"For Ladies Only" is the sixth studio album by Canadian-American rock band Steppenwolf, released in November 1971 by Dunhill Records. The album is a political concept album, primarily centered around feminism, though it also includes more conventional songs focused on romance. These themes were unusual for Steppenwolf at the time, given their typical focus on more hard-edged rock and rebellious themes. Some critics, however, found the album's take on feminism problematic, with particular criticism directed at the lyrics of certain songs and the controversial album cover, which featured a photo of a car shaped like a penis placed alongside the Hollywood Walk of Fame. This led some to perceive the album as sexist.
Musically, For Ladies Only shows Steppenwolf experimenting with more complex arrangements and a more sophisticated approach to their sound, especially in the title track. The album marked the band's attempt to explore progressive rock, a movement that was gaining popularity at the time. The use of keyboards was more prominent on this album, furthering this shift in musical style.
Prior to the album's recording, lead guitarist Kent Henry, who had previously been a member of Blues Image, replaced Larry Byrom. For Ladies Only was also Steppenwolf’s last album of new material before their initial breakup in February 1972. The album was accompanied by two singles, both of which were minor hits, but neither made it into the Top 40, marking a decline in the band’s commercial success.
