Written by Ben Evans
As we’ve looked back on the past 100 years during Harding’s Centennial celebration, I can’t help but look at the halfway point between now and then, 50 years ago, to 1973. Why ‘73? Well, the year means a lot to me personally. 1973 was the year that my mom was born and adopted, so I want to honor this year by discussing it, and more importantly, its music.
It would be wrong for me to discuss ‘73 without mentioning my favorite musician, Billy Joel. On Nov. 9, 1973, Joel released one of the most iconic songs of all time and a staple of his career, “Piano Man.” While most people know the lyrics, only a few know that the story of “Piano Man,” was actually Billy’s reality when he wrote the song. The album “Piano Man” released before Joel’s breakout album, “The Stranger,” when Joel was traveling the country, living off of small gigs and piano bars. In fact, the album “Piano Man” is the closest thing to a concept album that Joel ever wrote. The songs are connected by a “travel” motif. Joel name-drops nine different states, mostly from the West Coast, throughout the album. It also centers on repeated characters and themes of poverty, divorce, drug abuse and life as a musician.
“Piano Man” was a huge experiment for Joel, as it was before he found his iconic piano-led-rock-and-roll sound, so songs on the album range in genre. “Travellin’ Prayer” is a bluegrass medley, “Ain’t No Crime” and “Stop in Nevada” are written like gospel tunes and “Billy the Kid” was originally written as a movie soundtrack. If you’ve never given “Piano Man” a proper listen-through, I’d highly recommend it.
When record shopping with my sister a few weeks ago, I just so happened to pick up another ‘73 hit, “Band on the Run” by Paul McCartney and Wings. “Band on the Run,” the album and the title track, are considered some of McCartney’s best solo work, and I personally think it’s better than several of the albums he wrote with The Beatles.
If you’re going to listen to “Band on the Run,” you should know that it is one of those albums where you should listen to it completely, front to back, with no shuffling or skipping, as the songs interact in a very fun way. Many motifs, concepts, lyrics and even full-on samples of previous songs will pop up throughout the album, making it one of my favorite listens. Turning 50 this December, “Band on the Run” is definitely worth a listen.
One last album I would like to mention is “Call Me,” by my favorite soul musician and fellow Arkansas native, Al Green. “Call Me” turned 50 this April and has been re-released this year to celebrate its birthday.
Much like the previous two albums, the most famous song from “Call Me” is its title track. “Call Me” itself is a beautiful song, but the album is full of funky music, including a soulful cover of “I’m so Lonesome I Could Cry.” As a huge Green fan, no song makes me happier than “Your Love is Like the Morning Sun,” the “Avengers: Endgame” of Al Green songs, as it makes reference to and quotes four of his greatest hits from his previous four albums. Of course, these are only a few of the important songs and albums of ‘73. A few honorable mentions: “Innervisions” by Stevie Wonder, a look into politics, race and culture that is still applauded today, turned 50 this year. “Dark Side of the Moon” by Pink Floyd was released that year and it is still considered one of the greatest rock albums recorded. Last, but certainly not least, “Let’s Get it On” by Marvin Gaye had a 50th birthday this August, and its title track is just as iconic as ever. If you want to listen to something new, or more accurately, something pretty old, I’d recommend giving one, maybe even all of these albums a listen. Here’s to the songs that have stuck with us for 50 years, and here’s to 50 more!
