Five underrated albums turning 50 in 2021

In all aspects, 2021 was in for a rough start. After artists such as The Weeknd, BTS, and Phoebe Bridgers were all snubbed of Grammy nominations, last November, the thin line between brilliant and mainstream music is near its breaking point. And as time goes on, “good” modern music is losing appreciation to overplayed internet songs. Though, as we know, this is not a new occurrence, history is bound to repeat itself. No matter the period, some admirable music doesn’t gain the recognition it deserves.

As we head into the new year, here are five albums turning 50 that you should check out and that we don’t seem to talk about enough. 

A Nod Is as Good as a Wink… to a Blind Horse by Faces

Released in November 1971, this blues-rock album coincided with the popularity of Faces’ frontman Rod Stewart’s number one album. Every Picture Tells a Story featuring the hit “Maggie May.” A Nod Is as Good as a Wink… to a Blind Horse has an excellent, pub-rock sound to it. Picture the scene: you’re ten, playing outside with the neighbors when you’re called inside to eat warm, fresh-out-of-the-oven chocolate chip cookies. That’s just how this album sounds. Bassist Ronnie Lane takes the spotlight on more acoustic, western-sounding tracks such as “Debris” and “You’re So Rude,” which offer a contrast to the harder rock songs such as “Stay With Me” and “Miss Judy’s Farm.”

Songs to check out: “Debris,” “Love Lives Here,” “Stay With Me”

The Electric Light Orchestra (No Answer) by Electric Light Orchestra

This eponymous album released in December was ELO’s debut and transition from the 60s pop sound of the Move. The mix of heavily orchestrated tracks and instrumental pieces mirror the early seventies’ growing progressive rock movement. Jeff Lynne and Roy Wood take turns on lead vocals, which nicely complements the classical aspects. The baroque presence on this album almost makes me forget I’m even listening to a rock album. It’s the perfect way to experience an eclectic performance without even needing to leave the house. Despite being severely overlooked, this album marks a milestone for one of the most cherished bands of the decade to follow. 

Songs to check out: “Whisper in the Night,” “Queen of the Hours,” “1st Movement (Jumping Biz)”

Straight Up by Badfinger

The short-lived success of Badfinger goes down in history as one of the most tragic in the industry. Signed under the Beatles’ Apple Records, Straight Up was the band’s fourth project. This album marks a transitional period from the traditional rock sound of their previous albums to a revival of the power-pop genre made famous by bands like the Who. The more aggressive pop melodies mixed with the striking guitar chords are reminiscent of Beatlesque sound. Though this album had predicted the band to have been nearing their peak, they were set to face grave internal setbacks. Heinous managers withheld any band earnings, leaving Badfinger penniless and sending them down towards their quick demise.

Songs to check out: “Name of the Game,” “Baby Blue,” “It’s Over”

Performance: Rockin’ The Fillmore by Humble Pie

As the only live album of this selection, this piece by Humble Pie offers a whole new listening experience, unlike any others on the list. Recorded at the Fillmore East in New York in early 1971, this set contains seven hard-rock blues tracks varying from a Ray Charles cover to original works by the band. Steve Marriott’s blue-eyed soul vocals are unmatched, and Peter Frampton’s tasteful guitar licks give the album a raw feel to it. The tracks have longer run times, with some songs exceeding fifteen minutes, and are accentuated with live audience reactions. If you’re having concert withdrawals during quarantine, plug in some headphones and turn on this album to experience the full adventure from home.

Songs to check out: “Rollin’ Stone,” “I’m Ready,” “I Don’t Need No Doctor”

Songs for Beginners by Graham Nash

For those looking for a folk-rock, less drum smashing, and more guitar strumming alternative to listen to, this debut album by Graham Nash is the one for you. Released after the success of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young’s 1970 album, Déjà Vu, Nash’s solo album was highly anticipated. Former bandmates and other high profile musicians contributed backing vocals and instruments to the album, including the single “Chicago,” which charted at number 35 on the US Billboard Hot 100. I feel that this album pairs well with a sunny day in a grass field, maybe dandelion picking if given the opportunity. It’s the type of music that inspires me to put down my phone and spend some time outdoors.

Songs to check out: “Chicago,” “Better Days,” “There’s Only One”