30 Influential Musicians With Albums Turning 50 This Year

Many great artists produced their best work in 1974, quite a memorable year for music. The year produced a diverse range of records from artists of all genres, but one thing unites each release: they have influenced other musicians, while each is brilliant in its own right.

Fifty years on, which albums continue to inspire and influence others? Which works continue to enjoy airtime while occupying a treasured space in your record collection? We scoured the annals of music history to share these 30 influential albums turning 50 this year.

The Eagles: On the Border

1974 was a transitional year for The Eagles as they released their third studio album. On the Border was the first to feature new guitarist Don Felder, as the group aimed to shed their country roots and aim for a more mainstream, rocky style.

Felder and other group members would later fall out, and his stay was brief. 1974 is, however, an interesting period for The Eagles and one that fans often overlook.

It was the most successful of their three albums then, but On the Border lacks the charm and quality of its predecessor, Desperado. The Eagles returned to form a year later with One of These Nights, while On the Border is largely forgotten.

Queen: Sheer Heart Attack

It was a busy year for Queen, who released two albums in 1974. Sheer Heart Attack arrived in November, providing a significant breakthrough for the band, as “Killer Queen” reached number two in the UK charts. It was Queen’s biggest hit at that point, and it helped the group move from the fringes of rock into mainstream music.

The album also made an impression in the US while hitting top ten status around Europe. Along with the singles, “Brighton Rock,” with its lengthy guitar solo, is a standout track.

Queen was on the brink of stardom, as 1975 gave us the brilliant number one “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Looking back, it’s fascinating to hear this earlier release and listen to how their sound was about to hit the mainstream.

David Bowie: Diamond Dogs

Having moved on from his Ziggy Stardust period, 1974 was a transitional year for David Bowie. He had to “break up the band,” meaning Bowie played lead guitar on Diamond Dogs instead of Mick Ronson.

The album embraces glam rock for one last time, and the title track, plus “Rebel Rebel,” are among the most memorable songs in a forgettable genre. Diamond Dogs came out to mixed reviews, but it’s an exciting production with some underrated tracks.

Each of these 1974 albums has the benefit of hindsight, and we can see how an artist’s career is developing. In the case of David Bowie, the progress is incredibly fascinating as he looks to shed the “Ziggy Stardust” image and be taken more seriously as his own man.

Abba: Waterloo

Swedish pop band Abba made an early impression around Europe by winning the 1974 edition of the Eurovision Song Contest. Waterloo was their second album, including their breakthrough single of the same name.

The release flopped in the US, and it would be some time before the group broke in America, but it’s become popular in hindsight. Waterloo is the album that took Abba from Sweden to the brink of global stardom.

While the title track will always attract the most attention, Waterloo has some underrated tracks. Check out “King Kong Song,” and the band’s earlier single “Honey Honey.”

Rush: Rush

Neil Peart had not joined Canadian rockers Rush when the band released its debut album in 1974. In addition to his duties as a drummer, Peart became the primary lyricist and helped shape the group’s sound and style.

It means that 1974’s Rush is a curiosity, with John Rutsey behind the kit and Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson writing all the songs. You’ll need this to complete your Rush collection, but later releases offer a better introduction to the band.

While many see Rush as a curiosity, there are some memorable moments, including the single “In the Mood” which just scraped into the US Billboard Hot 100.

Bob Dylan: Planet Waves

Bob Dylan was active throughout the 1970s. A year before his classic 1975 release Blood on the Tracks, he produced another number-one hit album. Planet Waves debuted in 1974, reaching the top of the charts in the United States and Canada.

Dylan is supported by members of The Band, and due to the later success of Blood on the Tracks, Planet Waves has become a lost classic. “Forever Young” and “Going Going Gone” are arguably the most memorable tracks from the album.

In contrast, “Dirge” is an odd track. It’s appropriately named, as it’s tough to listen to, but when you’re Bob Dylan you can include the occasional duff track.

Elvis Presley: Good Times

The record-buying public looked elsewhere for their good times in 1974. Elvis Presley’s career declined in the mid-1970s, and this album flopped, hitting a low number of 90 on the US charts.

Looking back, with Elvis three years away from his death, Good Times is a sad album, packed with covers such as “Spanish Eyes” and “Loving Arms” that aren’t worthy of the king of rock and roll.

Good Times also holds the unenviable record of being the first Elvis release to hit the cut-price bins during a forgettable period in his career.

Kraftwerk: Autobahn

German electronic geniuses Kraftwerk released their first album in 1970, but Autobahn is considered their breakthrough. It saw them transform from experimental musicians into masters of their craft while fully embracing synthesizers and drum machines.

Kraftwerk was fully electronic, and Autobahn is the album that influenced many future artists. Look out for the stunning title track that occupies Side One and a selection of other classics on the reverse.

If you want to understand why Joy Division and Depeche Mode cite Kraftwerk as influences, give Autobahn a spin.

Deep Purple: Burn

It was a transitional year for Deep Purple, which entered 1974 with a new lineup. Burn was the first album to feature new vocalist David Coverdale, while bassist Glenn Hughes also made his recording debut.

Dedicated Purple fans were unsure about the fresh faces, and Burn is a forgotten release despite making the Top Ten on both sides of the Atlantic.

It was a shaky start for the new Deep Purple, but Burn has some memorable moments. The title track was a minor hit in the US, and it contains a guitar riff that many feel to be the band’s best.

Joni Mitchell: Court and Spark

It needed six albums before Joni Mitchell landed the commercial success she deserved. Court and Spark reached number two on the Billboard Charts and made an impression overseas.

The production includes the hit single “Help Me” and some notable, underrated tracks. While it was a commercial hit, Joni Mitchell didn’t stray too far from her folk roots.

Court and Spark was groundbreaking, proving that folk artists could break into the mainstream without “selling out.” The genre was on the fringes of music before this release hit the charts.

Dolly Parton: Jolene

The year also saw Dolly Parton enjoy a breakthrough. From the fringes of the country music scene, the title track from this 1974 album became a global hit, earning top-ten status.

Jolene also features Dolly’s original version of “I Will Always Love You,” it remains the essential album for anyone wanting to discover her music for the first time.

Dolly fans will have mixed feelings about the 1992 film The Bodyguard. Whitney Houston’s cover of “I Will Always Love You” helped millions to discover the 1974 original, but it led to much debate over which version was the best.

Rod Stewart: Smiler

Rod Stewart’s contribution to music in 1974 is curious. Smiler contains 12 tracks, and Stewart was involved in the songwriting of just two. The rest are cover versions of original tunes by Chuck Berry, Elton John, Carole King, Paul McCartney, and others.

While Stewart possesses a versatile voice, it’s puzzling that so few of his original works are on here. He’s a better artist than this album suggests, and 1975 would prove this.

Rod would enjoy a global smash with Atlantic Crossing a year later, and Smiler sounds like an odd placeholder.

Kiss: Kiss

On first impressions, there needed to be more to recommend Kiss based on their 1974 debut album. The makeup offered a striking image, but their self-titled release was a flop, peaking at number 87 in the US charts.

Nostalgia can affect our judgment, but this is a stunning release, and Kiss contains fan favorites, including “Strutter,” “Nothin’ to Lose,” and “Deuce.”

Of the three singles, many feel that “Strutter” was the best, but incredibly it failed to chart.

Sparks: Kimono My House

The Mael brothers, Ron and Russell, had little success in the music industry by 1974. Sparks formed in 1971, and their first two albums failed to chart. 1974’s Kimono My House was their breakthrough, driven by their global hit “This Town Ain’t Big Enough for Both of Us.”

Sparks fans are grateful for the success of this album. It had been a long journey for the musical siblings, and more flops could have seen the end of this iconic group. Instead, Sparks has been prolific, and the band released their 25th studio album in 2023.

While success in the US remained elusive, this album led to decades of great songs, and thankfully, Sparks is still recording today.

Barry White: Can’t Get Enough

Barry White’s rich voice was on a roll in 1974. Can’t Get Enough was his third consecutive album to reach number-one status, and he became the first artist to top the Billboard 200 with his first three releases.

This production is a favorite among fans, as it features many of his best-loved songs, including “You’re the First, My Last, My Everything,” and “Can’t Get Enough of Your Love Babe.”

White’s suggestive lyrics were part of his appeal, and they are evident in this album. Can’t Get Enough may have been his third consecutive hit, but it was a breakthrough for UK fans.

John Lennon: Walls and Bridges

Former Beatle John Lennon’s career and personal life dipped during the Walls and Bridges recording. He had separated from Yoko Ono, and his previous two albums were chart flops, but this marked a return to form.

“Whatever Gets You thru the Night” is the most memorable track, but there are many highlights, including a cover of Lee Dorsey’s “Ya Ya.”

The release of “Ya Ya” is especially poignant as it features his 11-year-old son Julian with a contribution on the snare drum.

Linda Ronstadt: Heart Like a Wheel

Heart Like a Wheel was her fifth album, providing an overdue breakthrough for Linda Ronstadt. It was her first release to reach number one in the US, while the lead single, “You’re No Good,” also topped the charts. Ironically, the album features many cover versions.

Ronstadt was contractually obligated to release Heart Like a Wheel via Capitol. It was her last release for the label, and the album hit double platinum.

“When Will I Be Loved,” and the cover of the Buddy Holly song, “It Doesn’t Matter Anymore” were also major hits, as Linda Ronstadt packed so much into half an hour of genius.

Bad Company: Bad Company

The year saw many notable debut albums, including this one from the supergroup Bad Company.

Members hailed from the great bands King Crimson, Mott the Hoople, and Free. Supergroups don’t always work as egos get in this way, and it’s often tough to establish who is the leader.

This collaboration, however, worked perfectly. Bad Company, album was a smash, reaching platinum status five times over.

Genesis: The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway

Later Genesis releases are more accessible, but 1974 saw the band in the middle of their impenetrable prog heyday. They divided opinion: You either loved or hated them, and there was no middle ground.

The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway is a mighty work lasting over 94 minutes. Fifty years later, many Genesis fans feel this is their best production.

Highlights of this album include “The Carpet Crawlers,” a complex song that was as close to commercialism as early Genesis could manage.

Stevie Wonder: Fulfillingness’ First Finale

It’s a complicated title, but that didn’t put buyers off. Fulfillingness’ First Finale hints at a possible retirement. Stevie Wonder had been releasing albums since 1962, so was he about to take a break? Thankfully, the artist has since produced an enormous body of work, but this is considered one of his classic albums.

The album also features a duet with Minnie Riperton, and that’s not the last time you’ll hear her name on this list.

Fulfillingness’ First Finale was one of the biggest sellers of 1974, while its two singles, “You Haven’t Done Nothin” and “Boogie on Reggae Woman,” hit number one in the Billboard Hot Soul chart.

T. Rex: Light of Love

I was shocked to discover recently that the great T. Rex made no impression in America. More than forty years after the sad passing of singer Marc Bolan, I’m on a mission to put that right. T. Rex is one of the few “glam rock” bands worth listening to, with Bolan’s intelligent lyrics masking unforgettable tunes.

I’d recommend earlier T. Rex albums if you want to find out why they were such an essential band in the UK.

Light of Love came out in 1974, and its most memorable tunes are the title track and the single “Teenage Dream.” It’s not their finest hour, but Light of Love is a good starting point for getting into this marvelous band.

Brian Eno: Here Come the Warm Jets

Following his departure from Roxy Music, Brian Eno released his first solo album in 1974. Here Come the Warm Jets made a little impression on the global charts, but it’s a brilliant work that has led to many more solo productions and collaborations.

Eno was unkindly accused of producing background music, the kind you’d hear in lifts and airports, but there is much more substance behind his solo work.

If you have yet to hear it and are into electronic and ambient music, please take a few minutes to listen to the title track. Hopefully, you’ll be hooked on a world of wonderful weirdness.

Blue Oyster Cult: Secret Treaties

The year produced another lost classic in the shape of Blue Oyster Cult’s third studio album. Secret Treaties was a minor hit at its release, and while it hit gold status, it wasn’t commercially appreciated.

It’s a curious album with a wide mix of influences. Future punk poet Patti Smith is among the different lyricists involved with Secret Treaties.

Fifty years later, the benefit of hindsight shows the band at its creative best. Secret Treaties achieves overdue accolades, and it’s a must for anyone who has yet to discover the band.

Rolling Stones: It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll

1974 was pivotal for the Rolling Stones. It’s Only Rock ‘n Roll was the last album featuring guitarist Mick Taylor, and it reached number one on the US Billboard Charts in November. Interestingly, Ronnie Wood made some contributions and would shortly replace Taylor in the band.

It was a transitional period for the band, and much of Taylor’s best work appears. It is, however, possible to track Wood’s input and see where the Stones would be heading in the future.

The release is notable for its title track and includes a rocking cover of the Temptations’ “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg.”

Bill Wyman: Monkey Grip

It was a busy year for the Rolling Stones’ Bill Wyman. Along with his work on It’s Only Rock and Roll, the bassist released his debut album in 1974.

Monkey Grip is a curiosity among many top releases, but it’s a fascinating production. The fact that Wyman sings lead on every track may hint at his frustration with his limited vocal duties in his main band.

He’s a quirky artist who would later enjoy a hit single with 1981’s “Si Si, Je Suis un Rock Star.” Bill Wyman was the quiet one in the Rolling Stones, but Monkey Grip shows that his solo work deserved to be heard.

The Jackson 5: Dancing Machine

Tensions between the brothers were building around when Dancing Machine came out in 1974. Michael was looking in new directions, but the Jackson 5 produced yet another standard disco record for now.

The songs on the album are less well-known than many of the group’s releases, and it’s not their best production. Dancing Machine reached number 16 on the Billboard charts, representing a relative flop.

The Jackson 5 timeline also starts to take shape from this point. Solo careers beckoned, and Michael would soon become one of the best-selling artists of all time.

Hawkwind: Hall of the Mountain Grill

The underrated musical genre known as “Space Rock” enjoyed one of its most significant releases in 1974. Hawkwind released Hall of the Mountain Grill after briefly enjoying chart success with the single “Silver Machine.”

Hall of the Mountain Grill is essential for the band and Space Rock movement, as it marks a departure from that commercial period. The departure of the vocalist Robert Calvert took the band in a new direction, and this album is a fascinating next step on the Hawkwind journey.

This album lacks any hit singles, but it shows the band at its indulgent best. Highlights of the album include “Lost Johnny” and “D-Rider.”

Minnie Riperton: Perfect Angel

Minnie Riperton’s career was sadly cut short, and she left a small but beautiful back catalog. 1974’s Perfect Angel was her most commercially successful album, and it contained the single Lovin’ You, which would become a global number one.

Once a protege of Steve Wonder, Riperton contributed to her mentor’s 1974 release, but Perfect Angel finally proved she could make it alone.

It was a remarkable turnaround for the singer, who had entered a hiatus following the failure of her 1970 debut album, Come to My Garden.

New York Dolls: Too Much Too Soon

There’s an irony in this album’s title. The New York Dolls’ debut album, released a year earlier, was a sensation. The proto-punk heroes caused a stir with memorable songs, including “Jet Boy” and “Personality Crisis.” 1974’s follow-up, Too Much Too Soon, proved that the band suffered from second album syndrome.

The album includes covers and demos of old Dolls’ songs, suggesting their rise to the top was “too much too soon.”

The New York Dolls were infamously put down by UK music journalist Bob Harris, who called them “mock rock.” Sadly, their 1974 album suggests Harris was right.

Elton John: Greatest Hits

There are so many great albums on this list, and it seems wrong to end with a compilation. 1974 ended, however, with Elton John’s Greatest Hits being number one on the Billboard charts, so it’s a good one to conclude with. It’s also the perfect purchase for fans, and it’s easy to see why it was so popular.

1974 seems early for Elton John to release a greatest hits album, considering he would continue producing hit songs for decades. However, he already possessed an impressive back catalog at that point in his career.

Greatest Hits includes all the essential Elton tracks up to that point, such as “Your Song,” “Crocodile Rock,” and “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.”