August 1965

Highway 61 Revisited 
Bob Dylan

  1. Like A Rolling Stone   
  2. Tombstone Blues  
  3. It Takes A Lot To Laugh, It Takes A Train To Cry  
  4. From A Buick 6  
  5. Ballad Of A Thin Man   
  6. Queen Jane Approximately 
  7. Highway 61 Revisited  
  8. Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues 
  9. Desolation Row
Highway 61 Revisited is the sixth studio album by American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan. Although it is currently the oldest album in the list, it is one of the latest additions (January 2022), as a result from a little Dylan re-appreciation journey. Almost as good as the follow up Blonde on Blonde, this is widely seen as one of the milestones of rock. Some of the best tracks include the famous anthem Like A Rolling Stone, Ballad Of A Thin Man, Queen Jane Approximately, Highway 61 Revisited, and possibly my favourite Dylan track Desolation Row.

Relevant links:      ➤ Wikipedia       ➤ AllMusic       ➤ Discogs
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December 1965

Rubber Soul
The Beatles

  1. Drive My Car
  2. Norwegian Wood
  3. You Won't See Me
  4. Nowhere Man
  5. Think For Yourself
  6. The Word
  7. Michelle
  8. What Goes On
  9. Girl
  10. I'm Looking Through You
  11. In My Life
  12. Wait
  13. If I Needed Someone
  14. Run For Your Life
Rubber Soul is the sixth studio album by the English rock band the Beatles. It was an important transition album in their career and sixties' pop/rock in general, marking their departure from catchy but simple love songs for the masses to more serious and musically more interesting songs - with many tracks becoming famous without having been released as singles. There are many personal favourite Beatles songs on this album, including Norwegian Wood, Nowhere Man, Michelle, Girl, In My Life, Wait, and If I Needed Someone.

Relevant links:      ➤ Wikipedia       ➤ AllMusic       ➤ Discogs
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January 1966

Sounds of Silence
Simon and Garfunkel

  1. The Sound Of Silence
  2. Leaves That Are Green
  3. Blessed
  4. Kathy's Song
  5. Somewhere They Can't Find Me
  6. Angie
  7. Richard Cory
  8. A Most Peculiar Man
  9. April Come She Will
  10. We've Got A Groovey Thing Goin'
  11. I Am A Rock
Sounds of Silence is the second studio album by Simon and Garfunkel. Whereas their debut was very much in the acoustic folk tradition, the second album is better qualified as folk rock. It starts with my favourite song in their repertoire, The Sound Of Silence, which is actually a remake from the version on the first album. Other favourites include well-known songs like Kathy's Song (another personal favourite, especially in the later live version), April Come She Will, and I Am A Rock, but also less known gems like Richard Cory, and A Most Peculiar Man. 

Relevant links:      ➤ Wikipedia       ➤ AllMusic       ➤ Discogs
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June 1966

Blonde on Blonde
Bob Dylan

  1. Rainy Day Women #12 & 35    
  2. Pledging My Time    
  3. Visions Of Johanna    
  4. One Of Us Must Know (Sooner Or Later)    
  5. I Want You    
  6. Memphis Blues Again    
  7. Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat    
  8. Just Like A Woman    
  9. Most Likely You Go Your Way And I'll Go Mine    
  10. Temporary Like Achilles    
  11. Absolutely Sweet Marie    
  12. 4th Time Around    
  13. Obviously 5 Believers    
  14. Sad Eyed Lady Of The Lowlands
Blonde on Blonde is the seventh studio album by American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan, released as a double album. Dylan may be one of the most revered pop/rock artists of all time, but I had a hard time getting into his music - even though I love many of his songs covered by other artists. Finally in early 2022, this album (arguably his masterpiece) clicked with me. My picks of the album are Rainy Day Women #12 & 35, Visions Of Johanna, I Want You, Memphis Blues Again, Just Like A Woman, Temporary Like Achilles, and Sad Eyed Lady Of The Lowlands.

Relevant links:      ➤ Wikipedia       ➤ AllMusic       ➤ Discogs
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August 1966

Revolver
The Beatles

  1. Taxman
  2. Eleanor Rigby
  3. I'm Only Sleeping
  4. Love You To
  5. Here, There And Everywhere
  6. Yellow Submarine
  7. She Said She Said
  8. Good Day Sunshine
  9. And Your Bird Can Sing
  10. For No One
  11. Dr. Robert
  12. I Want To Tell You
  13. Got To Get You Into My Life
  14. Tomorrow Never Knows
Revolver is the seventh studio album by the English rock band the Beatles. It is generally regarded as one of the greatest and most innovative albums in the history of popular music. From using a string octet in the amazing Eleanor Rigby, to heavy Indian drones and tape loops in Tomorrow Never Knows, the quantum leap in inspiration since their early hits is simply amazing. One can almost forgive them for the inclusion of probably their worst hit ever, Yellow Submarine.

Relevant links:      ➤ Wikipedia       ➤ AllMusic       ➤ Discogs
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October 1966

Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme
Simon and Garfunkel

  1. Scarborough Fair / Canticle
  2. Patterns
  3. Cloudy
  4. Homeward Bound
  5. The Big Bright Green Pleasure Machine
  6. The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy)
  7. The Dangling Conversation
  8. Flowers Never Bend With The Rainfall
  9. A Simple Desultory Philippic (Or How I Was Robert McNamera'd Into Submission)
  10. For Emily, Whenever I May Find Her
  11. A Poem On The Underground Wall
  12. 7 O'Clock News / Silent Night
Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme is the third studio album by American music duo Simon and Garfunkel, and the first where they spent serious time in the studio preparing and recording. The hits are of course well known, but there are no fillers on the album, every song is worthwhile, often with fascinating lyrics. A personal favourite is For Emily, Whenever I May Find Her, although the live version used on later compilation albums is even stronger.

Relevant links:      ➤ Wikipedia       ➤ AllMusic       ➤ Discogs
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March 1967

The Velvet Underground and Nico
The Velvet Underground

  1. Sunday Morning
  2. I'm Waiting For The Man
  3. Femme Fatale
  4. Venus In Furs
  5. Run Run Run
  6. All Tomorrow's Parties
  7. Heroin
  8. There She Goes Again
  9. I'll Be Your Mirror
  10. The Black Angel's Death Song
  11. European Son
The Velvet Underground and Nico is the debut album by American rock band the Velvet Underground, at the time with German singer/model Nico taking turns for the lead vocals with Lou Reed . The album is highly experimental musically with controversial topics like drug abuse, sadomasochism and sexual deviancy. Although it sold poorly, it is now regarded as one of the most influential albums in the history of popular music. As Brian Eno quipped: "everyone who bought a copy started a band." It remains essential listening, also for me. Favourite songs include I'm Waiting For The Man, Femme Fatale, All Tomorrow's Parties, and the understated love song I'll Be Your Mirror.

Relevant links:      ➤ Wikipedia       ➤ AllMusic       ➤ Discogs
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May 1967

Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band 
The Beatles

  1. Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
  2. With A Little Help From My Friends
  3. Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds
  4. Getting Better
  5. Fixing A Hole
  6. She's Leaving Home
  7. Being For The Benefit Of Mr. Kite !
  8. Within You Without You
  9. When I'm Sixty-Four
  10. Lovely Rita
  11. Good Morning Good Morning
  12. Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise)
  13. A Day In The Life
Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band is the eighth studio album by the English rock band the Beatles, and without a doubt one of the most famous albums of all time. It was a real paradigm shift - a pop/rock album could suddenly be more than a collection of songs. It helps that it includes my two most favourite Beatles songs (She's Leaving Home, A Day In The Life), but the immense variety of styles and baffling juxtapositions (like Within You Without You followed by When I'm Sixty-Four) makes this album still sound fresh today.

Relevant links:      ➤ Wikipedia       ➤ AllMusic       ➤ Discogs
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August 1967

The Piper at the Gates of Dawn
Pink Floyd

  1. Astronomy Domine
  2. Lucifer Sam
  3. Matilda Mother
  4. Flaming
  5. Pow R. Toc H.
  6. Take Up Thy Stethoscope And Walk
  7. Interstellar Overdrive
  8. The Gnome
  9. Chapter 24
  10. The Scarecrow
  11. Bike
The Piper at the Gates of Dawn is the debut studio album by English rock band Pink Floyd. It is the only album made under founding member and lead singer Syd Barrett's leadership. Although it did not include their excellent hit single See Emily Play, reception was generally positive and it has maintained that status over the decades. The album is a prime example of psychedelic rock, with Barrett especially prone to taking LSD frequently. The outstanding tracks for me are (predictably) Astronomy Domine and the almost 10 minutes (17 minutes on later CD issues)  instrumental Interstellar Overdrive., but also songs like Bike and The Gnome, which are more in the style of their hit singles.

Relevant links:      ➤ Wikipedia       ➤ AllMusic       ➤ Discogs
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December 1967

Songs of Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen

  1. Suzanne
  2. Master Song
  3. Winter Lady
  4. The Stranger Song
  5. Sisters Of Mercy
  6. So Long, Marianne
  7. Hey, That's No Way To Say Goodbye
  8. Stories Of The Street
  9. Teachers
  10. One Of Us Cannot Be Wrong
Songs of Leonard Cohen is the debut album by Canadian folk singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen. And what a debut it was. Lyrics of poetic quality, beautiful melodies, tasteful arrangements (even if Cohen did not approve of them himself), and the instantly recognizable voice going through these gorgeous ballads. Although contemporary reviews were mixed, in hindsight the album is recognized as a landmark. Predictably, my absolute favourites are Suzanne and Sisters Of Mercy, but also very good are songs like Master Song, The Stranger Song, and Stories Of The Street.

Relevant links:      ➤ Wikipedia       ➤ AllMusic       ➤ Discogs
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April 1968

Bookends
Simon and Garfunkel

  1. Bookends Theme (Instrumental)
  2. Save The Life Of My Child
  3. America
  4. Overs
  5. Voices Of Old People
  6. Old Friends
  7. Bookends Theme
  8. Fakin' It
  9. Punky's Dilemma
  10. Mrs. Robinson
  11. A Hazy Shade Of Winter
  12. At The Zoo
Bookends is the fourth studio album by Simon and Garfunkel, following their successful soundtrack album for the 1967 film The Graduate. It is their only attempt at a concept album, depicting a life journey from childhood to old age. America, with some of Simon's best lyrics, is the star of the album, but there is much to enjoy in the other songs, both the well-known hits and the other tracks, like Old Friends, Punky's Dilemma, and A Hazy Shade Of Winter.

Relevant links:      ➤ Wikipedia       ➤ AllMusic       ➤ Discogs
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April 1968

Odessey and Oracle
The Zombies

  1. Care Of Cell 44
  2. A Rose For Emily
  3. Maybe After He's Gone
  4. Beechwood Park
  5. Brief Candles
  6. Hung Up On A Dream
  7. Changes
  8. I Want Her She Wants Me
  9. This Will Be Our Year
  10. Butchers Tale (Western Front 1914)
  11. Friends Of Mine
  12. Time Of The Season
Odessey and Oracle is the second studio album by English rock band the Zombies. The album gradually achieved fame and has since become one of the most acclaimed albums of the 1960s. The hit Time Of The Season has been a favourite of mine since the early seventies, but I only started to appreciate the complete album in recent years. It only confirms my appreciation for lead singer Colin Blunstone, including his later solo albums and work as guest vocalist for the Alan Parsons Project.

Relevant links:      ➤ Wikipedia       ➤ AllMusic       ➤ Discogs
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June 1968

A Saucerful of Secrets
Pink Floyd

  1. Let There Be More Light
  2. Remember A Day
  3. Set The Controls For The Heart Of The Sun
  4. Corporal Clegg
  5. A Saucerful Of Secrets
  6. See-Saw
  7. Jugband Blues
A Saucerful of Secrets is the second studio album by the English rock band Pink Floyd. During recording, the mental health of singer and guitarist Syd Barrett declined, so David Gilmour was recruited to complement him; Barrett left before the album's completion. With all band members chipping in for the compositions, the sound is more varied than on their debut. Remember A Day, See-Saw and the brilliant Set The Controls For The Heart Of The Sun are outstanding tracks for me. While they were still looking for their sound, this transitional album is not yet at the level of their seventies' masterpieces, but it is still one of the pop/rock highlights of the sixties.

Relevant links:      ➤ Wikipedia       ➤ AllMusic       ➤ Discogs
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November 1968

The Beatles (aka The White Album)
The Beatles

  1. Back In The U.S.S.R.
  2. Dear Prudence
  3. Glass Onion
  4. Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da
  5. Wild Honey Pie
  6. The Continuing Story Of Bungalow Bill
  7. While My Guitar Gently Weeps
  8. Happiness Is A Warm Gun
  9. Martha My Dear
  10. I'm So Tired
  11. Blackbird
  12. Piggies
  13. Rocky Raccoon
  14. Don't Pass Me By
  15. Why Don't We Do It In The Road?
  16. I Will
  17. Julia
  18. Birthday
  19. Yer Blues
  20. Mother Nature's Son
  21. Everybody's Got Something To Hide Except Me And My Monkey
  22. Sexy Sadie
  23. Helter Skelter
  24. Long, Long, Long
  25. Revolution 1
  26. Honey Pie
  27. Savoy Truffle
  28. Cry Baby Cry
  29. Revolution 9
  30. Good Night
The Beatles, also known as the White Album, is the ninth studio album and only double album by the English rock band the Beatles. Its inclusion in my list was an afterthought - even after over 50 years, I'm not convinced it really works as an album. On the other hand, it is a stunning tour de force, combining so many influences and genres on two LP records, and it does contain some of their best songs - but also plenty of mediocre ones. It has often been remarked that it should have been condensed into just one record - the only problem is there's no agreement which songs actually to prune. Personal favourites are Back In The U.S.S.R. (a standard karaoke pick for me), Dear Prudence, While My Guitar Gently Weeps, Blackbird, I Will, Julia, and Helter Skelter.

Relevant links:      ➤ Wikipedia       ➤ AllMusic       ➤ Discogs
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March 1969

The Velvet Underground
The Velvet Underground

  1. Candy Says
  2. What Goes On
  3. Some Kinda Love
  4. Pale Blue Eyes
  5. Jesus
  6. Beginning To See The Light
  7. I'm Set Free
  8. That's The Story Of My Life
  9. The Murder Mystery
  10. After Hours
The Velvet Underground is the self-titled third studio album by American rock band the Velvet Underground. After a for me somewhat disappointing noisy second album, they returned to form with this beautiful blend of ballads and rockers. With the departure of John Cale from the band, Lou Reed became even more dominant - and to great effect. My favourite songs are the transsexual saga Candy Says, the beautiful love song Pale Blue Eyes, and the avant garde epic The Murder Mystery.

Relevant links:      ➤ Wikipedia       ➤ AllMusic       ➤ Discogs


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May 1969

Clouds
Joni Mitchell

  1. Tin Angel
  2. Chelsea Morning
  3. I Don't Know Where I Stand
  4. That Song About The Midway
  5. Roses Blue
  6. The Gallery
  7. I Think I Understand
  8. Songs To Aging Children Come
  9. The Fiddle And The Drum
  10. Both Sides, Now
Clouds is the second studio album by Canadian singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell. Her debut was promising, but spoilt by bad recording techniques. This album is a stunning collection of folk-style songs, sung accompanied only by her own acoustic guitar play. It set the standard for future female singer-songwriters. Difficult to pick a few favourites, as all songs are strong - if pressed, I'd go for I Don't Know Where I Stand, Roses Blue, I Think I Understand, Songs To Aging Children Come, and of course Both Sides, Now.

Relevant links:      ➤ Wikipedia       ➤ AllMusic       ➤ Discogs
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September 1969

Abbey Road
The Beatles

  1. Come Together
  2. Something
  3. Maxwell's Silver Hammer
  4. Oh! Darling
  5. Octopus's Garden
  6. I Want You (She's So Heavy)
  7. Here Comes The Sun
  8. Because
  9. You Never Give Me Your Money
  10. Sun King
  11. Mean Mr. Mustard
  12. Polythene Pam
  13. She Came In Through The Bathroom Window
  14. Golden Slumbers
  15. Carry That Weight
  16. The End
  17. Her Majesty
Abbey Road is the eleventh studio album by the English rock band the Beatles. In many ways, it is the final Beatles album, as the recording sessions were the last they did as a group. Like its predecessor, I added this album to the list at a later stage. I know for many it is the ultimate Beatles album, but I tend to prefer the 1966/1967 efforts. In the end though, I had to include it, as it contains George's two finest songs (Something and Here Comes The Sun), the bizarrely fascinating Maxwell's Silver Hammer, and an ingenious collage type suite of short songs on the B-side (from Sun King to Her Majesty).

Relevant links:      ➤ Wikipedia       ➤ AllMusic       ➤ Discogs
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January 1970

Bridge over Troubled Water
Simon and Garfunkel

  1. Bridge Over Troubled Water
  2. El Condor Pasa
  3. Cecilia
  4. Keep The Customer Satisfied
  5. So Long, Frank Lloyd Wright
  6. The Boxer
  7. Baby Driver
  8. The Only Living Boy In New York
  9. Why Don’t You Write Me
  10. Bye Bye Love
  11. Song For The Asking
Bridge over Troubled Water is the fifth and final studio album by American folk rock duo Simon & Garfunkel. They went out with a bang, rather than a whisper - the album topped the charts in over ten countries, received two Grammy Awards, and sold around 25 million records. This was actually the very first LP record I bought, in the summer of 1970. I bought this one because of the hit El Condor Pasa, which is now for me the least attractive song on the album. The four hit singles are obvious eye catchers, but the album tracks are at least as good, especially So Long, Frank Lloyd Wright and The Only Living Boy In New York.

Relevant links:      ➤ Wikipedia       ➤ AllMusic       ➤ Discogs
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September 1970

Abraxas
Santana

  1. Singing Winds, Crying Beasts
  2. Black Magic Woman / Gypsy Queen
  3. Oye Como Va
  4. Incident At Neshabur
  5. Se A Cabo
  6. Mother's Daughter
  7. Samba Pa Ti
  8. Hope You're Feeling Better
  9. El Nicoya
Abraxas is the second studio album by Latin rock band Santana. I admit that I have been neglecting this album for some obscure reason - even though the track Samba Pa Ti has been one of my all-time favourite songs (and my favourite instrumental) since 1973. I listened to the full album for the first time in 2020, and I was blown away. Of course I knew the singles Black Magic Woman and Oye Come Va, but most of the album tracks are in the same league, especially the instrumental Incident At Neshabur and the blues rocker Mother's Daughter. Oh well, better late than never.

Relevant links:      ➤ Wikipedia       ➤ AllMusic       ➤ Discogs
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October 1970

Atom Heart Mother
Pink Floyd

  1. Atom Heart Mother
  2. If
  3. Summer '68
  4. Fat Old Sun
  5. Alan's Psychedelic Breakfast
Atom Heart Mother is the fifth studio album by the English progressive rock band Pink Floyd. It received mixed reactions even though it was a commercial success, and I consider it a bit of a flawed masterpiece, but a masterpiece nonetheless. The same can be said for the side-long epic title track, put together in close cooperation with avant garde classical composer Ron Geesin, who scored contributions for orchestra and choir. Almost 24 minutes long, its material does wear thin in places, but there is also plenty to enjoy here. In sharp contrast, the flip side opens with three five minute fairly traditional songs of high quality, only to end with one of the weirdest experiments in their career.

Relevant links:      ➤ Wikipedia       ➤ AllMusic       ➤ Discogs
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October 1970

Present from Nancy
Supersister

  1. Introductions
  2. Present From Nancy
  3. Memories Are New
  4. 11/8
  5. Dreaming Wheelwhile
  6. Corporation Combo Boys
  7. Mexico
  8. Metamorphosis
  9. Eight Miles High
  10. Dona Nobis Pacem
Present from Nancy is the first studio album by Dutch progressive rock band Supersister. It is an astonishing tour de force, especially as the band members were all under 18 when they recorded this quirky masterpiece. The music is influenced by the likes of Pink Floyd, Soft Machine, Caravan and Zappa - yet they manage to achieve a unique own sound, with little humorous gestures as well: it includes a 20 seconds cover of Eight Miles High, which the Golden Earring had spun out to a 19 minutes epic. My favourite is the Gothic track Dona Nobis Pacem, featuring layers of electronic organ (hints of Arvo Pärt?), broken up near the end by a hilarious circus style intermezzo.

Relevant links:      ➤ Wikipedia       ➤ AllMusic       ➤ Discogs
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October 1970

Trespass
Genesis

  1. Looking For Someone
  2. White Mountain
  3. Visions Of Angels
  4. Stagnation
  5. Dusk
  6. The Knife
Trespass is the second studio album by the English progressive rock band Genesis. It was their first prog album, marking a huge change from the mediocre poppy debut. It is not an easy album to rate, because one knows how much better their subsequent albums would be than this, partially because of better recording technique, but mainly because of superior song writing. That said, taken on its own, this is still a delightful album, which sounds like nothing else released by that time. Some highlights are Looking for Someone, Dusk, and especially Stagnation.

Relevant links:      ➤ Wikipedia       ➤ AllMusic       ➤ Discogs
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November 1970

Loaded
The Velvet Underground

  1. Who Loves The Sun
  2. Sweet Jane
  3. Rock & Roll
  4. Cool It Down
  5. New Age
  6. Head Held High
  7. Lonesome Cowboy Bill
  8. I Found A Reason
  9. Train Round The Bend
  10. Oh! Sweet Nuthin'
Loaded is the fourth studio album by American rock band the Velvet Underground. The album's title refers to the record company's request that the band produce an album "loaded with hits". And they kind of did that, with several songs being eminently suited for radio play, although one keeps getting a feeling that the band is making fun of the whole idea. It did result in perhaps their most coherent album, and certainly a great one. Ironically though neither the singles nor the album charted. My favourites include Who Loves The Sun, Sweet Jane, I Found A Reason, and Oh! Sweet Nuthin'.

Relevant links:      ➤ Wikipedia       ➤ AllMusic       ➤ Discogs

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March 1971

Songs of Love and Hate
Leonard Cohen

  1. Avalanche
  2. Last Year's Man
  3. Dress Rehearsal Rag
  4. Diamonds In The Mine
  5. Love Calls You By Your Name
  6. Famous Blue Raincoat
  7. Sing Another Song, Boys
  8. Joan Of Arc
Songs of Love and Hate is the third studio album by Canadian singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen. It is generally seen as one of his most emotionally intense albums, with the lyrics dominating, but music still great as well. One critic later called it "one of the scariest albums of the last forty years", and it played a key role in Cohen getting a reputation of a mood killer. There's no denying though that it is a great album that consistently demands attention, with outstanding songs like Avalanche, Love Calls You By Your Name, Famous Blue Raincoat, and Joan Of Arc.

Relevant links:      ➤ Wikipedia       ➤ AllMusic       ➤ Discogs
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June 1971

Blue
Joni Mitchell

  1. All I Want
  2. My Old Man
  3. Little Green
  4. Carey
  5. Blue
  6. California
  7. This Flight Tonight
  8. River
  9. A Case Of You
  10. The Last Time I Saw Richard
Blue is the fourth studio album by Canadian singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell. This is the album where everything came together for her. Impressive songs, very personal lyrics, great singing, and effective instrumentation. One reviewer stated; "Sad, spare, and beautiful, Blue is the quintessential confessional singer/songwriter album." Due to the stark and bare revelations in the album, when it was first played for Kris Kristofferson he is reported to have commented, "Joni! Keep something to yourself!" A brilliant album, generally regarded as one of the greatest of all time. I especially like Little Green, Carey, Blue, California, and River.

Relevant links:      ➤ Wikipedia       ➤ AllMusic       ➤ Discogs 
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August 1971

Who's Next
The Who

  1. Baba O'Riley
  2. Bargain
  3. Love Ain't For Keeping
  4. My Wife
  5. Song Is Over
  6. Getting In Tune
  7. Going Mobile
  8. Behind Blue Eyes
  9. Won't Get Fooled Again
Who's Next is the fifth studio album by English rock band the Who. After the rock opera Tommy, they returned to a more conventional, but highly successful format. The Who is generally seen as one of the greatest bands of all time, but personally I rate them much lower - except for this brilliant album. Perhaps it is the inclusion of synthesizers on this album, but probably the strength of the songs themselves, in particular Behind Blue Eyes and Won't Get Fooled Again - although there is really not a weak song on the album.

Relevant links:      ➤ Wikipedia       ➤ AllMusic       ➤ Discogs

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September 1971

Look at Yourself
Uriah Heep

  1. Look At Yourself
  2. I Wanna Be Free
  3. July Morning
  4. Tears In My Eyes
  5. Shadows Of Grief
  6. What Should Be Done
  7. Love Machine
Look at Yourself is the third studio album by British rock band Uriah Heep. The preceding album, Salisbury, came close to making the list as well, but this one is even better. It's a stunning progressive hard rock album, that can actually be seen as progressive metal about 20 years before that became a thing. The anthem July Morning is one of my favourite songs of all time, but the other songs are all very much worthwhile, from the rocking title song to the eclectic masterpiece Tears In My Eyes and the power ballad What Should Be Done. 

Relevant links:      ➤ Wikipedia       ➤ AllMusic       ➤ Discogs
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September 1971

To the Highest Bidder
Supersister

  1. A Girl Named You
  2. No Tree Will Grow (On Too High A Mountain)
  3. Energy (Out Of Future)
  4. Higher
To the Highest Bidder is the second studio album by Dutch progressive rock band Supersister. Compared to the excellent debut (link), their sound has become even more their own. No ultra-short songs here, instead three epics ranging from 7 to 15 minutes, and one 3 minutes closer. Their sense of humour is still there, and nowhere more than in the ballad No Tree Will Grow (On Too High a Mountain), a brilliant and effective sixties prog pop pastiche, ending with a collective burst of laughter. Most reviewers rate this album higher than their first, bit I beg to differ. Still great though.

Relevant links:      ➤ Wikipedia       ➤ AllMusic       ➤ Discogs
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October 1971

Pawn Hearts
Van der Graaf Generator

  1. Lemmings (Including Cog)
  2. Man-Erg
  3. A Plague of Lighthouse-Keepers
Pawn Hearts is the fourth studio album by English progressive rock band Van der Graaf Generator. The band released a string of strong albums in the period 1970-1976, but to my taste Pawn Hearts is the best. It is not always easy to appreciate the band's music, especially given the 'love it or hate it' voice of lead singer Peter Hamill, but once you persist, they make for fascinating listening. Three songs only, the first two over 10 minutes each, and the third taking a complete side on the original LP - and for me the best song in their repertoire.

Relevant links:      ➤ Wikipedia       ➤ AllMusic       ➤ Discogs
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October 1971

American Pie
Don McLean

  1. American Pie
  2. Till Tomorrow
  3. Vincent
  4. Crossroads
  5. Winterwood
  6. Empty Chairs
  7. Everybody Loves Me, Baby
  8. Sister Fatima
  9. The Grave
  10. Babylon
American Pie is the second studio album by the American singer-songwriter Don McLean. Generally considered his masterpiece, with the stunning 8 minutes title track and the beautiful ballad about Vincent van Gogh drawing most attention. But other songs like Till Tomorrow, Winterwood, Crossroads, and especially Empty Chairs are not that less great. McLean also shows he does not shy away from controversy with the anti-war song The Grave. He never got close to the level of this album again, but as one critic noted: "After all, if the music has died, what else is there to say?"

Relevant links:      ➤ Wikipedia       ➤ AllMusic       ➤ Discogs
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October 1971

Meddle 
Pink Floyd

  1. One Of These Days
  2. A Pillow Of Winds
  3. Fearless
  4. San Tropez
  5. Seamus
  6. Echoes
Meddle is the sixth studio album by English rock band Pink Floyd. The side long epic Echoes is a clear improvement over the Atom Heart Mother suite at their previous album, and gave an inkling of things to come for the band. The five shorter songs on the A-side are amazingly diverse, and mostly excellent (only Seamus is a bit superfluous), with A Pillow Of Winds being my personal favourite of the A-side. The combination of these six tracks works very well as an album - better than any of its predecessors. But so much better was still to come....

Relevant links:      ➤ Wikipedia       ➤ AllMusic       ➤ Discogs
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October 1971

Focus II (Moving waves)
Focus

  1. Hocus Pocus
  2. Le Clochard ("Bread")
  3. Janis
  4. Moving Waves
  5. Focus II
  6. Eruption
Focus II (better known by its international title, Moving Waves) is the second studio album by Dutch progressive rock band Focus. Riding the unexpected international success of their hit single Hocus Pocus, they released a gem of mainly instrumental progressive rock, culminating in the 23-minute suite Eruption based on the opera Euridice by Jacopo Peri. Some of the other tracks are even more attractive, in particular Janis and Focus II - and the amazing miniature Le Clochard ("Bread"), a classical music inspired piece of Jan Akkerman's guitar backed by Thijs van Leer's mellotron strings.

Relevant links:      ➤ Wikipedia       ➤ AllMusic       ➤ Discogs
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November 1971

Nursery Cryme 
Genesis

  1. The Musical Box
  2. For Absent Friends
  3. The Return Of The Giant Hogweed
  4. Seven Stones
  5. Harold The Barrel
  6. Harlequin
  7. The Fountain Of Salmacis
Nursery Cryme is the third studio album by the English rock band Genesis. After the throwaway debut and the promising Trespass, the third album shows another great leap in quality, the first step on an astonishing journey that made them my favourite prog band of the seventies (only to be followed by a sharp decline afterwards). Steve Hackett and Phil Collins made their debut on this album, adding to the original members Peter Gabriel, Tony Banks and Mike Rutherford. The Musical Box is the most famous track - a spooky Victorian story of over 10 minutes, but the other songs are not much lower in quality.

Relevant links:      ➤ Wikipedia       ➤ AllMusic       ➤ Discogs
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November 1971

Song of the Marching Children 
Earth and Fire

  1. Carnaval Of The Animals
  2. Ebbtide
  3. Storm And Thunder
  4. In The Mountains
  5. Song Of The Marching Children
Song of the Marching Children is the second album of the Dutch prog band Earth and Fire. They are my second favourite band from the Netherlands after Kayak, combining a string of accomplished yet radio friendly top ten hits with albums that showed a more prog side of their musical character. This is my favourite album, even though it does not contain my most favourite songs of the band. The A-side is an attractive mixture of four very diverse songs, the B-side is the title song,a genuine prog suite.

Relevant links:      ➤ Wikipedia       ➤ AllMusic       ➤ Discogs
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December 1971

Hunky Dory
David Bowie

  1. Changes
  2. Oh! You Pretty Things
  3. Eight Line Poem
  4. Life On Mars?
  5. Kooks
  6. Quicksand
  7. Fill Your Heart
  8. Andy Warhol
  9. Song For Bob Dylan
  10. Queen Bitch
  11. The Bewlay Brothers
Hunky Dory is the fourth studio album by English singer-songwriter David Bowie. Following the hard rock sound of its predecessor, this album shifted Bowie's style towards art pop and melodic pop rock. A good mixture of songs that have become classics (like the opener Changes and his masterpiece Life on Mars?) and good quality deep tracks (like Oh! You Pretty Things and Andy Warhol). Generally seen as one of his very best albums, and it certainly is to my taste.

Relevant links:      ➤ Wikipedia       ➤ AllMusic       ➤ Discogs
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March 1972

Thick as a Brick
Jethro Tull

  1. Thick as a Brick, Part I
  2. Thick as a Brick, Part II
Thick as a Brick is the fifth studio album by the British progressive rock band Jethro Tull. In the years 1971-1978, the band released a string of very good albums, of which this is clearly the best. The album contains a continuous piece of music, split over two sides of an LP record, and although regarded (and probably intended) as a parody of the concept album genre, it works well as such. t received mixed reviews upon its release, but was a commercial success and topped various charts in 1972. Today it is regarded as a classic of progressive rock (text mainly from Wiki).

Relevant links:      ➤ Wikipedia       ➤ AllMusic       ➤ Discogs
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March 1972

Quella Vecchia Locanda
Quella Vecchia Locanda

  1. Prologo
  2. Un Villaggio, Un'Illusione
  3. Realtà
  4. Immagini Sfocate
  5. Il Cieco
  6. Dialogo
  7. Verso La Locanda
  8. Sogno, Risveglio E...
Quella Vecchia Locanda is the first studio album by Italian progressive rock group Quella Vecchia Locanda ("That Old Inn"). It is one of the few albums to successfully integrate classical music influences into a progressive rock soundscape (with some jazz thrown in for good measure) - eclectic prog avant la lettre. There are some obvious influences (like Jethro Tull, Focus, and Genesis), but they do create their own sound, which is also different from other Italian prog bands of the time. Especially their use of the violin and flute stands out - while the singing (in Italian) by Giorgio Giorgi is excellent. Among my favourite tracks are Realtà, Il Cieco, Dialogo, and Sogno, Risveglio E...

Relevant links:      ➤ Wikipedia       ➤ AllMusic       ➤ Discogs
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April 1972

You Don't Mess Around with Jim
Jim Croce

  1. You Don't Mess Around With Jim
  2. Tomorrow's Gonna Be A Brighter Day
  3. New York's Not My Home
  4. Hard Time Losin' Man
  5. Photographs And Memories
  6. Walkin' Back To Georgia
  7. Operator (That's Not The Way It Feels)
  8. Time In A Bottle
  9. Rapid Roy (The Stock Car Boy)
  10. Box #10
  11. A Long Time Ago
  12. Hey Tomorrow
You Don't Mess Around with Jim is the third studio album by American singer-songwriter Jim Croce, and the first to draw attention. With this album, Croce immediately established his name as a highly gifted singer/songwriter, both in ballads like Photographs And Memories and uptempo songs like the title track. Plenty of highlights, including my favourite song of his (Time In A Bottle), but there is not a single weak track to be found here.

Relevant links:      ➤ Wikipedia       ➤ AllMusic       ➤ Discogs
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May 1972

Banco del Mutuo Soccorso
Banco del Mutuo Soccorso

  1. In Volo
  2. R.I.P. (Requiescant In Pace)
  3. Passaggio
  4. Metamorfosi
  5. Il Giardino Del Mago
  6. Traccia
Banco del Mutuo Soccorso is the debut studio album by the Italian progressive rock band Banco del Mutuo Soccorso (also known as Banco or BdMS). This is an amazing first effort, that for me is superior to the debuts of any of their more famous British colleagues. The voice of charismatic lead singer Francesco Di Giacomo takes some time to adjust to, but the compositions are strong, the playing excellent, and that he sings in Italian is a clear plus for me. The album is highly rated in the prog community, even though their next two efforts score even higher. I'd like to single out two tracks, the epics Metamorfosi and Il Giardino Del Mago, which together make up for more than 70% of the playing time.

Relevant links:      ➤ Wikipedia       ➤ AllMusic       ➤ Discogs
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May 1972

Demons and Wizards
Uriah Heep

  1. The Wizard
  2. Traveller In Time
  3. Easy Livin'
  4. Poet's Justice
  5. Circle Of Hands
  6. Rainbow Demon
  7. All My Life
  8. Paradise
Demons and Wizards is the fourth studio album by British rock band Uriah Heep. Compared to its predecessor, Look at Yourself (link), this album is more hard rock than prog, although the final song comes into prog rock territory. The songs are mostly highly melodious, with confident singing and playing, and range from the 2:36 maximum speed rocker Easy Livin' (for me the best Heep track) to the 12:41 epic Paradise. Probably my favourite album of the band by a small margin over the previous one.

Relevant links:      ➤ Wikipedia       ➤ AllMusic       ➤ Discogs
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June 1972

Roxy Music
Roxy Music

  1. Remake/Re-Model
  2. Ladytron
  3. If There Is Something
  4. 2 H.B.
  5. The Bob (Medley)
  6. Chance Meeting
  7. Would You Believe?
  8. Sea Breezes
  9. Bitters End
Roxy Music is the debut studio album by the English art rock band Roxy Music, with lead singer Bryan Ferry and keyboard player Brian Eno. It is a bewildering album for its time. Band member Andy Mackay said "we certainly didn't invent eclecticism but we did say and prove that rock 'n' roll could accommodate – well, anything really". Production could have been better, and for some reason their hit song of those days (the awesome Virginia Plain) was not included (rectified at later releases), but the album still deserves a place in my list. Favourite songs include Ladytron, If There Is Something, 2 H.B., Sea Breezes, and Bitters End.

Relevant links:      ➤ Wikipedia       ➤ AllMusic       ➤ Discogs
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June 1972

Uomo di Pezza
Le Orme

  1. Una Dolcezza Nuova
  2. Gioco Di Bimba
  3. La Porta Chiusa
  4. Breve Immagine
  5. Figure Di Cartone
  6. Aspettando L'Alba
  7. Alienazione
Uomo di pezza (translated Rag Doll Man) is the third studio album by the Italian progressive rock band Le Orme. It is their first that is widely considered a masterpiece of Italian prog. There are some influences from bands like Emerson Lake and Palmer, but Le Orme's Italian lyrics and often romantic approach to the songs provide sufficient individuality. One of many Italian prog bands of the time that deserves to be better known. The only gripes I have with this album is that it is so short (under 32 minutes), and that some songs deserved to be further developed and elongated in true prog style. Still, an excellent album. Recommended songs are La Porta Chiusa, Figure Di Cartone, Alienazione, and especially Aspettando L'Alba.

Relevant links:      ➤ Wikipedia       ➤ AllMusic       ➤ Discogs
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