A landmark 1974 album has just been ranked the greatest soft rock album of all time by BBC Music Magazine.
Before revealing the top choice, here's a look at the top five albums from the ranking.
At No. 5 is Carole King's Tapestry (1971), the warm, piano-led classic that helped define the singer-songwriter era with songs like "It's Too Late" and "You've Got a Friend."
At No. 4 is Carly Simon's No Secrets (1972), the sophisticated, deeply personal album that made Simon a superstar and included her enduring hit "You're So Vain."
At No. 3 is The Eagles' Hotel California (1976), a polished and often darker take on the Southern California sound, featuring one of the most recognizable title tracks in rock history.
At No. 2 is Fleetwood Mac's Rumours (1977), the blockbuster breakup album that turned personal turmoil into one of the most commercially successful and emotionally resonant records ever made.
And at No. 1 is Joni Mitchell's Court and Spark.
Released in January 1974, Court and Spark marked a major artistic evolution for Mitchell. The album blended the folk-rock intimacy of her earlier work with richer jazz influences, creating a sound that felt both sophisticated and radio-friendly. It went on to become the most commercially successful album of her career.
The record reached No. 2 on the Billboard 200, hit No. 1 in Canada, and was later certified double platinum in the United States. It also produced Mitchell's only top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, "Help Me," which peaked at No. 7 and reached No. 1 on the Adult Contemporary chart.
The album's critical reputation has remained just as strong. Court and Spark was voted the best album of 1974 in The Village Voice Pazz & Jop critics poll, was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2004, and has also been ranked among the greatest albums of all time by Rolling Stone.
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