The band's second album, Town Called Malice, was released in April 1970. This album marked a slight shift towards a more hard rock sound, with tracks like "Town Called Malice" and "Their Satanic Majesties Request (We're Not Worthy)" (a humorous cover of the Rolling Stones' song).
Humble Pie formed in 1969, a British supergroup drawing from Small Faces (Steve Marriott), Spooky Tooth (Greg Ridley), and The Herd (Peter Frampton). While they continued into the mid-70s, their 1969–1972 output is widely considered their creative peak — tighter, rawer, and better than the heavier, blues-boogie sprawl that followed.
In October 1970, Humble Pie released Rock On, which featured a more refined and mature sound. The album included the hit single "Rock On" and showcased the band's ability to craft catchy, hard rock anthems. humble pie discography 19692 better
| Year | Album | Key Takeaway | |------|-------|---------------| | 1969 | As Safe As Yesterday Is | Eclectic debut; raw potential | | 1969 | Town and Country | Acoustic detour; shows range | | 1970 | Humble Pie | Transition to heavy blues | | 1971 | Rock On | First with Clempson; tighter sound | | 1971 | Performance Rockin’ the Fillmore | Essential live album | | 1972 | Smokin’ | Commercial peak; hard rock classic | | 1973–75 | Eat It, Thunderbox, Street Rats | For diehards only | | 2002 | Better Than a Kick in the Head | Best compilation for rarities |
If you’re searching “humble pie discography 19692 better,” start with 1969’s As Safe As Yesterday Is to hear their birth, then jump immediately to Performance Rockin’ the Fillmore and Smokin’ for the “better” years. You’ll understand why Steve Marriott—often called “the white Otis Redding”—led one of the most electrifying rock bands of his generation. The band's second album, Town Called Malice ,
Long after the pie was eaten, Humble Pie’s legacy remains hearty, messy, and unforgettable.
Humble Pie (June 1970, often called the “red album”)
A live-in-studio feel that captures their raw power. “Live with Me” and “Earth and Water Son” show Marriott’s voice already shredded with soul. Frampton’s guitar lines are melodic gold. 2x tighter than the jammy excess to come. While they continued into the mid-70s, their 1969–1972
Rock On (March 1971)
Their commercial breakthrough in the US. “Shine On” and “Stone Cold Fever” are perfect hard rock templates. This album is often overshadowed by Performance: Rockin’ the Fillmore, but the studio originals hit 2x harder without the live noodling.
If you want “better” than 1969’s tentative debut, Performance Rockin’ the Fillmore is the answer. Recorded live at the Fillmore East in New York, this double LP captures Humble Pie at their absolute peak. The 11-minute medley of “Rollin’ Stone” (a blazing cover of Muddy Waters) and “Hallelujah I Love Her So” (Ray Charles) is pure electricity. The album reached No. 21 on the US Billboard 200 and went gold. Many fans argue it’s the essential Humble Pie discography entry.
As Safe As Yesterday Is (August 1969)
Their debut arrived as psychedelia was gasping its last breath. Steve Marriott (fresh from Small Faces) and Peter Frampton (ex-Herd) created a heavy, pastoral hybrid. Tracks like the title cut and “Natural Born Bugie” (their first single) blend Beatlesque melody with proto-hard rock crunch. It’s 2x more adventurous than most debut albums of the era.
Town and Country (October 1969)
Released just two months later! An acoustic, folk-blues detour that confused fans at the time but now stands as a brave left-turn. “The Sad Bag of Shaky Jake” is a hidden gem. 2x more intimate than anything they’d do later.