The 100 greatest songs of 1971 #1 “When the Levee Breaks” Led Zeppelin (1 Viewer)

[timschochet]

65. The Temptations “Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)” (from Sky’s the Limit) 

https://youtu.be/M5Z9-QCmZyw

Written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong, “Just My Imagination” represented the end of an era as Eddie Kendrick left the group shortly after the recording. And it’s a throwback to the best of 60s Motown, with its sweet falsettos. So much of the best music of 1971 was a forerunner of what was to come, this song was instead a kind of heartfelt goodbye to an earlier, simpler era. They don’t make tunes like this anymore. 

 

[timschochet]

64. The Rolling Stones “Sway” (from Sticky Fingers) 

https://youtu.be/hZ8Bc6jz-W8

So let’s talk about the great Mick Taylor: I am not arguing that he was a better songwriter or guitarist than Keith Richards, but I am saying that when he collaborated with Richards and the rest of the band on songwriting and guitar, as he does here, that was The Rolling Stones at their best. And, with all apologies to the Beatles and Led Zeppelin and The Who and Rush and whomever else you want to name, there has never been a rock band better than the Stones at their best. Sadly, Mick didn’t hang around very long and this song is one of the reasons: the other Mick and Keith refused to give him songwriting credit. 

I would be amiss not to mention that “Sway” also features some of Charlie Watt’s best drumming ever, and also the great Nicky Hopkins on keyboard. 

 

[Dr. Octopus]

64. The Rolling Stones “Sway” (from Sticky Fingers) 

https://youtu.be/hZ8Bc6jz-W8

So let’s talk about the great Mick Taylor: I am not arguing that he was a better songwriter or guitarist than Keith Richards, but I am saying that when he collaborated with Richards and the rest of the band on songwriting and guitar, as he does here, that was The Rolling Stones at their best. And, with all apologies to the Beatles and Led Zeppelin and The Who and Rush and whomever else you want to name, there has never been a rock band better than the Stones at their best. Sadly, Mick didn’t hang around very long and this song is one of the reasons: the other Mick and Keith refused to give him songwriting credit. 

I would be amiss not to mention that “Sway” also features some of Charlie Watt’s best drumming ever, and also the great Nicky Hopkins on keyboard. 

One of the best songs no one really knows - unless they are Stones fans or album purists.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

64. The Rolling Stones “Sway” (from Sticky Fingers) 

https://youtu.be/hZ8Bc6jz-W8

So let’s talk about the great Mick Taylor: I am not arguing that he was a better songwriter or guitarist than Keith Richards, but I am saying that when he collaborated with Richards and the rest of the band on songwriting and guitar, as he does here, that was The Rolling Stones at their best. And, with all apologies to the Beatles and Led Zeppelin and The Who and Rush and whomever else you want to name, there has never been a rock band better than the Stones at their best. Sadly, Mick didn’t hang around very long and this song is one of the reasons: the other Mick and Keith refused to give him songwriting credit. 

I would be amiss not to mention that “Sway” also features some of Charlie Watt’s best drumming ever, and also the great Nicky Hopkins on keyboard. 

Mick Taylor was by far the best guitarist the Stones ever had and I brought up his battles to get songwriting credit throughout my Stones Top 204 songs thread.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

64. The Rolling Stones “Sway” (from Sticky Fingers) 

https://youtu.be/hZ8Bc6jz-W8

So let’s talk about the great Mick Taylor: I am not arguing that he was a better songwriter or guitarist than Keith Richards, but I am saying that when he collaborated with Richards and the rest of the band on songwriting and guitar, as he does here, that was The Rolling Stones at their best. And, with all apologies to the Beatles and Led Zeppelin and The Who and Rush and whomever else you want to name, there has never been a rock band better than the Stones at their best. Sadly, Mick didn’t hang around very long and this song is one of the reasons: the other Mick and Keith refused to give him songwriting credit. 

I would be amiss not to mention that “Sway” also features some of Charlie Watt’s best drumming ever, and also the great Nicky Hopkins on keyboard. 

Mick really tears it up in this version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6dd3aNFcw80

 

[Bracie Smathers]

65. The Temptations “Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)” (from Sky’s the Limit) 

https://youtu.be/M5Z9-QCmZyw

Written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong, “Just My Imagination” represented the end of an era as Eddie Kendrick left the group shortly after the recording. And it’s a throwback to the best of 60s Motown, with its sweet falsettos. So much of the best music of 1971 was a forerunner of what was to come, this song was instead a kind of heartfelt goodbye to an earlier, simpler era. They don’t make tunes like this anymore. 

They don't make songs like this any longer and it definitely should have gone higher.  Their simply are not 64 better songs from 1971 or from the entire 70s decade.

 

[timschochet]

63. The Who “Getting In Tune” (from Who’s Next) 

Yet more sublime rock and roll from the mind of Peter Townshend. Yet another gorgeous melody, superbly performed. I’ve got it all here in my head; nothing more needs to be said.  

 

[Ghost Rider]

Getting in Tune is higher than The Song Is Over??

Where’s that jumping the shark emoticon? 

 

[Binky The Doormat]

This is one of the best things I’ve seen in awhile. James Taylor and family casually singing, “You Can Close Your Eyes,” originally released in 1971 on Mud Slide Slim and the Blue Horizon.

From Tonight Show

I had the Mud Slide Slim album when I was a kid (one of the 1st 3 album I ever bought) - great song and there are bunch of them like on there, big fan.  

Side one

"Love Has Brought Me Around" – 2:41

"You've Got a Friend" (Carole King) – 4:28

"Places in My Past" – 2:01

"Riding on a Railroad" – 2:41

"Soldiers" – 1:13

"Mud Slide Slim" – 5:20

Side two

"Hey Mister, That's Me up on the Jukebox" – 3:46

"You Can Close Your Eyes" – 2:31

"Machine Gun Kelly" (Danny Kortchmar) – 2:37

"Long Ago and Far Away" – 2:20

"Let Me Ride" – 2:42

"Highway Song" – 3:51

"Isn't It Nice to Be Home Again" – 0:55

 

[wikkidpissah]

This is one of the best things I’ve seen in awhile. James Taylor and family casually singing, “You Can Close Your Eyes,” originally released in 1971 on Mud Slide Slim and the Blue Horizon.

From Tonight Show

brings me back to the parties on Gay Head in the Vinyid, where JT and siblings Liv & Alex & Kate lived on the same slope and there always seemed to be a party (and some singing) goin on at one of em. i remember hearing from someone that Joni Mitchell liked harmonizing with the Taylors so much when she was with James that she'd write a song and then imagine the harmony a Taylor would make to it and make that the lead. i believe Court & Spark is the record that several of those are on.

 

[timschochet]

62. Joni Mitchell “California” (from Blue) 

Joni by herself here (as she is on several songs on this incredible album) with a lap guitar, singing about being in Spain on a red dirt road dreaming of my home state with that beautiful voice. 

 

[timschochet]

I should add that Joni’s song about California moved another artist to write a song in response, and that song will show up later on this list as well. 

 

[wikkidpissah]

I should add that Joni’s song about California moved another artist to write a song in response, and that song will show up later on this list as well. 

is he a Blue breaker?

 

[Ilov80s]

This whole thread could be renamed: Tim spotlights the #### out of the Desert Island Draft. 

 

[Uruk-Hai]

This whole thread could be renamed: Tim spotlights the #### out of the Desert Island Draft. 

Or it could be "Fully 1/4 of these songs come from 3 albums"

 

[Ilov80s]

Or it could be "Fully 1/4 of these songs come from 3 albums"

Maybe lol. I am not liking any posts in here though. I am not giving away any hints. 

 

[Uruk-Hai]

Maybe I'm wrong and, if so, I apologize in advance and will eat all the crow tim wants. But I can see the way this is trending. He's actually making an argument against his claim that '71 is the greatest year in music history since it's (this list) going to be dominated by just a couple of artists. 

 

[wikkidpissah]

*brushes salt off tail*

 

[Leroy Hoard]

Maybe I'm wrong and, if so, I apologize in advance and will eat all the crow tim wants. But I can see the way this is trending. He's actually making an argument against his claim that '71 is the greatest year in music history since it's (this list) going to be dominated by just a couple of artists. 

I'm sure he is due for another couple of one hit blunders.

 

[DocHolliday]

Maybe I'm wrong and, if so, I apologize in advance and will eat all the crow tim wants. But I can see the way this is trending. He's actually making an argument against his claim that '71 is the greatest year in music history since it's (this list) going to be dominated by just a couple of artists. 

It is real bad if you really dislike a couple of these “great” bands like the Stones and The Who.   I’m so glad I was just a toddler in 1971 and missed the heyday of the Stones and The Who.   There had to be some other interesting music being made.   

 

[timschochet]

Maybe I'm wrong and, if so, I apologize in advance and will eat all the crow tim wants. But I can see the way this is trending. He's actually making an argument against his claim that '71 is the greatest year in music history since it's (this list) going to be dominated by just a couple of artists. 

Let’s see what you think when the list is done. 

 

[timschochet]

61. John Lennon “Oh My Love” (from Imagine)

https://youtu.be/u3QZVdqUidw

One of Lennon’s prettier melodies, IMO. And poignant lyrics. 

 

[timschochet]

Maybe I'm wrong and, if so, I apologize in advance and will eat all the crow tim wants. But I can see the way this is trending. He's actually making an argument against his claim that '71 is the greatest year in music history since it's (this list) going to be dominated by just a couple of artists. 

So after you wrote this I took a count. There are 47 different artists on this 100 song list. It’s certainly true that albums like LZIV, Sticky Fingers, Who’s Next, Hunky Dory, and a few others I haven’t gotten to yet are going to feature several songs- those are alltime great albums and it’s impossible to leave out certain classics from them. I don’t think it takes away from my argument at all. 

 

[BobbyLayne]

Appreciate you doing this thread, tim. Enjoying it immensely.

 

[wikkidpissah]

So after you wrote this I took a count. There are 47 different artists on this 100 song list. It’s certainly true that albums like LZIV, Sticky Fingers, Who’s Next, Hunky Dory, and a few others I haven’t gotten to yet are going to feature several songs- those are alltime great albums and it’s impossible to leave out certain classics from them. I don’t think it takes away from my argument at all. 

yeah - once one takes out every frikkin song on Tapestry, the averages are even more different

 

[timschochet]

yeah - once one takes out every frikkin song on Tapestry

Tapestry? What is that? 

 

[wikkidpissah]

Tapestry? What is that? 

it's how men of olden times immortalized their battles and gave their wives curtains at the same time

 

[timschochet]

60. Faces “Sweet Lady Mary” (from Long Player)

https://youtu.be/BylhJ3qeSlE

At the same time that Rod Stewart was recording the best solo music of his life, he was also recording the best music he would ever be associated with as part of a band (with all apologies to the Jeff Beck Group.) And both of these albums would also represent the zenith of Ron Wood’s career. “Sweet Lady Mary is highly representative, with vocals by Rod and guitar by Ron which come close to perfection. 

 

[squistion]

Mein Gott. What a list. I am not even familiar with the last 5 songs. Obviously I know the artists, but to pick out obscure stuff like that makes it too idiosyncratic to be a greatest songs of 1971 list. Instead this is Tim's favorite songs of 1971 list. (I could make my own list of favorite songs, but it wouldn't merit being called the greatest songs of that year either). 

 

[timschochet]

Mein Gott. What a list. I am not even familiar with the last 5 songs. Obviously I know the artists, but to pick out obscure stuff like that makes it too idiosyncratic to be a greatest songs of 1971 list. Instead this is Tim's favorite songs of 1971 list. (I could make my own list of favorite songs, but it wouldn't merit being called the greatest songs of that year either). 

There are no obscure songs on this list. 

 

[timschochet]

59. Ten Years After “I’d Love to Change the World” (from A Space In Time)

https://youtu.be/BYRTK62pVWQ

Though a few of the lyrics are politically incorrect, the overall theme of this song might be more relevant than ever. But it’s the guitar work by Alvin Lee that makes it an all time classic. 

 

[Ghost Rider]

I'd Love to Change the World is a killer tune. Great melodies, stellar guitar work. An all-time classic.

 

[lardonastick]

Enjoying the list. Thanks TS

 

[wikkidpissah]

59. Ten Years After “I’d Love to Change the World” (from A Space In Time)

https://youtu.be/BYRTK62pVWQ

Though a few of the lyrics are politically incorrect, the overall theme of this song might be more relevant than ever. But it’s the guitar work by Alvin Lee that makes it an all time classic. 

as i've written about several times around here, 1971 was a year when i experienced music thru other people. i was a runaway, had no address and dug my tunes thru car radios, campus parties, commune crashes and other hitchhiking touchpoints. besides the famous synth loop of a '71 classic and long opening guitar riff of another, the leslie-strobing of Lee's voice in this is the sound i most remember coming from car radios that summer

 

[Bracie Smathers]

59. Ten Years After “I’d Love to Change the World” (from A Space In Time)

https://youtu.be/BYRTK62pVWQ

Though a few of the lyrics are politically incorrect, the overall theme of this song might be more relevant than ever. But it’s the guitar work by Alvin Lee that makes it an all time classic. 

as i've written about several times around here, 1971 was a year when i experienced music thru other people. i was a runaway, had no address and dug my tunes thru car radios, campus parties, commune crashes and other hitchhiking touchpoints. besides the famous synth loop of a '71 classic and long opening guitar riff of another, the leslie-strobing of Lee's voice in this is the sound i most remember coming from car radios that summer

I experienced this song through another person but nothing quite so tragic.

A made a mixed-tape for a girl in 1983.  She mentioned this song and I tracked it down and put it on the tape much to her delight.  I had heard it on radio in the 70s so it wasn't new to me but hearing it through her ears gave it new meaning. 

Its an amazing thing to experience something through someone else.  Gives things new life a new twist so Ten Years After 'I'd Love to Change the World' has a special place in my personal music history.

 

[squistion]

There are no obscure songs on this list. 

Sorry, but Sweet Lady Mary by Faces I hadn't heard before and is so obscure there is not even a separate Wiki entry for it (and it is just mentioned in passing on the Long Player LP Wiki as a "wistful ballad"). I doubt if you polled 70s music fans and asked them who did Sweet Lady Mary it would be a trivia question few could answer. 

 

[timschochet]

Sorry, but Sweet Lady Mary by Faces I hadn't heard before and is so obscure there is not even a separate Wiki entry for it (and it is just mentioned in passing on the Long Player LP Wiki as a "wistful ballad"). I doubt if you polled 70s music fans and asked them who did Sweet Lady Mary it would be a trivia question few could answer. 

There are 3 Faces’ Greatest Hits albums; “Sweet Lady Mary” appears on all of them. It’s part of 4 different Rod Stewart anthologies over the years. Itunes has it as part of their Essential Playlist for Faces. It’s not their most famous song but it’s not obscure either. Don’t know what to tell you. 

 

[wikkidpissah]

My late wife was named Mary so, by necessity, i've made note of virtually every Mary song in creation and i owned this album and STILL dont remember it

 

[Bracie Smathers]

Sorry, but Sweet Lady Mary by Faces I hadn't heard before and is so obscure there is not even a separate Wiki entry for it (and it is just mentioned in passing on the Long Player LP Wiki as a "wistful ballad"). I doubt if you polled 70s music fans and asked them who did Sweet Lady Mary it would be a trivia question few could answer. 

It is obscure and I had not heard it and it didn't see where it charted but I liked the tune, its mello and doesn't hit a sour note so I gave the post a like.  

I get how a list can be too personal but if it wasn't then it would just re-posting the Billboard top-100 without any creativity.

I think its a fantastic year and I've made a list but I'm not about to re-create anything.  I'll fill-in whatever gaps I see and will add AFTER the list is complete.  Gotta give props for the effort and its great to see different opinions. 

 

[squistion]

59. Ten Years After “I’d Love to Change the World” (from A Space In Time)

https://youtu.be/BYRTK62pVWQ

Though a few of the lyrics are politically incorrect, the overall theme of this song might be more relevant than ever. But it’s the guitar work by Alvin Lee that makes it an all time classic. 

Not politically correct? Oy Gevalt! These lyrics raised eyebrows in 1971 but are absolutely cringe worthy by 2020 standards:

Dykes and fairies, tell me where is sanity.

I imagine if Alvin Lee were still alive if there is anything in the world he would like to change it would be those lyrics. I am curious if he were asked about it in any interview as I don't recall the subject ever being broached (but then again, I don't think John Mellencamp has ever been asked about his quote from his Johnny Cougar days calling David Bowie "an orange-haired, no-talent limey ######").

 

[Leroy Hoard]

As someone who got a little tired of hearing the top few songs for each year on rock radio, I do like the occasional off the boards entry, even if I never heard it before. Just don't go too far off the rails.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

but then again, I don't think John Mellencamp has ever been asked about his quote from his Johnny Cougar days calling David Bowie "an orange-haired, no-talent limey ######").

Wow, that was not very nice of little Johnny Cougar.

 

[timschochet]

58. John Denver “Sunshine on My Shoulders” (from Poems, Prayers and Promises) 

https://youtu.be/diwuu_r6GJE

I find this song to be almost heartbreakingly beautiful. I know that some have always regarded it as schmaltzy, but I don’t care. The lyrics are fine but the melody is simply gorgeous. 

 

[squistion]

Wow, that was not very nice of little Johnny Cougar.

To give some context, Mellencamp was managed at the time by Tony DeFries who gave him the silly moniker "Cougar" and before that was best known as being Bowie's manager when he first achieved stardom.

In the interview Cougar commented on Defries' ability to make him a star: "Anyone who can get headlines for an orange-haired, no-talent limey ###### like David Bowie can do anything." (on the Mellencamp forum they delete the offensive anti-gay slur from the original interview).

http://forum.mellencamp.com/index.php?action=printpage;topic=1146.0

 

[DocHolliday]

Tim is back on track.  The last two picks are the 70s.  

 

[wikkidpissah]

sunshine on my shoulders gives me sunburn

sunshine in my eyes can make me blind

sunshine almost all the time causes cancer

sunshine is too bright when i am high

 

[Leroy Hoard]

sunshine on my shoulders gives me sunburn

sunshine in my eyes can make me blind

sunshine almost all the time causes cancer

sunshine is too bright when i am high

I hate to say it, but that's actually an improvement.

 

[Ghost Rider]

Who cares if some of these songs are a little obscure?  It's obvious that lists like this are meant to be the favorites of the poster (in the case, Tim), and not a definitive, objective list.

 

[wikkidpissah]

Who cares if some of these songs are a little obscure?  It's obvious that lists like this are meant to be the favorites of the poster (in the case, Tim), and not a definitive, objective list.

Put "my favorite" instead of "greatest" in the title and we'll leave you alone

No. 

 

[Binky The Doormat]

regarded it as schmaltzy

"regarded as schmaltzy"???

oy vey