Five ’70s Albums You Need To Listen To in 2026
The 1970s are a favourite amongst many. The decade saw impeccable cinematic releases such as The Godfather and Taxi Driver. As well as popular fashion and design choices like bell-bottom jeans, sunken lounges and avocado green.
But music stands out as a highlight.
Based on popular census and critical acclaim, the 70s is highly regarded as the best decade of modern music. Many believe that music technology peaked in a delicious combination of practicality and creative touch.
And are they really wrong?
The 70s brought us timeless albums such as Dark Side of the Moon and The Wall by Pink Floyd, A Night At The Opera by Queen, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road by Elton John, Rumours by Fleetwood Mac, and many more.
But we’ve heard them dozens of times.
So what are some 70s albums just as good, if not better? The ones we don’t automatically think of? Perhaps a few overshadowed by an impressive music catalogue?
If you don’t know me already, I’m Angelina — a multi-instrumentalist and music composer, record and cassette collector, lover of all things retro, and a thriller author. I write articles just like this, about all things music, film and culture. So come along for the journey where we learn more about what makes our past great, with an epic soundtrack!
The other day I found myself wondering: How did the 70s have such great music?
So let’s talk about the 70s music scene.
The Beatles had broken up by the beginning of the decade. The group that had laid the foundations of modern music and popularised the elements considered an industry standard these days.
And if you’ve researched history, you know that when tragedy strikes, a renaissance follows.
The Beatles’ breakup left the world in shock, but also showed it that music can be more than just audio. Many artists reached super stardom such as Led Zeppelin, David Bowie, ABBA and Eagles, but many groups fell into obscurity.
They still exist. They wait patiently to be discovered through a thrift store record bin or an unlabelled cassette tape.
But does obscurity always mean underrated?
Mostly, no. Every decade has bad music. Much like how every decade has bad movies. And bad fashion. And bad…historical events.
But as humans, we love to feel unique. We love to play a retro track with six hundred streams and wait for others to ask us about it. That’s why the first two albums in this list are unpopular.
How to determine popularity? I’d call an album unpopular if at least three quarters of the songs have less than a million streams.
This list will be focused on albums that deserve some love in 2026. It will be centred on how well they hold up today, regardless of whether they were critically acclaimed upon release.
#5 — Silver (1976) by Silver
If you love: The Beatles, The Beach Boys, America and Supertramp
Let’s kick things off with a band so unknown that their Spotify page has been recycled for a Russian rapper.
Silver was an American country/rock band best known for their biggest hit, Wham Bam Shang-A-Lang which peaked on the charts in the USA, Canada and Australia. During their time together, they released only one album.
Silver was a transitional band. Their lead vocalist John Batdorf had formed Batdorf & Rodney in 1970; their keyboardist Brent Mydland joined the Grateful Dead in 1979; and their bassist Tom Leadon was a former member of Tom Petty’s group Mudcrutch (and brother of Eagles’ Bernie Leadon). Nonetheless, the one album they wrote and recorded has fallen into obscurity, but that doesn’t mean it should stay there.
My personal favourites from this album are Memory and All I Wanna Do. And funnily enough, I discovered this band through Spotify’s Discover Weekly playlist. And it’s safe to say Memory took over my life for a few weeks. I don’t know how to describe it. It has Beach Boys-style harmonies with a tinge of country charm, yet it sounds like a piece of lostwave.
Here’s a rundown of the tracklist:
Musician (It’s Not an Easy Life): Rated 8 out of 10. I love that analogue synth sound, such a staple of 70s music. And the vocal harmonies sound flawless.
All I Wanna Do: Rated 8 out of 10. The chord progression is so nostalgic, and the harmonies accommodate it so well. I love those guitar effects too.
Memory: Rated 10 out of 10. I love this song, man. It sounds very Country but also very Easy Listening. The chorus is impossibly catchy. This song is perfect looped on repeat (I speak from experience). The lyrics are melancholy with an upbeat sound.
No Wonder: Rated 5 out of 10. The instrumentals are so relaxing, especially those vocal harmonies.
Trust In Somebody: Rated 6 out of 10. Notable for its acoustic guitar riff and Cheap Trick-esque sound.
It’s Gonna Be Alright: Rated 7 out of 10. I love Easy Listening as much as the next music-lover. The lyrics are optimistic and the chorus has very catchy chords.
Climbing: Rated 6 out of 10. I love the keys. As well as those backing vocal harmonies.
Wham Bam Shang-A-Lang: Rated 8 out of 10. I love a gibberish phrase song, and it’s so iconic for the 70s. That slide guitar riff and relaxing percussion make this an awesome listening experience.
Right On Time: Rated 6 out of 10. I love that folk country sound. This song reminds me a lot of America.
Goodbye, So Long: Rated 6 out of 10. That 3/4 time signature makes this track a treasure for musicians to appreciate.
#4 — Lights From The Valley (1978) by Chilliwack
If you love: Cheap Trick, Supertramp, Eagles, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Steve Miller
Chilliwack — what a name!
This is a Canadian rock band active inconsistently since 1966. Lights From The Valley is their seventh studio album which was certified Platinum in Canada.
I picked up this record at my local thrift store. From the name and visuals alone, I knew I’d enjoy it. And that proved true when I bought and spun it for the first time. Standouts for me are Tonight, Arms of Mary and In Love With a Look. Overall, it’s a solid album that captures the earthy-toned whimsy of the 1970s.
It definitely makes me nostalgic for a decade I didn’t experience.
Never Be The Same: Rated 8 out of 10. I love that descending acoustic guitar intro, as well as those guitar harmonics. And that chorus is absolutely addictive; it gives 70s road trip vibes.
I Wanna Be The One: Rated 4 out of 10. It has a great rock ’n’ roll style guitar riff and upbeat rhythm. However, the other songs outshine this track for me.
How Can You Hide Your Love: Rated 5 out of 10. That dual guitar intro is awesome. And the harmonies in the chorus are very Brian Wilson.
(We Don’t Have To) Fall In Love: Rated 7 out of 10. I love the singular chord for most of the song, a creative choice. And the rock ’n’ roll style guitar riff makes you wanna move.
Lookin’ For A Place: Rated 7 out of 10. Groovy bassline galore! Reminds me of Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Arms Of Mary: Rated 8 out of 10. The most popular from the album, at around 100k streams. Sounds like a perfect blend of country and rock ’n’ roll. And the lyrics are so uplifting.
Tonight: Rated 10 out of 10. My favourite! It’s impossible to feel sad when this song comes on. The instrumentals are catchy and optimistic, and the chorus is so uplifting.
She Keeps On Cryin’: Rated 8 out 10. Tremolo guitar riff makes it sound like metalcore without distortion…and it’s great. Easy to dance to with a very catchy chorus.
In Love With A Look: Rated 8 out of 10. So damn whimsical. The chorus is so addictive, made perfect by those vocal harmonies. Reminds me a lot of Surrender by Cheap Trick.
No Love At All: Rated 8 out of 10. I love that retro synthesizer. Reminds me of Elton John. And the chorus has a great message, “You can’t always find what you’re looking for, you might end up with no one at all.” Timeless rock at its finest.
Mary Lou And Me: Rated 6 out of 10. Love me some rockabilly. This track has such 50s nostalgia with a touch of country.
The Hardest Things To See: Rated 7 out of 10. Notable for its skilled lead vocals and simple acoustic elements. However, the streaming quality isn’t too great.
#3 — Band On The Run (1973) by Paul McCartney and Wings
If you love: The Beatles (obviously), Electric Light Orchestra, Billy Joel and Steve Miller
By including this album on the list, by no means am I claiming one of the primary songwriters and performers of The Beatles is ‘unpopular’. I’ve just noticed that many love to idolise McCartney’s work with The Beatles and his albums as a solo musician, but tend to disregard his work with Wings. Or rather, group it all in one big McCartney-shaped bubble.
Put simply: Wings are a better band than most remember. And not just for McCartney.
You might remember Wings for Band On The Run, which happens to be the opening track of this album. Its delicious melodies and medley-style reminds many fans of Abbey Road and has become a staple in McCartney’s music. Other notable tracks with a medley-like writing style include A Day In The Life, You Never Give Me Your Money and Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey.
In addition to Band On The Run, I recommend Back To The Egg (1979) and Wings At The Speed Of Sound (1976). Specifically the tracks, Old Siam, Sir and Beware My Love. But for the purpose of the list, Band On The Run takes the spot of number three for its more mainstream sound.
Band On The Run is a solid, cohesive album. It features quiet, mellower tracks such as Bluebird and Picasso’s Last Words. As well as nostalgic tracks like Jet and Nineteen Hundred and Eighty Five. Even tracks that sound like The Beatles, like Mrs Vandebilt and No Words.
Band On The Run: Rated 8 out of 10. It has an incredibly catchy guitar riff and a chorus that’s easy to sing along to. Its orchestral elements remind fans of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.
Jet: Rated 7 out of 10. I love the powerful bass in this song, it reminds me of punk rock. And the instrumentation is packed with 60s nostalgia.
Bluebird: Rated 5 out of 10. The percussion is so peaceful and groovy. Perfect campfire song for your acoustic guitar. It’s simple in the most effective way.
Mrs. Vandebilt: Rated 10 out of 10. One of my favourite McCartney tracks. The bass line is complex and groovy, similar to Ob-La-Di Ob-La-Da, and it’s very fun to play (for any bassists). The chord progression is musically interesting, switching from minor to major 7 chords where music theory denies the option. And that melody…gorgeous.
Let Me Roll It: Rated 7 out of 10. Notable for its 50s rock ’n’ roll style and crunchy guitar riff. It makes you feel like lazing around in a sunken lounge.
Mamunia: Rated 4 out of 10. Although it’s my least favourite, I can appreciate its fingerstyle acoustic guitar.
No Words: Rated 10 out of 10. Man, what can I say about this song? It sounds like a delicious combination of Abbey Road and A Hard Day’s Night. The lyrics are beautiful, capturing the essence of love. Many fans believe the song was written for John Lennon, specifically the line, “It’s only me.” When they would argue, John would take off his glasses and say that exact line to defuse their conflict. It’s a beautiful reference, but not confirmed.
Picasso’s Last Words: Rated 5 out of 10. I love the reprise-style lyrics.
Nineteen Hundred And Eighty Five: Rated 10 out of 10. This was the first song I heard from this album many years ago. The piano riff is groovy, for any fans of Lady Madonna, and is very fun to play. And the orchestral elements make it sound like something out of Sgt. Pepper’s but with a more mainstream sound. And those harmonies…it’s perfect for your listening needs.
#2 — The Stranger (1977) by Billy Joel
If you love: Elton John, Ben Folds, Lou Reed and Paul McCartney
When people think of Billy Joel, they usually sing the harmonica riff in Piano Man or start belting out Uptown Girl, but dare I say his album, The Stranger, is better? It’s certainly my favourite Billy Joel album, along with Cold Spring Harbour, 52nd Street and The Nylon Curtain.
This album changed my brain chemistry. Billy Joel understands. He absolutely understands the human condition. Tracks like Vienna hit the heart with its lyrics about existential anxiety and fearing ‘becoming nothing’. She’s Always a Woman is incredible with its many layers of a struggling relationship and the power of denial. Even Movin’ Out, about struggling up the social ladder and questioning whether there’s a ladder at all. I’m not ashamed to say I blast this song on my way to work…at a grocery store! If only my name was Anthony…
The Stranger is a concept album. The 70s really loved their concept albums…
It focuses on the duality of human nature and references a darker persona people hide behind a pretty mask. All of its songs have similar themes of young adult disillusionment and existential questioning. Which many can relate to, of all ages. Hell, Vienna has reached one billion streams of Spotify.
If you haven’t already, you need to listen to this album start to finish. The way it was meant to be listened to.
Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song): Rated 10 out of 10. This was the first song I discovered. And I instantly fell in love with it. The melody and the chords are perfect, and that “ack-ack-ack-ack!” part is contagious. It’s the ultimate track for discovering yourself and taking action.
The Stranger: Rated 10 out of 10. What can I say? It’s perfect. It has beautiful whistling segments, and then dives into an upbeat piano rock track. It’s impossible to sit still listening to that groovy bass. And if the musical elements weren’t enough, listen to the lyrics. If you’ve ever contemplated the human race, you’ll understand.
Just The Way You Are: Rated 8 out of 10. I love the analogue synth sound. It reminds me so much of Rosalinda’s Eyes. Its lyrics are also honestly romantic.
Scenes From An Italian Restaurant: Rated 10 out of 10. This is Billy Joel’s Bohemian Rhapsody. It meets all your listening needs — saxophone solo, lyrical storytelling, ragtime and piano rock. You’ll come to love Brenda and Eddie.
Vienna: Rated 10 out of 10. Just listen to it.
Only The Good Die Young: Rated 7 out of 10. Notable for its creative twist on the common phrase. I love the organ so much.
She’s Always a Woman: Rated 10 out of 10. Musically, very Paul McCartney. Lyrically, very John Lennon. The chord progression is a treasure for all musicians to appreciate. I also think it sounds like She’s Leaving Home.
Get It Right the First Time: Rated 6 out of 10. Those drums and that piano groove. The “la, la, la” section is so catchy, and its sound is so uniquely Billy Joel. However, I think the previous tracks are more memorable.
Everybody Has a Dream: Rated 6 out of 10. Reminds me so much of New York State of Mind. The perfect ballad to belt out at karaoke. I could definitely see Mariah Carey or Steve Perry covering this song.
#1 — Sheer Heart Attack (1974) by Queen
If you love: Muse, Sparks, Electric Light Orchestra and Iron Maiden
Ah, 70s Queen…my favourite.
Many prefer Queen in the 80s because of their more mainstream sound and timeless pop hits such as Radio Ga Ga and I Want To Break Free. But many musicians, myself included, adore 70s Queen.
The whimsical and wonderful songs about fantasy creatures and romance. What more could you ask for?
Queen’s most critically acclaimed 70s album was A Night At The Opera. It is how many fans define this era (read more here!) But Sheer Heart Attack helped to define their sound first.
Queen were relatively unknown when Sheer Heart Attack was released, transitioning from underground sensation to mainstream rock artist. This album contains popular singles such as Killer Queen, Flick Of The Wrist and Now I’m Here. As well as the delicious medley of Tenement Funster/Flick Of The Wrist/Lily Of The Valley.
As a die hard Queen fan, I really struggled picking a 70s Queen album for this list. They’re all subjectively good, and your favourite will depend on your favourite music style. If you enjoy a heavier sound, I’d recommend Queen and Queen II. If you like whimsical operatic ballads, I’d recommend A Day At The Races and A Night At The Opera. And if you love rock ’n’ roll, it’s gotta be Jazz and News Of The World. My personal favourites are Queen II, A Night At The Opera, A Day At The Races and of course, Sheer Heart Attack.
The album has a beautiful range of dynamics, instrumentation and music styles. Lily Of The Valley and Dear Friends are beautiful, sentimental ballads, while Brighton Rock and Now I’m Here are hard rock masterpieces. It’s difficult to define this album into a singular genre, like many of Queen’s works, but that’s what makes them so awesome.
So if you’re looking to bring some whimsy into your life, Sheer Heart Attack is the way to go!
Brighton Rock: Rated 8 out of 10. I love those iconic falsetto vocals from Mercury. And the drums are incredible; it’s hard not to dance. That guitar solo…I love you, Brian May.
Killer Queen: Rated 9 out of 10. This song is simply iconic. The clicking, the guitar solo, the backing vocals, the piano — everything! Everyone knows this song, whether you’re a Queen fan or not. And it’s so damn sassy.
Tenement Funster: Rated 8 out of 10. The only song sung by drummer, Roger Taylor, and it’s perfect for his vocal timbre. That arpeggio guitar intro is so awesome. Perfect for your groovy, rebellious listening needs.
Flick Of The Wrist: Rated 10 out of 10. I just love this song. It sounds menacing and sassy in all the best ways. And the conversation-style lyrics are awesome. That bass…I’m in love. Thank you for existing, John Deacon.
Lily Of The Valley: Rated 8 out of 10. There is such beautiful chemistry between the vocals and piano. And Mercury knows how to tug at your heartstrings. A beautiful finale to the three-song-medley.
Now I’m Here: Rated 9 out of 10. It’s simply iconic. The panning of vocals is an amazing touch. And that delicious guitar riff…it almost has a rockabilly sound.
In The Lap Of The Gods: Rated 8 out of 10. Mercury’s arpeggio-style piano playing is perfect for this song. And let’s not forget those iconic falsetto vocals from Taylor. This is the perfect song to sulk to. Although it’s not very popular, it’s dear to me.
Stone Cold Crazy: Rated 8 out of 10. Holy moly. It’s Queen II all over again. That guitar riff, those drums, the dynamic fluctuations — it’s amazing.
Dear Friends: Rated 4 out of 10. Not my favourite, but it’s a great ballad. Mercury’s vocals are excellent.
Misfire: Rated 6 out of 10. Funny lyrics, Mr. Deacon. Apart from that, the bass line is perfectly funky and the melodies are catchy.
Bring Back That Leroy Brown: Rated 7 out of 10. The ukulele solo, I’m in love! The instrumentals are perfectly whimsy.
She Makes Me (Stormtrooper in Stilettos): Rated 6 out of 10. So reverby and dreamy, also sung by Brian May. It feels like you’re floating up in the clouds. However, it gets boring after a while. Mid for Queen but a hit if it was by a different artist.
In The Lap Of The Gods…Revisited: Rated 10 out of 10. This was one of the first songs I discovered from this album. It has amazing, emotional lyrics. And those ‘wo, wo, la, la, la’ sections are perfect. “Forgive me when I ask you where do I belong.” Just stab me, it’ll hurt less.
Music is now more accessible than ever, thanks to the internet, and it’s much easier to make. Instead of manually cutting out tape pieces to fix a guitar solo mistake, you can just press ‘backspace’.
Objectively, music isn’t what it used to be. And it’s up to you to decide whether it has gotten better or worse over the years. In my opinion, there are musical masterpieces in every decade, every genre. Personally, I prefer music from the 60s, 70s and 80s. A lot of my favourite artists were active in those decades. And I don’t follow the current charts regularly to accurately judge them. What do you think? Has music gotten better or worse?
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