When it comes to albums that turn 50 in 2024, there’s truly something for everyone.
If you’re the overachiever type, you’ll likely be impressed with the offerings from Queen and KISS. Both iconic bands released two albums in 1974. For Queen, it was Queen II and Sheer Heart Attack. As for KISS, they released their classic self-titled debut and Hotter Than Hell.
KISS wasn’t the only major band to release their debut album in 1974. Judas Priest released their debut, Rocka Rolla. Meanwhile, Rush and Bad Company released their self-titled debuts in 1974. Another notable debut came via Brian Eno. He released his debut solo album, Here Come the Warm Jets, in 1974 after he left Roxy Music.
Two bands proved in 1974 that the “sophomore slump” was nothing to worry about. Lynyrd Skynyrd released their second studio album, Second Helping, which featured “Sweet Home Alabama.” Aerosmith knocked it out of the park with their second album, Get Your Wings. That album features classic tracks “Same Old Song and Dance,” “S.O.S. (Too Bad)” and “Woman of the World.”
A number of female solo artists released major albums in 1974. Olivia Newton-John released If You Love Me, Let Me Know. The album topped the Billboard 200 album chart and featured the hit single “I Honestly Love You,” which was Newton-John’s first No. 1 hit in the United States. Carly Simon’s Hotcakes featured two major hits: “Haven’t Got Time for the Pain” and “Mockingbird,” her duet with then-husband James Taylor. Cher released Dark Lady, and its title track was a No. 1 hit. Lastly, Suzi Quatro made her mark in the United States with Quatro. The album notably features “Devil Gate Drive,” which Quatro performed on Happy Days as Leather Tuscadero.
Keep scrolling to see which other albums turn 50 in 2024.