10 Classic Rock Bands Never Better Than Their First Album
7. Big Star
Big Star were one of the greatest bands of the '70s that never seemed to get their just due. Although they had some of the greatest hooks of the time, any mainstream success eluded them everywhere they went. At the same time, the band's aptly titled #1 Record is still a classic of the '70s even without any iconic status.
The band's mix of Americana music with the pop sensibilities of British Invasion bands like The Beatles made for some of the most irresistible pop rock of the day like on "Thirteen" and "In the Street." Even if the songs weren't being played on the radio, they would still be able to stick with you long after they stopped playing. While the band may have tasted a little bit of success with this record, the band started to spiral shortly afterwards.
Though the songwriting team of Chris Bell and Alex Chilton were able to keep it together for the album Radio City, the band were absolutely spent by the time they got to their uncommercial record Third. Big Star may have flamed out a bit quicker than most, but what we got with their first outing is a masterclass in songwriting that has influenced everyone from Cheap Trick to Green Day.