Best Selling Folk And Rock Albums Of 1967
Here are the top 10 best-selling albums in the folk and rock genres from 1967, listed in the order they were released:
1. "More of The Monkees" by The Monkees
Release Date: January 9, 1967
Description: The Monkees' second studio album was a major commercial success, featuring a mix of rock, pop, and folk influences. Notable tracks include "I'm a Believer" and "(I'm Not Your) Steppin' Stone." The album showcased the band's catchy melodies and polished production, appealing to a wide audience and solidifying their popularity.
2. "Younger Than Yesterday" by The Byrds
Release Date: February 6, 1967
Description: The Byrds' fourth studio album saw them experimenting with psychedelic rock while maintaining their folk roots. Key tracks include "So You Want to Be a Rock 'n' Roll Star" and "My Back Pages." The album's innovative use of studio techniques and diverse musical influences highlighted the band's evolving sound.
3. "The Velvet Underground & Nico" by The Velvet Underground and Nico
Release Date: March 12, 1967
Description: Although not a commercial hit at the time, this debut album by The Velvet Underground & Nico became highly influential. Combining rock, avant-garde, and experimental elements, the album features songs like "Heroin" and "Sunday Morning." The collaboration with artist Andy Warhol and the use of unconventional themes and sounds made it a landmark release.
4. "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" by The Beatles
Release Date: May 26, 1967 (UK Release), June 2, 1967 (US Release)
Description: Widely regarded as one of the greatest albums of all time, "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" was a groundbreaking release. The album features an eclectic mix of rock, pop, and experimental sounds, with standout tracks like "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds," "A Day in the Life," and "With a Little Help from My Friends." Its innovative use of studio technology and cohesive concept influenced countless artists.
5. "Headquarters" by The Monkees
Release Date: May 22, 1967
Description: "Headquarters" marked a turning point for The Monkees as they took creative control over their music. The album features a mix of rock and folk influences, with songs like "You Told Me" and "Shades of Gray." The band's newfound artistic freedom resulted in a more authentic and cohesive sound.
6. "Surrealistic Pillow" by Jefferson Airplane
Release Date: February 1, 1967
Description: Jefferson Airplane's second studio album is a quintessential psychedelic rock record. With iconic tracks like "Somebody to Love" and "White Rabbit," the album captures the spirit of the 1960s counterculture. The band's blend of folk rock and psychedelic sounds made "Surrealistic Pillow" a defining album of the era.
7. "The Doors" by The Doors
Release Date: January 4, 1967
Description: The debut album by The Doors showcased their unique blend of rock, blues, and psychedelia. Featuring timeless classics like "Light My Fire" and "Break On Through (To the Other Side)," the album introduced Jim Morrison's charismatic vocals and the band's innovative sound to a wide audience.
8. "Are You Experienced" by The Jimi Hendrix Experience
Release Date: May 12, 1967 (UK Release), August 23, 1967 (US Release)
Description: Jimi Hendrix's debut album was a revolutionary release, showcasing his extraordinary guitar skills and blending rock, blues, and psychedelia. Iconic tracks include "Purple Haze," "Hey Joe," and "The Wind Cries Mary." The album's groundbreaking sound and Hendrix's virtuosity had a lasting impact on rock music.
9. "Disraeli Gears" by Cream
Release Date: November 2, 1967
Description: Cream's second studio album is a quintessential example of 1960s psychedelic rock. With hits like "Sunshine of Your Love" and "Strange Brew," the album features the band's signature blend of blues, rock, and psychedelic influences. The trio's musicianship and innovative sound made "Disraeli Gears" a landmark release.
10. "John Wesley Harding" by Bob Dylan
Release Date: December 27, 1967
Description: Bob Dylan's eighth studio album marked a return to his acoustic folk roots with a more stripped-down sound. Notable tracks include "All Along the Watchtower" and "The Ballad of Frankie Lee and Judas Priest." The album's minimalist production and introspective lyrics were a departure from Dylan's earlier electric phase, showcasing his versatility as a songwriter.