The Best Albums of 1979

THE BEST ALBUMS OF 1979

Here’s my sixth musical retrospective on the best albums released, by year. My previous “Best Albums” lists covered 1976, 1977, 1975, 1978, 1974 (in that order).

Summation: 1979 was an astounding year for rock, one of the best ever. This was highly unexpected given that R&B/Soul dominated so much of the mid-1970s, combined with the mass popularity of disco. Pop music was about to experience a seismic shift into New Wave and other variations, as well as the birth of MTV, which would soon steamroll over the entire musical landscape. So, to see how many great rock albums were released that year was a surprise. Some may call this the last great year for traditional rock.

The Best Albums of 1974

THE BEST ALBUMS OF 1974

Here’s the fifth musical retrospective. My previous “Best Albums” lists were posted last week and covered 1976, 1977, 1975, and 1978 (in that order).

The Best Albums of 1978

THE BEST ALBUMS OF 1978

Here’s my fourth retrospective. Based on positive feedback to three previous “Best Albums” lists from 1976 and 1977 and 1975, today focuses on 1978. I was age 17 then, which for most teens is a glorious age of musical awakening.

This was lackluster year in music. If this were a writing assignment, I’d turn it down. Insert criticism here.
Summation — I rate 1978 as one of the worst collections of music in the era 1960-1990, probably of this entire “best of” series. Sure, there were many excellent albums released which will be discussed. I just don’t see an abundance of greatness. I see a few dozen really good albums, then quite a drop off.

The Best Albums of 1975

THE BEST ALBUMS OF 1975

Here’s my third retrospective. Based on positive feedback to the two previous “Best Albums” lists from 1976 and 1977, here’s the next edition. Today focuses on 1975. I was 13 years old back then, and just coming of age so far as my interest in music.

Summation — 1975 was a tough year to pick any “best” album. Unlike ’76 and ’77 which (in my opinion) were slam dunk decisions, the best albums of ’75 look interchangeable. Take any of the top-5 on my list and a persuasive case can be made for all of them. Which one is the best just depends on musical taste and bias, and I certainly have mine.

The Best Albums of 1976

THE BEST ALBUMS OF 1976

I feel like doing something very different today. Since the 2026 Grammy Awards are coming up this weekend, my curiosity plunged me deep down the rabbit hole of a musical retro-rediscovery. The result is this list and ranking of outstanding albums from 50 years ago.

I know — it’s hard to believe all of these albums are now half a century old. Geez.