Singles & Albums: Best Sellers Chart (1971)

George Harrison's "My Sweet Lord" and Simon & Garfunkel's Bridge Over Troubled Water top the best-selling charts of 1971 as published in Sounds, January 1, 1972.

Simon & Garfunkel released Bridge Over Troubled Water, their fifth and final studio album, in January 1970 on Columbia Records. Recorded in 1969 primarily at Columbia’s New York studios, with additional sessions in Los Angeles, it was produced by Paul Simon, Art Garfunkel, and Roy Halee. The album blends folk, rock, gospel, and pop, showcasing Simon’s poignant songwriting and Garfunkel’s soaring vocals. The title track, a gospel-inspired ballad with Larry Knechtel’s piano and lush orchestration, became an instant classic. Other key tracks include “The Boxer” (#7 US), “Cecilia” (#4 US), and “El Condor Pasa (If I Could)” (#18 US), reflecting their diverse influences.

It topped the UK Albums Chart for 33 non-consecutive weeks and the US Billboard 200 for 10 weeks, selling over 25 million copies worldwide by 2025. The single “Bridge Over Troubled Water” hit #1 in the UK for three weeks and the US for six weeks, earning six Grammys, including Album of the Year. A critical and commercial triumph, it marked the duo’s peak before their 1970 breakup.

George Harrison released "My Sweet Lord" in November 1970 as the lead single from his landmark triple album All Things Must Pass. Written during his post-Beatles spiritual awakening, the song blends devotional lyrics with a catchy, uplifting melody, reflecting Harrison’s exploration of Hinduism and Christianity. Produced by Harrison and Phil Spector, it features Harrison’s slide guitar, lush orchestration, and backing vocals by the Edwin Hawkins Singers. The track’s iconic Wall of Sound production gives it a rich, anthemic quality.

Recorded at Abbey Road Studios, it showcased contributions from musicians like Eric Clapton, Ringo Starr, and Billy Preston. "My Sweet Lord" became a global smash, hitting #1 on the UK Singles Chart for five weeks and topping the US Billboard Hot 100 for four weeks in early 1971. It was the first solo single by a Beatle to reach #1 in the UK and sold millions worldwide. Despite its success, the song faced a lawsuit for its similarity to The Chiffons’ "He’s So Fine," settled out of court.