Album Chart of the Decade: 1970s
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1980s → |
| Album Chart of the Decade: 1970s |
200 tracks, runtime 14h 53m. The playlist features the highest-rated track from each of the Top 200 albums in chart order. To view the full tracklist, access shuffle-play or avoid in-play interruption due to territorially blocked videos, it might be best playing directly via YouTube 
THE BIG BANG, THE POWER SHIFT & THE NOBLE PUNKS
Betraying the counterculture spirit of '67, the first half of the seventies was found wanting when it came to measuring the strength-in-depth of the fresh, exciting and innovative music to challenge the mainstream. However, it was all-change further to Punk's big-bang of ’76; a gigantic power-shift was soon apparent musically and geographically as the inventive DIY spirit spread like wild-fire all over the British Isles where Punk, Post-Punk and New Wave lay at the heart of the musical revolution. The overall rise in quality was measurable in my ratings system in 1978; for the first-time ever, only a rating of “7” or more was good enough for a year-end Top 30 place.
The headline story in my Top 100 overview is the 56 point swing in rebel affections from the United States (down to 22% from 59%) to England (up to 34% from 15%) when comparing the 1970s with the 1960s. Interestingly, I note that 65% of the English albums in the Top 100 were crammed into the closing 3 years of the decade. Indeed, it took until 1977 (the 39th time of asking) for an English group - the Sex Pistols - to register an Album of the Year in my charts. Incredible. The small island of Jamaica punches well above her weight with 12 entries in the Top 100. Reggae, on the rise-and-rise since birth in '68, is their great gift to the world, and emerges as the single most prolific genre in my Top 100, with 14 of the album's being so tagged. For me, Bob Marley, Culture and Prince Far I fly the flag to best effect, with 9 Top 100 entries between them. It's also a great decade for Germany, with Can, Kraftwerk, Neu! and Nico presenting major works, innovative to the core one and all. The greatest secret of the 1970s is South Africa's glorious mbaqanga music, which spawns 6 Top 100 entries with me. The great Mahlathini takes it all the way with my runaway album of the year in 1974. Apartheid effectively dictates that the world is oblivious to this phenomenon.
Comparing the Top 100's key genres with the equivalent 60s chart, Psychedelia, Pop and Blues / Rhythm n Blues have all but disappeared, whilst the aforementioned Punk, Post-Punk and New Wave represent the new world order for your Jukebox Rebel. Leading lights Ramones, Buzzcocks, Elvis Costello, The Fall, The Jam and The Stranglers account for 15% of the Top 100 between them. Withstanding this upheaval, the Folk and Songwriter genres prove to be durable, with Leonard Cohen, Kevin Coyne, Bob Dylan, Mr. Fox and The Dubliners providing highlights.
In the final analysis, the big bang saved the 70s, dragging the relatively poor album ratings of the mid-70s up by the scruff of the neck. Unbelievably, despite working to a 1001 point incremental scale (0.00 to 10.00), the Top 100 comparison between the 60s and 70s is a dead heat, each decade's Top 100 settling on averages of 8.00 out of 10 exactly.
Whilst Punk, the fashion statement, soon faded, the floating nebulae of the explosive victory has never stopped, and can be felt to this day in musical sub-genres, fashion and attitude not only in Britain, but in countless cutting-edge music-loving scenes the world over. The British kids of the ’70s – who were more than twice my age – are now retro-heroes to me. They were the ultimate Jukebox Rebels, and made things better for you and I today. Long live our noble Punks.
The Jukebox Rebel
28-Jul-2019
Sex Pistols
Virgin V-2086 (1977)
“An elite masterpiece” PunkJukebox picks: “Anarchy In The UK” (10) • “Bodies” (10) • “E.M.I.” (10)
A triumph for all concerned, despite the unbelievable chaos which existed in their world. At the time of release in Octo...more →
Joy Division
Factory FACT-10 (1979)
“An elite masterpiece” Post-PunkJukebox picks: “Disorder” (10) • “She’s Lost Control” (10) • “Day Of The Lords” (10)
Arriving in the summertime of ’79 was the debut full-length from the Salfordian new sensations who lined up: Ian Curtis ...more →
The Specials
Two-Tone Records CDL-TT-5001 (1979)
“A masterpiece” Ska / Rocksteady; ReggaeJukebox picks: “Doesn’t Make It Alright” (10) • “Too Hot” (10) • “Stupid Marriage” (10)
Very rarely does a group arrive so fully formed; so perfect with their sound, their message and their image. Taking no s...more →
Kraftwerk
Kling Klang 1 C 058-32 843 (1978)
“A masterpiece” ElectronicaJukebox picks: “Das Modell” (9.6) • “Spacelab” (9.5) • “Neonlicht” (9.4)
Released in May ’78, the seventh Kraftwerk LP was the group’s poppiest offering to date, yet still retained an allure fo...more →
Kraftwerk
Kling Klang 1C-064-82 306 (1977)
“A masterpiece” ElectronicaJukebox picks: “Europa Endlos” (10) • “Spiegelsaal” (10) • “Schaufensterpuppen” (9.7)
Disclaimer: I’m a sucker for a deadpan delivery, appregio and melody. “Trans Europa Express” has all three and has got t...more →
Indoda Mahlathini
Soweto SWA-14007 (1974)
“A masterpiece” AfricanaJukebox picks: “Baba-Ye” (10) • “Ilele Insizwa” (10) • “Kwasa Singalele” (9.8)
Arriving at the very tail-end of 1974 was this stunning long-player from the recently turned 36-year-old Simon ‘Mahlathi...more →
Patti Smith
Arista AL-4066 (1975)
“A masterpiece” Proto-PunkJukebox picks: “Land: Horses / Land Of A Thousand Dances / La Mer(de)” (10) • “Kimberly” (10) • “Redondo Beach” (9.8)
The debut album from the 28-year-old arrived at the very tail end of ‘75. ‘Til recently, Patti’s work had been played ou...more →
The Doors
Elektra EKS-75011 (1971)
“A masterpiece” Blues Rock / Soul RockJukebox picks: “L’America” (10) • “Love Her Madly” (10) • “The Wasp (Texas Radio And The Big Beat)” (9.8)
“L.A. Woman” is a true masterpiece; a fierce celebration of the group’s punk-blues sensibilities. Mr Mojo Risin and his ...more →
The Modern Lovers
Home Of The Hits HH-1910 (1976)
“A masterpiece” Proto-PunkJukebox picks: “Roadrunner [1972]” (10) • “She Cracked” (9.9) • “Pablo Picasso” (9.7)
My album of the year in ’76 was a mutation; aborted recordings from 1971-72 finally given their place as an album statem...more →
Mahotella Queens
Gumba Gumba BL-111 (1977)
“A classic” AfricanaJukebox picks: “Zibuyile Nonyaka” (10) • “Ziyatshitshimba Izintombi” (9.6) • “Uthuli Lwezichwe” (9.5)
We are the leading lights of mgqashiyo boasts the title, and there can be little argument after just one listen to t...more →
Bob Marley and The Wailers
Island Records ILPS-9498 (1977)
“A classic” ReggaeJukebox picks: “One Love / People Get Ready” (10) • “Exodus” (10) • “Jammin’” (10)
Following the horrific assassination attempt on his life in December ‘76, Bob had wisely exiled himself from “heavy ma...more →
Madness
Stiff Records SEEZ-17 (1979)
“A classic” Ska / RocksteadyJukebox picks: “My Girl” (10) • “One Step Beyond” (10) • “Night Boat To Cairo” (9.7)
The rockingest rocksteady beat of Madness ruled my junior world and, as far as I was concerned at that stage, Lord Suggs...more →
Nico
Reprise Records RS-6424 (1970)
“A classic” Alternative FolkJukebox picks: “All That Is My Own” (10) • “Mütterlein” (9.8) • “Janitor Of Lunacy” (9.6)
High art prevails on the fourth LP to bear Nico’s name, the second of her neo-classical trilogy. Having plundered Wordsw...more →
Leonard Cohen
Columbia C-30103 (1971)
“A classic” Folk; SongwriterJukebox picks: “Diamonds In The Mine” (10) • “Avalanche” (9.8) • “Dress Rehearsal Rag” (9.4)
“Well I stepped into an avalanche, it covered up my soul” said the grotesque hunchback in a resigned, world-weary mo...more →
The Fall
Step-Forward Records SFLP-1 (1979)
“A classic” Post-Punk; Trance RockJukebox picks: “Futures And Pasts” (9.5) • “Industrial Estate” (9.5) • “Frightened” (9.4)
Live At The Witch Trials? Whut? Pffft, it’s not even live. Who are these chancers? At the time of their debut full-l...more →
Buzzcocks
United Artists Records UAG-30159 (1978)
“A classic” Punk; New WaveJukebox picks: “Sixteen” (9.9) • “You Tear Me Up” (9.4) • “Fast Cars” (9.2)
Following the seminal “Spiral Scratch” EP and two cracking non-album singles – “Orgasm Addict” and “What Do I Get” – the...more →
Captain Beefheart and The Magic Band
Reprise Records MS-2115 (1972)
“A classic” Blues Rock / Soul Rock; Proto-PunkJukebox picks: “Sun Zoom Spark” (10) • “Big Eyed Beans From Venus” (10) • “Nowadays A Woman’s Gotta Hit A Man” (10)
BEEFHEART IN BRASS SECTION, FEMALE BACKING SINGERS AND SOULFUL GROOVES SHOCKER! Purists who paid attention to such thing...more →
Ramones
Sire SASD-7520 (1976)
“A classic” PunkJukebox picks: “Blitzkreig Bop” (10) • “Beat On The Brat” (10) • “I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend” (9.4)
Staring back at you from their iconic debut in April ’76 were: Johnny Ramone (27, guitar); Tommy Ramone (27, drums); Joe...more →
Ramones
Sire SR-6042 (1977)
“A classic” PunkJukebox picks: “Rockaway Beach” (10) • “Sheena Is A Punk Rocker” (10) • “I Wanna Be Well” (9.7)
’77 was a big year for the Ramones hombres, with two LPs, “Leave Home” (January) and “Rocket To Russia” (November) cemen...more →
The Slits
Island Records ILPS-9573 (1979)
“A classic” Post-Punk; DubbeatJukebox picks: “Adventures Close To Home” (9.5) • “Instant Hit” (9.2) • “Love Und Romance” (9.1)
Staring back at you from the striking cover of their debut LP were (L to R): Ari Up (17, vocals); Viv Albertine (24, gui...more →
Leonard Cohen
Columbia C-33167 (1974)
“Excellent” Folk; SongwriterJukebox picks: “Who By Fire” (10) • “Lover Lover Lover” (9.7) • “A Singer Must Die” (9.6)
Arriving in August ’74 was the 4th album from the 39-year-old, a set which continues his impeccable 7-year-run of sheer ...more →
The Jam
Polydor 2442-155 (1978)
“Excellent” New Wave; Punk; SongwriterJukebox picks: “Down In The Tube Station At Midnight” (10) • “’A’ Bomb In Wardour Street” (9.8) • “English Rose” (9.7)
What an absolute gem this is; they released two good albums last year, but ‘78s “All Mod Cons” is on a different level a...more →
Suicide
Red Star Records RS-1 (1977)
“Excellent” ElectronicaJukebox picks: “Frankie Teardrop” (10) • “Cheree” (9.7) • “Ghost Rider” (8.7)
After several years of underground activity, Suicide finally delivered the artistic statement that their small number of...more →
Lou Reed
RCA Victor LSP-4807 (1972)
“Excellent” Crooner / Cabaret; Proto-PunkJukebox picks: “Perfect Day” (10) • “Walk On The Wild Side” (10) • “Vicious” (10)
By the standards he’d set with the Velvet Underground, Lou Reed’s self-titled debut LP in April ’72 was, as good as it w...more →
The Fall
Step-Forward Records SFLP-4 (1979)
“Excellent” Trance Rock; Post-Punk; Rock n Roll / RockabillyJukebox picks: “Dice Man” (9.7) • “A Figure Walks” (9.3) • “Flat Of Angles” (9.3)
Continuing a late 70s trend, The Fall were the latest of the new breed to deliver two albums in the same year, with Octo...more →
Adam and The Ants
Do It Records RIDE-3 (1979)
“Excellent” Post-Punk; New WaveJukebox picks: “Cartrouble, parts 1 and 2” (9.6) • “Day I Met God” (9.5) • “Cleopatra” (9.5)
My love for this band will always be true; they were the first band I ever spent my own money on – how could it not? I s...more →
King Short Shirt
Charlie's Records CR-103 (1976)
“Excellent” CaribbeanJukebox picks: “Tourist Leggo” (9.3) • “Nobody Go Run Me” (9.1) • “When” (9.0)
What a glorious offering from the 34-year-old McLean Emmanuel, surely one of the very finest Calypsonians ever to emerge...more →
The Doors
Elektra EKS-75007 (1970)
“Excellent” Blues Rock / Soul Rock; Cerebral PopJukebox picks: “Peace Frog” (10) • “Roadhouse Blues” (10) • “Waiting For The Sun” (8.9)
The ever-brilliant quartet opened the 70s with “Morrison Hotel”, their most muscular set to date. The album is divided i...more →
Elvis Costello and The Attractions
Radar Records RAD-3 (1978)
“Excellent” New WaveJukebox picks: “Night Rally” (10) • “Pump It Up” (9.8) • “(I Don’t Want To) Go To Chelsea” (9.5)
Following the success of “My Aim Is True”, Costello wasted no time in forming his own permanent backing band, and The At...more →
The Saints
Harvest SHSP-4078 (1978)
“Excellent” Punk; New WaveJukebox picks: “No, Your Product” (9.8) • “Private Affair” (9.3) • “This Perfect Day” (9.2)
Eschewing the raw and gritty Stooges-inspired sound of their debut, the Saints opted for a generally brighter, breezier ...more →
Ramones
Sire SA-7528 (1977)
“Excellent” PunkJukebox picks: “Suzy Is A Headbanger” (9.8) • “Gimme Gimme Shock Treatment” (9.5) • “Pinhead” (9.2)
Whilst albums by Chicago, Eagles and Peter Frampton continued to shift units by the UPS truckload, the second Ramones of...more →
U-Roy
TR International TR-73457 (1975)
“Excellent” ReggaeJukebox picks: “Dreadlocks Dread” (9.6) • “Natty Don’t Fear” (9.1) • “Listen To The Teacher” (8.9)
Roots rocking is the play on U-Roys second long-player, largely down to the terrific engineering skills of Errol Thompso...more →
Stiff Little Fingers
Rough Trade ROUGH-1 (1979)
“Excellent” PunkJukebox picks: “Alternative Ulster” (10) • “Wasted Life” (10) • “Suspect Device” (9.5)
Belfast’s raging in the 1970s and Stiff Little Fingers are screaming all about it. More explosive than a Molotov cocktai...more →
Public Image Ltd.
Virgin V-2114 (1978)
“Excellent” Post-PunkJukebox picks: “Public Image” (9.3) • “Low Life” (9.0) • “Religion I” (8.3)
Johnny Rotten had started the year on stage in America with the imploding Sex Pistols, infamously sneering “this is no...more →
Bob Marley and The Wailers
Island Records ILPS-9517 (1978)
“Excellent” ReggaeJukebox picks: “Time Will Tell” (10) • “Is This Love” (9.7) • “Easy Skanking” (9.5)
Cleverly annexed from the “Exodus” sessions, “Kaya” stands cohesively as an album of peace, love and marijuana. Once I g...more →
Mr. Fox
Transatlantic Records TRA-236 (1971)
“Excellent” FolkJukebox picks: “The Gipsy” (8.9) • “House Carpenter” (8.4) • “Mendle” (8.3)
Having lost the strings and wind of Andrew Massey and John Myatt (on financial rather than artistic grounds) it might ha...more →
Bob Marley and The Wailers
Island Records ILPS-9383 (1976)
“Excellent” ReggaeJukebox picks: “Who The Cap Fit” (10) • “Positive Vibration” (9.4) • “Crazy Baldhead” (9.3)
The Bob Marley story was moving along beautifully at this time. There had been no studio albums in ’75 but the live vers...more →
Neu!
Brain brain-1062 (1975)
“Excellent” Trance RockJukebox picks: “After Eight” (9.2) • “Hero” (8.7) • “Isi” (7.8)
Brilliantly, Neu! reconvened in winter ’74-’75 for one last hurrah and this time the inconsistency which plagued previou...more →
Iggy Pop
RCA Victor AFL1-2488 (1977)
“Excellent” New WaveJukebox picks: “The Passenger” (9.7) • “Fall In Love With Me” (9.4) • “Lust For Life” (9.3)
Just five months after “The Idiot” the Iggy Pop / David Bowie partnership delivered a second ’77 LP with “Lust For Life”...more →
Moses Mchunu
Motella BL-57 (1975)
“Excellent” AfricanaJukebox picks: “lnkunzi Emnyama” (9.4) • “Ngizula Nomhlaba” (8.8) • “Emzini Bakhala Ngawe” (8.4)
Excellence abounds on the debut set from the 26-year-old, native to the rural village of Nkandla in the East, but now se...more →
Leonard Cohen
Columbia JC-36264 (1979)
“Excellent” JazzJukebox picks: “The Lost Canadian (Un Canadien Errant)” (10) • “The Window” (9.7) • “The Guests” (9.1)
After his blindingly brilliant stretch from ’67 to ’74, the charismatic Canadian took a miss-step in ’77 with the, large...more →
David Bowie
RCA Victor LSP-4702 (1972)
“Excellent” Cerebral PopJukebox picks: “Starman” (10) • “Suffragette City” (9.7) • “Ziggy Stardust” (9.6)
“Hunky Dory” had given David Bowie a wide-eyed fan-base, dead-keen on the next episode – the hazy cosmic jive of “Ziggy ...more →
Prince Far I
Front Line FL-1021 (1978)
“Brilliant” ReggaeJukebox picks: “Daughters Of Zion” (9.2) • “In Your Walking Remember Jah Jah” (9.1) • “So Long” (8.4)
Far I’s second album for Virgin this year was undoubtedly the stronger, even if it is preachy, harking back to “Psal...more →
Janis Joplin
CBS S-64188 (1971)
“Brilliant” Soul Ballad; Blues Rock / Soul RockJukebox picks: “Cry Baby” (9.2) • “Mercedes Benz” (9.0) • “Move Over” (8.8)
Despite the trials and tribulations of her personal life, Janis Joplin was at the peak of her powers at the turn of the ...more →
The Wailers
Island Records ILPS-9256 (1973)
“Brilliant” ReggaeJukebox picks: “Get Up, Stand Up” (10) • “Small Axe [1973 version]” (8.8) • “One Foundation” (8.4)
“Burnin’” arrived in October ’73, just six months on from “Catch A Fire” – by this stage these guys seemed like they wer...more →
Steeleye Span
Chrysalis CHR-1008 (1972)
“Brilliant” FolkJukebox picks: “King Henry” (8.9) • “Gaudete” (8.8) • “Royal Forester” (8.7)
At the medieval food table, salt (an expensive and rare commodity of the time) was placed at the centre of the table. Ab...more →
Laurel Aitken
Pama Records PSP-1012 (1970)
“Brilliant” ReggaeJukebox picks: “Landlords And Tenants” (9.9) • “Hailes Selaise” (9.5) • “Suffering Still” (9.5)
The High Priest Of Reggae? Around about this time it was no idle boast. 1969’s “Scandal In A Brixton Market” was a storm...more →
Bob Dylan
Columbia PC-33893 (1976)
“Brilliant” Folk Rock / AmericanaJukebox picks: “Romance In Durango” (9.2) • “Joey” (8.7) • “Black Diamond Bay” (8.3)
Bob Dylan’s career story to date has consisted of early-60s solo excellence, mid-60s intense group brilliance, and then ...more →
The Stranglers
United Artists Records UAG-30045 (1977)
“Brilliant” New Wave; PunkJukebox picks: “Peaches” (10) • “(Get A) Grip (On Yourself)” (9.6) • “Hanging Around” (8.7)
At the time of release in April ’77 The Stranglers were: Hugh Cornwell (27, guitar, vocals); Jean-Jacques Burnel (25, ba...more →
Usizwe Namatshitshi
CBS LAB-4029 (1971)
“Brilliant” AfricanaJukebox picks: “Siyobohla Manyosi” (9.2) • “Ungamthembi Umuntu” (8.8) • “Sithunyiwe Bakithi” (8.5)
In South Africa ’71, Rupert Bopape’s Mavuthela Music had some serious album market competition from Hamilton Nzimande’s ...more →
Mahlabathini and Izintombi Zephepha backed by The Naughty Boys
Soweto SWA-14019 (1976)
“Brilliant” AfricanaJukebox picks: “Ukuhamba Ukuboma” (9.5) • “Mathamyizimyaba” (9.0) • “Kubuhlunmgu” (8.5)
Never judge an album by its cover is an adage which can be applied here – put the playboy out of your mind and dance wou...more →
The Jam
Polydor POLD-5028 (1979)
“Brilliant” New WaveJukebox picks: “Smithers-Jones” (9.7) • “The Eton Rifles” (9.5) • “Little Boy Soldiers” (9.1)
The Jam’s brilliant form continues on the 4th long player, ending the decade on a major high. The set was released in No...more →
Robert Wyatt
Virgin V-2017 (1974)
“Brilliant” Avant-Garde; ElectronicaJukebox picks: “Little Red Robin Hood Hit The Road” (8.4) • “Little Red Riding Hood Hit The Road” (8.2) • “Alife” (8.1)
The 29-year-old released his second LP in July ’74 – just one year after the terrible accident where a fall from a balco...more →
The Can
Liberty LBS 83 437 I (1970)
“Brilliant” Trance RockJukebox picks: “Mother Sky” (9.9) • “Don't Turn the Light on, Leave Me Alone” (9.2) • “Tango Whiskyman” (8.1)
Their second album of new music but not an album statement as such, being that it’s a compilation of tracks that they we...more →
Mr. Fox
Transatlantic Records TRA-226 (1970)
“Brilliant” FolkJukebox picks: “The Gay Goshawk” (9.0) • “Mr. Fox” (8.9) • “Join Us In Our Game” (8.6)
Essentially the group was the husband and wife duo of Bob and Carole Pegg, borne of the Yorkshire Dales, and enticed dow...more →
Led Zeppelin
Atlantic 2401002 (1970)
“Brilliant” Folk Rock / Americana; RockJukebox picks: “Friends” (9.8) • “Hats Off To (Roy) Harper” (9.5) • “Bron-Y-Aur Stomp” (9.1)
Following two neat albums in ’69, the third Led Zeppelin long player raised the game, and had some wholly terrific bount...more →
Loudon Wainwright III
Atlantic SD-8260 (1970)
“Brilliant” FolkJukebox picks: “Black Uncle Remus” (10) • “School Days” (8.8) • “Ode To A Pittsburgh” (8.4)
The debut album from the newly-turned 24-year-old arrived in the fall of 1970 and straight away he’s reminiscing about t...more →
Lightnin’ Rod
United Artists Records UA-LA156-F (1973)
“Brilliant” Hip Hop / Rap; Disco / FunkJukebox picks: “The Shit Hits The Fan Again” (8.7) • “Hamhock’s Hall Was Big (And There Was A Whole Lot To Dig!)” (8.6) • “Brother Hominy Grit” (8.4)
Superfly 30 years before gangster rap got naff, this terrific LP was conceived and executed by Jalal Mansur Nuriddin who...more →
Kawere Boys Band
Playa Sound PS-33005 (1976)
“Brilliant” AfricanaJukebox picks: “Elizia Atieno” (8.4) • “Omolo Mzee” (8.1) • “Joseph Awiti” (8.0)
Kawere Boys Band were purveyors of benga music, which has its heartlands in Nairobi and is characterized by an extremely...more →
Van Morrison
Warner Bros. Records WS-1835 (1970)
“Brilliant” Blues Rock / Soul Rock; Pop; Soul BalladJukebox picks: “Into The Mystic” (9.9) • “And It Stoned Me” (9.1) • “Everyone” (7.8)
Van’s third LP arrived in January 1970; Eschewing the freeform, often long-drawn nature of the songs on the preceding “A...more →
The Stranglers
United Artists Records UAG-30200 (1977)
“Brilliant” New Wave; Post-PunkJukebox picks: “No More Heroes” (9.4) • “I Feel Like A Wog” (9.3) • “Something Better Change” (8.5)
Just five months after April’s “Rattus”, “No More Heroes” was in the shops with no quality control issues whatsoever; it...more →
Francis The Great
C-C Records CC.3.302 (1977)
“Brilliant” Africana; Disco / FunkJukebox picks: “Ravissante Baby (Négro Phasing)” (8.5) • “Look Up In The Sky (Négro Nature)” (6.8)
Recorded in Paris, home of the Mbarga family in the mid-70s, where Father, Jean, ran his own record label (Cinafric Cont...more →
James Brown
Polydor PD-3007 (1973)
“Brilliant” Disco / FunkJukebox picks: “The Payback” (9.5) • “Stone To The Bone” (8.7) • “Mind Power” (8.3)
This was the third brand new 1973 album from the highly prolific James Brown stable – and the finest LP that he ever mad...more →
Izintombi Zesi Manje Manje
CBS LAB-4042 (1973)
“Brilliant” AfricanaJukebox picks: “Siya Emshadweni” (9.7) • “Ziyathuthuka Izintombi” (8.4) • “Udumbe Dumbe” (8.1)
Just as they did in 1968, Izintombi Zesi Manje Manje (The Now Now Girls) effortlessly breeze into my Top 10 albums of th...more →
The Dubliners
RAM Records RMLP-5002 (1973)
“Brilliant” FolkJukebox picks: “Rebellion - Wrap the Green Flag 'Round Me Boys / The West's Awake / A Nation Once Again” (9.7) • “Skibbereen” (9.1) • “Fiddler's Green” (8.8)
What were the odds that five of the greatest Dubliners ever to live would all find themselves in the same folk group? Th...more →
Le Grande Lolo Lolitta
Société Ivoirienne Du Disque SID-LPS-014 (1979)
“Brilliant” AfricanaJukebox picks: “Koum Koum” (9.5) • “C’est Trop Tard” (7.2) • “Oh Ma Julie” (6.9)
Lolita Babindamana, a Brazzavillian wanderer, is best described as a bit of an all-rounder with an interest in singing, ...more →
Nico
Island Records ILPS-9311 (1974)
“Brilliant” Avant-Garde; Alternative FolkJukebox picks: “The End” (9.5) • “Secret Side” (9.2) • “You Forget To Answer” (8.7)
The final chapter in her brilliant neo-classical trilogy that began in 1969 with “The Marble Index” and continued in 197...more →
Captain Beefheart and The Magic Band
Warner Bros. Records BSK-3256 (1978)
“Brilliant” Blues Rock / Soul RockJukebox picks: “Candle Mambo” (10) • “Tropical Hot Dog Night” (9.4) • “When I See Mommy I Feel Like A Mummy” (8.3)
An album called “Bat Chain Puller” had been recorded in ’76 for DiscReet in 1976, but label co-owner Frank Zappa withhel...more →
Culture
Front Line FL-1016 (1978)
“Brilliant” ReggaeJukebox picks: “Behold” (9.6) • “Work On Natty” (8.6) • “Iron Sharpening Iron” (8.2)
Following royalty disputes with Joe Gibbs, Culture had been “looking around” for a new production partner and had record...more →
Led Zeppelin
Atlantic 2401012 (1971)
“Brilliant” RockJukebox picks: “Going To California” (8.7) • “The Battle Of Evermore” (8.6) • “When The Levee Breaks” (8.1)
So you get a folk group and a rock group on the same top value package? And they’re brilliant in both genres? Yes please...more →
Kevin Coyne
Virgin V-2096 (1978)
“Brilliant” Songwriter; Rock n Roll / RockabillyJukebox picks: “Brothers Of Mine” (10) • “Dynamite Daze” (9.5) • “Juliet And Mark” (9.2)
Co-produced by Kevin Coyne and Bob Ward, who also plays on the album. The contributors are: Kevin Coyne (vocal, guitar);...more →
Ramones
Sire SRK-6063 (1978)
“Brilliant” PunkJukebox picks: “I Wanna Be Sedated” (10) • “Questioningly” (8.0) • “Bad Brain” (7.8)
The fourth Ramones already? They didn’t hang about in any way whatsoever, that’s for sure. “Road To Ruin” isn’t as stron...more →
James Brown
Polydor PD-5028 (1972)
“Brilliant” Disco / Funk; Soul BalladJukebox picks: “King Heroin” (9.3) • “Never Can Say Goodbye” (8.7) • “I’m A Greedy Man [1971 version, parts 1 & 2]” (8.3)
I guess this is why they call him the godfather? This is a screamer from start to finish with an irresistible groove at ...more →
Nick Drake
Island Records ILPS-9134 (1970)
“Brilliant” Folk; SongwriterJukebox picks: “Hazey Jane II” (9.6) • “Hazey Jane I” (9.2) • “One Of These Things First” (8.6)
The tone of the second Nick Drake LP is tangibly more hopeful than the preceding “Five Leaves Left” and is a beautifully...more →
Irma Thomas
Fungus FB-25150 (1973)
“Brilliant” SoulJukebox picks: “Medley : Coming From Behind (Monologue), Wish Someone Would Care” (9.0) • “Turn My World Around” (8.4) • “She’ll Never Be Your Wife” (8.1)
The coming together of Irma Thomas with Swamp Dogg was a mouth-watering proposition on paper – and the results were an a...more →
Poet and The Roots
Front Line FL-1017 (1978)
“Brilliant” ReggaeJukebox picks: “Five Nights Of Bleeding” (9.0) • “Dread Beat An’ Blood” (8.8) • “Man Free” (8.3)
Further to the publication of his 1975 book of poetry, “Dread Beat and Blood”, Linton Kwesi Johnson became a revered nam...more →
Thomas Mapfumo and The Acid Band
Chimurenga ASLP-5000 (1978)
“Brilliant” AfricanaJukebox picks: “Matiregerera Mambo” (8.4) • “Murandu” (8.2) • “Hwa-Hwa [1978 song]” (8.1)
Since the 1960s, Thomas Mapfumo had been playing western rock music with his band, The Springfields, in the pubs and clu...more →
Elvis Costello
Stiff Records SEEZ-3 (1977)
“Brilliant” New WaveJukebox picks: “Less Than Zero” (10) • “Welcome To The Working Week” (9.3) • “(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes” (8.7)
The 22-year-old had been writing and performing since 1970 with no recognition, latterly getting by as a data-entry cler...more →
The Upsetters
Lion Of Judah LPIR-0001 (1978)
“Brilliant” ReggaeJukebox picks: “Dyon-Anasaw” (9.8) • “The Lion” (9.0) • “Psyche And Trim” (8.2)
Following “Scratch The Super Ape” and “Roast Fish Collie Weed And Corn Bread”, Lee Perry continued his fine form with “R...more →
Prince Far I
Carib Gems CGLP-1002 (1976)
“Brilliant” ReggaeJukebox picks: “Psalm 48” (9.0) • “Psalm 23” (8.9) • “Psalm 95” (8.6)
After several years in the business the characterful and gruff chanter, now in his early 30s, was ready to unleash his f...more →
Bob Dylan
Columbia PC-33235 (1975)
“Really good” Folk; Folk Rock / AmericanaJukebox picks: “Lily, Rosemary And The Jack Of Hearts” (9.8) • “Idiot Wind” (9.3) • “Buckets Of Rain” (7.8)
Well, his spell at Asylum Records didn’t last too long – he was straight back to Columbia after just 1 year away, and “B...more →
The Dubliners
Tribune TRLP-1015 (1970)
“Really good” FolkJukebox picks: “The Button Pusher” (9.7) • “The Bonny Boy” (8.6) • “Sé Fáth Mo Bhuartha” (8.3)
The Dubliners second LP for EMI-Columbia, this time solely produced by Phil Coulter who actually plays some piano on the...more →
Culture
Joe Gibbs Record Globe (1977)
“Really good” ReggaeJukebox picks: “Pirate Days” (8.4) • “Black Starliner Must Come” (8.3) • “Get Ready To Ride The Lion To Zion” (7.8)
Having auditioned successfully for the “Mighty Two” (producer Joe Gibbs and engineer Errol Thompson) in 1976, the (soon ...more →
The Raincoats
Rough Trade ROUGH-3 (1979)
“Really good” Post-Punk; IndieJukebox picks: “Adventures Close To Home” (9.4) • “No Side To Fall In” (8.7) • “In Love” (8.0)
More non-typical girls. Yay! No lead singer, no guitar solos, no songs about smashing things up. The Raincoats have got ...more →
Buzzcocks
United Artists Records UAG-30260 (1979)
“Really good” New Wave; PunkJukebox picks: “A Different Kind Of Tension” (9.7) • “Sitting Around At Home” (8.8) • “You Say You Don’t Love Me” (8.2)
Buzzcocks swansong LP (as was thought at the time) saw them bow out on a high, with a completely unblemished report card...more →
Culture
Joe Gibbs Record Globe (1978)
“Really good” ReggaeJukebox picks: “Behold I Come” (9.5) • “So Long Babylon A Fool I (And I)” (9.4) • “Love Shines Brighter” (7.7)
Culture’s second and final LP for Joe Gibbs was, once again, brilliantly recorded with “The Professionals” studio band, ...more →
Buzzcocks
United Artists Records UAG-30197 (1978)
“Really good” New Wave; PunkJukebox picks: “Ever Fallen In Love” (8.8) • “Late For The Train” (8.4) • “Love Is Lies” (8.1)
“Love Bites” arrived just six months after the debut and, already, there’s a remarkable difference in the band’s sound, ...more →
Kevin Coyne
Virgin VD-2501 (1973)
“Really good” Blues Rock / Soul Rock; Songwriter; Blues / Rhythm n BluesJukebox picks: “Good Boy” (9.6) • “Eastbourne Ladies” (9.4) • “Marlene” (8.7)
The demise of John Peel’s Dandelion Records label wasn’t all bad news for Kevin Coyne. His 1972 debut LP had come to the...more →
Selda
Türküola (Turkey) LP-305 (1976)
“Really good” Folk; Middle EasternJukebox picks: “Maden Dağı (Deloy, Deloy)” (9.4) • “Askerin Türküsü” (8.6) • “Acıyı Bal Eyledik” (8.4)
By now in her late 20s, the Turkish folk singer Selda Bağcan had crammed much into her first 5 years as a professional m...more →
Siouxsie and The Banshees
Polydor POLD-5009 (1978)
“Really good” Post-PunkJukebox picks: “Mirage” (9.6) • “Metal Postcard (Mittageisen)” (8.8) • “Overground” (8.5)
With the confrontational explosion of British Punk anything now seemed possible, and the Banshees, commanded by Siouxsie...more →
Roxy Music
Island Records ILPS-9252 (1973)
“Really good” Cerebral Pop; SongwriterJukebox picks: “Psalm” (9.4) • “Street Life” (9.3) • “A Song For Europe” (7.6)
“Stranded” arrived in November ’73 – just 8 months after “For Your Pleasure”. Since then, Roxy had lost the synth wizard...more →
Richard and Linda Thompson
Island Records ILPS-9266 (1974)
“Really good” Folk; Folk Rock / AmericanaJukebox picks: “Down Where The Drunkards Roll” (9.3) • “Withered And Died” (8.8) • “The Great Valerio” (8.5)
Since leaving Fairport Convention on a hunch that he could forge a solo career as a songwriter and performer, Richard ha...more →
Can
United Artists Records UAS 29 414 I (1972)
“Really good” Trance RockJukebox picks: “Vitamin C” (8.6) • “Spoon” (7.9) • “Pinch” (7.6)
At the end of 1971, Can relocated their studio to a nearby village, renting an old cinema which was now out-of-use. This...more →
Peggy Seeger and Ewan MacColl
Folkways Records FW-8736 (1973)
“Really good” FolkJukebox picks: “Darling Annie” (9.3) • “The Campaneros” (8.5) • “Bufallo Holler” (8.3)
Philisophical album opener “The Ballad Of Accounting” reminds us there's more to life than working; don't forgot to ...more →
Neil Young with Crazy Horse
Reprise Records HS-2295 (1979)
“Really good” Folk Rock / Americana; RockJukebox picks: “Powderfinger [live '78]” (9.3) • “Thrasher [live '78]” (8.3) • “My My, Hey Hey (Out Of The Blue) [live '78]” (8.2)
Back in ’65 Bob Dylan had released “Bringing It All Back Home”, a half-acoustic / half-electric set, almost as if wary o...more →
The Clash
CBS CBS-CLASH-3 (1979)
“Really good” New Wave; PunkJukebox picks: “The Guns Of Brixton” (9.8) • “Clampdown” (9.5) • “London Calling” (9.2)
The third Clash album was out just in time for Christmas 1979. Although it was a double album, the group insisted that C...more →
Can
United Artists Records UAS 29 505 I (1973)
“Really good” ProgJukebox picks: “Future Days” (7.9) • “Bel Air” (7.7) • “Moonshake” (7.0)
Mellow vibes abound on the 5th LP from the egalitarian quintet; a series of electric symphonies big on atmospheric beaut...more →
The Rolling Stones
Rolling Stones Records COC-69100 (1972)
“Really good” Blues Rock / Soul Rock; RockJukebox picks: “Rocks Off” (10) • “Sweet Virginia” (9.5) • “Tumbling Dice” (8.8)
The second LP on their own label was a gem – perhaps against all the odds, what with the chaotic background of being exi...more →
Otis Redding
ATCO Records SD 33-333 (1970)
“Really good” SoulJukebox picks: “Wholesale Love” (9.0) • “I Got The Will” (8.8) • “Swingin’ On A String” (8.5)
There’s something quite beautiful about the fact that Otis continues to party on into the 1970s with a great new album. ...more →
Ivor Cutler
Virgin V-2037 (1975)
“Really good” Avant-Garde; Poetry; StorytellingJukebox picks: “Life In A Scotch Sitting Room, Vol. 2, Ep. 2” (10) • “The Stranger” (9.8) • “The Dirty Dinner” (9.6)
Ivor’s second of three mid 70’s LP’s for Virgin Records, featuring 12 songs, 11 poems and 8 stories. Once again, the set...more →
| see also: (B-list) Album Chart of the 1970s |
Album Charts by year
“A-list”
1939 1940 1941 1942 1943 1944 1945 1946 1947 1948 1949 1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
“B-list”
1943 1945 1946 1950 1951 1952 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Album Charts by decade
“A-list”
1930s 1940s 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s