in the 70s - Top Ten Albums of the Seventies

Top Ten Albums of the Seventies

What are your top ten favorite albums from the 70s?

We also have pages on this topic devoted to the 80s and 90s

10. Boston by Boston
9. Who's Next by The Who
8. Hotel California by The Eagles
7. Houses Of The Holy by Led Zeppelin
6. School's Out by Alice Cooper
5. Destroyer by KISS
4. Highway To Hell by AC/DC
3. Dark Side Of The Moon by Pink Floyd
2. Black Sabbath by Paranoid
1. IV by Led Zeppelin

10. Van Halen by Van Halen
their debut and best, rock and roll in its rawest form, although I was only 6yrs. old when the debut Zeppelin album came out in 69 and I wasn't into rock lol, I would think that alot of comparisons could be made in the 2 bands debuts
9. Hotel California by Eagles
I admit I wasn't the biggest Eagles fan in the the late 70's but this is a must have along with their greatest hits and double live album
8. Boston by Boston
I read someone else's review of this as "a great crank it up album" well said.
7. Bat Out Of Hell by Meatloaf
I guess I don't have to tell any of you that were teenagers in the late 70's what this album meant, if you didn't own a copy of it, a buddy, a brother or sister did, it was a staple.
6. Born To Run by Bruce Springsteen
It starts off with one of my all time favorite songs, Bruce's best work
5. Crime Of The Century by Supertramp
I find myself playing this album alot, I'm not sure if it belongs in the #5 spot but if I haven't changed it by the time I'm done it must
4. Rumours by Fleetwood Mac
so much has been said about the soap opera that was the making of this album but what we ended up with was brilliant
3. Whos Next by The Who
another one of those must have albums, I don't think Daltrey ever sounded better.
2. IV by Led Zeppelin
like dark side, this should be in everyones collection, I've owned it on 8-track, cassette, vinyl and cd of course, black dog, rock&roll and stairway have been abit overplayed over the years but there's a reason for it.
1. Dark Side Of The Moon by Pink Floyd
Amazing, listening to it in its entirety is the only way to hear it. Lay back and close your eyes.

10. Use Your Imagination by Mud
I liked so many glam rock outfits in the mid 70s but the award goes to Mud for their attempt to radically change their style at the very end of the 70s. This album includes the sing-along single "L'l'l' Lucy", fun in the shape of "43792, I'm bustin' you", "Show me you're a woman" and the very unusual but very listenable title track, "Use your imagination".
9. I Just Can't Stop It by The Beat
Early new wave fun with a dose of ska. "Mirror in the Bathroom" and "Save it for later" are just great tunes.
8. Greatest Hits by Dave Edmunds
Welsh rock at its best, so many sing-along ones from "I knew the bride when she used to rock and roll" to "Crawling from the wreckage" and "Deborah".
7. On The Border by The Eagles
Loved the concept in the title song, "cruising down the centre of a two-way street, wondering who is really in the driver's seat, minding my business, along comes big brother, says son you gotta get on one side or the other .. ooh ooh I'm stuck on the border .." Says a lot about the 70s really. Also great: "James Dean", "Best of my love" and "You never cry like a lover".
6. Hotel California by The Eagles
Weakest track is "pretty maids all in a row"/"wasted time". The rest of the album is superlative. The atmosphere of "The Last Resort" is heart-aching and the rocking of "Life in the Fast Lane" and "Victim of Love" (in its own way) make you want to get up and move!
5. Rumours by Fleetwood Mac
What can be said that has not been said already? I love "The Chain", "Oh daddy" and "Second Hand News" just as much as the oft-quoted standards, "Don't Stop", "Go your own way" and "Dreams".
4. Makin' Movies by Dire Straits
Side one, "Tunnel of love", "Romeo and Juliet" and "Skateaway" takes a lot of beating.
3. Malpractice by Dr. Feelgood
For the one song, "Back in the night". I used to hum this so much. Also for the fun of "You shouldn't call the doctor (if you can't afford the bill)".
2. Modern Times by Al Stewart
Tasteful selections and beautiful lyrics, Al sums up life in the 70s with many different glimpses into the lives of the rich and the famous and those who are struggling a little more. For lyrical perfection give a listen to "Apple Cider Reconstitution" and "The dark and the rolling sea" and "Modern Times", the title cut. Atmospheric, soothing and a masterpiece.
1. Their Greatest HIts/Desperado by Eagles
Their Greatest Hits brings it all together but does not have the atmosphere of "Desperado". "Outlaw Man" is a real rocker, "Tequila Sunrise" is timeless and "A certain kind of fool" showcases Randy Meisner's voice to perfection

10. London Calling by The Clash
9. Led Zeppelin III by Led Zeppelin
8. Hotel California by The Eagles
7. Pink Floyd by Dark Side Of The Moon
6. Physical Graffitti by Led Zeppelin
5. Boston by Boston
4. Toys In The Attic by Aerosmith
3. Paranoid by Black Sabbath
2. Nevermind The Bullocks Heres The Sex Pistols by Sex Pistols
1. Led Zeppelin IV by Led Zeppelin

10. Discovery by E.L.O.
(1979) - One of the first LP's I bought. I got in on these guys at the end of their peak. I've since discovered their earlier works.
9. Saturday Night Fever Soundtrack by Various Artists
(1977) - Who didn't have a copy of this? Remember side 4 was only "Disco Inferno"?
8. Even Now by Barry Manilow
(1978) - Sure I'm embarassed that I had this LP, but I sure wore it out back then.
7. Get The Knack by The Knack
(1979) - For me, this was the end of disco and the beginning of something new entirely.
6. Tapestry by Carole King
(1971) - Hit after hit after hit. Set the high mark for the singer-songwriter.
5. Dark Side Of The Moon by Pink Floyd
(1973) - "The Great Gig in the Sky" is often overlooked as the best track on this release.
4. Fresh by Sly & the Family Stone
(1973) - Sly is the freshest mo-fo there ever was.
3. I Am by Earth, Wind & Fire
(1979) - Starts with "In the Stone" and doesn't let up. "After the Love is Gone" is a classic slow-dance ballad.
2. Exodus by Bob Marley
(1977) - Of the original 10 tracks, 7 were issued as a single in the UK.
1. Aja by Steely Dan
(1977) - I can't find the words to describe it...

10. Dinasty by Kiss
9. Moon Dance by Van Morrison
8. Sweet Baby James by James Taylor
7. Exodus by Bob Marley
6. Ramones by Ramones
5. Never Mind The Bullocks by Sex Pistols
4. Cosmo's Factory by Creedence Clearwater Revival
3. Dark Side Of The Moon by Pink Floyd
2. Saturday Night Fever by Bee Gees
1. Led Zeppelin IV by Led Zeppelin

10. Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap by Ac/dc
Though this album wasnt released until the 80s it was originally recorded in the 70s. I really love them when they had Bon Scott.
9. Anarchy In The U.k. by The Sex Pistols
This is the greatest punk album of all time. They have set themselves as a dirty, dont give a f*ck punk band who has alot of great things to say.
8. Van Halen by Van Halen
They might not have gotten popular til the 80s but this album really stands out. Great solos, great lyrics, and a great frontman. This is what really started them off.
7. Ted Nugent by Ted Nugent
This album had it all.Great songs, great solos, and the greatest frontman of all time.
6. Toys In The Attic by Aerosmith
This album probably is their greatest when they were actaully good rock. This album also had one of my favorite songs on it(sweet emotion).
5. Dark Side Of The Moon by Pink Floyd
This is the trippiest album ive ever heard. Featuring great sound effects and guitar solos. This is one of the most popular albums of the 70s.
4. The Wall by Pink Floyd
The wall is a great album because they have gotten heavier and its working for them. Although i love their other albums this stands as their best.
3. At The Fillmore East by The Allman Brothers Band
The Allman Brothers have outdone themselves on this. They have to be one of my favorite groups ever. This albums features all of their hits on a live album with great guitar solos and great lyrics. Too bad Duane had to die.
2. Led Zeppelin 3 by Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin had many great albums in their time but this is my favorite.This albums had in my opinion one of the greatest Zep songs ever(immigrant song) and some other great songs, some accoustic.
1. Paranoid by Black Sabbath
This album has everything. Blues'rock hooks, great riffs, its really a dark, yet influetial album

10. Catch A Fire by Bob Marley
Great album to listen to while smoking pot during the lunch hour at school.
9. Destroyer by KISS
A classic album from all of the original band members. It also proves that no one likes Peter Criss. He was the only member of the band that showed up to the recording session for Beth.
8. Frampton Comes Alive by Peter Frampton
Great album with great songs. The best live album EVER!
7. The Wall by Pink Floyd
An amazing concept album. The Dark Side of the Moon may be more popular, but in my opinion the Wall is a much better album.
6. Damn The Torpedoes by Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers
Petty's breakthrough album.
5. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road by Elton John
A strong album from start to finish with few, if any, weak points. Elton at his best.
4. A Night At The Opera by Queen
The first LP that I ever bought. The Prophet's Song is great, and so is Bohemian Rhapsody. Mercury's voice is incredible.
3. Who's Next by The Who
Full of classic tracks. There is only one song on this album that doesn't get constant radio play on classic rock stations.
2. Harvest by Neil Young
Every song on this album kicks a**. I have two copies of it on vinyl.
1. Houses Of The Holy by Led Zeppelin
Zeppelin at their best. The album had great tracks such as, The Song Remains the Same, Over the Hills and Far Away, The Ocean, etc...

10. 2112 by Rush
What a trip! Not only can Neil Peart play drums but he can write epic songs!
9. Who's Nex by The Who
WOW!!! Pure genius
8. Never Mind The Bollocks by The Sex Pistols
Turned the whole rock establishment on its ear.
7. Boston by Boston
Amazing production, amazing musicanship, amazing songs. A timeless classic.
6. Welcome To My Nightmare by Alice Cooper
the king of theatrical rock delivered a masterpiece concept album
5. Paranoid by Black Sabbath
The cornerstone of all heavy metal.
4. Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd
A tribute to Syd Barrett. And what a great tribute it was.
3. The Wall by Pink Floyd
Again, just listen and you will understand why this is a truly amazing album.
2. Physical Graffiti by Led Zeppelin
LZ at its artistic peak.
1. Dark Side Of The Moon by Pink Floyd
If you have listened to this album you will understand.

10. The Velvet Underground by Loaded
Three big ones are ROCK & ROLL SWEET JANE and OH! SWEET NOTHING
9. Quadrophenia by The Who
Simply Rock & Roll and The Who
8. Working Man's Dead by The Grateful Dead
Very Underated
7. Live At Leeds by The Who
second greatest live album ever
6. Get Yer Ya'sYa's Out by The Rolling Stones
Greatest live album ever
5. Let It Be by The Beatles
Very underated Beatles album
4. Sticky Fingers by The Rolling Stones
Great drug related album
3. Exile On Main Street by The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones at their best
2. Who's Next by The Who
First track and the last make this album.
1. American Beauty by The Grateful Dead
American Music at it's best, this is what American music is to me.