The Best Country and Americana Albums of the 1970s

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1. 1
   Coal Miner's DaughterLoretta Lynn

   Coal Miner's Daughter

   Loretta Lynn · 1971 · Country & Americana

   A plain-spoken, autobiographical country classic of working-class pride. Honest and beloved. Her signature album.

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2. 2
   Coat of Many ColorsDolly Parton

   Coat of Many Colors

   Dolly Parton · 1971 · Country & Americana

   A tender, autobiographical country peak of plain-spoken warmth. Beautiful and beloved. A signature record.

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3. 3
   JoleneDolly Parton

   Jolene

   Dolly Parton · 1974 · Country & Americana

   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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4. 4
   Honky Tonk HeroesWaylon Jennings

   Honky Tonk Heroes

   Waylon Jennings · 1973 · Country & Americana

   A landmark of outlaw country, rough and rebellious, mostly written by Billy Joe Shaver. Loose and influential. A genre cornerstone.

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5. 5
   The GamblerKenny Rogers

   The Gambler

   Kenny Rogers · 1978 · Country & Americana

   A blockbuster of narrative country-pop, home to its iconic title song. Tuneful and huge. A crossover landmark.

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6. 6
   Shotgun WillieWillie Nelson

   Shotgun Willie

   Willie Nelson · 1973 · Country & Americana

   The loose, liberated record where Willie found his outlaw voice. Warm and acclaimed. A turning point.

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7. 7
   Phases and StagesWillie Nelson

   Phases and Stages

   Willie Nelson · 1974 · Country & Americana

   A concept album of divorce told from both sides. Beautiful and acclaimed. A creative high.

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8. 8
   Dreaming My DreamsWaylon Jennings

   Dreaming My Dreams

   Waylon Jennings · 1975 · Country & Americana

   A relaxed, outlaw-country peak of warm craft. Tuneful and beloved. A high point.

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9. 9
   My Tennessee Mountain HomeDolly Parton

   My Tennessee Mountain Home

   Dolly Parton · 1973 · Country & Americana

   A warm, autobiographical concept peak. Tender and beloved. A high point.

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10. 10
    Pieces of the SkyEmmylou Harris

    Pieces of the Sky

    Emmylou Harris · 1975 · Country & Americana

    A graceful country peak of pristine voice. Warm and acclaimed. A genre highlight.

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11. 11
    KristoffersonKris Kristofferson

    Kristofferson

    Kris Kristofferson · 1970 · Country & Americana

    The debut that announced a songwriter's songwriter — Me and Bobby McGee, Help Me Make It Through the Night.

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