Crate Digging is a feature series from Consequence that takes a deep dive into music history to turn up several albums all music fans should know. In this edition, rock icons Heart chart out 10 (errrr… call it 9.5) essential ’70s rock albums everyone should hear.
You simply cannot recount the history of rock music without touching on a humble little band from British Columbia fronted by two talented sisters — Heart. (Just listen to their Story Behind the Song episode for proof.) Their mix of folk, hard rock, and pop hooks couldn’t have been more emblematic of popular guitar music in the 1970s, and it just so happened they could shred some axe to boot.
Of course, their style was informed by the incredible art that surrounded them. Nancy and Ann Wilson might have been extremely talented musicians and writers, but they were also dedicated fans. They spent their time in the midst of Joni Mitchell and Neil Young singalongs, trying to learn Led Zeppelin songs, or fawning over Rod Stewart’s stage presence.
“It’s the reason Heart is on the planet, you know? Albums like this,” Nancy explains. “All of our DNA imprints came from all of these types of records.”
So, we connected with Nancy and Ann to compile Heart’s list of 10 essential ’70s rock albums they think belongs in everyone’s collection. The sisters take turns gushing over albums from some of the most foundational artists of the decade — even finding common ground for one particular record (no spoilers!).
Read on to see which rock albums form the 1970s Nancy and Ann Wilson think everyone should own.
Editor’s Note: These interviews were conducted prior to Heart postponing their tour due to Ann Wilson’s cancer treatment.