Three legendary 1970s classic rock bands still making albums every fan should hear

It seems you just can't stop those 1970s classic rock bands from keep on rolling. It’s been around 50 years or so since many have released amazing songs and albums. So it’s a little surprising that new music keeps appearing from top bands of that era.

Obviously, a lot of the top 1970s rock bands have fallen by the wayside since then. Breakups were aplenty at the time. And of course, band members came and went, and died too. Some bands played on despite huge line-up changes; others called a halt.

So when it comes to a blast of new albums this summer from legendary 1970s classic rock bands, you have to look closely. This summer, there have been at least three great albums of new music released that fit the bill. And yes, it's new music, not anniversary records, compilations, or reissues of one sort or another.

Three new albums from 1970s classic rock bands you have got to hear

Yes - Aurora

Yes have just released their 24th studio album, Aurora. Does it pass the line-up test? Well, nearly. Enough to give us a decent hit of Yes-style songs and music. Yes did change their lineup pretty often over the years.

This one has no original members, but Steve Howe is included and has a strong Yes pedigree. Several others have been part of Yes for 10 years plus. They even have Roger Dean back for the cover artwork.

The second test is whether it's a good album or not. Obviously, that's a matter of personal taste. If you like intricate symphonic prog rock, backed by sweeping orchestration and clever keyboards, you could be in luck. Jon Davidson adds Yes-style vocals but with a subtle difference from Jon Anderson’s classic voice. It’s a good album and worth hearing; it keeps the Yes legacy going strong

Deep Purple – Splat!

This Deep Purple release came out earlier this month. It definitely passes a lineup test, with three members of Deep Purple -- Ian Gillian, Roger Glover, and original drummer Ian Paice -- all included. Not to mention Don Airey, who signed up in 2002.

They've not been holding back of late; Splat! is their fourth album in the last six years. Musically, it’s solid and in Deep Purple style, as you’d expect. Plenty of heavy, driven rock, powerful vocals, and a mix of Hammond Organ and quieter jazz sounds from Airey on keyboards.

Pounding drums keep songs motoring along, and it’s a very decent listen for the band’s fans. Other than the occasional hardcore follower who won't listen unless Ritchie Blackmore or Jon Lord are involved.

The Rolling Stones – Foreign Tongues

When it comes to lineups, the Rolling Stones have had a few changes through the years, not as many as others, though. This is as strong as it gets, and even features the late Charlie Watts in places.

Foreign Tongues has just been released and is a strong follow-up to Hackney Diamonds. It’s a solid Stones rock and roll album with a few twists along the way, as they did with many albums. Should you listen to it? Hell yeah!

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