"Red Octopus" is the second album by Jefferson Starship, released in 1975. Notably, it was the best-selling album by any incarnation of Jefferson Airplane and its spin-off groups. The sound of the album is nearly a direct contrast from its predecessor, shifting from experimental, psychedelic sounds to accessible, radio-friendly tunes.
The album was a significant musical departure from the previous album, "Dragon Fly." It was the first album that band members Grace Slick and Marty Balin appeared on together since leaving Jefferson Airplane. As a primary result, Red Octopus had more of a focused, poppy feel while still maintaining the classic rock and roll style.
Red Octopus features different musical styles, including rock, pop, and balladry. Its slick production resulted in a more polished and commercial sound. The album contains the band’s biggest hit single, "Miracles," composed by Marty Balin, which rose to the number 3 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 charts.
Despite mixed critical reviews, the album was very well-received commercially. It quickly achieved a RIAA certification of 2x platinum, with more than two million copies sold in the United States alone. The album's success greatly contributed to the revitalization of band members' careers and rejuvenation in their musical creativity. It consolidated Jefferson Starship's position in the American music industry of the mid-70s.
