Skip to content
Classic Rock History: Landmark Albums: 

The self-titled "Foghat" album was the debut studio album by the British rock band Foghat, released July 1, 1972. The album was produced by Dave Edmunds and features a mix of blues, rock and boogie-woogie music.

The album includes some of Foghat's most popular songs, including "I Just Want to Make Love to You," a cover of the Muddy Waters classic, and "Trouble, Trouble," which was written by the band's lead singer, "Lonesome" Dave Peverett. Other standout tracks on the album include "Sarah Lee" and "A Hole to Hide In."

The album was well-received by critics and helped establish Foghat as a major force in the rock music scene of the 1970s. It also helped to launch the band's successful career, which spanned several decades and included hits such as "Slow Ride" and "Fool for the City."

"Foghat" is considered to be a classic album of the 1970s rock era and a must-listen for fans of blues-based rock music.

Foghat genealogy and discography
Explore Foghat music on Amazon...
Classic Rock History: Landmark Albums: 

The self-titled album "Bad Company" is the debut album by the English rock band Bad Company, released June 26, 1974. The album, produced by the band and engineered by Ron Nevison, features the band's signature blues-based hard rock sound. The album was recorded at Headley Grange with Ronnie Lane's Mobile Studio in November 1973, and was the first album released on Led Zeppelin's Swan Song Records label.

The album contains eight tracks, including the hit singles "Can't Get Enough" and "Movin' On." "Can't Get Enough" was a major hit, reaching number 5 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, and becoming one of the band's most popular and enduring songs.

Other standout tracks on the album include "Rock Steady," "Ready for Love," and "Bad Company," which have also become fan favorites over the years. The album's sound and production were widely praised by critics and fans alike, and it helped establish Bad Company as one of the leading hard rock bands of the 1970s.

The "Bad Company" album is a classic example of 1970s hard rock, with its bluesy guitar riffs, powerful vocals, and catchy hooks. It remains a landmark album in the band's career and in the history of rock music.

Bad Company genealogy and discography
Explore Bad Company music on Amazon...
Classic Rock History: Landmark Albums: 

"In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida" is the second studio album by the American rock band Iron Butterfly, released June 14 1968. The album is best known for its title track, a 17-minute long psychedelic rock classic that is considered one of the most iconic songs of the era.

The title track of the album, "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida," was originally intended to be called "In The Garden Of Eden," but lead singer Doug Ingle slurred the words during the recording, and the rest of the band liked the sound of it, so they decided to keep it. The song features a distinctive drum solo, a heavy guitar riff, and a psychedelic sound that was very popular at the time. It became a huge hit, reaching #30 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming a staple of classic rock radio.

The album also includes several other notable tracks, including "Most Anything You Want," which features a catchy guitar riff and an extended organ solo, and "My Mirage," which is a slower, more introspective song that showcases the band's ability to create a dreamy, hypnotic atmosphere.

Overall, "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida" is a landmark album of the psychedelic rock era, showcasing the experimental, boundary-pushing nature of the genre. It remains a beloved classic of rock music and a must-listen for fans of the era.

Iron Butterfly genealogy and discography
Explore Iron Butterfly music on Amazon...
Classic Rock History: Landmark Albums: 

"Every Picture Tells a Story" is a critically acclaimed album by British musician Rod Stewart, released May 28, 1971. The album is widely regarded as one of Stewart's best works and is considered a classic of the folk rock and soft rock genres.

The album features a mix of original compositions and covers, including the title track "Every Picture Tells a Story," "Maggie May," "Mandolin Wind," and "Reason to Believe." "Maggie May" became a massive hit and remains one of Stewart's most popular songs to this day.

The album showcases Stewart's versatile vocal range and his ability to effortlessly blend rock, folk, and blues elements. The music is characterized by acoustic guitars, mandolins, and other traditional instruments, giving it a rustic and organic feel.

"Every Picture Tells a Story" was produced by Stewart himself and features contributions from several notable musicians, including Ronnie Wood on guitar, Ian McLagan on piano, and Martin Quittenton on acoustic guitar.

The album was a commercial and critical success upon its release, reaching the top of the charts in the United States and the United Kingdom. It has since been included in several "best albums of all time" lists and is considered a landmark album in Stewart's career.

Rod Stewart genealogy and discography
Explore Rod Stewart music on Amazon...
Classic Rock History: Landmark Albums: 

"Demons and Wizards" is the fourth studio album by the British rock band Uriah Heep, released May 19, 1972. The album is considered to be one of the band's seminal works and a landmark release in the progressive rock genre.

The album features a mix of heavy rock, progressive rock, and hard rock, with intricate arrangements and elaborate vocal harmonies. The songs on the album showcase the band's musical virtuosity, with complex time signatures and instrumental passages.

The album includes some of the band's most iconic tracks, including "The Wizard," "Easy Livin'," and "Rainbow Demon." "The Wizard" is a classic rock anthem, featuring a memorable Hammond organ riff and a catchy chorus. "Easy Livin'" is a hard-hitting rocker with a driving beat and a powerful vocal performance by lead singer David Byron. "Rainbow Demon" is a slower, more introspective track with haunting vocals and a brooding atmosphere.

The album was produced by Gerry Bron, who had previously worked with bands such as Deep Purple and Manfred Mann's Earth Band. The album's cover art by Roger Dean, featuring a striking image of a wizard, has become iconic and is often cited as one of the greatest album covers of all time.

"Demons and Wizards" is a highly regarded album in the history of rock music, and is considered to be one of Uriah Heep's best works. It continues to be popular with fans of the band and of progressive rock in general.

Uriah Heep genealogy and discography
Explore Uriah Heep music on Amazon...
Classic Rock History: Landmark Albums: 

"Argus" is the third studio album by the British rock band Wishbone Ash, released April 28, 1972. It is considered one of their most influential and beloved albums, as well as a classic of the progressive rock genre.

The album features the twin lead guitar work that became a signature sound for the band, with Andy Powell and Ted Turner playing off each other in intricate and harmonious ways. The rhythm section of bassist Martin Turner and drummer Steve Upton provide a solid foundation for the guitar work, while also adding their own melodic touches.

The album is perhaps best known for its opening track, "Time Was," which features a memorable guitar riff and soaring vocals. Other highlights include the hard-rocking "Blowin' Free," the epic "The King Will Come," and the acoustic ballad "Throw Down the Sword."

"Argus" received critical acclaim upon its release and has since been hailed as a classic of the progressive rock genre. It has been cited as an influence by many other musicians, and has been praised for its intricate guitar work, melodic songwriting, and tight arrangements. It is a must-hear album for fans of classic rock and progressive rock.

Wishbone Ash genealogy and discography
Explore Wishbone Ash music on Amazon...
Classic Rock History: Landmark Albums: 

"Sticky Fingers" is the ninth studio album by the Rolling Stones, released in 1971. It's widely regarded as one of their greatest and most influential works, and it marked a departure from their earlier blues-inspired sound to a more rock-oriented style.

The album features some of the Stones' most well-known tracks, including "Brown Sugar," "Wild Horses," and "Can't You Hear Me Knocking." It also includes collaborations with other musicians, such as Ry Cooder and saxophonist Bobby Keys.

One of the distinctive features of "Sticky Fingers" is its iconic cover, designed by artist Andy Warhol, which features a close-up of a man's jeans with a real zipper that can be unzipped to reveal a pair of briefs.

The album was a critical and commercial success, reaching No. 1 on both the US and UK charts. It's been praised for its bluesy, raw energy and its incorporation of various genres such as country and soul, which helped pave the way for the Stones' future experimentation with different musical styles. Overall, "Sticky Fingers" remains a beloved and influential album in the Stones' extensive discography.

Rolling Stones genealogy and discography
Explore Rolling Stones music on Amazon...
Classic Rock History: Landmark Albums: 

"Bridge of Sighs" is a classic rock album by British guitarist Robin Trower, released April 20, 1974. It was his second album after leaving Procol Harum, and was a commercial breakthrough for Trower. It was certified Gold on September 10, 1974. The album features Robin Trower's signature guitar style, which is heavily influenced by the blues, and it's considered one of his best works.

The album includes some of Trower's most famous songs, including the title track "Bridge of Sighs," "Too Rolling Stoned," and "Day of the Eagle." The album also features the soulful vocals of bassist James Dewar, who was Trower's longtime collaborator.

"Bridge of Sighs" is often cited as one of the best rock albums of the 1970s and has been praised for its innovative guitar work, powerful vocals, and memorable songs. The album's production is also noteworthy, with its warm, organic sound that captures the energy and emotion of Trower's playing.

"Bridge of Sighs" is a must-listen for fans of classic rock and blues-based guitar music.

Trivia: There are two versions of the album cover. On some, the cover art by "Funky" Paul Olsen is rotated 180°. Early printings of the original album cover had the front image upside-down and were more greenish in color.

Robin Trower genealogy and discography
Explore Robin Trower music on Amazon...
Classic Rock History: Landmark Albums: 

"Toys in the Attic" is the third studio album by American rock band Aerosmith, released on April 8, 1975. It was produced by Jack Douglas and recorded at the Record Plant in New York City.

The album features some of Aerosmith's most iconic songs, including "Walk This Way," "Sweet Emotion," and the title track "Toys in the Attic." The album's sound is a mix of hard rock, blues rock, and heavy metal, showcasing the band's musical versatility and prowess.

"Toys in the Attic" was a commercial and critical success, reaching No. 11 on the Billboard 200 chart and eventually going 8x Platinum in the United States. It is considered one of the greatest rock albums of all time and has influenced countless musicians in the decades since its release.

In addition to its hit singles, other standout tracks on the album include "Uncle Salty," "Adam's Apple," and "No More No More." The album's artwork, featuring a creepy, doll-like figure, has also become iconic and synonymous with the band.

Trivia: The idea for the song "Walk This Way" was inspired by a line in the movie "Young Frankenstein".

Aerosmith genealogy and discography
Explore Aerosmith music on Amazon...
Classic Rock History: Landmark Albums: 

"Rio Grande Mud" is the second studio album by the American rock band ZZ Top. It was released April 4, 1972 by London Records.

The album features a mix of blues and hard rock, with the band's signature distorted guitar riffs and humorous lyrics. It includes notable tracks such as "Just Got Paid," "Francine," and "Bar-B-Q."

The album received generally positive reviews from critics and helped establish ZZ Top as a major rock band. It also reached number 104 on the Billboard 200 chart.

"Rio Grande Mud" is considered an important album in ZZ Top's early career and is still appreciated by fans of blues rock and hard rock music.

Trivia: The only single released from the album was "Francine", which peaked at number 69 on the Billboard Hot 100. The A-side was the album version, while the B-side featured the song with the vocals re-recorded in Spanish.

ZZ Top genealogy and discography
Explore ZZ Top music on Amazon...