10 Most Iconic Music Albums Turning 50 In 2023

The year 1973 holds a special place in the narrative of music history, as it witnessed the release of several ground-breaking albums that have continued to captivate audiences across generations. From the emergence of progressive rock with Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon, to the transcendental space age sounds of glam rock in the form of David Bowie's Aladdin Sane, 1973 was a year that saw the mighty rise of numerous artists who are still widely celebrated to this day.

Showcasing diversity and creative brilliance from soul pioneers Stevie Wonder and the emerging sounds of what would become punk from The Stooges, this era-defining year contained some of the most legendary albums of this beloved decade. Fast forward to 2023, we find ourselves celebrating the golden anniversary of these timeless masterpieces.

These iconic albums, which have quite rightly stood the test of time, pushed the boundaries of creativity, and shaped the course of popular music forever. So, let's venture through the unforgettable sounds and influential voices of the past and pay tribute to ten legendary albums that are turning 50 this year.

Rehearsing in a medieval castle in Gloucestershire, previously used to record by the likes of Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin, this gothic setting sparked the new material that followed an exhausting world tour that nearly tore Black Sabbath apart, mainly due to excessive drug use and absolute fatigue.

After the Bel Air setting in Los Angeles wasn’t cutting it in terms of crafting new songs, the eerie atmosphere of Clearwell Castle gave the band - who rehearsed in the dungeons - the inspiration they badly needed, which in turn resulted in their fifth album, Sabbath Bloody Sabbath.

Lasting tunes such as the title track and Killing Yourself to Live pack the same punch they did when the record was released half a century ago. Upon its initial release in December '73, Black Sabbath received favourable success in mainstream media for the first time in their career. Possessing haunting orchestral dynamics, experimental use of synthesisers, and enticing song arrangements, Sabbath Bloody Sabbath is perhaps known as the last great Sabbath album released by the original quartet line-up.