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.
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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:
60,051
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"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:
1,273
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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]
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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:
12,152
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5. (6) 1
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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:
560
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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:
2,323
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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:
9,479
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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:
4,679
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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:
12,439
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Comments:
10. (=)
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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
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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 | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|||
| Pink Floyd | 4 | 4% | |
| Cheap Trick | 4 | 4% | |
| Led Zeppelin | 4 | 4% | |
| Kiss | 4 | 4% | |
| Scorpions | 3 | 3% | |
| Black Sabbath | 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 6th Sabbath Bloody Sabbath by Black Sabbath |
| Up 1 from 6th to 5th Lovedrive by Scorpions |
| Up 1 from 5th to 4th Physical Graffiti by Led Zeppelin |
| Biggest fallers |
|---|
| Down 10 from 4th to 14th Who's Next by The Who |
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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 1990s | ~SMiLE~ | 1990s decade chart | 2013 | |
| Top 100 Music Albums of the 1980s | ~SMiLE~ | 1980s decade chart | 2013 | |
~SMiLE~ has created 4 other 1970s decade charts - click here to explore them all.
Top 100 Music Albums of the 1970s ratings
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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 | 669 | 90/100 |
| ! | 10/03/2014 09:46 |  greatson | 906 | 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 | 135 | 67/100 |
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Top 100 Music Albums of the 1970s comments
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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"
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