Best Selling Folk And Rock Albums Of 1968
Best Selling Folk And Rock Albums Of 1968
Here are the top 10 best-selling albums in the folk and rock genres from 1968, listed in the order they were released:
1. "The Notorious Byrd Brothers" by The Byrds
Release Date: January 15, 1968
Description: The Byrds' fifth studio album is a blend of folk rock, psychedelic rock, and country influences. The album features innovative studio techniques and standout tracks like "Draft Morning" and "Wasn't Born to Follow." Despite internal band conflicts during its production, the album is considered one of The Byrds' finest works.
2. "Bookends" by Simon & Garfunkel
Release Date: April 3, 1968
Description: Simon & Garfunkel's fourth studio album features a concept side that explores themes of life, aging, and relationships. The album includes hits like "Mrs. Robinson," "A Hazy Shade of Winter," and "America." The duo's intricate harmonies and Paul Simon's evocative songwriting made "Bookends" a critical and commercial success.
3. "The Beatles" (The White Album) by The Beatles
Release Date: November 22, 1968
Description: Commonly known as "The White Album," this double LP showcases The Beatles' diverse musical styles, ranging from rock to folk to experimental. Notable tracks include "Back in the U.S.S.R.," "While My Guitar Gently Weeps," and "Blackbird." The album's eclectic mix and the band's individual contributions highlight their evolving artistry and complex group dynamics.
4. "Truth" by Jeff Beck
Release Date: July 29, 1968
Description: Jeff Beck's debut album after leaving The Yardbirds features a powerful mix of rock and blues, with a lineup including Rod Stewart and Ron Wood. The album includes covers of blues standards and original compositions like "Beck's Bolero." "Truth" is often cited as a precursor to heavy metal and hard rock.
5. "Music from Big Pink" by The Band
Release Date: July 1, 1968
Description: The Band's debut album is a seminal work in roots rock and Americana. Featuring a blend of rock, folk, and country influences, the album includes classics like "The Weight" and "I Shall Be Released." The album's rustic sound and storytelling lyrics had a profound impact on the music of the late 1960s and beyond.
6. "Electric Ladyland" by The Jimi Hendrix Experience
Release Date: October 16, 1968
Description: Jimi Hendrix's third and final studio album with The Experience is a double LP that showcases his innovative guitar work and experimental approach to rock music. Notable tracks include "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)," "Crosstown Traffic," and the iconic cover of Bob Dylan's "All Along the Watchtower." The album's diverse sound and ambitious production are considered groundbreaking.
7. "Cheap Thrills" by Big Brother and the Holding Company
Release Date: August 12, 1968
Description: Featuring Janis Joplin on lead vocals, "Cheap Thrills" is a quintessential album of the psychedelic rock era. The album includes the hit "Piece of My Heart" and a cover of "Summertime." Joplin's powerful voice and the band's raw, energetic sound made "Cheap Thrills" a major commercial success.
8. "Waiting for the Sun" by The Doors
Release Date: July 3, 1968
Description: The Doors' third studio album includes hits like "Hello, I Love You" and "The Unknown Soldier." The album features a mix of rock and psychedelic influences, with Jim Morrison's charismatic vocals and poetic lyrics at the forefront. "Waiting for the Sun" continued the band's commercial success and expanded their musical horizons.
9. "Wheels of Fire" by Cream
Release Date: August 9, 1968
Description: This double album by Cream features one studio disc and one live disc, showcasing the band's virtuosic musicianship. Notable tracks include "White Room," "Crossroads," and "Spoonful." The album's blend of rock, blues, and psychedelic elements made it a major hit and a defining release of the late 1960s.