a drum machine in his attic. He played most of the parts himself and performed more lead vocals than usual. 

So much for the family. Funnily, Family Affair is a perfect song. The titular track is silent….because there’s a riot going on. It’s a masterpiece.

 

9. Joni Mitchell / Blue

She and Graham Nash had called it quits, and she was feeling conflicted about fame and staying true to her art. David Geffen once told her, “You’re the only star I ever met that wanted to be ordinary.” So she retreated and wrote Blue, which is at turns sad, funny, and most importantly, honest.

 

8. The Doors / LA Woman

It was released in April, just two and half months before Jim Morrison’s untimely death at age 27. Its hits were Love Her Madly, Riders on the Storm, and LA Woman.

 

7. The Who / Who’s Next:

After Tommy, Pete Townshend went right to work on another rock opera called Lifehouse. Unfortunately, during this project, he suffered a nervous breakdown. Who’s Next is what they scraped together, and it stands as one of the greatest albums in rock history. It features: Baba O’Riley, Bargain, and Won’t Get Fooled Again. 

 

6. Carole King / Tapestry

She left New York an established hit songwriter (Will You Love Me Tomorrow, One Fine Day, (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman, The Loco-Motion, Crying in the Rain) and became the Los Angeles singer-songwriter legend we all know. Features: I Feel the Earth Move, So Far Away, It’s Too Late, and more. 

 

5. David Bowie / Hunky Dory

Many believe this is the album in which Bowie became Bowie. The songs include Changes, Oh! You Pretty Things, Life on Mars? Kooks. This album made a statement for fans, and it reflects the changes Bowie went through when he became a father.

 

4. Elton John / Madman Across the Water

His fourth studio effort is a fantastic album. Again, Elton and lyricist Bernie Taupin leaned into storytelling with classics like Tiny Dancer, Levon, and Madman Across the Water. 

 

3. Led Zeppelin / Led Zeppelin IV

It was produced by Jimmy Page and recorded in the Rolling Stones’ mobile recording studio which was also used to record Exile on Main Street. It features Black Dog, Rock and Roll, The Battle of Evermore, Stairway to Heaven, Misty Mountain Hop, and Going to California (inspired by Joni Mitchell). 

 

2. John Lennon / Imagine

Peace, love, and revenge. In Oh! Yoko, John once again proclaims his love for his partner in everything. Give Me Some Truth is a demand that Tricky Dick act ethically. Most people think Imagine is all “peace man”, however How Do You Sleep is a full-on pre-rap diss track aimed squarely at Paul McCartney with lyrics like, “Those freaks was right when they said you was dead,” “The only thing you done was yesterday and since you’re gone you’re just another day,” and “The sound make is muzak to my ears.” Damn!

 

1. Marvin Gaye / What’s Going On

One day Renaldo “Obie” Benson (of The Four Tops) witnessed the San Francisco police attacking a crowd of hippies and wrote What’s Going On with Al Cleveland. They presented the song to Marvin Gaye, and he used that foundation and built the most incredible album. Berry Gordy of Motown was reluctant to release any “protest songs,” but Gaye refused to take no for an answer. What’s Going On spotlighted the times, war, racism, and how America mistreats its own people. Sonically, it is a marvel that will stand the test of time.