Album Chart of 1971

← 1970

1972 →

68 tracks, runtime 5h 15m. The playlist features the highest-rated track from each album (subject to what's available on YouTube) in chart order, with a minimum individual track-rating of 6.5 required for inclusion. To view the full tracklist, access shuffle-play or avoid in-play interruption due to territorially blocked videos, it might be best playing directly via YouTube

THEY WERE ONLY 27

Following the recent tragic losses of Brian Jones, Al Wilson, Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison becomes the latest in a freakish line of 27 year-olds to suffer deaths by mis-adventure, all being linked to some sort of substance abuse. Just 10 weeks had passed since the release of “L.A. Woman” when he was found dead in July, in his new Parisian apartment by his girlfriend, Pamela Courson. What was it with these young people? Playing dice with your life through hard drugs – it doesn’t get much un-cooler than that.

A wiser old head, John Lee Hooker, paid a tribute to Hendrix and Joplin on this years “Hooker n Heat” LP. His “Kick Hit 4 Hit Kix U (Blues For Jimi And Janis)” doubled-up by firing a warning shot to the kids of the day:

“Lookey here, I'm gonna tell you a story about two friends whom I known, and the whole world knowed 'em, the one and only Jimi Hendrix, and Janis Joplin, who passed on from the needle… Stop shootin' those needles, and stop swallowin' in those pills, that needle's too heavy man, your heart can't take it none. Hey, hey, I know, so many young folks, they're hooked, they're doomed to die”

The Doors finally delivered the blues-heavy album that Jim Morrison had been hankering to make for a long time. Likewise, Janis Joplin finally realised her own soulful blues vision with her own group, and arrangements done her way; “Pearl” was quite the parting gift to the world. Al Wilson's star continued to shine, with Canned Heat’s collaboration with John Lee Hooker, “Hooker n Heat” finally seeing release. Further to the May '70 sessions, Hooker had called him “the greatest harmonica player ever” – quite some tribute from a seasoned, well-travelled bluesman.

Meanwhile, in the land of the living, Leonard Cohen continues his impressive streak of delivering an awesome LP every 2 years, Mr Fox maintain the high standards they had set in 1970, and the little known Usizwe Namatshitshi ensemble from South Africa deliver two sets which both nestle in to my Top 10 of the year. At this time, there’s a hugely unique and exciting jive scene going down in the townships which is bypassing the rest of the world.

Led Zeppelin continue to rock majestically, whilst Marc Bolan’s T Rex vision continues to get bigger and bolder with every passing year.

Singer-songwriters seem omnipresent in 1971, and Loudon Wainwright III, John Prine, Bridget St. John, Rodriguez, Karen Dalton, Melanie and Joni Mitchell prove themselves to be amongst the very best of ‘em.

The Jukebox Rebel
27-Mar-2016

L.A. WOMAN
The Doors
Elektra EKS-75011

“A masterpiece” Blues Rock / Soul Rock

Jukebox picks: “L’America” (10) • “Love Her Madly” (10) • “The Wasp (Texas Radio And The Big Beat)” (9.8)
“L.A. Woman” is a true masterpiece; a fierce celebration of the group’s punk-blues sensibilities. Mr Mojo Risin and his ...more →

SONGS OF LOVE AND HATE
Leonard Cohen
Columbia C-30103

“A classic” Folk; Songwriter

Jukebox picks: “Diamonds In The Mine” (10) • “Avalanche” (9.8) • “Dress Rehearsal Rag” (9.4)
“Well I stepped into an avalanche, it covered up my soul” said the grotesque hunchback in a resigned, world-weary mo...more →

THE GIPSY
Mr. Fox
Transatlantic Records TRA-236

“Excellent” Folk

Jukebox picks: “The Gipsy” (8.9) • “House Carpenter” (8.4) • “Mendle” (8.3)
Having lost the strings and wind of Andrew Massey and John Myatt (on financial rather than artistic grounds) it might ha...more →

PEARL
Janis Joplin
CBS S-64188

“Brilliant” Soul Ballad; Blues Rock / Soul Rock

Jukebox picks: “Cry Baby” (9.2) • “Mercedes Benz” (9.0) • “Move Over” (8.8)
Despite the trials and tribulations of her personal life, Janis Joplin was at the peak of her powers at the turn of the ...more →

YITHI SIFIKILE
Usizwe Namatshitshi
CBS LAB-4029

“Brilliant” Africana

Jukebox picks: “Siyobohla Manyosi” (9.2) • “Ungamthembi Umuntu” (8.8) • “Sithunyiwe Bakithi” (8.5)
In South Africa ’71, Rupert Bopape’s Mavuthela Music had some serious album market competition from Hamilton Nzimande’s ...more →

LED ZEPPELIN IV
Led Zeppelin
Atlantic 2401012

“Brilliant” Rock

Jukebox picks: “Going To California” (8.7) • “The Battle Of Evermore” (8.6) • “When The Levee Breaks” (8.1)
So you get a folk group and a rock group on the same top value package? And they’re brilliant in both genres? Yes please...more →

ALBUM II
Loudon Wainwright III
Atlantic SD-8291

“Really good” Folk; Songwriter

Jukebox picks: “Old Paint” (9.2) • “I Know I’m Unhappy / Suicide Song / Glenville Reel” (8.7) • “Be Careful, There’s A Baby In The House” (8.0)
The second LP from the 24 year-old purveyor of humour-laden singer-songwriter gloom, sometimes devoid of humour, was rel...more →

NOMA UNGAYAPHI BAKHALA NGATHI
Usizwe Namatshitshi
CBS LAB-4022

“Really good” Africana

Jukebox picks: “Uyangizungeza Lombemu” (8.9) • “Madoda Sesikhathele” (8.2) • “Emakhuzeni” (8.0)
By the dawn of the seventies, there was more to the vibrant South African music scene than just Gallo Music. The popular...more →

ELECTRIC WARRIOR
T. Rex
Fly Records HIFLY-6

“Really good” Blues Rock / Soul Rock

Jukebox picks: “Mambo Sun” (9.2) • “Lean Woman Blues” (8.6) • “Get It On” (7.5)
Straight from the off on “Mambo Sun” Dr. Strange has me howling like a loon beneath the bebop moon. His new group ar...more →

JOHN PRINE
John Prine
Atlantic SD-8296

“Really good” Country; Folk; Folk Rock / Americana

Jukebox picks: “Pretty Good” (9.1) • “Sam Stone [original album version]” (8.0) • “Far From Me [original abum version]” (7.8)
A product of Chicago’s country-folk revival of the late 60s, Prine was offered a recording contract by Jerry Wexler of A...more →

TAGO MAGO
Can
United Artists Records UAS 29 211/12 X

“Good” Trance Rock

Jukebox picks: “Halleluhwah” (9.2) • “Oh Yeah” (7.9) • “Aumgn” (7.3)
Arriving in February 1971 was this boundary-pushing double-album set from Köln’s repetitive groove monsters. With Japane...more →

SCHOOL DAYS
Scotty
Crystal Records 1006

“Good” Reggae; Ska / Rocksteady

Jukebox picks: “Draw Your Brakes” (9.8) • “Sing Along” (8.7) • “Jam Rock Style” (8.0)
Already 4 years in the business, the debut LP from the 20-year-old showman arrived mid-way through 1971, produced by Der...more →

SONGS FOR THE GENTLE MAN
Bridget St. John
Dandelion Records DAN-8007

“Good” Folk; Songwriter

Jukebox picks: “Back To Stay” (8.3) • “Seagull-Sunday” (7.9) • “The Lady And The Gentle Man” (7.2)
Bridget St. John only ever sings songs that she can relate to; songs that mean something to her; songs that come from he...more →

COMING FROM REALITY
Rodriguez
Sussex SXBS-7012

“Good” Songwriter

Jukebox picks: “Cause” (9.8) • “Sandrevan Lullaby Lifestyles” (7.4) • “A Most Disgusting Song” (6.9)
On his second album, there’s a general sense that his bitter stories of bad drugs, broken dreams and ghetto struggles ha...more →

HUNKY DORY
David Bowie
RCA Victor LSP-4623

“Good” Pop

Jukebox picks: “Queen Bitch” (8.9) • “Changes” (8.3) • “Life On Mars?” (8.0)
Each passing album has been getting better since 1967 – “Hunky Dory” is the first proper good ‘un. Previous bass player ...more →

MUSWELL HILLBILLIES
The Kinks
RCA Victor SF-8243

“Good” Blues Rock / Soul Rock; Rock

Jukebox picks: “20th Century Man” (8.6) • “Holiday” (7.6) • “Muswell Hillbilly” (7.5)
Musically, another uniquely Kinks affair, marrying trad English brass with American country rock. The brass section incl...more →

SOUL REVOLUTION PART II
Bob Marley and The Wailers
Upsetter

“Good” Reggae; Soul

Jukebox picks: “Keep On Moving [album version '71]” (8.0) • “Sun Is Shining [album version '71]” (7.5) • “Duppy Conqueror [album version '71]” (7.3)
The Wailers early 70s mission to deliver a new soulful brand of reggae moves on from last years’ part I (“Soul Rebels”) ...more →

IN MY OWN TIME
Karen Dalton
Just Sunshine Records PAS-6008

“Good” Blues Rock / Soul Rock

Jukebox picks: “Something On Your Mind” (9.7) • “Same Old Man” (8.2) • “Katie Cruel” (7.7)
The Karen Dalton album story ends here – although it doesn’t quite have the strength in depth of her 1969 debut, it’s an...more →

THE GOOD BOOK
Melanie
Buddah Records BDS-95000

“Decent enough” Songwriter; Folk

Jukebox picks: “Babe Rainbow” (8.9) • “Good Book” (7.9) • “The Saddest Thing” (7.2)
This was the final newly conceived album on Buddah Records from the 24 year-old New Yorker, what with the label attempti...more →

GARDEN IN THE CITY
Melanie
Buddah Records BDS-5095

“Decent enough” Folk Rock / Americana; Folk

Jukebox picks: “People In The Front Row” (8.8) • “Garden In The City” (8.1) • “Stop! I Don’t Wanna Hear It Anymore” (6.4)
By the time of this release in November 1971, Melanie had left Buddah Records and signed with Neighbourhood. In a move w...more →

BLUE
Joni Mitchell
Reprise Records MS-2038

“Decent enough” Songwriter; Folk Rock / Americana

Jukebox picks: “Carey” (8.4) • “All I Want” (7.4) • “This Flight Tonight” (7.2)
She wants to have fun and shine in the sun but personal politics are making the lady blue on her 4th LP. The brave lass ...more →

RAT ON!
Swamp Dogg
Elektra EKS-74089

“Decent enough” Soul; Soul Ballad

Jukebox picks: “That Ain’t My Wife” (8.0) • “I Kissed Your Face” (7.4) • “Remember I Said Tomorrow” (7.2)
The cover features the black man, Swamp Dogg, riding on the back of an oversized white rat – unusual! He’s an off-the-wa...more →

STICKY FINGERS
The Rolling Stones
Rolling Stones Records COC-59100

“Decent enough” Blues Rock / Soul Rock; Folk Rock / Americana

Jukebox picks: “Moonlight Mile” (8.1) • “Brown Sugar” (7.9) • “You Gotta Move” (7.7)
For their first of the new decade, released in the springtime of ’71, the Stones now lined up: Mick Jagger (27, lead voc...more →

HISTOIRE DE MELODY NELSON
Serge Gainsbourg
Philips 6397 020

“Decent enough” Cerebral Pop

Jukebox picks: “Cargo culte” (8.3) • “Melody” (8.1) • “Valse de Melody” (6.7)
“Histoire de Melody Nelson” is regarded by many critics and fans to be Gainsbourg's magnum opus. The concept album has a...more →

ENDLESS BOOGIE
John Lee Hooker
ABC LP-720

“Decent enough” Blues / Rhythm n Blues

Jukebox picks: “House Rent Boogie [1970 version]” (9.3) • “Kick Hit 4 Hit Kix U (Blues For Jimi And Janis)” (7.5) • “(I Got) A Good ’Un” (6.5)
The 53 year-old journeyman lands with ABC for his latest offering – a highly polished full-group effort, but a highly re...more →

SHOOT YOU FULL OF LOVE
Wilbert Harrison
Juggernaut JUG STLP-8803

“Decent enough” Blues / Rhythm n Blues

Jukebox picks: “Down On The Corner” (7.9) • “Near To You” (7.2) • “Things I Used To Do” (7.1)
Following on from his revival success with “Let’s Work Together”, Wilbert recorded two albums for Juggy Murray – “Let’s ...more →

THERE’S A RIOT GOIN’ ON
Sly and The Family Stone
Epic KE-30986

“Decent enough” Disco / Funk

Jukebox picks: “Family Affair” (7.5) • “Luv n' Haight” (7.0) • “Africa Talks to You 'The Asphalt Jungle'” (7.0)
“What’s going on?” asked Marvin. “There’s a riot going on” replied Sly. Slow and low, these stark and dark urban grooves...more →

TEENAGE HEAD
The Flamin’ Groovies
Kama Sutra KSBS-2031

“Decent enough” Blues Rock / Soul Rock

Jukebox picks: “High Flyin’ Baby” (7.2) • “Doctor Boogie” (7.2) • “Teenage Head” (6.8)
Decent fourth album from the gritty Californian power rockers, running a full range of Rock n Roll which digs dirtily al...more →

SURF’S UP
The Beach Boys
Reprise Records RS-6453

“Decent enough” Psychedelia

Jukebox picks: “Take a Load Off Your Feet” (7.8) • “Surf's Up” (7.2) • “Don't Go Near the Water” (7.1)
The Beach Boys ironically titled 1971 LP stands in contrast to the group’s reinvention as a socially conscious unit. Alb...more →

HOOKER ’N HEAT
John Lee Hooker and Canned Heat
Liberty LP-35002

“Decent enough” Blues / Rhythm n Blues

Jukebox picks: “The World Today” (8.1) • “Whiskey And Wimmen [1970 version]” (7.4) • “Burning Hell” (7.3)
Recorded in L.A. in May 1970, 17 John Lee Hooker songs. Reworks several tracks from the Hooker back-albums, but all trac...more →

A NICKEL AND A NAIL AND ACE OF SPADES
O.V. Wright
Back Beat BLP-70

“Decent enough” Soul Ballad; Soul

Jukebox picks: “Eight Men, Four Women” (7.3) • “Ace Of Spades [main version]” (6.7) • “Afflicted” (6.7)
Helping to plug the gap left by the demise of Otis Redding, O.V. Wright was keeping the Southern Soul flag flying proudl...more →

MACKA FAT
Jackie Mittoo
Studio One SOL-1120

“Decent enough” Reggae

Jukebox picks: “Ghetto Organ” (7.5) • “Lazy Bones” (7.4) • “Whoa Whoa” (7.2)
A tidy all-instrumental set from the 23-year-old keyboardist, produced by Clement Dodd at Studio One. Features only two ...more →

STRANGE LOCOMOTION
Siren
Dandelion Records DAN-8001

“Decent enough” Blues / Rhythm n Blues; Blues Rock / Soul Rock

Jukebox picks: “Some Dark Day” (7.7) • “Soon” (7.4) • “Relaxing With Bonnie Lou” (6.5)
Arriving at the beginning of '71 was the second and final LP from the Peel favourites who lined up: Kevin Coyne (guitar,...more →

LIQUID ACROBAT AS REGARDS THE AIR
The Incredible String Band
Island Records ILPS-9172

“Decent enough” Folk

Jukebox picks: “Darling Belle” (7.2) • “Talking Of The End” (6.5) • “Here Till Here Is There” (6.4)
Arriving in October was the second LP of the year from the Incredible String Band. Having split with Mike, Rose Simpson ...more →

THE BRAND NEW Z.Z. HILL
Z.Z. Hill
Mankind 201

“Average” Soul; Soul Ballad

Jukebox picks: “Faithful And True” (7.3) • “Second Chance” (6.5) • “Choking Kind” (6.5)
Arriving in October, 1971, “The Brand New Z.Z. Hill” was the second full-length from the 36-year-old soul man, now recor...more →

FATS
Fats Domino
Reprise Records RS-6439

“Average” Blues / Rhythm n Blues; Soul

Jukebox picks: “I’m Going To Cross That River” (7.6) • “These Old Shoes” (6.7) • “Lawdy Miss Clawdy” (6.4)
Recorded in 1970 and produced by Dave Bartholomew. 2 reworkings onboard - “Wait Till It Happens To You” (Fats Is Bac...more →

TONY JOE WHITE
Tony Joe White
Warner Bros. Records WS 1900

“Average” Rock

Jukebox picks: “I Just Walked Away” (7.5) • “Five Summers For Jimmy” (7.3) • “A Night In The Life Of A Swamp Fox” (6.4)
His stint at Monument now over, Tony Joe White signed with Warner Bros. in an attempt to propel his status further upwar...more →

SHE USED TO WANNA BE A BALLERINA
Buffy Saint-Marie
Vanguard VSD-79311

“Average” Songwriter; Folk Rock / Americana

Jukebox picks: “Song Of The French Partisan” (7.8) • “Helpless” (6.8) • “Soldier Blue” (6.5)
The experimental goth-folk tones of the preceding “Illuminations” had not sold well, and Buffy was under label pressure ...more →

AQUALUNG
Jethro Tull
Island Records ILPS-9145

“Average” Rock

Jukebox picks: “Wond'ring Aloud” (7.9) • “Mother Goose” (6.7) • “Cheap Day Return” (6.2)
Their fourth long-player “Aqualung” was released in March, 1971. Considering the acclaim, their reputation for being ove...more →

SAN FRANCISCO DUES
Chuck Berry
Chess ‎CH-50008

“Average” Blues / Rhythm n Blues; Rock n Roll / Rockabilly

Jukebox picks: “Lonely School Days [1966 version]” (6.5) • “Oh Louisiana” (6.4) • “Let’s Do Our Thing Together” (6.2)
Not too bad, but not too great either. Another kinda predictable set of “Chuck by numbers”, all penned by the man himsel...more →

PIECES OF A MAN
Gil Scott-Heron
Flying Dutchman FD-10143

“Average” Jazz; Disco / Funk

Jukebox picks: “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised [album version ’71]” (9.9) • “Home Is Where The Hatred Is [original album version]” (7.0) • “When You Are Who You Are” (6.5)
Had I been there at the time, after the hard-hitting rap debut I'd have been kinda hoping that Scott-Heron might have de...more →

TUPELO HONEY
Van Morrison
Warner Bros. Records WS-1950

“Average” Blues Rock / Soul Rock; Country

Jukebox picks: “(Straight To Your Heart) Like A Cannonball” (6.7) • “Starting A New Life” (6.7) • “Wild Night” (6.6)
A Top 30 album in the States, but a bit of a flop in Britain and Europe where it failed to chart; deemed too American pe...more →

LINK WRAY
Link Wray
Polydor 24-4064

“Average” Blues Rock / Soul Rock; Blues / Rhythm n Blues; Soul

Jukebox picks: “Rise And Fall Of Jimmy Stokes” (6.9) • “Fallin' Rain” (6.7) • “Juke Box Mama” (6.6)
Link's self-titled released of '71 is probably best described as a homemade bluesy brand of southern rock, recorded in h...more →

EVERY PICTURE TELLS A STORY
Rod Stewart
Mercury 7142 042

“Average” Folk Rock / Americana

Jukebox picks: “Mandolin Wind” (7.2) • “Seems Like A Long Time” (6.4) • “Maggie May” (6.1)
Massive album for the 26-year-old AOR star, number one on both sides of the Atlantic, regarded as his pièce de résistanc...more →

LET THE BOSSMAN SPEAK
Jimmy Reed
Blues On Blues BOB-10001

“Average” Blues / Rhythm n Blues

Jukebox picks: “Help Me At Dinnertime” (6.8) • “Bright Lights, Big City [1971 version]” (6.6) • “Cold Chills” (6.4)
Jimmy's second LP of the 70s was issued on his old pal Al Smith's new label, Blues on Blues. By this stage, the 45-year-...more →

BE GLAD FOR THE SONG HAS NO ENDING
The Incredible String Band
Island Records ILPS-9140

“Average” Folk

Jukebox picks: “All Writ Down” (7.4) • “Waiting For You” (6.1) • “The Song Has No Ending, Pts. 1-9” (5.4)
They line up: Robin Williamson (bass, claves, fiddle, finger cymbals, gimbri, guitar, keyboard, mandolin, piano, sarangu...more →

TEASER AND THE FIRECAT
Cat Stevens
Island Records ILPS-9154

“Average” Folk; Folk Rock / Americana; Songwriter

Jukebox picks: “Changes IV” (6.8) • “Moonshadow” (6.5) • “Tuesday’s Dead” (6.4)
A consistently likeable singer-songwriter, even if he sometimes veers towards the drippy a la “Morning Has Broken”. ...more →

WHITE LIGHT
Gene Clark
A&M Records SP-4292

“Average” Folk Rock / Americana

Jukebox picks: “For A Spanish Guitar” (7.8) • “Where My Love Lies Asleep” (6.9) • “The Virgin” (6.8)
Fourth album from the 26-year-old former Byrd, critically acclaimed in the country rock / folk rock realms, although it ...more →

BAVON MARIE MARIE ACCOMPAGNE PAR JULES CELESTIN AND L’ORCHESTRE VOX-ACTION
Bavon Marie Marie accompagne par Jules Celestin and L’orchestre Vox-Action
Ngoma J-33-012

“Average” Africana

Jukebox picks: “Ba Famille Bakoti” (7.6) • “Succes Ya Ba Ndombe” (6.6) • “Sala Lokola Mobali” (6.4)
The younger brother of Franco Luambo Makiadi, one of Africa’s greatest musical icons, Bavon Luambo Siongo (more commonly...more →

ELECTRONIC MAGNETISM
Solomon Burke
MGM Records SE-4767

“Average” Soul; Soul Ballad

Jukebox picks: “Bridge Of Life” (8.4) • “Together We’ll Light Up The World” (8.2) • “PSR 1983” (6.1)
The 1st of 3 albums for MGM. 2 back album tracks get a reworking - “You Can Run But You Can’t Hide” and “No Man Wa...more →

MAGGOT BRAIN
Funkadelic
Westbound Records WB-2007

“Below average” Disco / Funk

Jukebox picks: “Maggot Brain” (7.0) • “Wars of Armageddon” (6.1) • “Hit It and Quit It” (5.9)
Nicely crafted album from the cultish psychedelic rock groovers, if a bit dull in the middle. Ten minute opener “Maggo...more →

PERCY
The Kinks
Pye Records NSPL-18365

“Below average” Blues / Rhythm n Blues; Cerebral Pop; Songwriter

Jukebox picks: “Dreams” (8.9) • “Completely” (6.4) • “Moments” (6.2)
The soundtrack album for the 1971 British comedy film based on a novel of the same name by Raymond Hitchcock. Plot: “E...more →

HERE COMES THE SUN
Nina Simone
RCA LSP-4536

“Below average” Cerebral Pop; Pop Ballad; Songwriter

Jukebox picks: “Just Like A Woman” (6.6) • “My Way” (6.5) • “Mr. Bojangles” (5.8)
In the RCA studios for a fully orchestrated covers set, simultaneously middle-of-the-road but nonetheless imaginative wi...more →

IMAGINE
John Lennon
Apple Records PAS-10004

“Below average” Blues Rock / Soul Rock; Pop Ballad; Rock

Jukebox picks: “Imagine” (7.7) • “Gimme Some Truth” (6.8) • “I Don't Want To Be A Soldier” (5.8)
I find it's best not to expect much from the ex-Beatles, and the latest from the 30-year-old John Lennon certainly doesn...more →

SHAFT
Isaac Hayes
Enterprise ENS-2-5002

“Below average” Disco / Funk; Cerebral Pop; Pop Ballad

Jukebox picks: “Do Your Thing” (7.1) • “Theme From Shaft” (6.9) • “Walk from Regio's” (6.6)
There's not too much to get excited about on this sprawling, almost inevitably patchy, double album set. Largely ins...more →

QUICKSILVER
Quicksilver
Capitol Records SW-819

“Below average” Rock

Jukebox picks: “Rebel” (8.5) • “I Found Love” (7.0) • “Fire Brothers” (5.5)
Membership of the group continued to fluctuate; John Cipollina and Nicky Hopkins left after the chaotic recording experi...more →

KING FLOYD
King Floyd
Cotillion SD-9047

“Below average” Soul

Jukebox picks: “Groove Me” (7.6) • “Messing Up My Mind” (6.9) • “Let Us Be” (6.2)
Patchy album from the 26-year-old New Orleans soul singer and songwriter, commendable for featuring his great Top 10 hit...more →

MASTER OF REALITY
Black Sabbath
Vertigo 6360-050

“Below average” Rock

Jukebox picks: “Into The Void” (6.2) • “Sweet Leaf” (5.4) • “Lord Of This World” (5.4)
The 3rd Sabbath is mostly comprised of slower and heavier songs, interspersed with quieter acoustic songs written by Ton...more →

A NOD IS AS GOOD AS A WINK… TO A BLIND HORSE
Faces
Warner Bros. Records K-56006

“Below average” Rock

Jukebox picks: “That's All You Need” (6.6) • “Stay With Me” (5.7) • “Love Lives Here” (5.5)
Third album from the London five-piece who lined up: Rod Stewart (lead vocals, harmonica), Ronnie Lane (bass, acoustic g...more →

TAPESTRY
Carole King
Ode Records SP-77009

“Below average” Pop; Pop Ballad; Songwriter

Jukebox picks: “Way Over Yonder” (7.2) • “You've Got a Friend” (6.2) • “I Feel the Earth Move” (6.0)
The second album from the newly turned 29-year-old singer-songwriter arrived in February, 1971. She's obviously an amazi...more →

IF I COULD ONLY REMEMBER MY NAME
David Crosby
Atlantic SD-7203

“Poor” Soft Rock / A.O.R.

Jukebox picks: “What Are Their Names” (6.3) • “Laughing” (5.6) • “Music Is Love” (5.3)
Listed second on the Vatican's “Top 10 Pop Albums of All Time”. THIS REALLY HAPPENED. In 2010, the official newspaper of...more →

WHO’S NEXT
The Who
Track Record 2408 102

“Poor” Rock

Jukebox picks: “Won’t Get Fooled Again” (6.5) • “Baba O'Riley” (6.5) • “Bargain” (5.4)
Power Rock! Yeah! Not really. Some of this noodling and screaming does my nut in tbh. Popular opinion holds that The Who...more →

GUILTY!
Eric Burdon and Jimmy Witherspoon
MGM Records SE-4791

“Poor” Blues / Rhythm n Blues

Jukebox picks: “I’ve Been Driftin’ / Once Upon A Time” (5.3) • “Have Mercy Judge” (5.3) • “Steamroller” (5.1)
In September 1970, Jimi Hendrix died after a jam session with Eric Burdon & War at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in London. T...more →

I’VE GOTTA SING
Wanda Jackson
Capitol ST-669

“Poor” Country

Jukebox picks: “Those Were The Days” (6.5) • “Love Of The Common People” (6.3) • “Bridge Over Troubled Water” (5.9)
The latest from the 33-year-old country star arrived in February, 1971, and was “packed with power-sales power” acco...more →

AMERICAN PIE
Don McLean
United Artists Records UAS-5535

“Poor” Folk; Songwriter

Jukebox picks: “Till Tomorrow” (6.4) • “The Grave” (6.1) • “Babylon” (5.5)
Don McLean's luck was in when Mediarts was taken over by United Artists Records; the “promotion” was just the shot-in-th...more →

FRAGILE
Yes
Atlantic 2401019

“Poor” Prog

Jukebox picks: “The Fish (Schindleria Praematurus)” (7.2) • “Mood for a Day” (6.5) • “Heart of the Sunrise” (6.3)
Arriving in November, 1971, was the second album of the year from the ambitious and hard-working Yes. Spurred on by the ...more →

COAT OF MANY COLORS
Dolly Parton
RCA Victor LSP-4603

“Poor” Country

Jukebox picks: “My Blue Tears” (6.9) • “Here I Am” (5.9) • “She Never Met A Man (She Didn't Like)” (5.1)
Dolly's status and reputation was undoubtedly boosted by this key release, all originals, including the hit singles “M...more →

A LEGEND IN HER OWN TIME
Doris Duke
Mankind 200

“Poor” Soul; Soul Ballad

Jukebox picks: “If She’s Your Wife (Who Am I)” (5.3) • “It Sure Was Fun” (5.1) • “He’s Everything I Need” (5.0)
By the fall of 1970 independent producer Jerry Williams had moved from the Capricorn Studios team to Quin Ivy’s Quinvy S...more →

HANDFUL
Betty
Thin Man Records AFP 703 1-2

“Poor” Rock; Blues Rock / Soul Rock

Jukebox picks: “Learn How To Boogie” (6.8) • “Just For Fun” (6.2) • “Harley Perdoo” (5.9)
Betty were blues rockers from Los Angeles who made 200 copies of “Handful” just for a lark! Got to love that. They’re no...more →

OTHER VOICES
The Doors
Elektra EKS-75017

“Poor” Blues Rock / Soul Rock

Jukebox picks: “Tightrope Ride” (6.5) • “Down On The Farm” (5.1) • “In The Eye Of The Sun” (5.0)
Just 3 months after Jim Morrison’s death from a heart attack in Paris, the trio of Ray Manzarek (vocals, keyboards), Rob...more →

HIGH TIME
MC5
Atlantic SD-8285

“Poor” Rock

Jukebox picks: “Skunk (Sonicly Speaking)” (6.2) • “Gotta Keep Movin'” (5.5) • “Baby Won't Ya” (5.2)
Any promise that was shown on the preceding “Back In The USA” is all but gone here on this wholly RAWK affair; their rev...more →

TARKUS
Emerson, Lake and Palmer
Island Records ILPS-9155

“Poor” Prog

Jukebox picks: “Bitches Crystal” (7.5) • “Infinite Space (Conclusion)” (7.3) • “Jeremy Bender” (4.1)
John Peel once famously described them as “a waste of electricity” which was probably true more often than not. Howe...more →

HISTORICAL FIGURES AND ANCIENT HEADS
Canned Heat
United Artists Records UAS-5557

“Poor” Blues Rock / Soul Rock; Blues / Rhythm n Blues

Jukebox picks: “Rockin’ With The King” (5.8) • “Long Way From L.A.” (4.7) • “Cherokee Dance” (4.6)
The first Canned Heat record without Al Wilson and, boy oh boy, the formulaic boogie blues here is sure missing his char...more →

THE YES ALBUM
Yes
Atlantic 2400101

“Lame” Prog

Jukebox picks: “I've Seen All Good People: Your Move / All Good People” (5.3) • “The Clap [live '70]” (5.0) • “Starship Trooper: Life Seeker / Disillusion / Würm” (4.9)
Breakthrough third album from the London prog rockers who line up: Jon Anderson (vocals, percussion), Chris Squire (bass...more →

THE LOW SPARK OF HIGH HEELED BOYS
Traffic
Island Records ILPS-9180

“Lame” Rock

Jukebox picks: “Hidden Treasure” (6.2) • “Rainmaker” (6.0) • “The Low Spark of High-Heeled Boys” (4.3)
The fifth album in five years from Traffic arrived in November, 1971. The bookend pieces “Hidden Treasure” and “Ra...more →

WHAT’S GOING ON
Marvin Gaye
Tamla TS-310

“Lame” Soul

Jukebox picks: “What’s Going On” (6.0) • “Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)” (5.2) • “Save The Children” (4.7)
Does (modern day) R n B start right here with this record? If so, the genre peaked early as this would be as good as it ...more →

NILSSON SCHMILSSON
Nilsson
RCA Victor LSP-4515

“Lame” Pop; Pop Ballad; Soft Rock / A.O.R.; Songwriter

Jukebox picks: “Jump Into The Fire” (7.4) • “Early In The Morning” (4.5) • “Gotta Get Up” (4.4)
The eighth album from the 30-year-old singer-songwriter arrived in November, 1971, and would prove to be the most succes...more →

ELVIS COUNTRY (I’M 10,000 YEARS OLD)
Elvis Presley
RCA Victor LSP-4460

“Terrible” Country; Blues Rock / Soul Rock

Jukebox picks: “Tomorrow Never Comes” (5.8) • “There Goes My Everything” (4.5) • “Make The World Go Away” (4.5)
Almost entirely devoid of appeal for jukebox rebels, the new Presley '71 LP was recorded in Nashville and pitched for so...more →

NURSERY CRYME
Genesis
Charisma CAS-1052

“Terrible” Prog

Jukebox picks: “The Musical Box” (5.2) • “Harlequin” (4.2) • “For Absent Friends” (4.1)
Genesis came close to calling it quits when co-founding guitarist Ant Phillips packed it in midway through 1970, just af...more →

PLAYS YOUR ALL-TIME PARTY HITS
Joe Loss and his Orchestra
Music For Pleasure ‎MFP-5227

“Terrible” Orchestra Dance

Jukebox picks: “I Came, I Saw, I Conga’d” (7.9) • “March Of The Mods (Finnjenka Dance)” (6.0) • “The Charleston” (5.5)
Well, hey if you’re going to have a tea-party you might as well get the grandmaster’s lot on. They do a superb conga! Of...more →

PLAY GOOD OLD ROCK N’ ROLL
The Dave Clark Five
Starline ‎SRS-5090

“Terrible” Blues Rock / Soul Rock; Rock n Roll / Rockabilly

Jukebox picks: “Lawdy Miss Clawdy” (5.5) • “Reelin’ And Rockin’” (5.2) • “Good Old Rock n Roll Medley: Good Old Rock ´N Roll / Sweet Little Sixteen / Long Tall Sally / Chantilly Lace / Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On / Blue Suede Shoes” (4.7)
Having split the previous year, the UK LP “Play Good Old Rock N’ Roll” (EMI Starline SRS 5090) was a “final squeeze of t...more →

PICTURES AT AN EXHIBITION
Emerson, Lake and Palmer
Island Records HELP-1

“Terrible” Prog

Jukebox picks: “The Curse Of Baba Yaga [live '71]” (6.1) • “The Hut Of Baba Yaga [live '71 i]” (5.8) • “The Hut Of Baba Yaga [live '71 ii]” (4.8)
Not as entertaining as the preceding “Tarkus”, their second long-player of 1971 was an ambitious set at Keith Emerson's ...more →

WHERE I’M COMING FROM
Stevie Wonder
Tamla ‎TS-308

“Terrible” Pop Ballad

Jukebox picks: “Do Yourself A Favor” (6.2) • “Look Around” (4.0) • “If You Really Love Me” (3.8)
His last album for Motown before his contract ran out, all co-written with his then-wife, Syreeta Wright. There's an eve...more →

LOVE LETTERS FROM ELVIS
Elvis Presley
RCA Victor LSP-4530

“Terrible” Pop Ballad

Jukebox picks: “It Ain’t No Big Thing (But It’s Growing)” (5.0) • “Love Letters ’71” (4.8) • “Got My Mojo Working” (4.5)
The third of the LPs pooled from his middle-of-the-road Nashville recording sessions of June, 1970, all of which adhere ...more →

MADMAN ACROSS THE WATER
Elton John
DJM Records DJLPH-420

“Terrible” Soft Rock / A.O.R.

Jukebox picks: “Holiday Inn” (4.7) • “Indian Sunset” (4.5) • “Madman Across the Water” (4.2)
Fifth album from the 24-year-old soft-rocker, dullness personified from beginning to end....more →

LOVE IT TO DEATH
Alice Cooper
Warner Bros. Records WS-1883

“Terrible” Rock

Jukebox picks: “Black Juju” (5.3) • “Sun Arise” (4.0) • “Second Coming” (3.9)
The third album of seven from Alice Cooper as a band sees them move away from psychedelic obscurity into the rock mainst...more →

TRAFALGAR
Bee Gees
Polydor 2383 052

“Terrible” Pop Ballad

Jukebox picks: “When Do I” (5.8) • “Somebody Stop The Music” (4.3) • “Israel” (3.7)
Their 60s output wasn't too objectionable to me; I actually liked a good few of their tunes even though I knew they were...more →

BLACK MOSES
Isaac Hayes
Enterprise ENS-2-5003

“Dire” Soul Ballad; Pop Ballad; R n B

Jukebox picks: “Medley: Ike’s Rap II / Help Me Love” (4.4) • “Going In Circles” (4.2) • “Good Love” (4.2)
I'm completely disgusted with much of this hellish double album set - the former funk dude has become a middle-of-the-ro...more →

CHIRPY CHIRPY CHEEP CHEEP
Middle Of The Road
RCA Camden CDS-1141

“Dire” Pop

Jukebox picks: “Fate Strange Fate” (5.0) • “Tweedle Dee, Tweedle Dum” (3.6) • “Chirpy Chirpy Cheep Cheep” (3.3)
The proto-Abba pop quartet from Glasgow were: Sally Carr (lead vocals), Ian McCredie (guitar), Eric McCredie (bass) and ...more →

SINGS ASSORTED SOUNDS
Jerry Butler
Mercury SR-61320

“Dire” Soul; Pop Ballad

Jukebox picks: “How Did We Lose It” (4.4) • “Strong Enough To Take It” (3.7) • “Going Back To My Baby’s Love” (3.6)
There’s just a flicker of hope in the choppy funk opener, “How Did We Lose It”, however, it’s immediately betrayed b...more →

DISTANT LIGHT
The Hollies
Parlophone PAS-10005

“Dire” Soft Rock / A.O.R.

Jukebox picks: “Pull Down The Blind” (3.6) • “What A Life I’ve Led” (3.3) • “Hold On” (3.0)
A poor man's Creedence Clearwater Revival, who're a horrible proposition in the first place. In 1971, The Hollies are in...more →

THE SAGITTARIUS MOVEMENT
Jerry Butler
Mercury SR-61347

“Dire” Soul Ballad

Jukebox picks: “The Girl In His Mind” (5.1) • “Sail Away” (3.1) • “Windy City Soul” (2.6)
Notable for housing Jerry’s last million seller, the pathetic warbling warblers ballad “Ain’t Understanding Mellow”,...more →

ELVIS SINGS THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF CHRISTMAS
Elvis Presley
RCA Victor LSP-4579

“An embarrassment” Pop Ballad

Jukebox picks: “Merry Christmas Baby” (3.9) • “Winter Wonderland” (3.0) • “On Snowy Christmas Night” (2.4)
Elvis delves headlong into Max Bygraves / Val Doonican territory - a devastating new low. Beloved by many, but easily hi...more →

see also: (B-list) Album Chart of 1971

Album Charts by year

“A-list”

1939 1940 1941 1942 1943 1944 1945 1946 1947 1948 1949 1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

“B-list”

1943 1945 1946 1950 1951 1952 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Album Charts by decade

“A-list”

1930s 1940s 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s

“B-list”

1940s 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s