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- Apple TV+
- May 21, 2021
- Apple TV+
- May 21, 2021
Summary The eight-part documentary features archival footage and interviews about how musicians such as The Rolling Stones, Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, Bob Marley, Joni Mitchell, Lou Reed and The Who influenced changes in culture and politics.
- Apple TV+
- May 21, 2021
- Apple TV+
- May 21, 2021
Season Premiere: May 21, 2021
83
6.3
Where to Watch
Summary The eight-part documentary features archival footage and interviews about how musicians such as The Rolling Stones, Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, Bob Marley, Joni Mitchell, Lou Reed and The Who influenced changes in culture and politics.
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Metascore
Universal Acclaim
Based on 8 Critic Reviews
83
100% Positive
8 Reviews
8 Reviews
0% Mixed
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Metascore
Universal Acclaim
Based on 8 Critic Reviews
83
100% Positive
8 Reviews
8 Reviews
0% Mixed
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
There is nothing in music that 1971 has not touched. Essential viewing.
This is the definitive visual history of one of the most tumultuous years in American history — and arguably the greatest year ever for rock, pop and soul.
Archival footage is the hero here, everything from tear gas canisters arcing into the students at Kent State and those lying bleeding after the National Guard shootings, to a raw live performance of “Ohio” by Crosby, Stills & Nash that leaps off the screen with nervy energy. Audio interviews accompany the montages, and are lent particular power in their juxtaposition.
As a work of curation, it’s endlessly eye-opening, even for those well versed in the period. ... To this team’s credit, the series never reaches for a grand-gesture summing-up. Instead it drills in on turning points in the careers of particularly influential and emblematic artists.
Throughout the series, the filmmakers play fast and loose with the timeline, blurring events to their own ends, and neglecting anyone who doesn’t fit the narrative or to whom they couldn’t get music rights (there is no Led Zeppelin, and no American Pie, the biggest hit of the year). Nevertheless, the music is fantastic, the footage is generally superb, the editing is sharp and clever, and any music fan of a certain vintage should be happy just to strap in, turn up the volume, and turn back the clock to a time when pop still genuinely mattered.
You get the full tidal wave of artistry and why it was so era-defining. “1971” wants to paint a picture of the full moment, and by doing so, it doesn’t quite give you that intimacy. Even so, “1971” is still well worth the price of admission.
While the narrative drive may be unfocused, the breath-taking procession of extraordinary footage makes compelling viewing. Producers have sourced rarely viewed pieces of film and audio interviews for the documentary’s voiceovers from far and wide.
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 4 User Ratings
6.3
25% Positive
1 Rating
1 Rating
75% Mixed
3 Ratings
3 Ratings
0% Negative
0 Ratings
0 Ratings
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 4 User Ratings
6.3
25% Positive
1 Rating
1 Rating
75% Mixed
3 Ratings
3 Ratings
0% Negative
0 Ratings
0 Ratings
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