History's Best Selling Music of 1973

In the colorful era of the 1970s, 1973 saw a swell surge of retro grooves and analog innovation in the world of music! Leading the charge were mighty, top-selling marvels like Aerosmith and Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player, capturing the public’s fancy in grand fashion. Distinguished creators from industry leaders like Aerosmith and Elton John proved their mettle with Billion Dollar Babies, delivering craftsmanship that defined the laid-back, radical spirit of the seventies. Step right up and inspect our complete, rank-ordered historical archive below!

1. Aerosmith

   Released in 1973 by Aerosmith, Columbia Records

   On January 5, 1973, the world of rock and roll was formally introduced to a new force from Boston. The release of Aerosmith's self-titled debut album on this day marked the beginning of a legendary career that would span decades, defining and redefining hard rock. Though not an immediate commercial smash, this record laid the raw, blues-infused groundwork for what would become one of the best-selling American rock bands of all time. It was the public's first taste of Steven Tyler's iconic screech, Joe Perry's gritty guitar riffs, and a rhythm section that packed a powerful punch, signaling a major new talent had arrived on the scene.

2. Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player

   Released in 1973 by Elton John, DJM Records, MCA Records

   On January 22, 1973, Elton John, already a major star, solidified his status as a global pop phenomenon with the release of his sixth studio album, "Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player." Released at the peak of his early-70s creative and commercial power, the album arrived amidst a whirlwind of success following 1972's "Honky Château." It captured the zeitgeist of the glam rock era while showcasing John's unparalleled ability to blend rock, pop, and heartfelt balladry. This release wasn't just another album; it was an event that further cemented the songwriting partnership of Elton John and Bernie Taupin as one of the most successful in music history, delivering two of their most enduring and iconic singles.

3. Billion Dollar Babies

   Released in 1973 by Alice Cooper, Warner Bros. Records

   On February 27, 1973, the Alice Cooper group unleashed their magnum opus of shock rock, "Billion Dollar Babies." The album's release marked the commercial and creative peak for the original band, cementing their status as rock and roll's greatest villains. Coming off the success of "School's Out," this release was highly anticipated and did not disappoint. It perfectly captured the zeitgeist of the era's decadent rock scene, combining hard rock anthems with macabre theatricality. This date represents the moment Alice Cooper fully conquered the music world, delivering an album that was as commercially successful as it was controversial, topping charts in both the US and UK.

4. Houses of the Holy

   Released in 1973 by Led Zeppelin, Atlantic Records

   Released on March 28, 1973, Led Zeppelin's fifth studio album, "Houses of the Holy," was one of the most anticipated records of the year. Following the monumental, untitled fourth album that had cemented their status as global rock deities, fans and critics alike were eager to see where the band would go next. This release marked a significant artistic pivot, a conscious move away from the heavy, blues-drenched rock of their earlier work. Instead, the band presented a more diverse, vibrant, and experimental collection of songs, signaling a new chapter of musical exploration and solidifying their reputation as artists who consistently defied expectations.

5. Aladdin Sane

   Released in 1973 by David Bowie, RCA Records

   On April 19, 1973, David Bowie unleashed his sixth studio album, "Aladdin Sane," upon the UK. Released at the zenith of his glam rock fame, the album arrived less than a year after his breakthrough masterpiece, "The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars." The new record served as a direct sequel and evolution of his Ziggy persona, capturing the whirlwind of newfound American stardom and the psychological fragmentation that came with it. Bowie himself described the album's material as "Ziggy goes to America," with each track offering a snapshot of his experiences while touring the United States. Its release on this date cemented Bowie's status as a global superstar, offering a darker, more frantic, and musically adventurous collection that both built upon and shattered the myth of Ziggy Stardust.

6. Tubular Bells

   Released in 1973 by Mike Oldfield, Virgin Records

   On May 25, 1973, the world was introduced to a musical experience unlike any other with the release of Mike Oldfield's "Tubular Bells." This wasn't just another album; it was the inaugural release for a new, ambitious label, Virgin Records, founded by Richard Branson. A sprawling, two-part instrumental piece composed and performed almost entirely by a then-19-year-old Oldfield, its release was a massive gamble. The album's intricate, multi-layered soundscapes defied commercial pop conventions of the era, yet its audacious creativity would not only launch a record label but also redefine the boundaries of progressive and ambient music, securing its place in history.

7. Living in the Material World

   Released in 1973 by George Harrison, Apple Records

   On May 30, 1973, George Harrison released his highly anticipated album "Living in the Material World" in the United States. Following the monumental critical and commercial success of his 1970 triple album "All Things Must Pass" and the groundbreaking 1971 "Concert for Bangladesh," the expectations for Harrison's next solo studio effort were immense. This release was a significant moment for fans eager to see the musical and spiritual direction the 'quiet Beatle' would take next. The album arrived in a period of intense spiritual exploration for Harrison, and its themes directly reflected his deep immersion in Hindu philosophy, offering a stark contrast to the more secular rock music dominating the airwaves at the time.

8. Queen (debut album)

   Released in 1973 by Queen, EMI, Elektra Records

   On July 13, 1973, the world was formally introduced to a band that would redefine rock music. The release of their self-titled debut album, "Queen," marked the culmination of years of hard work, lineup changes, and a dogged pursuit of a record deal. While not an immediate commercial smash, it laid the essential groundwork for their future superstardom, showcasing their unique blend of hard rock, glam, and progressive elements. This date signifies the public's first taste of Freddie Mercury's soaring vocals, Brian May's distinctive guitar work, Roger Taylor's powerful drumming, and John Deacon's solid bass lines—a combination that would soon conquer the globe.

9. Tres Hombres

   Released in 1973 by ZZ Top, London Records

   On July 26, 1973, the Texas blues-rock trio ZZ Top unleashed "Tres Hombres," their third studio album and the record that would catapult them from regional favorites to international rock stars. Released at a time when rock was diversifying into glam, prog, and hard rock, "Tres Hombres" was a potent, unfiltered shot of Lone Star State boogie and blues. This album defined the band's signature sound—a blend of raw guitar riffs, a locked-in rhythm section, and wry, southern-fried storytelling. Its release marked the moment ZZ Top found their groove, creating a timeless classic that would become the foundation of their legendary career.

10. Innervisions

    Released in 1973 by Stevie Wonder, Tamla Records

    Released on August 3, 1973, Stevie Wonder's "Innervisions" stands as the brilliant centerpiece of his legendary 'classic period' in the 1970s. This album captured a genius at his absolute creative peak, delivering a seamless blend of social commentary, spiritual exploration, and musical innovation. The album's release is imbued with a profound poignancy, as just three days later, Wonder was involved in a near-fatal car accident that left him in a coma. This event forever linked the album's themes of introspection, mortality, and rebirth to Wonder's own life, making "Innervisions" not just a collection of songs, but a powerful testament to survival and artistic vision.

11. Quadrophenia

    Released in 1973 by The Who, Track Record, MCA Records

    On October 26, 1973, British rock legends The Who unleashed their sixth studio album, "Quadrophenia," upon the United States. This date marked the American arrival of the band's second ambitious rock opera, following the monumental success of "Tommy." Released into a rock music landscape that was increasingly embracing conceptual and progressive works, "Quadrophenia" stood out for its raw, introspective narrative and complex musical arrangements. The album captured the angst and identity crisis of a specific British youth subculture—the Mods—but its themes of alienation, rebellion, and the search for belonging resonated universally, cementing its place as a landmark release of the 1970s.