7. Got To Be There – Michael Jackson “is the debut solo studio album by American singer Michael Jackson, released by Motown on January 24, 1972, four weeks after the Jackson 5‘s Greatest Hits (1971). It includes the song of the same name, which was released on October 7, 1971, as Jackson’s debut solo single.” There is no denying the immense talent of Michael Jackson. From singing to dancing he really does have it all. This is young Michael breaking from the Jackson 5 popularity and staking his claim in the solo arena. Of course he was extrodinarily talented at this age already and the world had seen that with his lead singing and dancing with his brothers. This was Michael before all the personal controversy, before fame changed him as a person. This is the young, innocent Michael that had already been through a lot with his father and brothers. Let’s think about the joy Michael brings to his fans and music lovers everywhere. Here are the tracks I really enjoyed:
“Ain’t No Sunshine” – The first song on the album seems a bit too much for him to sing as far as subject matter since he was only fourteen at this point but he sings it better than probably most adults could manage.
“I Wanna Be Where You Are” – feel the joy in this one! That high register is a treat to the ears and it actually feels like butterflies are all around you!
“Got to Be There” – I know this song because of Chaka Khan and her version is better. Of course Michael’s is great too but not as good as Chaka. Just sayin’!
“Rockin’ Robin” – I’ve always loved this cover more than the original. It’s perfect for Michael in so many ways. You can’t help but enjoy this ear candy!
“Maria (You Were the Only One)” – he has it all on this track. The soul, the notes and the nuisance. Just perfection!
8. Paul Simon – “is the second solo studio album by American singer-songwriter Paul Simon. It was released in January 1972, nearly two years after he split up with longtime musical partner Art Garfunkel. His first solo album was recorded in England in 1965 but remained unreleased in the U.S. (except for a brief period in 1969) until 1981, when it appeared in the 5-LP Collected Works boxed set. Originally released on Columbia Records, Paul Simon was then issued under the Warner Bros. label and is now back with Columbia through Sony. The album topped the charts in the United Kingdom, Japan and Norway and reached No. 4 on the U.S. Billboard Pop Albums. In 1986 it was certified platinum.” Mr. Simon has always intrigued me on some level. In one breath I would say he “isn’t one of my favorites” but then when I hear his music and all the hits he is part of then I think “Hell I like everything he did with Garfunkel and all his solo hits!” I guess you could say I’m a reluctant fan of Mr. Simon. Of course he was hooked romantically with one of my favorite celebrities Ms. Carrie Fisher as well. This album starts off with one of those hits I mentioned. Let’s see what else I like!
“Mother & Child Reunion” – Reggae influenced and one of those great songs for a car trip or a weekend jam.
“Duncan“ – I like the mournful feeling to this track. As well as the flute that plays throughout the piece.
“Run That Body Down” – I love the questioning of one’s endurance at certain points in one life. Sometimes it goes longer than you think and other times if feels like you don’t have in you.
“Me and Julio Down By the Schoolyard” – one of his biggest and infectious hits! Takes me back to college days as we listened to the “classics” and we were in the early 90’s. This and “Cecilia“!
“Peace Like A River”
“Hobo’s Blues” – a fun instrumental track!
“Paranoia Blues” – this is a really great track! Almost doesn’t seem like Paul Simon.
9. Young, Gifted and Black – Aretha Franklin “is the eighteenth studio album by American singer-songwriter Aretha Franklin, released in early 1972, by Atlantic Records. The album climbed to #2 on Billboard‘s R&B albums survey and peaked at #11 on the main album chart. It was quickly certified Gold by the RIAA. Its title was cut from To Be Young, Gifted and Black, recorded and released by Nina Simone in 1969. Franklin won a 1972 Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. In 2003, the television network VH1 named it the 76th greatest album of all time. In 2020, it was ranked number 388 by Rolling Stone in their list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.” This is going to be an amazing album to listen to from what I’m reading. That first track is pure Aretha and will knock your socks off! She was such a powerhouse and glad she is part of my musical history and one of my favorites of all time. I ended up loving every song on this album! Not a weak track to be found.
“Oh Me Oh My (I’m a Fool for You Baby)“
“Rock Steady” – shake your tail feather to this great track written by Aretha herself!
“Young, Gifted and Black” a Nina Simone cover!
“All the King’s Horses” – another track written by Aretha. Simply wonderful.
“A Brand New Me” – originally done by Dusty Springfield but of course Aretha makes it hers.
“April Fools”
“I’ve Been Loving You Too Long” – I love Otis Redding and Aretha covering him is pure ear heaven!
“First Snow in Kokomo” – Finally when I think of Kokomo I can think of Aretha instead of that damn Beach Boys song!
“The Long and Winding Road” – Aretha could do some amazing things with a Beatles song and this one does not disappoint!
“Didn’t I (Blow Your Mind This Time)“
“Border Song (Holy Moses)” – covering Elton John on this one.