Best Selling Folk And Rock Albums Of 1965
Here are the top 10 best-selling albums in the folk and rock genres from 1965, listed in the order they were released:
1. "Bringing It All Back Home" by Bob Dylan
Release Date: March 22, 1965
Description: Bob Dylan's fifth studio album marked a significant departure from his earlier acoustic folk sound. It featured a mix of electric and acoustic tracks, showcasing Dylan's lyrical prowess and his embrace of rock music. Notable tracks include "Subterranean Homesick Blues" and "Maggie's Farm." The album was pivotal in the evolution of folk rock and solidified Dylan's status as a musical innovator.
2. "Bert Jansch" by Bert Jansch
Release Date: April 16, 1965
Description: Scottish folk musician Bert Jansch's debut album is a cornerstone of the British folk revival. Recorded with just his voice and an acoustic guitar, the album features intricate fingerpicking and introspective lyrics. Highlights include "Strolling Down the Highway" and "Needle of Death," the latter addressing the tragic effects of drug addiction.
3. "The Paul Simon Songbook" by Paul Simon
Release Date: August 1965
Description: This solo album by Paul Simon, released before Simon & Garfunkel achieved widespread fame, features early versions of songs that would later become hits. The album includes tracks like "I Am a Rock" and "The Sound of Silence" in their raw, acoustic forms. It provides a glimpse into Simon's songwriting talent and the development of his iconic style.
4. "Help!" by The Beatles
Release Date: August 6, 1965 (UK Release), August 13, 1965 (US Release)
Description: "Help!" served as both the soundtrack to The Beatles' second film and a significant album in its own right. Blending rock and folk influences, the album features hits like "Help!," "Ticket to Ride," and "Yesterday." The album's mix of catchy melodies and introspective lyrics showcased The Beatles' evolving musical sophistication.
5. "Highway 61 Revisited" by Bob Dylan
Release Date: August 30, 1965
Description: Bob Dylan's sixth studio album further established his shift to electric rock. Featuring the iconic "Like a Rolling Stone," the album is renowned for its lyrical depth and innovative sound. Other notable tracks include "Ballad of a Thin Man" and the title track, "Highway 61 Revisited." This album is often cited as one of the greatest in rock history.
6. "Out of Our Heads" by The Rolling Stones
Release Date: July 30, 1965 (US Release), September 24, 1965 (UK Release)
Description: The Rolling Stones' third studio album showcased their growing prowess in rock and roll, incorporating elements of R&B and soul. With tracks like "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" and "The Last Time," the album cemented the Stones' reputation as one of the leading rock bands of the era. The US release included additional tracks not found on the UK version, making it a commercial success.
7. "Today!" by The Beach Boys
Release Date: March 8, 1965
Description: The Beach Boys' eighth studio album marked a shift towards more sophisticated and introspective songwriting, largely driven by Brian Wilson. The album features a mix of upbeat tracks and more reflective songs, including "Do You Wanna Dance?" and "Please Let Me Wonder." "Today!" set the stage for the band's subsequent masterpiece, "Pet Sounds."
8. "Turn! Turn! Turn!" by The Byrds
Release Date: December 6, 1965
Description: The Byrds' second album continued their successful fusion of folk and rock. The title track, an adaptation of a Pete Seeger song, became a hit and an anthem for the peace movement. Other highlights include "Set You Free This Time" and "It Won't Be Wrong." The album solidified The Byrds' position as leaders in the folk rock genre.
9. "My Generation" by The Who
Release Date: December 3, 1965 (UK Release)
Description: The Who's debut album captured the rebellious spirit of the mid-1960s. Featuring the explosive title track "My Generation," the album combined aggressive guitar work with powerful vocals. Other standout songs include "The Kids Are Alright" and "A Legal Matter." The album's raw energy and defiant attitude resonated with the youth of the time.
10. "Rubber Soul" by The Beatles
Release Date: December 3, 1965 (UK Release), December 6, 1965 (US Release)
Description: "Rubber Soul" marked a significant evolution in The Beatles' sound, blending folk rock influences with their signature pop melodies. The album features classics such as "Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)," "In My Life," and "Michelle." Known for its introspective lyrics and innovative arrangements, "Rubber Soul" was a critical and commercial success, influencing countless artists.