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Wildlife

by Mott the Hoople

Released: March 19, 1971

Rock

musicOnOff editorial

Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Genre Shift.

The Album

The album marked a shift in the band's sound, featuring a more stripped-down, acoustic approach compared to their previous releases. It includes tracks such as "Whiskey Women," which showcases the band's ability to blend rock with folk and country influences, and "Lay Down," a reflective ballad that highlights Ian Hunter's evolving songwriting and vocal style. "Wildlife" is the third album by the British band Mott the Hoople.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

It was originally released in 1971, with Island…

It was originally released in 1971, with Island Records handling the release in the UK (catalogue number ILPS 9144) and Atlantic Records in the US (catalogue number SD 8284).

The album's more introspective and mellow tone reflects…

The album's more introspective and mellow tone reflects the band's exploration of new musical directions during this period.

The album was re-released by Angel Air in…

The album was re-released by Angel Air in 2003 (SJPCD159).

Watch and listen

Explore the Album

Mott the Hoople - Wildlife

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Then

Reception

Wildlife reached No. 44 in the UK Albums Chart in April 1971.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"Wildlife" is the third album by the British band Mott the Hoople. It was originally released in 1971, with Island Records handling the release in the UK (catalogue number ILPS 9144) and Atlantic Records in the US (catalogue number SD 8284). The album was re-released by Angel Air in 2003 (SJPCD159).

Wildlife reached No. 44 in the UK Albums Chart in April 1971. The album marked a shift in the band's sound, featuring a more stripped-down, acoustic approach compared to their previous releases. It includes tracks such as "Whiskey Women," which showcases the band's ability to blend rock with folk and country influences, and "Lay Down," a reflective ballad that highlights Ian Hunter's evolving songwriting and vocal style. The album's more introspective and mellow tone reflects the band's exploration of new musical directions during this period.