History's Best Selling Music of 1974

Make way for the hits of 1974! This remarkable era stood as a testament to the disco & blockbuster decade and the march of first-rate music. Crowd-pleasers such as Burn shared the spotlight with mega-bestsellers Kiss and Diamond Dogs. Brought to you by top-notch makers from industry leaders like Deep Purple and Kiss, these trailblazing products defined the laid-back, radical spirit of the seventies and earned a permanent place in cultural lore. Check out the complete rank-ordered ledger below to relive the finest releases of the year.

1. Burn

   Released in 1974 by Deep Purple, Purple Records, Warner Bros. Records

   On February 15, 1974, hard rock titans Deep Purple unleashed "Burn," an album that represented a dramatic and powerful rebirth. Following the acrimonious departure of vocalist Ian Gillan and bassist Roger Glover, the band faced a critical juncture. Instead of fading, they re-emerged with a new lineup, dubbed "Mark III," featuring the unknown but immensely talented vocalist David Coverdale and the gifted bassist/vocalist Glenn Hughes. The release of "Burn" was a momentous event, silencing doubters and proving the band's creative wellspring was far from dry. It introduced a new, bluesier, and funk-infused dimension to their sound, anchored by the ferocious title track, and immediately reasserted their position at the pinnacle of the rock world.

2. Kiss

   Released in 1974 by Kiss, Casablanca Records

   On February 18, 1974, the rock and roll landscape was forever altered with the release of the self-titled debut album by Kiss. Dropping like a glam-rock bomb, the album introduced the world to the four iconic personas of The Starchild, The Demon, The Spaceman, and The Catman. While not an immediate commercial smash, this date marks the official beginning of a legendary career, unleashing a raw, powerful, and theatrical sound that would build the foundation for one of the most successful and recognizable bands in music history, launching the infamous Kiss Army of fans.

3. Diamond Dogs

   Released in 1974 by David Bowie, RCA Records

   Released on May 24, 1974, David Bowie's eighth studio album, 'Diamond Dogs,' marked a pivotal moment of transition for the artist. Coming off the phenomenal success and eventual retirement of his Ziggy Stardust persona, Bowie was at a creative crossroads. 'Diamond Dogs' served as a bridge, retaining the glam rock swagger of his recent past while venturing into darker, more fragmented sonic landscapes that would prefigure the 'plastic soul' of 'Young Americans' and the experimentalism of his Berlin Trilogy. The album's release was a major event, eagerly anticipated by fans and critics who wondered what direction the ever-changing artist would take next.

4. Fulfillingness’ First Finale

   Released in 1974 by Stevie Wonder, Tamla Records

   On July 22, 1974, Stevie Wonder released "Fulfillingness' First Finale," the fourth masterpiece in his legendary "classic period." The album arrived amidst immense critical and commercial anticipation, following the groundbreaking success of "Music of My Mind," "Talking Book," and "Innervisions." This release solidified Wonder's status as a peerless musical genius, a socially conscious artist capable of blending complex musical arrangements with deeply personal and political themes. The album captured the zeitgeist of a post-Watergate America, grappling with disillusionment while searching for hope and love. Its release on this day marked another significant chapter in the evolution of soul, funk, and pop music, showcasing an artist at the absolute peak of his creative powers.

5. Crime of the Century

   Released in 1974 by Supertramp, A&M Records

   On September 13, 1974, British rock band Supertramp released their third studio album, "Crime of the Century." This date marks a pivotal moment in the band's history, transforming them from a struggling progressive rock act into international stars. The album represented a complete creative rebirth, featuring a stabilized lineup and a more focused, commercially accessible sound. It served as their breakthrough record in the UK, Canada, and Europe, laying the essential groundwork for their future global superstardom with 1979's "Breakfast in America." "Crime of the Century" was the moment Supertramp's signature sound was truly born.

6. Red

   Released in 1974 by King Crimson, Island Records, Atlantic Records

   On October 6, 1974, the landscape of progressive rock was irrevocably altered with the release of King Crimson's seventh studio album, "Red". This date marks the release of a record that was both a culmination and a conclusion. Just two weeks before the album hit the shelves, band leader Robert Fripp had unexpectedly announced the dissolution of this incarnation of King Crimson, making "Red" a posthumous masterpiece of sorts. It served as a thunderous, heavy, and stark final statement from a lineup that had pushed the boundaries of rock music, leaving behind a legacy that would influence countless genres, from alternative rock to heavy metal, for decades to come.

7. It's Only Rock 'n Roll

   Released in 1974 by The Rolling Stones, Rolling Stones Records

   On October 18, 1974, The Rolling Stones unleashed their 12th British and 14th American studio album, "It's Only Rock 'n Roll." This release captured the band at a pivotal crossroads, serving as the final full-length feature for virtuoso guitarist Mick Taylor and unofficially heralding the arrival of his successor, Ronnie Wood, who co-wrote and performed on the iconic title track. At a time when the Stones were already established as rock royalty, the album arrived as a powerful statement. It was both a consolidation of their signature blues-drenched sound and a tantalizing glimpse into the next phase of their evolution, solidifying their place at the apex of the music world.