Jeff Beck Group: Truth Album (1968)

Jeff Beck Group’s Truth LP, was released in the UK on October 4, 1968 on Columbia Records (catalogue: SCX 6293) in the U.K. This debut album, a cornerstone of British blues-rock, showcased guitarist Jeff Beck’s fiery virtuosity alongside Rod Stewart’s raw vocals, blending heavy blues, rock, and psychedelic touches.

Produced by Mickie Most, the 10-track album featured future Led Zeppelin members Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones in guest roles, delivering a proto-hard rock sound that influenced the genre’s evolution. Housed in a simple sleeve with a striking band photo, Truth peaked at No. 15 in the UK, cementing Beck’s post-Yardbirds legacy.

Album Overview

Tracklist:

Side A:

Shapes of Things (3:17) – Reimagined Yardbirds classic.

Let Me Love You (4:41)

Morning Dew (4:38) – Tim Rose cover.

You Shook Me (2:28) – Willie Dixon cover.

Ol’ Man River (3:57) – Jerome Kern cover.

Side B:

Greensleeves (1:47) – Traditional, arranged by Beck.

Rock My Plimsoul (4:11)

Beck’s Bolero (2:50) – Instrumental with Jimmy Page.

Blues De Luxe (7:30)

I Ain’t Superstitious (4:53) – Willie Dixon cover.

Release Details:

Label: Columbia Records (UK pressing, mono SCX 6293, stereo SXC 6293).

Format: Vinyl LP, 33⅓ RPM, in a single sleeve with a band photo by Stephen Goldblatt.

Notes: ℗ 1968 EMI Records Ltd. Recorded at Abbey Road Studios, London, in May 1968. US release on Epic Records (BN 26413) preceded the UK by three months (July 1968). Matrix numbers (e.g., SCX 6293 A-1) confirm authenticity.

Production and Context

Produced by Mickie Most, known for pop hits but adept at capturing Beck’s bluesy edge, Truth was recorded in a brisk two weeks at Abbey Road. The core lineup featured Jeff Beck (guitar), Rod Stewart (vocals), Ronnie Wood (bass), and Micky Waller (drums), with guests including Jimmy Page (guitar on “Beck’s Bolero”), John Paul Jones (organ), Keith Moon (drums on “Beck’s Bolero”), and Nicky Hopkins (piano). Tracks like “You Shook Me” and “I Ain’t Superstitious” showcased heavy blues covers, while “Beck’s Bolero” hinted at progressive rock. Released amid the 1968 blues boom, alongside acts like Cream and Fleetwood Mac, Truth bridged British blues with the heavier sound of emerging hard rock.

Chart Performance

Truth achieved solid chart success for a debut:

UK: Peaked at No. 15 on the Official Albums Chart, charting for 12 weeks.

US: Reached No. 15 on the Billboard 200, charting for 28 weeks, certified Gold (500,000 copies sold).

Other Markets: Limited data exists, but it gained traction in Europe (e.g., Germany, Netherlands) via touring and radio play. No specific chart entries noted for Australia or Canada, though it built a cult following. The lack of a lead single limited its pop chart impact, but its influence grew through word-of-mouth and FM radio airplay.

Legacy and Collectibility

Truth is a seminal blues-rock album, often credited with inspiring Led Zeppelin’s debut (released months later in 1969). Tracks like “You Shook Me” and “Beck’s Bolero” became staples, with the latter a live favorite. Its raw energy influenced bands like Deep Purple and Black Sabbath. Original UK vinyls (mono or stereo) fetch £30–£150 on Discogs, with first pressings (blue/black Columbia labels) or intact sleeves commanding premiums—check matrix numbers for authenticity. Remastered CDs (2005 EMI reissue with bonus tracks) and Spotify streams preserve its gritty analog sound, making it accessible for collectors.

This LP is a blues-rock milestone, showcasing Jeff Beck and Rod Stewart’s early brilliance.

Do you have Truth in your vinyl collection? Which track rocks your turntable? Share in the comments!