The Best Country & Americana Albums of the 1970s
Our pick of the essential country & americana records released in the 1970s, ranked.
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1Coal Miner's DaughterLoretta Lynn
Coal Miner's Daughter
A plain-spoken, autobiographical country classic of working-class pride. Honest and beloved. Her signature album.
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2Coat of Many ColorsDolly Parton
Coat of Many Colors
A tender, autobiographical country peak of plain-spoken warmth. Beautiful and beloved. A signature record.
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3JoleneDolly Parton
Jolene
Built around one of country's most enduring songs, plus the autobiographical 'I Will Always Love You'. Plain-spoken and beautifully sung. Essential Dolly.
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4Honky Tonk HeroesWaylon Jennings
Honky Tonk Heroes
A landmark of outlaw country, rough and rebellious, mostly written by Billy Joe Shaver. Loose and influential. A genre cornerstone.
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5The GamblerKenny Rogers
The Gambler
A blockbuster of narrative country-pop, home to its iconic title song. Tuneful and huge. A crossover landmark.
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6Shotgun WillieWillie Nelson
Shotgun Willie
The loose, liberated record where Willie found his outlaw voice. Warm and acclaimed. A turning point.
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7Phases and StagesWillie Nelson
Phases and Stages
A concept album of divorce told from both sides. Beautiful and acclaimed. A creative high.
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8Dreaming My DreamsWaylon Jennings
Dreaming My Dreams
A relaxed, outlaw-country peak of warm craft. Tuneful and beloved. A high point.
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9My Tennessee Mountain HomeDolly Parton
My Tennessee Mountain Home
A warm, autobiographical concept peak. Tender and beloved. A high point.
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10Pieces of the SkyEmmylou Harris
Pieces of the Sky
A graceful country peak of pristine voice. Warm and acclaimed. A genre highlight.