Tag Archives: Decades 1971

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Song of the Day #3,703: ‘Where You Lead’ – Carole King

When I first perused the lineup of albums released in 1971 to prepare for this list, I immediately knew which would wind up at #1. Carole King’s Tapestry is one of the greatest albums of the 70s and one of the greatest of all time. It’s certainly the best album of 1971.

Recorded in January of that year and released in February, Tapestry would eventually sell more than 25 million copies worldwide and spend more than six years on the Billboard charts, second only to Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon. It took home Grammys for Album, Record and Song of the Year.

Not bad for the sophomore album by a woman who was told she was better off writing songs for other singers.

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Song of the Day #3,702: ‘Sister Morphine’ – The Rolling Stones

My #2 album of 1971 is one of The Rolling Stones’ best albums ever, Sticky Fingers. This was the third album in a run of four classics that stand up as one of the best all-time musical streaks. Between 1968 and 1972, The Stones reeled off Beggars Banquet, Let it Bleed, Sticky Fingers and Exile on Main Street.

Ranking those four would be tough, but I can definitely make a case for Sticky Fingers as the best of them.

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Song of the Day #3,701: ‘Imagine’ – John Lennon

Imagine, John Lennon’s second solo album, is my third favorite album of 1971, which is a good indication of just how strong that year was for music.

This is the album that gave us ‘Imagine’ and ‘Jealous Guy,’ two of the best songs Lennon ever wrote, with or without The Beatles. It contains many other pleasures, including the country rock of ‘Crippled Inside,’ the hard rocking ‘Gimme Some Truth’ and one of the best pure pop songs of the era, ‘Oh Yoko.’ It also features one of the earliest, nastiest dis tracks in ‘How Do You Sleep?,’ aimed at former pal Paul McCartney.

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Song of the Day #3,700: ‘Queen Bitch’ – David Bowie

Before I get to my #4 album of 1971, let me say a quick Happy Birthday to my sister Amy.

This year Amy selflessly asked, in lieu of gifts, for donations to a non-profit she founded called Birthright America. The program’s mission is to give underprivileged kids the chance to experience the majesty of America’s National Parks. Amy brought the first group of lucky children on the inaugural trip earlier this month.

If the idea sounds interesting to you, please consider visiting the website and donating to the cause. Happy Birthday, Amy!

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Song of the Day #3,699: ‘Misty Mountain Hop’ – Led Zeppelin

Continuing my countdown of favorite 1971 albums we arrive at my #5, Led Zeppelin’s IV (also known as Runes and Zoso).

This album boasts such iconic tracks as ‘Stairway to Heaven,’ ‘Black Dog,’ ‘Rock and Roll,’ ‘Going to California’ and ‘When the Levee Breaks.’ Plus today’s track, ‘Misty Mountain Hop,’ which is less well known but just as awesome.

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