Top 100 Music Albums of the 1970s
by 
~SMiLE~ 
- Chart updated: 04/22/2013 08:56
- (Created: 03/09/2012 02:41).
- Chart size: 100 albums.
There are 6 comments for this chart from BestEverAlbums.com members and Top 100 Music Albums of the 1970s has an average rating of 85 out of 100 (from 9 votes). Please log in or register to leave a comment or assign a rating.
View the complete list of 59,000 charts on BestEverAlbums.com from The Charts page.
Magnum opus in every sense. What an achievement. Commercial meets conceptual equinox. "Dark Side of the Moon" builds greatly upon previous experimentation, but this time around the band really took the time to craft some fine songs. Little details like the cash-register chink on "Money" or the alarm-clock clatter on "Time" enhanced atmosphere. It set new standards in attention to detail and production values for the world of studio recording. A quintessential album.
[First added to this chart: 03/10/2012]
Year of Release:
1973
Appears in:
Rank Score:
58,261
Rank in 1973:
Rank in 1970s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
"Sunflower" sounds completely fresh overflowing with hooks and harmonies. The songs are sweet, crisp, warm, melodic, and fun. It's a real group effort; an upbeat cohesive album with each member having their moment in the spotlight. Dennis Wilson particularly shines demonstrating some impressive songwriting. The band sound very naturally and confident. A truly delightful album.
[First added to this chart: 03/10/2012]
Year of Release:
1970
Appears in:
Rank Score:
1,251
Rank in 1970:
Rank in 1970s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
Cheap Trick's debut album is has the raw aesthetic of a live performance. Unassailable bedrock rhythm section, crunchy guitars, and astonishing vocals pull together for an explosive fusion of unorthodox subjects wrapped in blissful melodic hooks. Touching upon such disturbing topics as pedophilia, serial killers, suicide, youth-culture cynicism and gigolos. Great compositions and electric performances, mingled with a dark undercurrent help create this highly underrated album.
[First added to this chart: 03/10/2012]
This sprawling adventurous self-indulgent collection is a wonderfully decadent album. An exploration of music genres and styles that are thrown into a clever mélange. "Physical Graffiti" is evidence of Zeppelin"s peerless musical immensity and talent.
[First added to this chart: 03/10/2012]
Year of Release:
1975
Appears in:
Rank Score:
11,924
Rank in 1975:
Rank in 1970s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
5. (6) 1
Safe Mode: On Certain images on this site may contain sensitive content and are flagged as 'unsafe'. BestEverAlbums.com does not display these images by default, but you may choose to show or hide these images from your profile page. If you choose to hide these images, you'll see an image with a warning message instead of the actual image. If you choose to show them, you'll see these images no differently than regular (safe) images.
With "Lovedrive" the Scorpions' song writing, is at it's best. " Loving You Sunday Morning" is an upbeat melodic opener. The frantically paced "Another Piece of Meat" , the galloping pulse of the title track "Lovedrive" as well as the intoxicating rhythm and smooth leads of the instrumental "Coast to Coast" all feature legendary guitarists Michael Schenker. His playing on these three songs is immaculate. "I Can't Get Enough" is a fiery metallic behemoth. "Is There Anybody There" provides a breezy island vibe and a change of pace."Always Somewhere" is a beautiful ballad which is matched later by the album's finale "Holiday" .
An exemplary album. Searing leads, intense trademark vocals, chunky rhythms and polished melodic songs with hook laden riffs makes "Lovedrive" at just over 36 minutes a hard rock tour de force. [First added to this chart: 03/10/2012]
An exemplary album. Searing leads, intense trademark vocals, chunky rhythms and polished melodic songs with hook laden riffs makes "Lovedrive" at just over 36 minutes a hard rock tour de force. [First added to this chart: 03/10/2012]
Year of Release:
1979
Appears in:
Rank Score:
553
Rank in 1979:
Rank in 1970s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
The aggressive Iommi riffs and Ozzy's vocal style are unmistakable, but this album is more polished and stylish then Sabbath's previous four records. Extending the band's boundaries, Rick Wakeman from 'Yes' on keyboards adding something extra. High Points are "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath", "Spiral Architect" and "Looking For Today". The melodies are quite memorable. Synthesizers and orchestral arrangements with heavy guitar riffs, "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath" is the most diverse, experimental and mature Sabbath album.
[First added to this chart: 03/10/2012]
Year of Release:
1973
Appears in:
Rank Score:
2,287
Rank in 1973:
Rank in 1970s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
Nothing is hidden on "Plastic Ono Band"; an introspective confessional. These memorable melodies are compelling and passionate. A bare-boned and raw document.
[First added to this chart: 03/10/2012]
Year of Release:
1970
Appears in:
Rank Score:
9,130
Rank in 1970:
Rank in 1970s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
Recorded mainly in John's home studio which would be the last time he would ever record in England. "Imagine" is only slightly less confessional than the harrowing "Plastic Ono Band". A remarkable collection of songs. Primarily blues-based, with a couple of piano ballads thrown in. Magnificent string arrangements. An Excellent Album.
[First added to this chart: 03/10/2012]
Year of Release:
1971
Appears in:
Rank Score:
4,731
Rank in 1971:
Rank in 1970s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
Every tune is a classic. With a number of different styles this album does have an overall mood of melancholic,even if a number of songs tell of a longing and fulfillment of new love.
[First added to this chart: 03/10/2012]
Year of Release:
1972
Appears in:
Rank Score:
11,959
Rank in 1972:
Rank in 1970s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
10. (=)
Berstein's exuberance is a perfect match for Gershwin's music. "Rhapsody" will take you away, from opening bluesy note and seduces you with all it's jazzy brilliance. It's lively, flashy, bluesy, and intensely enchanting piece of music. This rendition of "Rhapsody in Blue" is unsurpassed, chimerical, even whimsical at times. "An American In Paris" is a vital, moving performance, presented with wonderfully spontaneous energy.
Enduring Music, Amazing Performance. [First added to this chart: 03/10/2012]
Enduring Music, Amazing Performance. [First added to this chart: 03/10/2012]
Total albums: 100. Page 1 of 10
Don't agree with this chart? Create your own from the My Charts page!
Top 100 Music Albums of the 1970s composition
| Year | Albums | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | 16 | 16% | |
| 1971 | 14 | 14% | |
| 1972 | 6 | 6% | |
| 1973 | 9 | 9% | |
| 1974 | 5 | 5% | |
| 1975 | 7 | 7% | |
| 1976 | 9 | 9% | |
| 1977 | 12 | 12% | |
| 1978 | 8 | 8% | |
| 1979 | 13 | 13% |
| Artist | Albums | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|||
| Kiss | 4 | 4% | |
| Pink Floyd | 4 | 4% | |
| Cheap Trick | 4 | 4% | |
| Led Zeppelin | 4 | 4% | |
| Black Sabbath | 3 | 3% | |
| Scorpions | 3 | 3% | |
| John Lennon | 2 | 2% | |
| Show all | |||
| Country | Albums | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|||
 |
46 | 46% | |
 |
35 | 35% | |
| |
9 | 9% | |
 |
3 | 3% | |
 |
3 | 3% | |
 |
2 | 2% | |
 |
1 | 1% | |
| Show all | |||
Top 100 Music Albums of the 1970s chart changes
| Biggest climbers |
|---|
| Up 8 from 14th to 6thSabbath Bloody Sabbath by Black Sabbath |
| Up 1 from 6th to 5thLovedrive by Scorpions |
| Up 1 from 5th to 4thPhysical Graffiti by Led Zeppelin |
| Biggest fallers |
|---|
| Down 10 from 4th to 14thWho's Next by The Who |
Top 100 Music Albums of the 1970s similar charts
| Title | Source | Type | Published | Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top 100 Music Albums of the 1970s |  MetalMan67 | 1970s decade chart | 2025 | |
| Top 1970s Classic Rock Albums | nas062080 | Custom chart | 2013 | |
| Top 99 Music Albums of the 1970s | elton229 | 1970s decade chart | 2012 |  |
| Top 100 Music Albums of the 1970s | matterhornrider | 1970s decade chart | 2025 |  |
| Top 100 Music Albums of the 1970s | Siromynian | 1970s decade chart | 2025 |  |
| Top 100 Music Albums of the 1970s | Dakatalbum | 1970s decade chart | 2019 | |
| Top 100 Music Albums of the 1970s | mrfloosak | 1970s decade chart | 2022 | |
| Top 100 Music Albums of the 1970s | Manso | 1970s decade chart | 2020 |  |
| Top 100 Music Albums of the 1970s |  RasmV | 1970s decade chart | 2023 |  |
| Top 86 Music Albums of the 1970s |  GARY | 1970s decade chart | 2012 |  |
Top 100 Music Albums of the 1970s similarity to your chart(s)
Not a member? Registering is quick, easy and FREE!
Why register?
- Join a passionate community of over 50,000 music fans.
- Create & share your own charts.
- Have your say in the overall rankings.
- Post comments in the forums and vote on polls.
- Comment on or rate any album, artist, track or chart.
- Discover new music & improve your music collection.
- Customise the overall chart using a variety of different filters & metrics.
- Create a wishlist of albums.
- Gain access to a Dark Mode theme.
- Help maintain the BEA database.
- Earn member points and gain access to increasing levels of functionality!
- ... And lots more!
Register now - it only takes a moment!
Other decade charts by ~SMiLE~
| Title | Source | Type | Published | Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top 99 Music Albums of the 2010s | ~SMiLE~ | 2010s decade chart | 2014 | |
| Top 100 Music Albums of the 2000s | ~SMiLE~ | 2000s decade chart | 2013 | |
Top 100 Music Albums of the 1970s ratings
Average Rating = (n ÷ (n + m)) × av + (m ÷ (n + m)) × AVwhere:
av = trimmed mean average rating an item has currently received.
n = number of ratings an item has currently received.
m = minimum number of ratings required for an item to appear in a 'top-rated' chart (currently 10).
AV = the site mean average rating.
N.B. The average rating for this chart will not be reliable as it has been rated very few times.
Showing latest 5 ratings for this chart. | Show all 9 ratings for this chart.
| Rating | Date updated | Member | Chart ratings | Avg. chart rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06/16/2016 12:51 |  buzzdainer | 664 | 90/100 | |
| 10/03/2014 09:46 |  greatson | 904 | 80/100 | |
| 12/29/2013 15:14 |  tgarritsen | 375 | 86/100 | |
| 05/24/2013 16:52 | 5thbeatle | 216 | 74/100 | |
| 04/01/2013 00:58 | dexmc | 134 | 66/100 |
Top 100 Music Albums of the 1970s favourites
Showing all 1 members who have added this chart as a favourite
Top 100 Music Albums of the 1970s comments
Showing all 6 comments |
Most Helpful First | Newest First | Positive Sentiment First |
Longest Comments First
(Only showing comments with -2 votes or higher. You can alter this threshold from your profile page. Manage Profile)
From buzzdainer 06/16/2016 12:53 | #168896
buzzdainer 06/16/2016 12:53 | #168896
Really great chart! Pretty hard to disagree with the likes of London Calling and Damn the Torpedoes. I need convincing when it comes to Kiss and Cheap Trick, but those little differences of opinion are what makes the site great.
Helpful? (Log in to vote) | 0 votes (0 helpful | 0 unhelpful)
From tgarritsen 12/29/2013 15:14 | #99074
tgarritsen 12/29/2013 15:14 | #99074
Perfect summary of the decade. Punk, Metal, Hard-rock, Pop, Soul and anything else the 70's was about.
Helpful? (Log in to vote) | 0 votes (0 helpful | 0 unhelpful)
From 5thbeatle 05/24/2013 16:53 | #77018
A little too much 70's for my liking :P 33 in common with my own, hard not to like.
Helpful? (Log in to vote) | 0 votes (0 helpful | 0 unhelpful)
From 
Mother Nature's Son 02/26/2013 18:42 | #66230
Mother Nature's Son 02/26/2013 18:42 | #66230
Great chart, some excellent choices. What do you think about The Beach Boys' "Holland" and "Love You"?
Helpful? (Log in to vote) | 0 votes (0 helpful | 0 unhelpful)
From 
junodog4 04/06/2012 03:29 | #39515
junodog4 04/06/2012 03:29 | #39515
Love the Bernstein inclusion! Can't say I care for the Scorpions. Good list nonetheless.
Helpful? (Log in to vote) | 0 votes (0 helpful | 0 unhelpful)
From ~SMiLE~ 03/27/2012 20:36 | #39036
~SMiLE~ 03/27/2012 20:36 | #39036
Thanks "Hermes_requite"
Helpful? (Log in to vote) | 0 votes (0 helpful | 0 unhelpful)
Your feedback for Top 100 Music Albums of the 1970s
Let us know what you think of this chart by adding a comment or assigning a rating below!
If you enjoy our site, please consider supporting us by sparing a few seconds to disable your ad blocker.
A lot of hard work happens in the background to keep BEA running, and it's especially difficult to do this when we can't pay our hosting fees :(
We work very hard to ensure our site is as fast (and FREE!) as possible, and we respect your privacy.
A lot of hard work happens in the background to keep BEA running, and it's especially difficult to do this when we can't pay our hosting fees :(
We work very hard to ensure our site is as fast (and FREE!) as possible, and we respect your privacy.
