1971: The Year In Music

1971 – The United Nations votes to expel the Chinese Nationalist ruled Taiwan and admit the Communist People’s Republic of China. George Harrison hosts a benefit concert for Bangladesh alongside the likes of Bob Dylan, Ravi Shankar and Eric Clapton. Joe Frazier ends Muhammad Ali’s 31-fight winning streak in the “fight of the century”. Lots of stuff going on this year!

I’ll be looking at the popular and highest-rated songs / albums of the year, giving my opinions on their musicality and longevity as well as an overall verdict for the year as a whole.

Before we begin, you can check out some of my related blog posts below:

Billboard Top 10 (Popular) Singles

Source: Wikipedia

10 – Knock Three Times (Tony Orlando and Dawn)

I like the lively bassline and vocals, but “Knock Three Times” feels a bit on the cheesy side.

9 – Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me) (The Temptations)

I thought The Temptations had already achieved their peak in the 60’s, so I was surprised to find a banger from 1971.

“Just My Imagination” is easy-listening music at its very best, with luscious strings and harmonies that I can whole-heartedly get behind.

8 – Take Me Home, Country Roads (John Denver)

It’s the meme song! Y’know, that meme song! The one that everyone likes! Right?

I’ve never really been a country music guy, but “Take Me Home, Country Roads” feels nostalgic and patriotic despite my upbringing in urban England.

7 – Go Away Little Girl (Donny Osmond)

In the same vein as the Jacksons, the Osmond family decided to have a go at that fame thing in the 70’s.

Donny Osmond’s “Go Away Little Girl” has been forgotten to time for a reason. I don’t like the soppy lyrics, the boring songwriting and the childish vocals.

6 – Indian Reservation (The Lament of the Cherokee Reservation Indian) (Raiders)

I’m not sure what I was expecting going into “Indian Reservation”, but it certainly wasn’t this.

It’s a lot more hard-hitting than I thought it would be, and that chorus really packs a punch. A surprise front-runner for favourite song.

5 – How Can You Mend a Broken Heart (Bee Gees)

It’s still early doors for the Bee Gees, so this non-Disco style just sounds odd.

The vocals and harmonies are lovely, but it’s too slow compared to what I expect from the band.

4 – One Bad Apple (The Osmonds)

All the same problems of “Go Away Little Girl”, but at least the ensemble performance in “One Bad Apple” isn’t too bad.

3 – It’s Too Late (Carole King)

Carole King was one of the unsung heroes of songwriting in the early 70’s, and her album “Tapestry” is remembered as one of the greats.

The stand-out track “It’s Too Late” has a brilliant groove with clever chord changes, and the chorus is excellent.

2 – Maggie May (Rod Stewart)

It’s said that the older you get the more you tolerate Rod Stewart, but since I already like his vocals I guess the only way is up!

I really like the off-kilter intro, and the swing of “Maggie May” is lots of fun.

1 – Joy to the World (Three Dog Night)

Maybe not the most complex song ever, but “Joy to the World” is nothing if not a crowd-pleaser.

FAVOURITE – “Indian Reservation (The Lament of the Cherokee Reservation Indian)” (The Raiders)

LEAST FAVOURITE – “Go Away Little Girl” (Donny Osmond)

It must just be a knee-jerk reaction to give it to The Raiders, as otherwise Carole King would take the award.

Top-Rated Songs

Source: http://www.besteveralbums.com

10 – Changes (David Bowie)

“And these children that you spit on, while you try to change their world, are immune to your consultation. They’re quite aware what they’re going through.“

“Changes” is a legendary song for its lyrics alone, but Bowie’s songwriting and performance make it an all-timer.

9 – What’s Going On (Marvin Gaye)

Speaking of generational lyrics, “What’s Going On” was Marvin Gaye’s definitive stamp on a tumultuous era.

The entire album is awesome, but the title track in particular evokes lifetimes of suffering and discrimination whilst still providing a positive message.

8 – Roundabout (Yes)

I tend to associate “Roundabout” with both GTA 5 and Jojo’s Bizzare Adventure these days, so sometimes I forget how incredible the original track is.

It has one of the best basslines in music history, the production still holds up, but the real genius comes from the bridge and breakdown sections.

7 – Riders On The Storm (The Doors)

One of the all-time great album closers, “Riders On The Storm” is The Doors at their most atmospheric.

I’m immediately transported to a seedy American bar whenever I put this track on, and its lyrics never fail to intrigue me and get under my skin.

6 – When The Levee Breaks (Led Zeppelin)

From one memorable closer to another, “When The Levee Breaks” is the underrated gem from “Led Zeppelin IV”.

Bonham’s drum pattern is instantly iconic, and the huge guitar riffs are all-encompassing and mind-blowing.

5 – Won’t Get Fooled Again (The Who)

Another jaw-dropping closer – 1971 knew how to end an album in style!

The bass, guitar and drums lay down one of the coolest grooves you’ll ever hear, and Roger Daltrey’s iconic scream is the icing on the cake.

4 – Baba O’Riley (The Who)

Fun fact – back in the days before I got Spotify Premium and you weren’t allowed to play random songs, I used to stack about twenty “Baba O’Riley” in one playlist to get around that loophole and listen to it over and over again. Suffice it to say, I’ve loved this track for quite a while.

Pete Townshend’s riff is massive in every sense of the word, and the bridge leading to the “Teenage wasteland!” refrain has been etched into my mind.

3 – Echoes (Pink Floyd)

Technically speaking, “Echoes” is yet another album closer in this top ten … but I consider it to be more of a start, middle and climax package deal.

It’s 23 minutes of Pink Floyd perfection, with an atmosphere that other bands would kill for. If you haven’t seen the legendary Pompeii performance yet, you’re missing out.

2 – Life On Mars? (David Bowie)

Bowie’s personal favourite Bowie song, and it’s always been one of my favourites too.

It’s a masterclass in lyrical storytelling as well as effectively using chords to build and release tension, and Bowie’s powerhouse vocals in the chorus always give me goosebumps.

1 – Stairway To Heaven (Led Zeppelin)

We’ve seen 9 phenomenal songs so far in 1971, but none of them were ever going to touch the holy ground that is “Stairway To Heaven”.

It’s one of Led Zeppelin’s – and Rock’s by extension – most recognisable and beloved tracks, with vivid lyrics and a perfect build from iconic acoustic guitar to all-out Rock awesomeness.

BEST SONG OF 1971 – “Stairway To Heaven” (Led Zeppelin)

I know I’m not supposed to include “outside” songs (i.e. tracks not originally listed in the sources) in this series, but I’m surprised “Imagine” by John Lennon never got a mention. I don’t think it would be the winning song of 1971, but it would’ve been close.

Top-Rated Albums

Source: http://www.besteveralbums.com

5 – What’s Going On (Marvin Gaye)

One of the most important albums of the 70’s, Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On” was a powerful statement that still resonates today.

Songs like the title track and “Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)” are effortlessly cool, and the general optimistic yet matter-of-fact themes make you think twice about the world we live in.

4 – Sticky Fingers (The Rolling Stones)

“Sticky Fingers” is regularly cited as one of The Rolling Stones’ best albums, and for good reason.

It starts with the banger “Brown Sugar”, and other tracks like “Wild Horses”, “Can’t You Hear Me Knocking” and “Dead Flowers” hold your attention.

3 – Who’s Next (The Who)

In terms of the “Best Who Album” accolade, nothing really comes close to “Who’s Next”.

It has all-timers like “Baba O’Riley”, “Behind Blue Eyes” and “Won’t Get Fooled Again”, and if the middle tracks were stronger this could’ve been the album of the year.

2 – Hunky Dory (David Bowie)

Bowie was going from strength to strength across his first three albums, but I don’t think it was until “Hunky Dory” that his true songwriting genius finally took shape.

“Changes” is a poignant opener, “Oh! You Pretty Things” is lots of fun”, “Queen Bitch” is bouncy and provocative, “The Bewley Brothers” is an underrated closer, and “Life On Mars?” is undoubtedly one of the finest songs put to tape.

1 – Led Zeppelin IV (Led Zeppelin)

I know Led Zeppelin are one of the most renowned bands of all time, and I know critics go wild over a number of their albums, but even then I always forget how near-perfect “Led Zeppelin IV” is.

“Black Dog” and “Rock and Roll” are an incredible one-two punch to start the album, and yet they’re not even the two best songs – “When The Levee Breaks” is an unbelievable closer, and you don’t need me to tell you how fantastic “Stairway To Heaven” is.

BEST ALBUM OF 1971 – “Led Zeppelin IV” (Led Zeppelin)

This was one of the toughest “Best Album” categories yet – all five could have feasibly won. Other amazing albums like “Tapestry”, “LA Woman”, “Imagine” and “Fragile” didn’t even make the cut!

Final Thoughts

1971 had some absolutely jaw-dropping high-rated songs and albums, but I found the hits to be a little underwhelming. I imagine that’ll be a theme moving forwards.

Overall Grade: A-

Aaaaand that’s my list! You can check out some of my latest blog posts below: