Essential albums of the 70s

This album is a foundational work for heavy metal, defining the genre's sound with its dark, heavy riffs and ominous lyrics. Its influence on rock music remains profound and evident in countless bands today.

Considered near perfection and a landmark in rock history, this album continues to define the genre and influence countless musicians. Its blend of acoustic folk with crushing blues and hard rock showcases the band's diverse musicality.

This ambitious and experimental album remains a landmark in rock history, demonstrating Queen's unparalleled creativity and theatricality. Its fusion of rock with opera, folk, and other genres pushed musical boundaries, and its songs are still beloved globally.

One of the best-selling albums of all time, it's a cultural landmark that defined a generation and continues to resonate. Its philosophical lyrics, groundbreaking studio techniques, and lush sonic textures created an immersive experience.

Hotel California captured the spirit of the 1970s with its themes of excess and disillusionment, remaining one of rock's most iconic and beloved albums. Its blend of rock, country, and folk, along with its haunting title track, defines an era.

Horses is a highly influential album that helped define the punk rock movement and inspired countless artists. Its fusion of punk rock's raw energy with intellectual poetry created a rebellious and artistically significant work.

This album was a blueprint for the 1970s, challenging traditional notions of gender and identity, and inspiring new generations of musicians. Its fusion of high-concept sci-fi with glam rock created a unique and influential spectacle.

Often cited as one of the greatest albums of all time, its message remains tragically relevant, and it's seen as the moment pop music became high art. This album's profound social commentary and lush soundscapes set a new standard for soul music.

Blue is a highly influential album in the singer-songwriter genre, celebrated for its raw emotional honesty and artistic depth. Its vulnerability and introspective lyrics resonate with listeners across generations, making it a timeless classic.

Part of Wonder's 'classic period,' this album cemented his status as a musical genius, blending funk, soul, and pop with sophisticated arrangements. It showcased his increasing artistic control and innovative use of synthesizers, influencing countless artists.

It's considered a quintessential American rock album that cemented Springsteen's legacy as a master storyteller and performer. Its epic storytelling and themes of escape and longing continue to resonate with audiences.

This album is widely regarded as one of the best albums of all time, showcasing Wonder's unparalleled talent and ambition. Its sprawling scope and blend of funk, soul, jazz, and pop continue to influence modern R&B and hip-hop.

Rumours is one of the best-selling albums of all time, beloved for its timeless pop-rock sound and relatable themes. Its raw emotional honesty, detailing the band members' interpersonal turmoil, continues to resonate and inspire artists.

This album's iconoclasm and dynamism had a seismic impact on music and culture, influencing punk, new wave, and alternative rock for decades. It is the definitive album of the British punk rock movement, known for its aggressive sound and anti-establishment stance.

This album is celebrated for its infectious hooks and diverse sound, proving the commercial viability of new wave and influencing pop music for years to come. It successfully blended punk energy with pop sensibilities, creating a classic.

This album is critically acclaimed for its musical diversity and lyrical depth, proving punk's artistic potential and becoming one of the most influential albums of its era. It expanded beyond punk's raw energy, incorporating elements of reggae, rockabilly, and ska.

This album is a landmark in pop music, showcasing Jackson's incredible talent and setting new standards for R&B and dance music. It launched Michael Jackson's solo superstardom with an enduring appeal that continues to captivate audiences.