1971: The Year That Music Changed Everything: Season 1

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Universal acclaim based on 8 Critic Reviews

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Generally favorable reviews based on 4 Ratings

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6.3	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 4 Ratings

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1971: The Year That Music Changed Everything

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Season Details & Credits

Apple TV+ | Season Premiere Date: 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.

Genre(s): Movie/Mini-Series, Documentary, Music

Season 1 Episodes

No episode information is currently available for this season

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Critic Reviews

Lily Moayeri

Jun 8, 2021

There is nothing in music that 1971 has not touched. Essential viewing. Read full review

Richard Roeper

May 20, 2021

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. Read full review

The Telegraph Neil McCormick

May 18, 2021

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. Read full review

Sheri Linden

May 20, 2021

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. Read full review

Johnny Loftus

May 25, 2021

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. Read full review

Joel Selvin

May 19, 2021

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. Read full review

The Playlist Cory Woodroof

Jun 22, 2021

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. Read full review

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zedzded

Jul 4, 2021

This had it all, great footage, interviews with pivotal players, some great music etc.

Why am I left feeling underwhelmed? Was it the paper thin social analysis? The over emphasis on racial and political issues while simultaneously not having an opinion? The lack of insight? Lack of goreyThis had it all, great footage, interviews with pivotal players, some great music etc.

Why am I left feeling underwhelmed? Was it the paper thin social analysis? The over emphasis on racial and political issues while simultaneously not having an opinion? The lack of insight? Lack of gorey details about sex or drugs. The whole thing while technically adept just left me a bit cold.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11