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See Also
See Again
© Getty ImagesNL Beeld
0 / 31 Fotos
'Waterloo' by ABBA
- The Swedish pop group's second studio album features the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest winning 'Waterloo.' ABBA's international career took off after this album came out.
© Getty Images
1 / 31 Fotos
'Court and Spark' by Joni Mitchell
- The iconic singer-songwriter pushed music boundaries with this album. Rather than a pure folk record, Mitchell experimented with other genres, including jazz and pop. Check out the fan-favorite 'Free Man in Paris.'
© Getty Images
2 / 31 Fotos
'Natty Dread' by Bob Marley and the Wailers
- The reggae legend released 'Natty Dread' in 1974. The album features one of Bob Marley's greatest classics—'No Woman, No Cry.'
© Getty Images
3 / 31 Fotos
'Second Helping' by Lynyrd Skynyrd
- Southern rock gods Lynyrd Skynyrd found great success with their second studio album, which features (among other great tunes) the band's biggest hit; the classic 'Sweet Home Alabama.'
© Getty Images
4 / 31 Fotos
'It’s Only Rock ‘n Roll' by The Rolling Stones
- The Stones released this album in 1974. It's best known for its hit single 'It's Only Rock ’n’ Roll (but I Like It).' The band also experimented with elements of reggae and funk in their compositions, making it a pretty unique record.
© Getty Images
5 / 31 Fotos
'Diamond Dogs' by David Bowie
- Bowie reinvented himself in this album. Drawing inspiration from George Orwell's dystopian novel, '1984,' the record is definitely worth revisiting. Even if only to listen to 'Rebel, Rebel' on repeat.
© Getty Images
6 / 31 Fotos
'Caribou' by Elton John
- Elton John's eighth studio album features classics such as the hit single 'Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me.' Do we need to say more?
© Getty Images
7 / 31 Fotos
'Rush' by Rush
- The Canadian rockers released their debut self-titled album in 1974 through the band's own label, Moon Records. The album closes with their famous tune 'Working Man.'
© Getty Images
8 / 31 Fotos
'Queen II' and 'Sheer Heart Attack' by Queen
- The British band released two albums in 1974. 'Queen II' came out first and featured the band's signature experimentations with different genres, multi-layered overdubs, and vocal harmonies. 'Sheer Heart Attack' is also a really cool record that features the hit single 'Killer Queen.'
© Getty Images
9 / 31 Fotos
'Kiss' and 'Hotter Than Hell' by Kiss
- The debut album by rockers Kiss was released on February 18, and their second, on October 22, 1974. 'Kiss' features hits such as 'Strutter,' 'Deuce,' and 'Black Diamond.' Whereas their second album includes tunes such as 'Parasite,' 'Hotter than Hell,' and 'Let Me Go, Rock 'n' Roll.' They're both rock 'n' roll classics!
© Getty Images
10 / 31 Fotos
'Elis & Tom' by Elis Regina and Tom Jobim
- This is what happens when you put two powerhouses of Brazilian music together. Elis Regina and Antônio Carlos Jobim collaborated in what is arguably one of the best bossa nova (and pop) albums of all time.
© Getty Images
11 / 31 Fotos
'Apostrophe (')' by Frank Zappa
- Zappa's musicianship and clever humor was second to none, and this album proves it. 'Apostrophe (')' was also Zappa's first top ten album in the US.
© Getty Images
12 / 31 Fotos
'Get Your Wings' by Aerosmith
- Aerosmith's second studio album went on to reach triple platinum. It includes the band's rendition of 'Train Kept A Rollin',' which is a fan-favorite and a staple in the band's live performances.
© Getty Images
13 / 31 Fotos
'Jolene' by Dolly Parton
- This album features two of Dolly Parton's most successful hits: 'I Will Always Love You,' and of course, the classic 'Jolene.' According to the artist, both songs were written on the same day!
© Getty Images
14 / 31 Fotos
'Rock ‘n’ Roll Animal' by Lou Reed
- Reed's 'Rock ‘n’ Roll Animal' is raw and loud. The album features classics originally recorded by The Velvet Underground, such as 'Sweet Jane,' 'Heroin,' and 'White Light/White Heat.'
© Getty Images
15 / 31 Fotos
'Nightlife' by Thin Lizzy
- 'Nightlife' is the first Thin Lizzy album to feature guitarists Scott Gorham and Brian Robertson. Songs such as 'Sha-La-La' and 'Still In Love With You,' became fan favorites.
© Getty Images
16 / 31 Fotos
'Crime of the Century' by Supertramp
- Supertramp's third studio album is best known for their hit single 'Dreamer.' Overall, it's a progressive rock record worth revisiting.
© Getty Images
17 / 31 Fotos
'They Don’t Make ‘Em Like My Daddy' by Loretta Lynn
- Loretta Lynn's 24th (yes, really!) studio album contains original songs as well as renditions of country classics and it's a joy to listen to.
© Getty Images
18 / 31 Fotos
'461 Ocean Boulevard' by Eric Clapton
- The English guitarist and singer-songwriter mixes elements of rock, blues, and R&B in this album. This was Eric Clapton's second solo album, and his first to top the charts in a number of countries. It includes his famous cover of Bob Marley's 'I Shot the Sheriff.'
© Getty Images
19 / 31 Fotos
'The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway' by Genesis
- 'The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway' is a prog rock classic. The band's masterpiece is a rock opera originally released in two LPs. Listen to this concept album back to back for the full experience.
© Getty Images
20 / 31 Fotos
'Al Green Explores Your Mind' by Al Green
- 'Al Green Explores Your Mind' is a soul classic. The album features great songs, such as 'Sha-La-La (Make Me Happy)' and 'Take Me To The River.'
© Getty Images
21 / 31 Fotos
'Fulfillingness' First Finale' by Stevie Wonder
- 'Fulfillingness' First Finale' is widely considered one of Stevie Wonder's greatest albums. It features guest appearances by bassist James Jamerson, singers Paul Anka and Minnie Riperton, as well as members of the Jackson 5.
© Getty Images
22 / 31 Fotos
'Before the Flood' by Bob Dylan and The Band
- 'Before the Flood' is Bob Dylan's first live album. It features a number of Dylan classics but also a few tunes written by The Band. It's definitely worth revisiting it as it reaches its 50th anniversary.
© Getty Images
23 / 31 Fotos
'Open Our Eyes' by Earth, Wind & Fire
- 'Open Our Eyes' was Earth, Wind & Fire's fifth studio album. Tunes such as 'Mighty Mighty' and 'Kalimba Story' fuse funk, soul, Latin rhythms, and R&B like no other group has done before.
© Getty Images
24 / 31 Fotos
'Veedon Fleece' by Van Morrison
- This record poignantly reflects the emotional experience of divorce, which the singer-songwriter was going through at the time. While 'Veedon Fleece' wasn't a commercial success, it remains a fan favorite.
© Getty Images
25 / 31 Fotos
'On The Beach' by Neil Young
- A rather mellow and dark album, Young's 'On The Beach' is full of melancholic, introspective songs. Check out the single 'Walk On.'
© Getty Images
26 / 31 Fotos
'Country Life' by Roxy Music
- The art rockers' fourth studio album is as sophisticated and cool as it gets. Highlights include 'All I Want Is You,' and 'The Thrill of It All.'
© Getty Images
27 / 31 Fotos
'The Heart of Saturday Night' by Tom Waits
- Tom Waits' second album mixes elements of
folk, blues, and jazz, in a poetic cocktail that deserves to be listened to.
© Getty Images
28 / 31 Fotos
'Pretzel Logic' by Steely Dan
- The third album by Donald Fagan and Walter Becker's band cemented the group's position in the charts, with 'Rikki, Don't Lose That Number,' getting a lot or airplay.
© Getty Images
29 / 31 Fotos
'Marvin Gaye Live!' by Marvin Gaye
- Recorded at the Oakland Coliseum, this live album captures what Marvin Gaye was all about. Check out his song 'Distant Lover.' Sources: (Grunge) (Udiscovermusic) (Albumoftheyear) See also: The greatest live albums of all time
© Getty Images
30 / 31 Fotos
© Getty ImagesNL Beeld
0 / 31 Fotos
'Waterloo' by ABBA
- The Swedish pop group's second studio album features the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest winning 'Waterloo.' ABBA's international career took off after this album came out.
© Getty Images
1 / 31 Fotos
'Court and Spark' by Joni Mitchell
- The iconic singer-songwriter pushed music boundaries with this album. Rather than a pure folk record, Mitchell experimented with other genres, including jazz and pop. Check out the fan-favorite 'Free Man in Paris.'
© Getty Images
2 / 31 Fotos
'Natty Dread' by Bob Marley and the Wailers
- The reggae legend released 'Natty Dread' in 1974. The album features one of Bob Marley's greatest classics—'No Woman, No Cry.'
© Getty Images
3 / 31 Fotos
'Second Helping' by Lynyrd Skynyrd
- Southern rock gods Lynyrd Skynyrd found great success with their second studio album, which features (among other great tunes) the band's biggest hit; the classic 'Sweet Home Alabama.'
© Getty Images
4 / 31 Fotos
'It’s Only Rock ‘n Roll' by The Rolling Stones
- The Stones released this album in 1974. It's best known for its hit single 'It's Only Rock ’n’ Roll (but I Like It).' The band also experimented with elements of reggae and funk in their compositions, making it a pretty unique record.
© Getty Images
5 / 31 Fotos
'Diamond Dogs' by David Bowie
- Bowie reinvented himself in this album. Drawing inspiration from George Orwell's dystopian novel, '1984,' the record is definitely worth revisiting. Even if only to listen to 'Rebel, Rebel' on repeat.
© Getty Images
6 / 31 Fotos
'Caribou' by Elton John
- Elton John's eighth studio album features classics such as the hit single 'Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me.' Do we need to say more?
© Getty Images
7 / 31 Fotos
'Rush' by Rush
- The Canadian rockers released their debut self-titled album in 1974 through the band's own label, Moon Records. The album closes with their famous tune 'Working Man.'
© Getty Images
8 / 31 Fotos
'Queen II' and 'Sheer Heart Attack' by Queen
- The British band released two albums in 1974. 'Queen II' came out first and featured the band's signature experimentations with different genres, multi-layered overdubs, and vocal harmonies. 'Sheer Heart Attack' is also a really cool record that features the hit single 'Killer Queen.'
© Getty Images
9 / 31 Fotos
'Kiss' and 'Hotter Than Hell' by Kiss
- The debut album by rockers Kiss was released on February 18, and their second, on October 22, 1974. 'Kiss' features hits such as 'Strutter,' 'Deuce,' and 'Black Diamond.' Whereas their second album includes tunes such as 'Parasite,' 'Hotter than Hell,' and 'Let Me Go, Rock 'n' Roll.' They're both rock 'n' roll classics!
© Getty Images
10 / 31 Fotos
'Elis & Tom' by Elis Regina and Tom Jobim
- This is what happens when you put two powerhouses of Brazilian music together. Elis Regina and Antônio Carlos Jobim collaborated in what is arguably one of the best bossa nova (and pop) albums of all time.
© Getty Images
11 / 31 Fotos
'Apostrophe (')' by Frank Zappa
- Zappa's musicianship and clever humor was second to none, and this album proves it. 'Apostrophe (')' was also Zappa's first top ten album in the US.
© Getty Images
12 / 31 Fotos
'Get Your Wings' by Aerosmith
- Aerosmith's second studio album went on to reach triple platinum. It includes the band's rendition of 'Train Kept A Rollin',' which is a fan-favorite and a staple in the band's live performances.
© Getty Images
13 / 31 Fotos
'Jolene' by Dolly Parton
- This album features two of Dolly Parton's most successful hits: 'I Will Always Love You,' and of course, the classic 'Jolene.' According to the artist, both songs were written on the same day!
© Getty Images
14 / 31 Fotos
'Rock ‘n’ Roll Animal' by Lou Reed
- Reed's 'Rock ‘n’ Roll Animal' is raw and loud. The album features classics originally recorded by The Velvet Underground, such as 'Sweet Jane,' 'Heroin,' and 'White Light/White Heat.'
© Getty Images
15 / 31 Fotos
'Nightlife' by Thin Lizzy
- 'Nightlife' is the first Thin Lizzy album to feature guitarists Scott Gorham and Brian Robertson. Songs such as 'Sha-La-La' and 'Still In Love With You,' became fan favorites.
© Getty Images
16 / 31 Fotos
'Crime of the Century' by Supertramp
- Supertramp's third studio album is best known for their hit single 'Dreamer.' Overall, it's a progressive rock record worth revisiting.
© Getty Images
17 / 31 Fotos
'They Don’t Make ‘Em Like My Daddy' by Loretta Lynn
- Loretta Lynn's 24th (yes, really!) studio album contains original songs as well as renditions of country classics and it's a joy to listen to.
© Getty Images
18 / 31 Fotos
'461 Ocean Boulevard' by Eric Clapton
- The English guitarist and singer-songwriter mixes elements of rock, blues, and R&B in this album. This was Eric Clapton's second solo album, and his first to top the charts in a number of countries. It includes his famous cover of Bob Marley's 'I Shot the Sheriff.'
© Getty Images
19 / 31 Fotos
'The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway' by Genesis
- 'The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway' is a prog rock classic. The band's masterpiece is a rock opera originally released in two LPs. Listen to this concept album back to back for the full experience.
© Getty Images
20 / 31 Fotos
'Al Green Explores Your Mind' by Al Green
- 'Al Green Explores Your Mind' is a soul classic. The album features great songs, such as 'Sha-La-La (Make Me Happy)' and 'Take Me To The River.'
© Getty Images
21 / 31 Fotos
'Fulfillingness' First Finale' by Stevie Wonder
- 'Fulfillingness' First Finale' is widely considered one of Stevie Wonder's greatest albums. It features guest appearances by bassist James Jamerson, singers Paul Anka and Minnie Riperton, as well as members of the Jackson 5.
© Getty Images
22 / 31 Fotos
'Before the Flood' by Bob Dylan and The Band
- 'Before the Flood' is Bob Dylan's first live album. It features a number of Dylan classics but also a few tunes written by The Band. It's definitely worth revisiting it as it reaches its 50th anniversary.
© Getty Images
23 / 31 Fotos
'Open Our Eyes' by Earth, Wind & Fire
- 'Open Our Eyes' was Earth, Wind & Fire's fifth studio album. Tunes such as 'Mighty Mighty' and 'Kalimba Story' fuse funk, soul, Latin rhythms, and R&B like no other group has done before.
© Getty Images
24 / 31 Fotos
'Veedon Fleece' by Van Morrison
- This record poignantly reflects the emotional experience of divorce, which the singer-songwriter was going through at the time. While 'Veedon Fleece' wasn't a commercial success, it remains a fan favorite.
© Getty Images
25 / 31 Fotos
'On The Beach' by Neil Young
- A rather mellow and dark album, Young's 'On The Beach' is full of melancholic, introspective songs. Check out the single 'Walk On.'
© Getty Images
26 / 31 Fotos
'Country Life' by Roxy Music
- The art rockers' fourth studio album is as sophisticated and cool as it gets. Highlights include 'All I Want Is You,' and 'The Thrill of It All.'
© Getty Images
27 / 31 Fotos
'The Heart of Saturday Night' by Tom Waits
- Tom Waits' second album mixes elements of
folk, blues, and jazz, in a poetic cocktail that deserves to be listened to.
© Getty Images
28 / 31 Fotos
'Pretzel Logic' by Steely Dan
- The third album by Donald Fagan and Walter Becker's band cemented the group's position in the charts, with 'Rikki, Don't Lose That Number,' getting a lot or airplay.
© Getty Images
29 / 31 Fotos
'Marvin Gaye Live!' by Marvin Gaye
- Recorded at the Oakland Coliseum, this live album captures what Marvin Gaye was all about. Check out his song 'Distant Lover.' Sources: (Grunge) (Udiscovermusic) (Albumoftheyear) See also: The greatest live albums of all time
© Getty Images
30 / 31 Fotos
Iconic albums turning 50 In 2024
These 1974 classics are still worth a listen!
© Getty Images
In 2024, a number of classic albums are celebrating their 50th anniversary. Half a century may seem like a long time, but these albums sound as good as they did when they were first released back in 1974. If you're looking to dig up some music gems, then you're in for a treat.
Some of the albums in this gallery are among the best released by these artists. Ready for a trip back to 1974? Click on!
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