Best 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
   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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3. 3
   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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4. 4
   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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5. 5
   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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6. 6
   Astral WeeksVan Morrison

   Astral Weeks

   Van Morrison · 1968 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

   A mystical, free-flowing fusion of folk, jazz and soul, unlike anything before or since. Improvisational and transcendent. Frequently named among the greatest albums ever.

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7. 7
   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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8. 8
   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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9. 9
   GracelandPaul Simon

   Graceland

   Paul Simon · 1986 · Rock

   A landmark fusion of pop and South African music, joyful and intricate. Controversial and acclaimed. One of the great 80s albums.

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10. 10
    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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11. 11
    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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12. 12
    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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