Smokin’

A&M, 1972

Their biggest hit in the US, where it reached No.6, a success built largely on the impact of the Fillmore live double the previous summer. With Frampton gone (replaced by Clem Clemson), Marriott was free to lead the band into full-on kick-ass rock territory. In that respect, Smokin’ delivered on all counts, like opening brace Hot ‘N’ Nasty and The Fixer. The high point, and best-remembered moment now on classic rock radio, is 30 Days In The Hole. Soulful and sleazy – name-checking cocaine, heroin, a ‘greasy whore’ and varieties of hash – this was not-so humble Marriott truly telling it like it was for him right then.