As someone that was born in the 70s, theres no way I could have a credible vinyl collection without a collection of 70s vinyl. In my early years I grew up on 70s music rocking the radio, much of which was influenced by my dad like many music fans out there.
The 1970s was a decade filled with iconic music that has stood the test of time. From the rise of disco to classic rock, the 1970s produced some of the most influential and beloved albums in music history! For vinyl enthusiasts, owning these albums is a must-have for any collection. The warm sound and nostalgia of vinyl records bring these classic albums to life in a way that digital formats can’t replicate.
The 1970s hosted some of the best and iconic musicians of all time. From the rise of different genres to the height of rock and roll, the 1970s truly were a golden era for music. The decade also saw the emergence of disco, with artists like Donna Summer and the Bee Gees creating infectious dance hits that still be heard on nightclub dance floors today. Don’t agree with my top five or feel I missed out on a good suggestion? No worries! Comment below, I’d love hear your suggestions and comments.
1: The Dark Side of the Moon by Pink Floyd (1973)
I don’t think this would ever not be in anyones top five of 70s vinyl to own, and to be honest, I really cant see how anyone wouldn’t put this at number one spot.
So the first album in my must-have vinyl collection is Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon.” Described by Dig! as a “prog-rock masterpiece,” this album is nothing short of a classic.
From the hauntingly beautiful lyrics to the mesmerising instrumentals, each track on this album takes the listener on a journey through the depths of the human experience. The iconic album cover alone is enough to make it a standout piece in any collection. “Dark Side of the Moon” is truly a timeless masterpiece that deserves a place on every music lover’s turntable.
Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon” continues to captivate audiences worldwide decades after its release. The album’s themes of madness, mortality, and existentialism resonate with listeners on a deep level, making it more than just a collection of songs but a profound artistic statement. In his 1973 review for Rolling Stone magazine, Loyd Grossman declared Dark Side “a fine album with a textural and conceptual richness that not only invites, but demands involvement” and Rolling Stone ranked it number 43 on its 2003 and 2012 lists of the “500 Greatest Albums of All Time”.
Of course, owning this album also comes with the fun of listening to it over the classic film “The Wizard of Oz.” Fashion Magazine reports that the listening and viewing experience is truly a “defining moment” for any music and film enthusiast. The synchronicity between the album and the movie creates a unique and immersive experience that fans of both art forms can appreciate. Overall, there are endless reasons this record should be added to your collection, making it an easy number-one pick.
2: A Night at the Opera by Queen (1975)
Named after the Marx Brothers’ film of the same name, A Night at the Opera was recorded at various studios across a four-month period in 1975. Due to management issues, Queen had received almost none of the money they earned for their previous albums. Subsequently, they ended their contract with Trident Studios and did not use their studios for the album (the sole exception being “God Save the Queen”, which had been recorded the previous year).
The album had some of the biggest rock sounds to have ever graced vinyl! Some that are hugely loved by kids today that weren’t even born in the same decade, let alone the same year. Songs such as Love of my life, You’re my best friend and of course Bohemian Rhapsody
They employed a complex production that extensively used multitrack recording, and the songs incorporated a wide range of styles, such as ballads, music hall, sea shanties, dixieland, hard rock and progressive rock influences. Aside from their usual equipment, Queen also utilised a diverse range of instruments such as a double bass, harp, ukulele and many more. You can see where Axl, lead singer for Guns n Roses got his much seen unique love of putting instruments into the mix of GnR songs, especially in their Use Your Illusion 1&2.
The release of A Night at the Opera topped the UK Albums Chart for four non-consecutive weeks. It peaked at number four on the US Billboard Top LPs & Tape chart and became the band’s first platinum-certified album in the US. It also produced the band’s most successful single in the UK, “Bohemian Rhapsody“, which became their first number one song in the country. Despite being twice as long as the average length of singles during the 1970s, the song became immensely popular worldwide.
It has since been hailed as Queen’s best album, and one of the greatest albums of all time. In 2020, Rolling Stone ranked it at number 128 on its list of the “500 Greatest Albums of All Time” and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2018.
3: The Kick Inside by Kate Bush (1978)
Kate Bush’s voice is mesmerising, she has the hairs on the back of your neck standing up from the moment she opens her voice! You cannot mistake Kate Bush’s voice, it as unique as it is iconic.
The Kick Inside is the first album I remember singing and dancing to as a kid not even old enough for primary school, the song Wuthering Heights from the album had me electrified.
The Kick Inside was Kate Bush’s debut studio album released on 17th February 1978 by EMI Records, it includes her UK No. 1 hit, “Wuthering Heights”. The album peaked at No. 3 on the UK Albums Chart and has been certified Platinum by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI). The production included efforts by several progressive rock veterans, including Duncan Mackay, Ian Bairnson, David Paton, Andrew Powell, and Stuart Elliott of the Alan Parsons Project, and David Gilmour of Pink Floyd.
Having written songs since the age of 11, Kate Bush recorded demos with the assistance of her brothers, who were also musicians. A friend of theirs, Ricky Hopper, brought some of these tapes to various record companies in 1972, when Bush was just 13yrs old. The tapes were passed over, but Hopper played them for his friend David Gilmour of Pink Floyd. Gilmour was immediately intrigued and went to meet with the Bush family and was so impressed with Kate’s talent for songwriting, he financed some better-quality demos and while Pink Floyd were recording their album Wish You Were Here (1975) at Abbey Road Studios, Gilmour played the tapes for record company executives at EMI Records who were so impressed that they agreed to sign her with an advance of £3000.
In 1976, Bush’s contract was finally agreed upon by her family, at around the same time Bush had started to study dance and movement as a way of presenting the songs and subsequently credited her dance teacher Lindsay Kemp on the album. The song “Moving” was inspired by Kemp.
“Wuthering Heights” was released as a single in the new year of 1978. The song became a big hit and reached number one in the UK Singles Chart in March. It stayed at the top of the charts for four weeks, becoming one of the biggest selling songs of the year and was the first time a female singer-songwriter topped the charts with a self-penned song
4. London Calling by The Clash (1979)
Any Gen X army veteran will have this in their collection. Its been in my collection since the early 90s, first on CD, but in recent years, I’ve given in to nostalgia and of course the only real way to hear great music – On vinyl! You wont find a better sound than putting the tip of a needle onto vinyl… CDs, MP3 & iTunes, they just don’t sound anywhere near as good as vinyl!
You cant have a record collection worth talking about without having a copy of “London Calling.” Said to cover “a variety of themes” by Cleveland, this iconic album is a must-have for any music enthusiast. From the title track’s urgent call to action to the haunting ballad “Train in Vain,” this album is a timeless classic that is enhanced on vinyl.
Music Grotto goes on to describe how “London Calling” was truly “a departure from their previous punk-rock style,” instead opting to explore other genres like reggae. This experimentation with different sounds and genres is what sets “London Calling” apart and solidifies its status as a groundbreaking album. This album is not only a reflection of the band’s musical evolution but also serves as a snapshot of the broken political and social climate of the time.
Pitchfork writes that “London Calling” was the band’s “ultimate expression” at the time, capturing the raw energy and urgency of the era. With its diverse range of influences and themes, “London Calling” remains a timeless classic that continues to inspire and influence musicians across generations. Its impact on music history cannot be overstated, solidifying The Clash’s place as one of the most important and influential bands of their time.
5. Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen (1975)
Last but certainly not least, and a must-own, is “Born to Run” by Bruce Springsteen. Described by Vacation Vinyl as being a “blue-collar love story,” “The Boss” truly made history with this record. From the anthemic title track to the heartfelt ballads like “Thunder Road,” Springsteen’s songwriting shines throughout the entire record. This album solidified Springsteen’s status as a rock legend and remains a timeless classic that continues to inspire generations of fans.
Paste Magazine writes that “Born to Run” is near “perfect” in just eight tracks. The album’s production, done by Jon Landau and Springsteen himself, was groundbreaking for its time and has been praised for its cinematic quality. The E Street Band’s dynamic and energetic performances on tracks like “Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out” and “Jungleland” further showcase the band’s incredible musicianship.
Explained as a “coming-of-age tale” created by one of “the most gifted songwriters” of all time, according to Cleveland, “Born to Run” remains a cornerstone of Bruce Springsteen’s illustrious career. The album’s themes of escape, freedom, and longing resonate with listeners of all ages, making it a timeless and universal work of art. Springsteen’s raw and emotive vocals, paired with the E Street Band’s powerful instrumentation, create a sonic experience that is both exhilarating and deeply moving. “Born to Run” is not just an album but a cultural touchstone that captures the spirit and essence of American rock ‘n’ roll.
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