"For Ladies Only" is the sixth studio album by the band Steppenwolf, released in 1971 . It is a political concept album mainly about feminism but with several more conventional songs about romance as well, both unusual themes for Steppenwolf.
Ironically, some critics saw the album as sexist, citing an image of a vehicle shaped like male genitalia alongside the "Hollywood Walk of Fame" in the sleeve of the record album. The album saw the band hinting toward the progressive rock movement that was popular at the time with more complex arrangements and sophisticated keyboard playing particularly evident on the title track "For Ladies Only". While some critics cited the lack of a popular single, the album defined the group as being more musically accomplished than what was offered on their previous releases. The album also appealed to the audiophiles of the time, as the studio engineering production values were particularly excellent with Bill Cooper overseeing the recording.
For Ladies Only is the sixth studio album by the American hard rock band Steppenwolf, released in 1971. It is a concept album that explores the themes of feminism and women's liberation. The album was a commercial success, reaching number 15 on the Billboard 200 chart.
The album was recorded at the Record Plant in Sausalito, California, and produced by John Haeny. The album features the band's classic lineup of John Kay (vocals), Michael Monarch (guitar), Goldy McJohn (keyboards), Nick St. Nicholas (bass), and Jerry Edmonton (drums).
The album opens with the title track, "For Ladies Only", which is a powerful anthem about female empowerment. The song is followed by "Sparkle Eyes", a more personal song about a woman who is struggling to find her place in the world.
The album then moves on to a series of songs about relationships, including "Black Pit", "Ride With Me", and "Tenderness". These songs explore the different sides of love and relationships, from the excitement of new love to the pain of heartb",reak.
The album also contains the songs "The Night Time's For You", "Jaded Strumpet", and "In Hopes Of A Garden". These songs are more reflective and introspective, and they offer a glimpse into the band's thoughts on the world and the human condition.
For Ladies Only is a groundbreaking album that helped to pave the way for future feminist rock albums. The album is a powerful and important statement about women's rights, and it is still relevant today.
Hard Rock, Acid/Psych
Probe 1C 062-92 826
Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram
1971 Made in Germany
This album comes in a gatefold ( fold open cover ) on the inside pages of this cover there is a photo of "Hollywood Boulevard" which a car in the shape of a penis.
Richard Podolor - Producer
Bill Cooper - Sound Engineer
This album was recorded at: American Recording Studios
Jerry Edmonton - Album cover designer
Tom Gundelfinger - Photographer
Photo of the five band-members of Steppenwolf, all of them interestly reading a book on female sexuality.
Steppenwolf is a rock band formed in 1967 in Los Angeles, California. The band gained widespread popularity during the late 1960s and early 1970s with their unique blend of hard rock and psychedelic music, which was characterized by heavy guitar riffs, prominent basslines, and driving drumbeats.
The band's core members were vocalist John Kay, guitarist Michael Monarch, keyboardist Goldy McJohn, bassist Rushton Moreve, and drummer Jerry Edmonton. They released their debut album, "Steppenwolf," in 1968, which included the hit single "Born to Be Wild." The song became an anthem for the counterculture movement and was famously featured in the film "Easy Rider."
Steppenwolf's music was influenced by a variety of genres, including blues, folk, and rock and roll. Their lyrics often addressed themes of rebellion, social commentary, and spirituality. The band's name, "Steppenwolf," was inspired by the novel of the same name by Hermann Hesse, which explores the themes of individualism and the search for meaning in a conformist society.
Throughout the late 1960s and early 1970s, Steppenwolf released a series of critically acclaimed albums, including "The Second," "At Your Birthday Party," and "Monster." These albums featured some of the band's most famous songs, such as "Magic Carpet Ride," "Rock Me," and "The Pusher."
Despite their success, Steppenwolf faced several challenges during their career. The band underwent several lineup changes, with Kay being the only consistent member throughout their history. Additionally, they struggled with substance abuse and legal issues, which led to several periods of inactivity. Despite these challenges, Steppenwolf's influence on rock music cannot be understated. Their music has been covered by countless artists and has been featured in numerous films and television shows. The band was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 1996, and Kay was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist in 2018.
Steppenwolf's legacy lives on, and their music continues to resonate with fans around the world. Their hard-driving rock and roll sound and socially conscious lyrics continue to inspire new generations of musicians, and their influence on the genre remains undeniable.