The BEST episodes of 1971: The Year That Music Changed Everything

Every episode of 1971: The Year That Music Changed Everything ever, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best episodes of 1971: The Year That Music Changed Everything!

An immersive, deep-dive docuseries rich with archival footage and interviews that explores the musicians and soundtracks that shaped the culture and politics of 1971.

Last Updated: 4/8/2025Network: Apple TV+Status: Ended

7.77

65 votes

#1 - The Revolution Will Not Be Televised

Season 1 - Episode 5 - Aired 5/21/2021

America is convulsed by deep racial unrest. Curtis Mayfield, The Last Poets, and Gil Scott-Heron write about a revolution that feels imminent.

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7.68

140 votes

#2 - What's Happening?

Season 1 - Episode 1 - Aired 5/21/2021

As the unrest of the ’60s evolves into a new decade, musicians like Marvin Gaye and John Lennon become the conscience of the culture.

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7.56

78 votes

#3 - Our Time Is Now

Season 1 - Episode 4 - Aired 5/21/2021

Carole King and Joni Mitchell smash sexist boundaries and record iconic albums. Elton John and Lou Reed explore queer music and culture.

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7.51

98 votes

#4 - End of the Acid Dream

Season 1 - Episode 2 - Aired 5/21/2021

Sly Stone, The Rolling Stones, and Jim Morrison retreat from the world—but there’s no escape from the growing epidemic of hard drugs.

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7.51

61 votes

#5 - Respect

Season 1 - Episode 7 - Aired 5/21/2021

James Brown, Ike and Tina Turner, and the artists at Stax Records make music on their own terms despite working in an industry rife with racism.

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7.48

89 votes

#6 - Changes

Season 1 - Episode 3 - Aired 5/21/2021

New sounds and styles emerge following The Beatles’ breakup, with Marc Bolan and Alice Cooper bringing glam to the world.

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7.40

62 votes

#7 - Starman

Season 1 - Episode 8 - Aired 5/21/2021

Series finale. With reggae and synthesizers on the rise, a range of artists—from Iggy Pop and Lou Reed to Alice Cooper—inspire a creative triumph.

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7.33

66 votes

#8 - Exile

Season 1 - Episode 6 - Aired 5/21/2021

Drugs, drink, and debauchery reach a devastating peak—yet Sly Stone, The Rolling Stones, and Jim Morrison produce some of their best music.

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