The Best Folk and Singer-Songwriter Albums of the 1970s

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1. 1
   BlueJoni Mitchell

   Blue

   Joni Mitchell · 1971 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

   An intimate, confessional landmark of singer-songwriter craft, spare in arrangement and emotionally fearless. Mitchell's melodies and open tunings are extraordinary throughout. Routinely named one of the greatest albums ever made.

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2. 2
   Bridge over Troubled WaterSimon & Garfunkel

   Bridge over Troubled Water

   Simon & Garfunkel · 1970 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

   Their final and biggest album, balancing the soaring title hymn with lighter, worldlier songs. Immaculately produced and hugely popular. A perfect send-off.

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3. 3
   HarvestNeil Young

   Harvest

   Neil Young · 1972 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

   Young's warmest, most accessible record, full of country-rock comfort and the tender 'Heart of Gold'. His best-selling album for good reason. An easy entry point.

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4. 4
   Court and SparkJoni Mitchell

   Court and Spark

   Joni Mitchell · 1974 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

   Mitchell's jazziest, most accessible record, pairing sophisticated arrangements with sharp, witty writing. It was her commercial peak and remains deeply rewarding. A perfect bridge between her folk and jazz periods.

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5. 5
   HejiraJoni Mitchell

   Hejira

   Joni Mitchell · 1976 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

   A restless, jazzy travelogue of long, literate songs and Jaco's bass. Reflective and singular. A late peak.

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6. 6
   Ladies of the CanyonJoni Mitchell

   Ladies of the Canyon

   Joni Mitchell · 1970 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

   A warm bridge between folk and her jazzier turn, home to 'Big Yellow Taxi'. Tuneful and beloved. A favourite.

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7. 7
   Pink MoonNick Drake

   Pink Moon

   Nick Drake · 1972 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

   Recorded in two nights with just voice and guitar, it is spare, intimate and quietly devastating. Overlooked in his lifetime and now treasured. Hushed perfection.

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8. 8
   Bryter LayterNick Drake

   Bryter Layter

   Nick Drake · 1970 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

   A lusher, jazz-touched record of bittersweet beauty. Warm and understated. A quiet classic.

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9. 9
   Songs of Love and HateLeonard Cohen

   Songs of Love and Hate

   Leonard Cohen · 1971 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

   A stark, intense peak of literary folk, home to 'Famous Blue Raincoat'. Dark and beautiful. One of his best.

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10. 10
    TapestryCarole King

    Tapestry

    Carole King · 1971 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

    The album that defined the confessional singer-songwriter era, warm and tuneful from 'It's Too Late' to 'You've Got a Friend'. A massive, enduring seller. Comfort itself.

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11. 11
    Sweet Baby JamesJames Taylor

    Sweet Baby James

    James Taylor · 1970 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

    A gentle, intimate landmark of the singer-songwriter era, home to 'Fire and Rain'. Warm and beloved. A genre cornerstone.

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12. 12
    Tea for the TillermanCat Stevens

    Tea for the Tillerman

    Cat Stevens · 1970 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

    Warm, melodic folk-pop of searching and faith, home to 'Father and Son' and 'Wild World'. Gentle and enduring. His defining record.

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13. 13
    MoondanceVan Morrison

    Moondance

    Van Morrison · 1970 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

    Warmer and more song-based than Astral Weeks, all joy and swing, from the title track to 'Into the Mystic'. Soulful and beloved. A perfect record.

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14. 14
    After the Gold RushNeil Young

    After the Gold Rush

    Neil Young · 1970 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

    A fragile, beautiful set balancing piano ballads and ragged electric rock, more haunted than Harvest. A quiet favourite among devotees. Timeless.

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15. 15
    On the BeachNeil Young

    On the Beach

    Neil Young · 1974 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

    A bleak, beautiful record of disillusion and fragile beauty. Raw and beloved. A devotee favourite.

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16. 16
    John PrineJohn Prine

    John Prine

    John Prine · 1971 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

    A wry, humane debut of perfect songwriting, home to 'Angel from Montgomery'. Warm and beloved. A genre cornerstone.

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17. 17
    Red Headed StrangerWillie Nelson

    Red Headed Stranger

    Willie Nelson · 1975 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

    A spare, cinematic concept album that defied Nashville convention and became a landmark of outlaw country. Quiet and haunting. Proof less can be more.

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18. 18
    The Hissing of Summer LawnsJoni Mitchell

    The Hissing of Summer Lawns

    Joni Mitchell · 1975 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

    An ambitious, jazz-and-world-leaning peak of suburban critique. Bold and acclaimed. A grower among fans.

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19. 19
    For the RosesJoni Mitchell

    For the Roses

    Joni Mitchell · 1972 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

    A reflective, jazz-leaning bridge in her catalogue. Beautiful and acclaimed. A grower among fans.

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20. 20
    Rust Never SleepsNeil Young

    Rust Never Sleeps

    Neil Young · 1979 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

    A two-sided acoustic-then-electric peak of restless energy. Bold and acclaimed. A high point.

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21. 21
    Tonight's the NightNeil Young

    Tonight's the Night

    Neil Young · 1975 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

    A raw, grief-soaked record of loss and ragged beauty. Harrowing and beloved. A cult favourite.

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22. 22
    ZumaNeil Young

    Zuma

    Neil Young · 1975 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

    A loose, electric Crazy Horse peak, home to 'Cortez the Killer'. Raw and beloved. A high point.

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23. 23
    Grievous AngelGram Parsons

    Grievous Angel

    Gram Parsons · 1974 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

    A tender, definitive country-rock record, his duets with Emmylou Harris luminous throughout. Beautiful and influential. A cosmic-country landmark.

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24. 24
    GPGram Parsons

    GP

    Gram Parsons · 1973 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

    A tender solo debut of cosmic country, with Emmylou Harris's harmonies. Warm and influential. A genre cornerstone.

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25. 25
    Solid AirJohn Martyn

    Solid Air

    John Martyn · 1973 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

    A warm, jazzy folk landmark of slurred vocals and atmosphere. Singular and beloved. His masterpiece.

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26. 26
    Just Another Diamond DayVashti Bunyan

    Just Another Diamond Day

    Vashti Bunyan · 1970 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

    A fragile, pastoral folk gem ignored on release and later revered. Beautiful and beloved. A cult treasure.

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27. 27
    I Want to See the Bright Lights TonightRichard & Linda Thompson

    I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight

    Richard & Linda Thompson · 1974 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

    A peak of British folk-rock songcraft and harmony. Beautiful and acclaimed. A genre cornerstone.

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28. 28
    Closing TimeTom Waits

    Closing Time

    Tom Waits · 1973 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

    A tender, piano-led debut of late-night ballads, home to 'Ol' 55'. Warm and understated. A quiet classic.

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29. 29
    Sail AwayRandy Newman

    Sail Away

    Randy Newman · 1972 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

    A sharp, ironic song-cycle of American satire and lush arrangements. Clever and acclaimed. His masterpiece.

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30. 30
    Nilsson SchmilssonHarry Nilsson

    Nilsson Schmilsson

    Harry Nilsson · 1971 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

    A tuneful, eclectic peak, home to 'Without You' and 'Coconut'. Witty and beloved. His commercial high.

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31. 31
    Warren ZevonWarren Zevon

    Warren Zevon

    Warren Zevon · 1976 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

    A sharp, literate singer-songwriter peak of dark wit. Clever and acclaimed. His breakthrough.

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32. 32
    Late for the SkyJackson Browne

    Late for the Sky

    Jackson Browne · 1974 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

    A reflective, beautifully written peak of California songcraft. Tender and acclaimed. His finest.

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33. 33
    New Skin for the Old CeremonyLeonard Cohen

    New Skin for the Old Ceremony

    Leonard Cohen · 1974 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

    A literate, intricate peak of dark wit. Beautiful and acclaimed. A high point.

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34. 34
    Tupelo HoneyVan Morrison

    Tupelo Honey

    Van Morrison · 1971 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

    A warm, pastoral peak of soulful folk-rock. Gentle and beloved. A high point.

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35. 35
    Veedon FleeceVan Morrison

    Veedon Fleece

    Van Morrison · 1974 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

    A mystical, underrated peak of free-flowing Celtic soul. Beautiful and acclaimed. A cult favourite.

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36. 36
    Teaser and the FirecatCat Stevens

    Teaser and the Firecat

    Cat Stevens · 1971 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

    A tuneful peak, home to 'Morning Has Broken' and 'Peace Train'. Warm and beloved. A high point.

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37. 37
    Mud Slide Slim and the Blue HorizonJames Taylor

    Mud Slide Slim and the Blue Horizon

    James Taylor · 1971 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

    A warm, gentle peak, home to 'You've Got a Friend'. Tuneful and beloved. A high point.

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38. 38
    Diamonds & RustJoan Baez

    Diamonds & Rust

    Joan Baez · 1975 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

    A mature peak, home to its autobiographical title song. Beautiful and acclaimed. Her finest.

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39. 39
    Judee SillJudee Sill

    Judee Sill

    Judee Sill · 1971 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

    A gorgeous, gospel-tinged folk debut of overlooked genius. Beautiful and acclaimed. A cult treasure.

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40. 40
    Sweet RevengeJohn Prine

    Sweet Revenge

    John Prine · 1973 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

    A wry, warm peak of perfect songwriting. Funny and beloved. A high point.

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41. 41
    Small ChangeTom Waits

    Small Change

    Tom Waits · 1976 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

    A boozy, jazzy peak of late-night ballads and barroom poetry. Warm and acclaimed. A high point.

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42. 42
    Blue ValentineTom Waits

    Blue Valentine

    Tom Waits · 1978 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

    A noir-ish, late-night peak of barroom ballads. Warm and acclaimed. A high point.

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43. 43
    Paul SimonPaul Simon

    Paul Simon

    Paul Simon · 1972 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

    An eclectic, tuneful solo debut blending styles with ease. Warm and beloved. A strong start.

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44. 44
    Still Crazy After All These YearsPaul Simon

    Still Crazy After All These Years

    Paul Simon · 1975 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

    A polished, jazzy peak of mature songcraft. Tuneful and acclaimed. A Grammy-winning high.

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45. 45
    In My Own TimeKaren Dalton

    In My Own Time

    Karen Dalton · 1971 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

    A haunting, soulful folk peak of a singular voice. Beautiful and reappraised. A cult treasure.

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46. 46
    No OtherGene Clark

    No Other

    Gene Clark · 1974 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

    A lavish, cosmic-Americana cult masterpiece ignored on release. Beautiful and reappraised. A treasure.

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47. 47
    StardustWillie Nelson

    Stardust

    Willie Nelson · 1978 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

    A surprising, beloved collection of pop standards in Willie's warm phrasing. Smooth and acclaimed. A crossover classic.

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48. 48
    WriterCarole King

    Writer

    Carole King · 1970 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

    The first step away from her Brill Building past — intimate piano-led songs that set the template for Tapestry's warmer triumph a year later.

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49. 49
    MusicCarole King

    Music

    Carole King · 1971 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

    The immediate follow-up to Tapestry, quieter and jazzier, a natural exhale after the blockbuster that preceded it.

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50. 50
    Rhymes & ReasonsCarole King

    Rhymes & Reasons

    Carole King · 1972 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

    The third chapter of King's imperial run, less celebrated than Tapestry but full of the same warmth and songwriting craft.

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51. 51
    No SecretsCarly Simon

    No Secrets

    Carly Simon · 1972 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

    The breakthrough album built around 'You're So Vain' — her sharpest lyrics matched to a polished pop-rock sound.

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52. 52
    AnticipationCarly Simon

    Anticipation

    Carly Simon · 1971 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

    Her second album, and the first to show her writing at full stretch — the title track became an unlikely anthem for the unhurried.

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53. 53
    HotcakesCarly Simon

    Hotcakes

    Carly Simon · 1974 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

    A warmer, more collaborative record with James Taylor throughout, and songwriting that had grown more assured with each release.

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54. 54
    Like an Old Fashioned WaltzSandy Denny

    Like an Old Fashioned Waltz

    Sandy Denny · 1974 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

    Her most intimate solo record, built around piano ballads and a voice that could convey more in a held note than most singers manage in a verse.

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55. 55
    SundownGordon Lightfoot

    Sundown

    Gordon Lightfoot · 1974 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

    The title track became his biggest hit, but the album around it shows his storytelling craft at its most consistent.

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56. 56
    Summertime DreamGordon Lightfoot

    Summertime Dream

    Gordon Lightfoot · 1976 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

    The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald — six minutes of nautical tragedy that became a Canadian classic.

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57. 57
    Poems, Prayers and PromisesJohn Denver

    Poems, Prayers and Promises

    John Denver · 1971 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

    Take Me Home, Country Roads appeared here first — Denver's most balanced album.

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