Best alternative music albums of the 70s

A double album that transcended punk, incorporating elements of reggae, ska, rockabilly, and R&B, alongside politically charged lyrics. 'London Calling' is frequently hailed as one of the greatest rock albums of all time, ensuring its enduring relevance and influence on alternative music.

Costello's second album, and first with The Attractions, delivered an immediate impact with its urgent, aggressive sound and witty lyrics. It's a quintessential new wave album that cemented Costello's reputation as a sharp songwriter and performer, highly regarded for its raw energy and intelligent songwriting.

A groundbreaking debut that fused punk rock with poetry, art rock, and spoken word, establishing Smith as a powerful and influential figure. 'Horses' is a seminal work that remains a crucial influence for post-punk and alternative music, celebrated for its raw emotion and revolutionary spirit.

A powerful and influential post-punk debut, known for Siouxsie Sioux's commanding vocals, stark guitar textures, and rhythmic intensity. 'The Scream' is a seminal post-punk album that continues to be celebrated for its originality and its role in shaping the sound and aesthetic of gothic rock and alternative music.

This album further developed Talking Heads' unique blend of art-punk, new wave, and funk, with David Byrne's distinctive vocals. It's a critically acclaimed album that showcases the band's innovative approach to rock music, bridging punk's raw energy and new wave's artistic exploration.

A groundbreaking new wave album that masterfully blended pop, rock, punk attitude, and disco, featuring hit singles. 'Parallel Lines' is considered a new wave essential, celebrated for its infectious pop sensibility and its ability to seamlessly integrate diverse musical styles.

A highly influential post-punk album known for its angular, dissonant guitar riffs, funk-influenced rhythms, and overtly political lyrics. 'Entertainment!' is a cornerstone of post-punk, praised for its intellectual rigor and its fusion of danceable rhythms with abrasive, thought-provoking rock.

This album signaled a decisive shift from punk's urgency towards artier, more introspective post-punk, incorporating chilly synthesizers and abstract lyricism. 'Chairs Missing' is recognized as a pivotal work in post-punk, showcasing Wire's rapid evolution and willingness to experiment.

A landmark of art-punk and proto-post-punk, 'Marquee Moon' is known for its intricate, dual-guitar interplay and poetic lyrics. It is considered a timeless classic that remains on 'top records of all time lists' and has never been out of print, influencing generations of alternative and indie rock artists.

This debut album distilled punk into its most skeletal and minimalist form, featuring short, sharp, aggressive tracks. 'Pink Flag' is celebrated for its influential, no-frills approach to punk, which significantly impacted the development of post-punk and hardcore.

Formed by ex-Buzzcocks vocalist Howard Devoto, Magazine channeled punk's energy into darker, more experimental territory. 'Real Life' is one of the earliest and most influential statements of post-punk, featuring ambitious sounds and sophisticated songwriting.

A seminal new wave album known for its quirky, robotic sound, deconstructionist lyrics, and satirical commentary. Devo's unique aesthetic and sound remain highly influential in alternative, electronic, and synth-pop music, defining the early new wave movement.

The first of Bowie's 'Berlin Trilogy,' 'Low' is an experimental art-rock album featuring fragmented pop songs and ambient soundscapes. It is considered a visionary and highly influential album, particularly for its impact on post-punk, new wave, and electronic music.

Produced by David Bowie, this album is a high-energy proto-punk/alternative rock classic, featuring some of Iggy Pop's most iconic songs. 'Lust for Life' is celebrated for its raw vitality, catchy songwriting, and its enduring status as a definitive album from a punk icon.

This debut album is a pioneering work of post-punk and feminist punk, blending reggae rhythms with raw, unconventional rock. 'Cut' is revered for its innovative sound and its fearless, independent spirit, making it a highly influential album for riot grrrl and other alternative movements.