Everyone knows that rock reached perfection in 1974 is a scientific fact. We could debate extensively on this subject and without a doubt, multiple points of view would arise and perhaps we would reach the conclusion that the entire decade of the seventies is fundamental for the development of rock music, but to say that in the rock of 74 it achieved perfection It’s quite adventurous, even more so if we take into account that true gems of this genre were published a year earlier, such as Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of The Moon. We look back at the 9 Rock Albums That Made 1974:
9. 461 Ocean Boulevard – Eric Clapton
Slowhand is present on this list with this blues-rock material released in July 1974, in which we can find that cover he did to Bob Marley in I shot the sheriff or Willie And The Hand Jive. This album is quite special as it marked Clapton’s return to the studio after battling his heroin addiction.
8. The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway – Genesis
The Lamb Lies On Broadway, in general terms, is one of the most successful works of Genesis, its release took place on November 18, 1974, this being the sixth studio album of said British group. In addition, as an interesting fact, it is the last foray of the great Peter Gabriel as a member of the band. A milestone that was directly followed by his consolidation as a solo artist.
7. Rush – Rush
The Canadians arrive on this list with their first self-titled album full of energy, on this album we can find great songs, such as Finding My Way or In The Mood. In this album, we can hear the clear influence of rock and heavy metal that was made in the decade but taken to a new level.
6. It’s Only Rock N Roll – The Rolling Stones
It’s Only Rock N Roll: their satanic majesties released this album on October 18, 1974, from it came the homonymous single and other great songs, such as If You Can’t Rock Me or Dance Little Sister. It was the last album with Mick Taylor and a favorite of ’74 rock.
5. Sheer Heart Attack – Queen
Released in 1974, Queen’s third album, Sheer Heart Attack, was their first international hit. In this album, the typical style of the band is already consolidated, with great successes like “Killer Queen”. In total, the disc contains 13 songs. While the previous albums had been recorded in the “free time” of the recording studio, this latest one was recorded without interruptions and in up to four different studios, all under more professional conditions. This contributed to a more worked and Queen “style” album.
4. Secret Treaties – Blue Öyster Cult
Released in April 1974, this is a cult album from one of the best – and often underestimated – seventies rock band out there. This album has it all, so much so that it is often regarded as their best studio work, although as always all of that is objectionable. What I can say is that, without a doubt, it is one of my favorites from the band.
3. Pretzel Logic – Steely Dan
The third studio album by this American rock band that mixes different styles, such as jazz and pop-rock, this is a highly recommended album for all fans of good seventies music. It is considered by critics not only as one of the best rock albums but also in music.
2. Second Helping – Lynyrd Skynyrd
The ’70s were a very special decade for rock. And the band with the unpronounceable name, Lynyrd Skynyrd (“Pronounced ‘Leh-‘nérd ‘Skin-‘nérd) was not far behind. Released in 1974 and produced by the great Al Kooper, “Second Helping” became one of the crucial albums of southern rock and one of the best known of the American group since it contained one of the themes that can be considered the heritage of humanity: “Sweet Home Alabama.”
1. Late for the Sky – Jackson Browne
There will be few albums, very few, that deserves as many and as detailed listenings as Late for the sky should be dedicated to, surely among the top ten in our all-time favorites. There will be very few albums, ready to be quantified, that start with a song as sad as the one that gives this title its title, a heartbreak prayer, a desolate but beautiful psalm, in which each word and phrasing take on transcendental height and meaning.