Argent Rocked the 70s with their Innovative sound, and their keyboard-driven compositions.
Argent was a British rock band that formed in 1969 and achieved success in the early 1970s with their blend of progressive rock, hard rock, and pop. The band was led by keyboardist Rod Argent, who had previously been a member of the Zombies, and featured guitarist Russ Ballard, bassist Jim Rodford, and drummer Bob Henrit. Argent's most famous songs include "Hold Your Head Up", "God Gave Rock and Roll to You", and "Liar".
The band's debut album, Argent, was released in 1970 and showcased their diverse musical influences, ranging from classical to blues to psychedelia. The album received positive reviews and spawned the hit single "Liar", which was later covered by Three Dog Night. Argent's second album, Ring of Hands, followed in 1971 and continued their experimental approach, featuring complex arrangements and orchestral elements.
Argent's breakthrough came with their third album, All Together Now, which was released in 1972 and contained their biggest hit, "Hold Your Head Up". The song was a powerful anthem of self-confidence and optimism, with a catchy chorus and a soaring organ solo by Rod Argent. The song reached number five on the Billboard Hot 100 and number one on the UK Singles Chart. The album also featured the song "God Gave Rock and Roll to You", which became a rock classic and was later covered by Kiss.
Argent's success continued with their fourth album, In Deep, which was released in 1973 and contained the hit single "Tragedy". The album marked a shift towards a heavier sound, with more emphasis on guitar riffs and distortion. The band also experimented with synthesizers and electronic effects, creating a futuristic atmosphere. In Deep was well received by critics and fans alike and cemented Argent's reputation as one of the leading rock bands of the era.
However, Argent's fortunes began to decline with their fifth album, Nexus, which was released in 1974 and failed to produce any hit singles. The album was a concept album that explored the themes of spirituality and metaphysics, but it was also criticized for being too pretentious and obscure. The band's sixth album, Encore: Live in Concert, which was released in 1975 and recorded during their tour with Black Sabbath, also failed to impress the audience and the critics.
The final blow came when Russ Ballard decided to leave the band in 1974 to pursue a solo career. Ballard had been the main songwriter and vocalist for most of Argent's hits, and his departure left a huge gap in the band's creative output. Rod Argent tried to fill the void by recruiting guitarist John Verity and singer John Grimaldi, but the new lineup did not work well together. The band's seventh and final album, Circus, which was released in 1975, was a commercial flop and received poor reviews. The band decided to call it quits in 1976 after a farewell tour.
Argent's legacy as a rock band is undeniable. They influenced many artists in various genres, such as metal, punk, pop, and alternative rock. They were also praised for their musical skills and innovation, especially Rod Argent's keyboard mastery. Although they never achieved the same level of fame as some of their contemporaries, they left behind a rich catalog of songs that still resonate with listeners today.
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