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By decade & gender

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

The decade's most essential albums from women who defined the singer-songwriter era — from confessional folk to jazz-inflected art pop.

All listsSinger-Songwriter of the 1970sFolk of All TimeFolk Singers of the 70s — Artists Worth KnowingAlbums for Starting a Vinyl Collection

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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
    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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  3. 3
    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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  4. 4
    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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  5. 5
    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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  6. 6
    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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  7. 7
    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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  8. 8
    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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  9. 9
    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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  10. 10
    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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  11. 11
    Eli and the Thirteenth ConfessionLaura Nyro

    Eli and the Thirteenth Confession

    Laura Nyro · 1968 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

    Soul, gospel, and folk woven together by a singular compositional voice; widely covered, quietly influential, endlessly rewardable.

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  12. 12
    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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