20 albums from 50 years ago that still matter

By the mid-1960s, the album culture began gaining significant momentum. It was challenging to foresee how far and how long it would grow, but around ten years later, it had fully matured and was generating a powerful wave of releases that continue to influence us today.

1975 served as a pivotal year of transformation across various genres of rock and pop music. Artists broadened their subject matters during this time while simultaneously introducing innovative elements that would indelibly impact the music industry. The popularity of arena rock and disco was escalating, yet it was also in 1975 that punk rock as we recognize it today came into existence.

Choosing any one of the 20 albums listed below, some of which are widely recognized (a few may even seem overly familiar), will undoubtedly reveal their significant influence on the evolution and progression of rock music.

These 20 albums still very much matter

Bob Dylan – Blood on the Tracks

In his distinguished career, the Nobel laureate created several highly personal and private albums, but this one may be the cream of the crop. Undoubtedly, it stands among the best in his extensive and meandering journey, with every song hitting the bullseye without a miss.

Patti Smith – Horses

Kick-starting your musical journey with an exceptionally powerful first release, arguably one of the most impressive debut albums, is already quite an accomplishment. However, raising benchmarks for punk, post-punk, and various other genres is a remarkable achievement that only a select few artists have managed to do.

Pink Floyd – Wish You Were Here

Here, Pink Floyd had perfected their unique sound, skillfully blending their psychedelic roots with the advancements of progressive rock, while still staying connected to other contemporary rock and pop trends.

Bob Dylan & The Band – The Basement Tapes

This music you hear was actually recorded many years prior to its release on this album. However, it showcases some of the finest compositions penned by Bob Dylan and The Band, either individually or collaboratively. These tracks had been circulating unofficially as bootleg albums for quite a while before they were officially released here. Additionally, they served as inspiration for many excellent cover versions of Dylan’s songs.

Neil Young – Tonight’s The Night

Expressing sorrow through melancholic tunes can serve as a therapeutic outlet or bring about feelings of sadness. Fortunately for Youn and his audience, it leans more towards the former, potentially ranking among the top-tier sad albums available today.

Bruce Springsteen – Born to Run

Should a movie-worthy, rock album ever exist, this would be it. With his knack for profound lyrics and expansive rock anthems, Springsteen undeniably cements his place among rock’s greats in this album.

Steely Dan – Katy Lied

A number of reviewers didn’t find this album particularly appealing, yet it turned out to contain some of Fagen and Becker’s most potent work. As time went on, they were essentially transforming into the band, signifying a gradual move towards a style that was more jazz-influenced.

Harmonia – Deluxe

Many other Krautrock groups played a significant role in shaping the foundations of ambient music. However, this unique blend of top electronic music pioneers stands out as one of the most influential milestones that significantly contributed to the development of ambient music as we recognize it today.

Neu! – Neu! ’75

One more example of a defining piece in the Krautrock genre, featuring yet another artist associated with Harmonia (the guitarist Michael Rother). This track served as an introduction, in every aspect of the term, to what later became known as the “motorik” style, which is currently trending among artists exploring Krautrock.

Paul Simon – Still Crazy After All These Years

It’s no surprise that Simon delved into different global music tones following this album, given its peak in his songwriting journey, which undeniably showcases the essence of a genuine singer-songwriter. In numerous aspects, it symbolizes the crest of the singer-songwriter wave during that period.

Joni Mitchell – The Hissing of Summer Lawns

Mitchell shifted from traditional singer-songwriter tunes towards more daring territories in several albums preceding this one, yet this could very well be the most impressive album of her later career. In this release, she subtly incorporates elements of her acoustic roots as a foundation for something more daring and innovative.

Neil Young & Crazy Horse – Zuma

In a contrast to Tonight’s The Night which showcased Young’s acoustic prowess, this performance with Crazy Horse, his long-time partners, highlights the electrifying energy he brings when performing electric guitar, featuring “Cortez The Killer,” undoubtedly one of his most iconic ‘electric’ songs throughout his career.

Led Zeppelin – Physical Graffiti

How can you succinctly recap your past achievements while introducing fresh content on a dual album, venturing into uncharted sonic realms? Led Zeppelin demonstrates this masterfully, as evidenced by tracks such as the extraordinary “Kashmir.

Roxy Music – Siren

Here, Bryan Ferry and his band announced to everyone that the era of glam rock had ended and that smooth sounds were now in fashion. However, they managed to maintain their exceptional songwriting and performance skills, resulting in a sound that significantly influenced the following decade.

Slapp Happy & Henry Cow – Desperate Straights

In simpler terms, art rock could be described as a fusion of three unusual pop musicians, a vocalist from cabaret, and an avant-garde progressive rock group. Although it hasn’t gained significant popularity among a broader audience, it has received well-deserved praise from critics.

10cc – The Original Soundtrack

Previously having released two exceptional albums under a different record label, this talented group of songwriters and musicians switched labels and produced yet another collection of outstanding tunes – their final collaborative effort as the original quartet.

David Bowie – Young Americans

Bowie once more alters both his music style and visual persona, crafting a fresh take on rock and funk that’s representative of its era, resulting in yet another timeless masterpiece.

Queen – A Night at the Opera

Without a doubt, it has been extensively played, and yet it remains extraordinary. This masterpiece showcases the exceptional studio craftsmanship that solidified Queen’s status as icons in rock music history.

Tom Waits – Nighthawks at the Diner

In the early 1970s, Springsteen and Waits were often compared to Dylan due to their emergence. However, as they advanced in their careers, it became evident that they were unique, exceptional artists in their own right. This album is undeniably one of Waits’ standout works from his initial creative period, a phase some refer to as the “beat poet” era.

Electric Light Orchestra – Face the Music

Here, Jeff Lynne elevates his knack for blending late ’50s rock with baroque pop even further, as some remark, transforming it not just from a chamber orchestra but into a grand symphony.

2025-03-12 13:31