The Best Electronic Albums of the 1970s

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1. 1
   AutobahnKraftwerk

   Autobahn

   Kraftwerk · 1974 · Electronic

   The breakthrough, its 22-minute title piece evoking a drive down the motorway in pure electronics. Pioneering and hypnotic. Where their legend begins.

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2. 2
   Trans-Europe ExpressKraftwerk

   Trans-Europe Express

   Kraftwerk · 1977 · Electronic

   A sleek, romantic concept album about European travel that shaped electro, hip-hop and techno. Hypnotic and forward-looking. Hugely influential.

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3. 3
   The Man-MachineKraftwerk

   The Man-Machine

   Kraftwerk · 1978 · Electronic

   Pristine, melodic electro-pop of robots and cities, home to 'The Model'. Clean and iconic. A peak of their catalogue.

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4. 4
   Ambient 1: Music for AirportsBrian Eno

   Ambient 1: Music for Airports

   Brian Eno · 1978 · Electronic

   The album that named and defined ambient music, designed to be as ignorable as it is interesting. Calm and revolutionary. A genre's foundation.

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5. 5
   Another Green WorldBrian Eno

   Another Green World

   Brian Eno · 1975 · Electronic

   A delicate balance of song and instrumental texture, gentle and exploratory. A pivot toward ambient. Quietly influential.

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6. 6
   PhaedraTangerine Dream

   Phaedra

   Tangerine Dream · 1974 · Electronic

   A pioneering sequencer-driven electronic landmark of hypnotic drift. Spacious and influential. A genre cornerstone.

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7. 7
   OxygeneJean-Michel Jarre

   Oxygene

   Jean-Michel Jarre · 1976 · Electronic

   A lush, melodic synthesizer landmark that brought electronic music to the masses. Atmospheric and beloved. A genre classic.

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8. 8
   EquinoxeJean-Michel Jarre

   Equinoxe

   Jean-Michel Jarre · 1978 · Electronic

   A lush, melodic synthesizer peak. Atmospheric and beloved. A genre highlight.

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9. 9
   RubyconTangerine Dream

   Rubycon

   Tangerine Dream · 1975 · Electronic

   A hypnotic, sequencer-driven ambient-electronic peak. Immersive and beloved. A genre cornerstone.

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10. 10
    Here Come the Warm JetsBrian Eno

    Here Come the Warm Jets

    Brian Eno · 1974 · Electronic

    A playful, glammy art-rock solo debut. Inventive and beloved. A strong start.

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11. 11
    Before and After ScienceBrian Eno

    Before and After Science

    Brian Eno · 1977 · Electronic

    A delicate balance of art-pop songs and ambient texture. Inventive and beloved. A high point.

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12. 12
    Radio-ActivityKraftwerk

    Radio-Activity

    Kraftwerk · 1975 · Electronic

    A concept record on radio and radioactivity, sparse and eerie. Pioneering and influential. A transitional landmark.

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13. 13
    Solid State SurvivorYellow Magic Orchestra

    Solid State Survivor

    Yellow Magic Orchestra · 1979 · Electronic

    A playful, pioneering synth-pop landmark from Japan. Bright and influential. A genre cornerstone.

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14. 14
    20 Jazz Funk GreatsThrobbing Gristle

    20 Jazz Funk Greats

    Throbbing Gristle · 1979 · Electronic

    A subversive, foundational industrial landmark. Bold and influential. A genre cornerstone.

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