Assignment 2 - Pat Travers' 'Makin' Magic': Did This Album Get Its Due Respect?

Introduction: The landscape of 1977 was one of disco fever, the rising punk movement, and a cultural revolution exemplified by movies like "Star Wars." Amid this colorful milieu, Pat Travers released his second studio album, "Makin' Magic," featuring songs like "Rock 'N' Roll Susie" and "You Don't Love Me." Billobard magazine had it as one of their top picks for that year. While the hits "Boom Boom (Out Go the Lights)" and "Snortin' Whiskey" might be what many associate with Travers, does "Makin' Magic" deserve a more in-depth listen?
 
Tracks:
"Makin' Magic"
"Rock 'N' Roll Susie"
"You Don't Love Me"
"Stevie"
"Statesboro Blues"
"Need Love"
"Hooked On Music"
"What You Mean To Me"
 
Why "Makin' Magic" Might Have Been Overlooked:
Radio Play: While some of Travers' songs gained traction, they often overshadowed the breadth of work available on the "Makin' Magic" album.
 
Musical Landscape: In an era dominated by disco, punk, and rock legends like Led Zeppelin, the album had stiff competition for airtime.
 
Label Strategy: How a label chooses to promote an album can significantly impact its success and visibility, often focusing on singles rather than the album as a whole.
 
Chart Competition: The year 1977 was filled with musical greats. Albums like Fleetwood Mac's "Rumours" and the "Saturday Night Fever" soundtrack were among those topping the charts, making it a challenging environment for any new release to make its mark.
 
Pop Culture in 1977: The pop culture scene was diversified, with the "Star Wars" franchise taking off, and TV shows like "Charlie's Angels" and "Three's Company" gaining traction. Best-selling books included Stephen King's "The Shining" and "The Silmarillion" by J.R.R. Tolkien.
News Headlines: Major events like the New York City blackout and the death of Elvis Presley also filled the headlines, adding another layer to the vibrant tapestry of 1977.
 
Conclusion: We're handing this over to you, our listeners. As we explore the landscapes of classic rock's forgotten or overlooked albums, we invite you to dive into "Makin' Magic" by Pat Travers. Your task is to help us determine if this album received its fair share of recognition or if it's an underrated gem that deserves a second listen. Take a listen and join the conversation.

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