Fifty years later, 1972 changed the game for music
The phrase “milestone year” in music is probably used too often and too casually.
Of the thousands of albums released each year, a few could be described as game changers.
The number of these published in a given year determines whether it is a historic year or not. Those that immediately come to mind are 1968, 1971, 1981 and of course 1972 – 50 years ago.
I have selected what I consider to be the best albums of 1972. You may or may not agree with my choices, but the debate will be fun as will discovering or rediscovering these precious musical gems.
The late 60s and early 70s saw Aretha reach her creative peak and release her most iconic records.
It is in my opinion the choice of the group.
Featuring originals such as “Rock Steady” and “All The Kings Horses” alongside covers such as Elton John’s “Border Song” and the title track originally written by Nina Simone for the Harlem Cultural Festival in 1969.
She is joined by an impressive roster of players which includes Billy Preston and Donny Hathaway.
His sisters Irma and Carolyn are also joined by The Sweet Inspirations on backing vocals.
A vinyl copy of this is rarer than Hen’s Teeth.
Like many artists in the early 70s, Stevie began to take more control over his own music and move away from the Motown sound that once defined him.
He recruited electronic wizards Malcolm Cecil and Robert Margouleff, and what followed was a series of five jaw-dropping albums beginning with this one and culminating with in 1974.
This, the best of the bunch, is a very organic record where all the tracks flow together like a musical thread, so turn off the shuffle button.
It’s also the one with the least recognizable tracks, which is why it’s often overlooked.
The perfect soundtrack for lazy summer afternoons in the garden.
The America of the early 70s, the civil rights movement had died down and the optimism of the 60s was all but gone.
The voices of protest that once rang out from the ghettos have been drowned out by cheap heroin. This provided the backdrop for Curtis Mayfield’s third and arguably best album.
Between vocal and instrumental tracks, he candidly describes the harsh realities of life in black America.
Featuring many of his signature tracks such as Pusherman and Freddie’s Dead, this is one of two soundtracks he recorded over the decade.
The movie itself is also a great watch.
Between 1968 and 1973, the Rolling Stones released these 5 classic albums, the Holy Grail that will define them forever.
This is the fourth, a double album recorded in the south of France amid lawsuits against managers, tax exile, run-ins with the law and the lawless, and growing addiction to Keith Richards. to heroin.
Mick Jagger left and got married in the middle of the recording sessions. The Stones, however, seem to function best in total chaos, and they ended up making one of the best records of the decade.
To top it off, they were kicked out of the country at the end of the taping, with the subtle suggestion that they will never return.
The Excellent Robert Greenfield offers a brilliant and entertaining insight into the madness.
