Here’s a challenge for all lovers of 1970s rock music. It’s hypothetical and will make you think. What's your desert island pick of five rock albums from the 1970s to listen to while stranded? Ideally across different variations of rock music, to ring the changes on the island.
Let’s not get caught up in the details, though. Don't worry about formats or how they will play on a desert island. Just accept that you can have five albums as set out above, from any five types of rock music.
I’ve listed my selections below; it’s a personal choice from that era. This isn’t about saying these are the five best albums. Instead, it’s to make you think about your choice of five and particularly about why you'd select them.
5 1970s rock albums as a desert island pick
Live - Peter Frampton - Frampton Comes Alive
Peter Frampton’s live album gets my pick. I had to include a live album, especially from the 1970s. They bring out the concert atmosphere and are often crammed with great songs and hits.
I do love a two-disc set, an extra advantage if limited to just five albums. Frampton has plenty of energy on this double album. I reckon that would liven up the day, add the right level of rock, but with some mellow, laid-back tones here and there. The added logic here is that I could close my eyes and pretend I'm at the gig. Some time away from the island, in my mind at least.
Classic Rock - Pink Floyd - Wish You Were Here
There is some crossover between the different rock types for these five. This classic from Pink Floyd could fit a couple of rock labels. It was a close call between this and The Dark Side of the Moon.
The follow-up just edged it. Atmospheric, with beautiful songs; that intro to the title track gets me every time. There is plenty of variation in the sound, wistful at times, hard-hitting at others. It’s the sort of album that works well in the background as a soundtrack for the day. Or for just sitting and listening intently, absorbing all the music. Either works well as a castaway.
Prog Rock - Genesis - A Trick of the Tail
The moment when Phil Collins stepped up and took over vocals on the recording in place of Peter Gabriel. Collins adds his own style to the music, and makes for a great handover and a top album.
It’s very accessible prog rock, but still has that instrumentation and intricacy. There’s exquisite guitar and keyboards, delivering a trademark Genesis sound. The songs provide variety too. That's a must for a castaway reckon.
It’s a bit less prog rock, but I still highly appreciate the very lush sound of “Ripples”; it’s like waves of music just washing over you. Perfect for a beach with gentle surf waves in the background.
Punk - The Clash - London Calling
This album could be debatable for the timeline. But it’s factually correct and deserves to be in several counts. It was released in the UK in December 1979. That’s when I bought it. In the US, it was a January 1980 release, another decade later. It was part of my 1970s, and beyond, too.
An iconic album, cover, and title track all set the scene well. At first, people spoke of punk bands not being able to play well. No such aspersions for the Clash. It’s a superb flow of quality songs throughout. This album has so many genres featured on it too, and musically, all are on point. You want punk, post-punk, ska, maybe jazz; it’s all here.
There’s a fair amount of reggae too. When we think of a desert island, it’s usually Caribbean-style and sunshine, not craggy, windswept rocks in the rain. So the sounds on here are a perfect combination with that kind of island life.
Heavy Rock - Led Zeppelin - Physical Graffiti
For when you need that heavier sound, this album delivers in bucket loads. It is, though, balanced by softer sounds, folky in places, with acoustic tracks amongst the harder-hitting bluesy numbers. Is it their best album? Maybe many would reckon so; others less keen. It’s got plenty of content, though, with 15 tracks over the double album.
I reckon it’s perfect for this purpose. There are hooks and riffs, pure rock and roll, and some funk in there too. The classy and atmospheric “Kashmir” adds another direction too. Play it loud on the island; you won't annoy the neighbors!
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