Hello and welcome to the Rock n Coasters podcast, I am one of your hosts, Michele Forto. To kick off the new year we are starting something new every week. We are going to talk about the top hard rock album of the year and share some cool facts from back in time. Sit back kids, this is going to be a wild ride.
Up first is 1970. Two years before I was born. It is an interesting time in history and music. Did you know, The Beatles disbanded, price of a movie ticket was a $1.55, and four students at Kent State University in Ohio, USA were killed and nine wounded by Ohio National Guardsmen, at a protest against the incursion into Cambodia.
Quotes:
“It’s not easy being green”
– Kermit the Frog
“It’s the real thing”
– Coca-Cola
Now, let’s get to the music.
Rock ‘n’ roll is a wide ranging term that has seen many different evolutions over the years, but by the time 1970 came around you could start to see acts that weren’t just content with the catchy ditties that populated radio in the ’50s and early ’60s. A harder sound had emerged and its there we find our focus for this list, recounting the Best Hard Rock Album of Each Year Since 1970.
Even these hard rock sounds branched off in different directions, from the guitar-centric rock of the early ’70s into the evolution of the punk movement. By the time the ’80s came around, we saw metal spin off of a more radio ready version of rock. At the end of the era, you began to see things branch out even further with industrial rock also making its presence felt. The ’90s saw a grittier version of hard rock labeled grunge dominating the early part of the era, while elements of more beat-driven music yielded the nu metal era of the late ’90s and early 2000s.
1970: Led Zeppelin, ‘III’
Led Zeppelin continued to evolve their sound on their self-titled third album. 1970’s ‘Led Zeppelin III’ found the band exploring their influences even further. The driving “Immigrant Song” was the primary single off the album, while the bluesier “Since I’ve Been Loving You” and “Gallows Pole” saw the band going in a more stripped-back direction. “Friends” had a more eastern influence and “Tangerine,” “That’s the Way” and “Bron-Y-Aur-Stomp” delved into a more acoustic feel. The boundary pushing paid off in the long run, leading to more eclectic works to follow. ‘Led Zeppelin III’ topped the charts and went on to be certified six times platinum.
So, guys, what do you think? Do you think you will like this series? Please let us know in the comments and on our social channels, just search Rock n Coasters podcast. Also, do us a favor and hit that subscribe button. One more think watch you podcast feed on Thursday as we will do the same format for the top metal albums too.
I am your host, Michele Forto, see you next time.
