3 Rock and Roll Debut Albums From 1969 That Set the Stage for the 1970s

There is certainly a cultural crossover between the 1960s and the 1970s, but while they have their similarities, they also have their differences when it comes to rock ‘n’ roll. The 1970s introduced the masses to a harder sound, a wider array of sub-genres, and ultimately furthered the progression of the genre away from the formulas and structures of the 1960s. To a certain degree, this shift started in 1969, and these three debut albums from that year helped set the stage for the next decade.

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‘Led Zeppelin I’ by Led Zeppelin

Led Zeppelin‘s self-titled debut album is a masterpiece. Hypothetically, if they quit right after the release of this album, there is a good chance they still would be considered one of the greatest bands of all time. When this album dropped, Zeppelin, in a way, said, “We have the vehicle to go to the future, y’all want to get in?” Needless to say, the masses got in.

Released in January 1969, this album broke them into the industry. Most bands and artists don’t do so after the first try, but these guys, with their prophetic sound, did. Following its release, the debut album went on to peak at No. 10 on the Billboard 200.

‘The Allman Brothers Band’ by The Allman Brothers Band

A large majority of people attribute the introduction of Southern rock to Lynyrd Skynyrd’s debut album. While that album was incredibly successful and further solidified the genre’s place on the national stage, The Allman Brothers Band‘s debut album predates Skynyrd’s by four years. Thus, these guys deserve a little more credit for laying down the 1970s southern rock blueprint.

ABB’s debut album had a very modest chart showing, as it only peaked at No. 188 on the Billboard 200. However, the contents of the album were earth-shattering and inspired bands such as Skynyrd, Phish, The Black Crowes, and many more. Some of the notable tracks on the album include “Whipping Post” and “Dreams”.

‘Empty Sky’ by Elton John

Elton John partially owned the pop-rock genre in the 1970s. Before he was the world’s favorite piano player, he released his debut album, Empty Sky, in 1969. It wasn’t released in the United States until 1975, but in the United Kingdom it was. However, it didn’t garner any notable success on the charts.

Even though John’s debut album didn’t perform incredibly well, its mere presence foreshadowed what was to come of his career and the careers of people like him. Without this album, a lane for the likes of Billy Joel, Queen, and Fleetwood Mac might not have existed.

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