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The Best Rock Albums of the 1970s

Our pick of the essential rock records released in the 1970s, ranked.

  1. 1
    The Dark Side of the MoonPink Floyd

    The Dark Side of the Moon

    Pink Floyd · 1973 · Rock

    A seamless suite on time, money, madness and mortality, built from sighing synths, saxophone, heartbeat pulses and tape collage. It spent years on the charts for good reason: the production still sounds vast and the sequencing flows as one continuous piece. The benchmark for hi-fi demonstration and a cornerstone of any collection.

  2. 2
    Wish You Were HerePink Floyd

    Wish You Were Here

    Pink Floyd · 1975 · Rock

    A grieving, beautiful record shaped by absent friend Syd Barrett and disillusion with the music business, anchored by the sprawling 'Shine On You Crazy Diamond'. Warmer and more human than Dark Side, it rewards patience and a good pair of speakers. One of the great headphone albums.

  3. 3
    Led Zeppelin IVLed Zeppelin

    Led Zeppelin IV

    Led Zeppelin · 1971 · Rock

    Untitled and adorned only with runic symbols, this is the band's most complete statement, from the folk delicacy of 'The Battle of Evermore' to the slow build of 'Stairway to Heaven'. Bonham's drum sound on 'When the Levee Breaks' alone has been sampled for decades. Heavy, mystical and endlessly influential.

  4. 4
    Exile on Main St.The Rolling Stones

    Exile on Main St.

    The Rolling Stones · 1972 · Rock

    A loose, murky double album cut largely in a French villa basement, where blues, country, gospel and rock'n'roll bleed into one another. It sounded ramshackle on release and is now widely held to be their masterpiece. Let it wash over you a few times before its depth reveals itself.

  5. 5
    Who's NextThe Who

    Who's Next

    The Who · 1971 · Rock

    Salvaged from the abandoned Lifehouse project, it became the Who's most powerful studio record, pairing Townshend's pioneering synthesizer sequences with Daltrey's roar and Moon's chaos. 'Baba O'Riley' and 'Won't Get Fooled Again' bookend it with genuine grandeur. A high-water mark for arena rock done with brains.

  6. 6
    RumoursFleetwood Mac

    Rumours

    Fleetwood Mac · 1977 · Rock

    Recorded as the band members' relationships disintegrated, the tension fuels every track, turning heartbreak into impossibly hooky soft-rock. The harmonies, the songwriting balance across three writers and the crystalline production made it one of the best-selling albums ever. Comfort listening with real emotional undertow.

  7. 7
    The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from MarsDavid Bowie

    The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars

    David Bowie · 1972 · Rock

    Bowie's glam-rock concept album about a doomed alien rock star turned him into a superstar and changed what a pop performer could be. The songs are tight and theatrical, the playing sharp, the whole thing over in 38 thrilling minutes. The essential entry point to his catalogue.

  8. 8
    Hunky DoryDavid Bowie

    Hunky Dory

    David Bowie · 1971 · Rock

    A songwriter's album of wit, warmth and ambition, from the shape-shifting 'Changes' to the tender 'Life on Mars?'. It arrived just before Ziggy made him famous and many devotees quietly prefer it. Piano-led, melodic and endlessly replayable.

  9. 9
    A Night at the OperaQueen

    A Night at the Opera

    Queen · 1975 · Rock

    Queen's lavish, everything-at-once masterpiece, home to 'Bohemian Rhapsody' and a riot of music-hall, hard rock and balladry. Expensive, ambitious and irresistible. Their defining statement.

  10. 10
    Born to RunBruce Springsteen

    Born to Run

    Bruce Springsteen · 1975 · Rock

    The make-or-break record where Springsteen poured everything into a widescreen, Spector-sized vision of escape and longing. Every track strains for transcendence and mostly reaches it, from the title song to the closing 'Jungleland'. Romantic, exhausting and thrilling.

  11. 11
    Blood on the TracksBob Dylan

    Blood on the Tracks

    Bob Dylan · 1975 · Rock

    Often called the great break-up album, its songs of love gone wrong are among the most affecting Dylan ever wrote. The arrangements are spare and the storytelling extraordinary, especially 'Tangled Up in Blue'. Mature, wounded and beautiful.

  12. 12
    Physical GraffitiLed Zeppelin

    Physical Graffiti

    Led Zeppelin · 1975 · Rock

    A double album with room to roam, from the towering 'Kashmir' to acoustic excursions and pure blues-rock muscle. It shows the full breadth of the band's powers in one set. The deep cuts reward repeat listens as much as the famous tracks.

  13. 13
    The WallPink Floyd

    The Wall

    Pink Floyd · 1979 · Rock

    An ambitious rock opera about isolation and breakdown, theatrical and bleak, with 'Comfortably Numb' as its emotional peak. It works as narrative and as a run of strong individual songs. Best taken in one sitting.

  14. 14
    AnimalsPink Floyd

    Animals

    Pink Floyd · 1977 · Rock

    A bleak, Orwellian concept album of long, simmering tracks and Gilmour's searing guitar. Angrier and more political than Dark Side. A favourite among devotees.

  15. 15
    Sticky FingersThe Rolling Stones

    Sticky Fingers

    The Rolling Stones · 1971 · Rock

    Loose, sleazy and superb, home to 'Brown Sugar', 'Wild Horses' and the slow-burning 'Can't You Hear Me Knocking'. The playing is greasy and confident throughout. One of their two or three best.

  16. 16
    QuadropheniaThe Who

    Quadrophenia

    The Who · 1973 · Rock

    A double-album rock opera about a conflicted mod, grander and more cohesive than Tommy. Townshend's synths and Daltrey's voice power it. A high point of 70s concept records.

  17. 17
    LowDavid Bowie

    Low

    David Bowie · 1977 · Rock

    The first of the Berlin-era records, split between fractured art-pop and chilly ambient instrumentals co-shaped by Brian Eno. Bleak, beautiful and decades ahead of its time, it rewired what a rock star's album could contain. A grower that becomes a favourite.

  18. 18
    Station to StationDavid Bowie

    Station to Station

    David Bowie · 1976 · Rock

    A transitional masterpiece between funk and the Berlin era, anchored by the ten-minute title track and the Thin White Duke persona. Cold, propulsive and brilliant. A pivotal record.

  19. 19
    “Heroes”David Bowie

    “Heroes”

    David Bowie · 1977 · Rock

    The centrepiece of the Berlin trilogy, its title track one of the great rock anthems of yearning. Eno's textures and Fripp's guitar give it grandeur. Triumphant and strange.

  20. 20
    Darkness on the Edge of TownBruce Springsteen

    Darkness on the Edge of Town

    Bruce Springsteen · 1978 · Rock

    Lean, hard-bitten songs of work, fathers and thwarted dreams, recorded after a long legal exile. Tougher than Born to Run. A favourite among devotees.

  21. 21
    News of the WorldQueen

    News of the World

    Queen · 1977 · Rock

    Leaner and harder than its predecessor, opening with the inescapable one-two of 'We Will Rock You' and 'We Are the Champions'. Anthemic and stadium-ready. A crowd-pleasing classic.

  22. 22
    TuskFleetwood Mac

    Tusk

    Fleetwood Mac · 1979 · Rock

    The sprawling, eccentric follow-up to Rumours, lurching from pop to lo-fi experiment on a then-record budget. Divisive then, beloved now. A brave left turn.

  23. 23
    Cosmo's FactoryCreedence Clearwater Revival

    Cosmo's Factory

    Creedence Clearwater Revival · 1970 · Rock

    A peak of swampy roots-rock hit machinery, from 'Up Around the Bend' to a sprawling 'Heard It Through the Grapevine'. Tight and tuneful. Their finest.

  24. 24
    Hotel CaliforniaEagles

    Hotel California

    Eagles · 1976 · Rock

    The band's slick, ambitious peak, its title track a perfectly crafted six-minute allegory of California excess. Polished and enormous. A 70s soft-rock landmark.

  25. 25
    AjaSteely Dan

    Aja

    Steely Dan · 1977 · Rock

    Immaculate jazz-rock of obsessive studio polish and cryptic lyrics, played by session legends. Smooth on the surface, deep underneath. An audiophile favourite and their masterpiece.

  26. 26
    (Pronounced 'Leh-'nerd 'Skin-'nerd)Lynyrd Skynyrd

    (Pronounced 'Leh-'nerd 'Skin-'nerd)

    Lynyrd Skynyrd · 1973 · Rock

    A landmark Southern-rock debut, home to 'Free Bird' and 'Simple Man'. Tough and tuneful. A genre cornerstone.

  27. 27
    Highway to HellAC/DC

    Highway to Hell

    AC/DC · 1979 · Rock

    The album that made AC/DC global, Bon Scott's last with the band, all swagger and killer riffs. Raucous and fun. Hard rock perfected.

  28. 28
    Let It BeThe Beatles

    Let It Be

    The Beatles · 1970 · Rock

    Their troubled final release, rooftop-concert energy wrestling with Phil Spector's overdubs, yet home to 'Let It Be' and 'The Long and Winding Road'. Ragged but moving. A fitting, complicated farewell.

  29. 29
    Some GirlsThe Rolling Stones

    Some Girls

    The Rolling Stones · 1978 · Rock

    A lean, punchy late-70s comeback that absorbed disco and punk energy without losing the swagger. 'Miss You' and 'Beast of Burden' lead it. Their last truly great album.

  30. 30
    Led Zeppelin IIILed Zeppelin

    Led Zeppelin III

    Led Zeppelin · 1970 · Rock

    A surprising acoustic-leaning turn toward folk and Celtic textures alongside the riffs. More varied than expected. A grower among fans.

  31. 31
    Houses of the HolyLed Zeppelin

    Houses of the Holy

    Led Zeppelin · 1973 · Rock

    More varied and playful than its predecessors, stretching into funk, reggae pastiche and lush balladry. A confident band exploring its range. An underrated peak.

  32. 32
    MeddlePink Floyd

    Meddle

    Pink Floyd · 1971 · Rock

    A transitional record building toward their classic era, anchored by the side-long 'Echoes'. Atmospheric and exploratory. A devotee favourite.

  33. 33
    Aladdin SaneDavid Bowie

    Aladdin Sane

    David Bowie · 1973 · Rock

    Ziggy goes to America, harder and more fractured, with Mike Garson's wild piano on the title track. Glam at its most adventurous. A thrilling follow-up.

  34. 34
    Diamond DogsDavid Bowie

    Diamond Dogs

    David Bowie · 1974 · Rock

    A glammy, apocalyptic concept record drawing on Orwell, all decadence and dread. Theatrical and dark. A cult-loved Bowie chapter.

  35. 35
    Young AmericansDavid Bowie

    Young Americans

    David Bowie · 1975 · Rock

    Bowie's 'plastic soul' record, embracing Philly soul and funk. Slick and surprising. The album that broke him in America.

  36. 36
    The Man Who Sold the WorldDavid Bowie

    The Man Who Sold the World

    David Bowie · 1970 · Rock

    A heavy, proto-metal turn with Mick Ronson's guitar to the fore. Dark and underrated. An early sign of his range.

  37. 37
    LodgerDavid Bowie

    Lodger

    David Bowie · 1979 · Rock

    The most accessible of the Berlin trilogy, worldly and angular. Underrated and inventive. A grower among fans.

  38. 38
    DesireBob Dylan

    Desire

    Bob Dylan · 1976 · Rock

    A loose, romantic mid-70s record co-written with Jacques Levy, anchored by the epic 'Hurricane'. Warm and narrative. A fan favourite.

  39. 39
    Machine HeadDeep Purple

    Machine Head

    Deep Purple · 1972 · Rock

    A hard-rock cornerstone built on 'Smoke on the Water' and tight, heavy riffing. Loud and tuneful. Hugely influential.

  40. 40
    In RockDeep Purple

    In Rock

    Deep Purple · 1970 · Rock

    The album that launched their classic hard-rock era, loud and virtuosic. Heavy and influential. A genre cornerstone.

  41. 41
    AqualungJethro Tull

    Aqualung

    Jethro Tull · 1971 · Rock

    A heavy, folk-tinged prog landmark of religion and the dispossessed, with Anderson's flute up front. Distinctive and ambitious. Their best-known record.

  42. 42
    Close to the EdgeYes

    Close to the Edge

    Yes · 1972 · Rock

    Prog at its most refined, three long, intricate suites of dazzling musicianship. Grand and cohesive. Often called their masterpiece.

  43. 43
    FragileYes

    Fragile

    Yes · 1971 · Rock

    A prog peak balancing band epics and solo showcases, home to 'Roundabout'. Intricate and beloved. A high point.

  44. 44
    Selling England by the PoundGenesis

    Selling England by the Pound

    Genesis · 1973 · Rock

    The peak of the Gabriel era, theatrical and intricate English prog. Witty and elaborate. A genre high point.

  45. 45
    2112Rush

    2112

    Rush · 1976 · Rock

    A bold concept record whose side-long title suite saved their career. Ambitious and heavy. A prog-rock landmark.

  46. 46
    AbraxasSantana

    Abraxas

    Santana · 1970 · Rock

    A sublime fusion of Latin rhythm and rock guitar, home to 'Black Magic Woman' and 'Oye Como Va'. Hypnotic and warm. Their masterpiece.

  47. 47
    At Fillmore EastThe Allman Brothers Band

    At Fillmore East

    The Allman Brothers Band · 1971 · Rock

    A peak of live Southern rock and improvisation, twin guitars soaring. Loose and electric. One of the great live albums.

  48. 48
    Damn the TorpedoesTom Petty and the Heartbreakers

    Damn the Torpedoes

    Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers · 1979 · Rock

    A tight, tuneful breakthrough of perfect heartland rock. Confident and hook-filled. Their commercial arrival.

  49. 49
    Van HalenVan Halen

    Van Halen

    Van Halen · 1978 · Rock

    A debut that reinvented rock guitar via Eddie's fretboard fireworks. Explosive and fun. A hard-rock landmark.

  50. 50
    Toys in the AtticAerosmith

    Toys in the Attic

    Aerosmith · 1975 · Rock

    The album that defined Aerosmith's swaggering blues-rock, home to 'Walk This Way' and 'Sweet Emotion'. Tight and raunchy. Their peak.

  51. 51
    RocksAerosmith

    Rocks

    Aerosmith · 1976 · Rock

    A raw, swaggering hard-rock peak that influenced a generation. Tough and beloved. A genre cornerstone.

  52. 52
    BostonBoston

    Boston

    Boston · 1976 · Rock

    A pristine, layered arena-rock debut, home to 'More Than a Feeling'. Polished and huge. A 70s landmark.

  53. 53
    JailbreakThin Lizzy

    Jailbreak

    Thin Lizzy · 1976 · Rock

    A twin-guitar hard-rock peak, home to 'The Boys Are Back in Town'. Tuneful and beloved. Their finest.

  54. 54
    Electric WarriorT. Rex

    Electric Warrior

    T. Rex · 1971 · Rock

    The album that defined glam rock, all boogie riffs and cosmic cool, anchored by 'Get It On'. Sexy and stylish. A genre cornerstone.

  55. 55
    Roxy MusicRoxy Music

    Roxy Music

    Roxy Music · 1972 · Rock

    An audacious art-rock debut of glam, lounge and the avant-garde. Stylish and strange. Hugely influential.

  56. 56
    For Your PleasureRoxy Music

    For Your Pleasure

    Roxy Music · 1973 · Rock

    A darker, more experimental art-rock peak before Eno's exit. Bold and acclaimed. A high point.

  57. 57
    TransformerLou Reed

    Transformer

    Lou Reed · 1972 · Rock

    Reed's glam-era breakthrough, produced by Bowie, home to 'Walk on the Wild Side' and 'Perfect Day'. Witty, seedy and tuneful. His most accessible record.

  58. 58
    BerlinLou Reed

    Berlin

    Lou Reed · 1973 · Rock

    A bleak, theatrical song-cycle of addiction and despair. Harrowing and acclaimed. A cult masterpiece.

  59. 59
    Lust for LifeIggy Pop

    Lust for Life

    Iggy Pop · 1977 · Rock

    A vital, Bowie-assisted solo record, all motorik drive and dark wit, from its iconic title track. Raw and tuneful. A proto-punk classic.

  60. 60
    The IdiotIggy Pop

    The Idiot

    Iggy Pop · 1977 · Rock

    A cold, Bowie-shaped art-rock debut of fractured menace. Influential and strange. A post-punk forerunner.

  61. 61
    L.A. WomanThe Doors

    L.A. Woman

    The Doors · 1971 · Rock

    A loose, bluesy late peak recorded just before Morrison's death, home to 'Riders on the Storm'. Relaxed and assured. A fitting farewell.

  62. 62
    Deja VuCrosby, Stills, Nash & Young

    Deja Vu

    Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young · 1970 · Rock

    A peak of harmony-rich folk-rock, blending four songwriters into something greater. Warm and varied. A defining 70s record.

  63. 63
    American BeautyGrateful Dead

    American Beauty

    Grateful Dead · 1970 · Rock

    The Dead's warmest studio record, full of country-folk songcraft like 'Box of Rain' and 'Ripple'. Mellow and beloved. An ideal entry point.

  64. 64
    Workingman's DeadGrateful Dead

    Workingman's Dead

    Grateful Dead · 1970 · Rock

    A spare, country-folk turn of warm harmony, home to 'Uncle John's Band'. Mellow and beloved. A landmark.

  65. 65
    Dire StraitsDire Straits

    Dire Straits

    Dire Straits · 1978 · Rock

    A laid-back debut of bar-band cool, home to 'Sultans of Swing'. Tuneful and acclaimed. A strong start.

  66. 66
    Breakfast in AmericaSupertramp

    Breakfast in America

    Supertramp · 1979 · Rock

    A bright, hook-laden prog-pop blockbuster of wit and melody. Polished and enormous. A late-70s staple.

  67. 67
    Out of the BlueElectric Light Orchestra

    Out of the Blue

    Electric Light Orchestra · 1977 · Rock

    A lavish, symphonic-pop double album of orchestral hooks. Polished and beloved. Their peak.

  68. 68
    Goodbye Yellow Brick RoadElton John

    Goodbye Yellow Brick Road

    Elton John · 1973 · Rock

    A sprawling double album of Elton's peak songcraft, from 'Bennie and the Jets' to the title ballad. Lavish and tuneful. His masterpiece.

  69. 69
    Honky ChateauElton John

    Honky Chateau

    Elton John · 1972 · Rock

    A warm, tuneful peak, home to 'Rocket Man' and 'Honky Cat'. Beloved and acclaimed. A turning point.

  70. 70
    Madman Across the WaterElton John

    Madman Across the Water

    Elton John · 1971 · Rock

    A lush, piano-led peak, home to 'Tiny Dancer' and 'Levon'. Beautiful and acclaimed. A high point.

  71. 71
    The StrangerBilly Joel

    The Stranger

    Billy Joel · 1977 · Rock

    Joel's breakthrough of sharp, cinematic pop-rock, home to 'Scenes from an Italian Restaurant'. Polished and beloved. His defining record.

  72. 72
    All Things Must PassGeorge Harrison

    All Things Must Pass

    George Harrison · 1970 · Rock

    A vast, generous triple album of pent-up songcraft, Spector-produced and spiritual. Lush and beloved. The best of the solo Beatles records.

  73. 73
    Plastic Ono BandJohn Lennon

    Plastic Ono Band

    John Lennon · 1970 · Rock

    A raw, stripped-bare primal-scream record of startling honesty. Spare and powerful. His most uncompromising work.

  74. 74
    ImagineJohn Lennon

    Imagine

    John Lennon · 1971 · Rock

    A warmer, more melodic solo peak built around its utopian title song. Tuneful and direct. His most beloved record.

  75. 75
    Band on the RunWings

    Band on the Run

    Wings · 1973 · Rock

    McCartney's triumphant return to form, inventive and tuneful from its title suite on. Polished and warm. His best post-Beatles album.

  76. 76
    Goats Head SoupThe Rolling Stones

    Goats Head Soup

    The Rolling Stones · 1973 · Rock

    A loose, sultry follow-up to Exile, home to 'Angie'. Mellow and beloved. A solid peak-era record.

  77. 77
    PresenceLed Zeppelin

    Presence

    Led Zeppelin · 1976 · Rock

    A leaner, guitar-forward record made under duress, home to 'Achilles Last Stand'. Heavy and underrated. A fan favourite.

  78. 78
    In Through the Out DoorLed Zeppelin

    In Through the Out Door

    Led Zeppelin · 1979 · Rock

    A keyboard-leaning final studio album of softer textures. Varied and reflective. A bittersweet close.

  79. 79
    Obscured by CloudsPink Floyd

    Obscured by Clouds

    Pink Floyd · 1972 · Rock

    An underrated soundtrack peak of warm, concise songs. Tuneful and beloved. A cult favourite.

  80. 80
    The Wild, the Innocent & the E Street ShuffleBruce Springsteen

    The Wild, the Innocent & the E Street Shuffle

    Bruce Springsteen · 1973 · Rock

    A sprawling, jazzy early peak of street-poetry songcraft. Ambitious and beloved. A cult favourite.

  81. 81
    Sheer Heart AttackQueen

    Sheer Heart Attack

    Queen · 1974 · Rock

    The album where Queen found their range, balancing heavy rock with ornate pop and proving they were more than a hard-rock act. Tight and inventive. An early peak.

  82. 82
    Queen IIQueen

    Queen II

    Queen · 1974 · Rock

    An ambitious, layered early peak of hard-rock drama. Bold and beloved. A cult favourite.

  83. 83
    A Day at the RacesQueen

    A Day at the Races

    Queen · 1976 · Rock

    A lush, varied companion to A Night at the Opera, home to 'Somebody to Love'. Tuneful and beloved. A strong record.

  84. 84
    Morrison HotelThe Doors

    Morrison Hotel

    The Doors · 1970 · Rock

    A bluesy, back-to-basics peak after experimental detours. Tough and beloved. A strong late record.

  85. 85
    BurnDeep Purple

    Burn

    Deep Purple · 1974 · Rock

    A fiery, Coverdale-fronted hard-rock peak. Powerful and beloved. A high point.

  86. 86
    RelayerYes

    Relayer

    Yes · 1974 · Rock

    A complex, jazzy prog peak. Ambitious and acclaimed. A high point.

  87. 87
    Going for the OneYes

    Going for the One

    Yes · 1977 · Rock

    A tighter, more focused prog peak. Tuneful and acclaimed. A strong late record.

  88. 88
    FoxtrotGenesis

    Foxtrot

    Genesis · 1972 · Rock

    An early prog peak, home to the side-long 'Supper's Ready'. Ambitious and beloved. A high point.

  89. 89
    The Lamb Lies Down on BroadwayGenesis

    The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway

    Genesis · 1974 · Rock

    An ambitious, surreal double-album rock opera, Gabriel's last with the band. Bold and acclaimed. A cult landmark.

  90. 90
    A Trick of the TailGenesis

    A Trick of the Tail

    Genesis · 1976 · Rock

    A confident first album of the Collins-fronted era. Tuneful and acclaimed. A strong pivot.

  91. 91
    A Farewell to KingsRush

    A Farewell to Kings

    Rush · 1977 · Rock

    An intricate prog peak, home to 'Closer to the Heart'. Ambitious and beloved. A high point.

  92. 92
    HemispheresRush

    Hemispheres

    Rush · 1978 · Rock

    A dense, ambitious prog peak of side-long suites. Bold and beloved. A high point.

  93. 93
    Apostrophe (')Frank Zappa

    Apostrophe (')

    Frank Zappa · 1974 · Rock

    An accessible, funny peak of jazz-rock invention. Inventive and beloved. His best-selling record.

  94. 94
    CaravanseraiSantana

    Caravanserai

    Santana · 1972 · Rock

    An ambitious, jazzy-instrumental pivot. Bold and acclaimed. A creative high.

  95. 95
    Can't Buy a ThrillSteely Dan

    Can't Buy a Thrill

    Steely Dan · 1972 · Rock

    A sharp, tuneful debut, home to 'Reelin' in the Years' and 'Do It Again'. Polished and beloved. A strong start.

  96. 96
    Countdown to EcstasySteely Dan

    Countdown to Ecstasy

    Steely Dan · 1973 · Rock

    A sharp, jazzy early peak. Sophisticated and beloved. A high point.

  97. 97
    Pretzel LogicSteely Dan

    Pretzel Logic

    Steely Dan · 1974 · Rock

    A tight, jazzy peak, home to 'Rikki Don't Lose That Number'. Sophisticated and beloved. A high point.

  98. 98
    The Royal ScamSteely Dan

    The Royal Scam

    Steely Dan · 1976 · Rock

    A darker, guitar-forward peak. Sophisticated and beloved. A high point.

  99. 99
    EaglesEagles

    Eagles

    Eagles · 1972 · Rock

    A tuneful country-rock debut, home to 'Take It Easy'. Warm and beloved. A strong start.

  100. 100
    DesperadoEagles

    Desperado

    Eagles · 1973 · Rock

    An Old West concept album of harmony-rich country-rock. Tuneful and beloved. A high point.

  101. 101
    One of These NightsEagles

    One of These Nights

    Eagles · 1975 · Rock

    A polished peak that bridged country-rock and pop. Tuneful and huge. A commercial high.

  102. 102
    Tumbleweed ConnectionElton John

    Tumbleweed Connection

    Elton John · 1970 · Rock

    An Americana-themed peak of warm songcraft. Beautiful and beloved. A high point.

  103. 103
    Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt CowboyElton John

    Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy

    Elton John · 1975 · Rock

    An autobiographical concept peak of intricate songcraft. Ambitious and acclaimed. A high point.

  104. 104
    52nd StreetBilly Joel

    52nd Street

    Billy Joel · 1978 · Rock

    A jazzy, sophisticated peak, home to 'My Life'. Polished and Grammy-winning. A strong follow-up to The Stranger.

  105. 105
    A New World RecordElectric Light Orchestra

    A New World Record

    Electric Light Orchestra · 1976 · Rock

    A tight, hook-laden symphonic-pop peak. Tuneful and beloved. A high point.

  106. 106
    Crime of the CenturySupertramp

    Crime of the Century

    Supertramp · 1974 · Rock

    A polished, ambitious prog-pop breakthrough. Tuneful and acclaimed. Their finest.

  107. 107
    Tago MagoCan

    Tago Mago

    Can · 1971 · Rock

    A sprawling, hypnotic krautrock landmark of motorik grooves and studio experiment. Influential and strange. A genre cornerstone.

  108. 108
    Ege BamyasiCan

    Ege Bamyasi

    Can · 1972 · Rock

    A funky, hypnotic krautrock peak, home to 'Vitamin C'. Inventive and beloved. A high point.

  109. 109
    Future DaysCan

    Future Days

    Can · 1973 · Rock

    A serene, ambient-leaning krautrock peak of hypnotic flow. Beautiful and influential. A high point.

  110. 110
    Neu!Neu!

    Neu!

    Neu! · 1972 · Rock

    A minimalist krautrock debut whose motorik beat shaped decades of music. Stark and propulsive. Hugely influential.

  111. 111
    Second HelpingLynyrd Skynyrd

    Second Helping

    Lynyrd Skynyrd · 1974 · Rock

    A peak of Southern rock, home to 'Sweet Home Alabama'. Tough and beloved. A high point.

  112. 112
    Live at LeedsThe Who

    Live at Leeds

    The Who · 1970 · Rock

    Widely held to be one of the greatest live rock albums, ferocious and loud. Powerful and beloved. A landmark.

  113. 113
    Lola Versus Powerman and the Moneygoround, Part OneThe Kinks

    Lola Versus Powerman and the Moneygoround, Part One

    The Kinks · 1970 · Rock

    A witty, melodic peak, home to 'Lola'. Sharp and beloved. A high point.

  114. 114
    Muswell HillbilliesThe Kinks

    Muswell Hillbillies

    The Kinks · 1971 · Rock

    A warm, music-hall-tinged peak of working-class English songcraft. Charming and acclaimed. A cult favourite.

  115. 115
    SunflowerThe Beach Boys

    Sunflower

    The Beach Boys · 1970 · Rock

    A warm, underrated post-Pet Sounds gem of lush harmony and gentle craft. Overlooked on release and quietly beloved since. A grower for devotees.

  116. 116
    Surf's UpThe Beach Boys

    Surf's Up

    The Beach Boys · 1971 · Rock

    A reflective, ambitious post-Pet Sounds peak of fragile beauty. Underrated and acclaimed. A high point.

  117. 117
    Band of GypsysThe Jimi Hendrix Experience

    Band of Gypsys

    The Jimi Hendrix Experience · 1970 · Rock

    A funky, heavy live peak with a new trio, home to 'Machine Gun'. Powerful and beloved. A landmark.

  118. 118
    PearlJanis Joplin

    Pearl

    Janis Joplin · 1971 · Rock

    Joplin's posthumous peak of raw, bluesy soul-rock, home to 'Me and Bobby McGee'. Powerful and poignant. Her finest.

  119. 119
    Eat a PeachThe Allman Brothers Band

    Eat a Peach

    The Allman Brothers Band · 1972 · Rock

    A double album mixing studio and live jamming, partly recorded after Duane's death. Beautiful and beloved. A high point.

  120. 120
    Brothers and SistersThe Allman Brothers Band

    Brothers and Sisters

    The Allman Brothers Band · 1973 · Rock

    A warm, country-leaning peak, home to 'Ramblin' Man'. Tuneful and beloved. A high point.

  121. 121
    Street SurvivorsLynyrd Skynyrd

    Street Survivors

    Lynyrd Skynyrd · 1977 · Rock

    A strong final peak before tragedy, home to 'What's Your Name'. Tough and beloved. A poignant high point.

  122. 122
    Tres HombresZZ Top

    Tres Hombres

    ZZ Top · 1973 · Rock

    A peak of gritty Texas boogie, home to 'La Grange'. Tough and beloved. A high point.

  123. 123
    Live and DangerousThin Lizzy

    Live and Dangerous

    Thin Lizzy · 1978 · Rock

    One of the great live hard-rock albums, electric and tight. Powerful and beloved. A landmark.

  124. 124
    Night MovesBob Seger

    Night Moves

    Bob Seger · 1976 · Rock

    A warm, heartland-rock breakthrough, home to its title song. Tuneful and beloved. A high point.

  125. 125
    The SliderT. Rex

    The Slider

    T. Rex · 1972 · Rock

    A glam peak of boogie hooks, home to 'Metal Guru' and 'Telegram Sam'. Sexy and beloved. A high point.

  126. 126
    The Kick InsideKate Bush

    The Kick Inside

    Kate Bush · 1978 · Rock

    A startling, theatrical debut, home to 'Wuthering Heights'. Singular and acclaimed. A landmark first record.

  127. 127
    The CarsThe Cars

    The Cars

    The Cars · 1978 · Rock

    A near-perfect new-wave debut, hook after hook of sleek power-pop. Tight and timeless. A 70s staple.

  128. 128
    Cheap Trick at BudokanCheap Trick

    Cheap Trick at Budokan

    Cheap Trick · 1979 · Rock

    A blockbuster live album of power-pop hooks, home to 'I Want You to Want Me'. Fun and huge. Their breakthrough.

  129. 129
    Larks' Tongues in AspicKing Crimson

    Larks' Tongues in Aspic

    King Crimson · 1973 · Rock

    A bold, improvisational prog peak of tension and texture. Adventurous and acclaimed. A high point.

  130. 130
    RedKing Crimson

    Red

    King Crimson · 1974 · Rock

    A heavy, angular peak of 70s Crimson, tense and powerful. Influential on metal and prog alike. A genre high point.

  131. 131
    Thick as a BrickJethro Tull

    Thick as a Brick

    Jethro Tull · 1972 · Rock

    A sprawling, single-song prog satire of the concept album. Ambitious and beloved. A high point.

  132. 132
    FireballDeep Purple

    Fireball

    Deep Purple · 1971 · Rock

    A heavy, energetic early-classic-era peak. Powerful and beloved. A high point.

  133. 133
    RisingRainbow

    Rising

    Rainbow · 1976 · Rock

    A bombastic, Dio-fronted hard-rock peak. Powerful and beloved. A genre highlight.

  134. 134
    #1 RecordBig Star

    #1 Record

    Big Star · 1972 · Rock

    The cult power-pop landmark that sold almost nothing on release yet shaped generations of jangly, melodic guitar bands that followed.

  135. 135
    Layla and Other Assorted Love SongsDerek and the Dominos

    Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs

    Derek and the Dominos · 1970 · Rock

    Eric Clapton and Duane Allman trading guitar lines across a sprawling double album built around one of rock's most enduring title tracks.