What was going on in the world of music in July 1975? Well, perhaps the best way to tell is to go back and search out the albums that were released in that month. That will give you a sample of what artists at the time were trying to do.
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You’ll note that a few of the albums we’re highlighting here were quite aware of how they’d be received on dance floors of the time. In any case, these five 50-year-old albums still sound fresh and daring today.
‘Fleetwood Mac’ by Fleetwood Mac
The cover showed only Mick Fleetwood and John McVie, a nod to the band’s two stalwarts. But the real story behind this self-titled album was the addition of Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham. That, in addition to Christine McVie’s growing prowess as a songwriter, transformed the Mac into a commercial powerhouse. Buckingham is in full gallop on “Monday Morning” to start the proceedings. McVie casts that ethereal glow on songs like “Over My Head”. And Nicks makes the biggest impression with instant classics “Rhiannon” and “Landslide”.
‘The Dream Weaver’ by Gary Wright
Because of the massive success of the song “Dream Weaver”, many people categorized this as weightless soft rock without digging too much deeper. But Wright, a keyboardist by trade who also proved quite adept as a songwriter, insists on keeping things funky throughout the album. That synth bass works overtime on songs like “Love Is Alive” and “Can’t Find The Judge”. When he does ease off on the throttle a bit, the contrast is quite affecting. Wright often worked with George Harrison, and the mellower songs take listeners on a cosmic journey in much the same way as Harrison’s often did.
‘Rhinestone Cowboy’ by Glen Campbell
You could always count on Campbell to do a bang-up job as an interpreter, which meant that his albums carried a great consistency. Rhinestone Cowboy elevates a little higher than the bulk of his catalog because the material suits him so well. Playing the role of a modest chap who can’t quite reconcile his stardom was right in his wheelhouse. It’s a quasi-concept album, but individual songs like the beloved title track and “Country Boy (You Got Your Feet In L.A.)” can be enjoyed without any context. In the final moments, Campbell’s takes on Randy Newman’s “Marie” and Mann/Weill’s “We’re Over” hit hard and deep.
‘Fire On The Bayou’ by The Meters
These New Orleans legends reached their absolute peak during this era, both as a killer live act and as a prolific, effective recording outfit. You won’t find too many albums that put a smile on your face and wiggle in your step like the July 1975 release Fire On The Bayou. Each of the instrumentalists gets their time to shine at different points. But what stands out is the incredible chemistry between players. Standout songs include the relentless title track, the playful stroll “They’d All Ask For You”, and the thrilling workout “Middle Of The Road”. So authentic, you can call yourself an honorary New Orleans resident just by listening.
‘KC And The Sunshine Band’ by KC And The Sunshine Band
Their first album, Do It Good, made precious little impact on the music scene in 1974. Maybe that’s why KC And The Sunshine Band decided that their second album, released in July of 1975, should be the self-titled one. They knew that they were defining themselves all over again. And, boy, did they ever. On Side One alone, you get the classics “That’s The Way (I Like It)”, “Get Down Tonight” and “Boogie Shoes” back-to-back-to-back. The beats are all there, where you remember them. What might surprise you is just how sturdy the songwriting hooks are throughout the record.
Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
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