As part of my Decades project, I counted down my own favorite albums of the year then explored other notable releases with which I was less familiar.

The year 1971 was truly special, producing some of the most iconic albums in pop music history. It was especially notable for the singer-songwriters.

Originally published: 2018 | Song of the Day posts featured: 15

My top ten albums of 1971:

#1. Tapestry – Carole King

#2. Sticky Fingers – The Rolling Stones

#3. Imagine – John Lennon

#4. Hunky Dory – David Bowie

#5. Led Zeppelin IV – Led Zeppelin

#6. Teaser and the Firecat – Cat Stevens

#7. Madman Across the Water – Elton John

#8. American Pie – Don McLean

#9. Who’s Next – The Who

#10. Blue – Joni Mitchell

Other notable albums of 1971…

Bryer Later – Nick Drake

What’s Going On – Marvin Gaye

Aqualung – Jethro Tull

Ram – Paul McCartney

Electric Warrior – T. Rex