The 1970s was a seismic decade for music, a melting pot where genres collided and new sounds were forged. From the introspective folk of singer-songwriters to the pulsating rhythms of disco, the era was a vibrant tapestry of musical innovation. Within this rich landscape, rock music underwent a dramatic transformation, branching into subgenres that would define generations to come. Hard rock, heavy metal, glam rock, punk rock, and progressive rock all found their footing and passionate audiences during this decade. This is an exploration of some of the most influential and enduring rock bands of the 1970s, bands that not only captured the spirit of the times but also laid the groundwork for the future of rock music itself.
Black Sabbath: The Architects of Darkness
No discussion about 1970s rock, especially its heavier incarnations, can begin without acknowledging Black Sabbath. Hailing from Birmingham, England, they distilled the anxieties and industrial grit of their surroundings into a sound that was darker, heavier, and more ominous than anything that had come before.
Master of Reality (1971)
Often cited as a favorite among die-hard Sabbath fans, Master of Reality, their third album, is a masterclass in stoner doom, a subgenre they inadvertently helped to create. Tony Iommi’s legendary downtuning, famously attributed to adapting his playing after losing fingertips, is particularly prominent here, most notably in the C# tuning of “Children of the Grave.” Despite its brevity, featuring only six full-length songs alongside two instrumentals, Master of Reality delivers peak Sabbathian malevolence. Tracks like “Sweet Leaf,” an ode to marijuana, and the haunting “Into the Void” showcase the band’s ability to blend crushing riffs with a palpable sense of unease.
Paranoid (1970)
Paranoid, Sabbath’s sophomore effort, is arguably their most iconic and certainly their most commercially successful. It’s an album deeply embedded in the subconscious of rock music history. From the opening, earth-shattering riff of the title track to the anti-war sentiments of “War Pigs” and the brooding intensity of “Iron Man,” Paranoid is a relentless barrage of heavy rock anthems. Its impact is undeniable, influencing countless musicians across metal, doom, prog, and even grunge. With over 6 million listeners, Paranoid remains a cornerstone of 1970s rock and a testament to Black Sabbath’s enduring power.
Thin Lizzy: Irish Storytellers of Rock
Thin Lizzy, fronted by the charismatic Phil Lynott, brought a different flavor to the 1970s rock scene. Blending hard rock with elements of Celtic folk and R&B, they crafted a unique sound characterized by Lynott’s poetic lyrics and the band’s signature twin guitar harmonies.
Black Rose: A Rock Legend (1979)
Many consider Black Rose: A Rock Legend to be Thin Lizzy’s magnum opus. Released after their successful live album Live and Dangerous, Black Rose showcases Lynott at his songwriting zenith. The album is a rich tapestry of hard-rocking anthems like “Do Anything You Want To” and “Waiting for an Alibi,” alongside more introspective and narrative-driven tracks. The title track, a sprawling and epic composition, exemplifies Lynott’s lyrical prowess and the band’s musical versatility, cementing Black Rose as a true rock legend.
Bad Reputation (1977)
While Jailbreak might be their most commercially recognized album, Bad Reputation is a strong contender for Thin Lizzy’s best. This album is a masterclass in consistent, head-down rock and roll. Although lacking the obvious hit singles of Jailbreak, Bad Reputation compensates with its sheer quality throughout. Tracks like the powerful “Killer Without a Cause” and the driving title track are pure Lizzy energy. Even the more atypical “Dancing in the Moonlight (It’s Caught Me in Its Spotlight),” with its Van Morrison-esque R&B horns, highlights the band’s willingness to experiment while maintaining their core rock sound.
Flower Travellin’ Band: Japanese Pioneers of Proto-Metal
Hailing from Japan, Flower Travellin’ Band were true outliers in the 1970s rock landscape. Their album Satori is a testament to their unique and groundbreaking approach to heavy music, blending proto-metal with psychedelic and progressive elements.
Satori (1971)
Satori is a singular and demented work, defying easy categorization. Julian Cope, in his Japrocksampler, aptly described it as a “super-fit combination of Led Zeppelin’s ‘The Immigrant Song’ and the Yardbirds’ ‘Happenings Ten Years Time Ago’.” Guitarist Hideki Ishima’s playing is unconventional and original, pushing the boundaries of proto-metal. The album’s song structures are far-reaching and experimental, creating a sound that is both heavy and deeply psychedelic. Satori was ahead of its time, and its influence is only now being fully recognized by contemporary bands in Japan, Sweden, and the US.
Led Zeppelin: The Titans of Blues-Rock and Beyond
Led Zeppelin were arguably the biggest rock band of the 1970s, and their influence is still felt today. Their blend of blues, folk, and hard rock created a sound that was both powerful and nuanced, and their albums are essential listening for any rock fan.
Led Zeppelin IV (1971)
Often referred to simply as Led Zeppelin IV, this album is a monolith of 1970s rock. Home to some of the most iconic rock songs of all time, including “Black Dog,” “Rock and Roll,” and the epic “Stairway to Heaven,” Led Zeppelin IV is a testament to the band’s songwriting and musical prowess. While even Zeppelin themselves acknowledged its imperfections, its cultural impact is undeniable. From the heavy blues of “When the Levee Breaks” to the folk-tinged “Going to California,” Led Zeppelin IV showcases the breadth and depth of their musical talent.
Houses of the Holy (1973)
Houses of the Holy, while perhaps not as universally lauded as Led Zeppelin IV, is still a crucial album in their discography. It represents a further exploration of their sound, venturing into more progressive and psychedelic territories. While it contains tracks like “The Crunge” and “D’yer Mak’er” that are sometimes considered weaker, it also features gems like “No Quarter,” a sprawling psychedelic prog masterpiece with mesmerizing guitar tones. Houses of the Holy demonstrates Led Zeppelin’s continued evolution and their willingness to push the boundaries of rock music.
AC/DC: The Relentless Rock and Roll Machine
AC/DC emerged from Australia to deliver a raw, stripped-down, and relentlessly energetic brand of rock and roll. With their signature high-voltage sound and Bon Scott’s charismatic frontman presence, they became a global phenomenon.
Powerage (1978)
For many AC/DC aficionados, Powerage represents the band at their peak, particularly during the Bon Scott era. This album is devoid of novelty tracks or obvious singles, instead offering a consistent barrage of greasy, locomotive rock and roll. Angus Young’s blistering guitar leads and Bon Scott’s raunchy lyrics combine to create an album that is both exhilarating and unapologetically dirty. Tracks like “Sin City” and “Rock ‘n’ Roll Damnation” are pure AC/DC energy, making Powerage a high point in their discography.
Let There Be Rock (1977)
Let There Be Rock is another essential AC/DC album from the Bon Scott era. Considered by many to be their first truly consistent album, Let There Be Rock is packed with bangers from start to finish. The title track is an anthemic declaration of rock and roll’s power, and the album as a whole captures the raw energy and rebellious spirit that defined AC/DC’s early years. This album solidified their reputation as one of the most electrifying live acts and enduring rock bands of the 1970s.
Hawkwind: Space Rock Pioneers
Hawkwind were the pioneers of space rock, blending psychedelic rock with science fiction themes and a heavy, often droning sound. Their live performances were legendary, immersive experiences that transported audiences to other dimensions.
Space Ritual (1973)
Space Ritual is not just a live album; it’s an experience. Capturing Hawkwind at their most cosmic and theatrical, Space Ritual is a sprawling, psychedelic journey through space and sound. While Hawkwind had strong studio albums, Space Ritual is the definitive document of their live power. Featuring highlights like “Orgone Accumulator” and “Upside Down,” the album showcases the band’s unique blend of heavy rock, proto-punk energy, and science fiction narratives. It remains a cornerstone of the space rock genre and a testament to Hawkwind’s unique vision.
Judas Priest: Forging the Sound of Heavy Metal
Judas Priest were instrumental in shaping the sound of heavy metal as we know it today. With their twin guitar attack, Rob Halford’s soaring vocals, and increasingly complex songwriting, they pushed the genre to new heights of speed and precision.
Stained Class (1978)
Stained Class is often cited as Judas Priest’s finest hour. Even more so than Sad Wings of Destiny, Stained Class showcased a speed and precision that was incredibly influential on the burgeoning New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) scene. Albums like Stained Class cemented Judas Priest’s status as architects of the heavy metal sound. Tracks like “Exciter” and “Stained Class” are prime examples of their groundbreaking approach to metal, influencing countless bands that followed.
Sad Wings of Destiny (1976)
Sad Wings of Destiny is a landmark album in the history of heavy metal. Many argue that it is the first true heavy metal album, moving beyond the proto-metal sounds of earlier bands. The twin guitar work of Glenn Tipton and K.K. Downing, Rob Halford’s incredible vocal range, and the album’s epic songwriting all contribute to its legendary status. Tracks like “Victim of Changes” and “The Ripper” are metal classics, solidifying Sad Wings of Destiny as a pivotal moment in the genre’s development.
Stray: Proto-Metal Obscurities with Enduring Influence
Stray were a British band formed in the mid-60s, showcasing precocious musical talent. While perhaps not as commercially successful as some of their contemporaries, their debut album is a gem of proto-metal with a surprising range.
Stray (1970)
Stray’s self-titled debut album showcases their versatility and proto-metal leanings. While nodding to their psychedelic past with tracks like “Around The World In Eighty Days,” it’s the sprawling proto-metal opener “All In Your Mind” that truly stands out. This track, later covered by Iron Maiden, highlights Stray’s heavy, riff-driven sound, which influenced bands like Pentagram. The album demonstrates Stray’s musical diversity, incorporating prog, jazz fusion, and space rock elements, making it a fascinating and often overlooked piece of 1970s rock history.
Queen: Glamour, Grandeur, and Rock Opera
Queen were masters of musicalPage 1970s rock bands, known for their operatic arrangements, Freddie Mercury’s flamboyant stage presence, and their ability to blend hard rock with pop sensibilities.
News of the World (1977)
News of the World, while perhaps not always ranked as Queen’s absolute best by fans, is arguably their most consistently thrilling album. Despite containing the stadium anthems “We Will Rock You” and “We Are the Champions,” the album delves into heavier and more diverse territories. From the speed metal precursor “Sheer Heart Attack” to the soulful “Spread Your Wings” and the underrated gem “It’s Late,” News of the World showcases Queen’s range and songwriting brilliance. It’s a testament to their ability to create both massive hits and deep album cuts within a single record.
Queen II (1974)
Queen II is a bold and ambitious album that showcases Queen’s progressive and heavier side. Often preferred over A Night at the Opera by those who favor their rock edge, Queen II is divided into two sides: “Side White” and “Side Black,” each with a distinct mood and thematic approach. Tracks like “Ogre Battle” and “The March of the Black Queen” are epics of progressive rock, demonstrating Queen’s early ambition and their willingness to push the boundaries of the genre, blending fantasy themes with their signature musical grandeur.
Motörhead: Fast, Loud, and Dirty Rock and Roll
Motörhead, led by the iconic Lemmy Kilmister, were the embodiment of fast, loud, and dirty rock and roll. Rejecting the heavy metal label, Lemmy insisted they were simply a rock and roll band, albeit one played at breakneck speed and with maximum intensity.
Overkill (1979)
Overkill is the album where Motörhead truly solidified their signature sound. Following their self-titled debut, Overkill is faster, more brutal, and more relentlessly Motörhead. Lemmy’s gravelly vocals, Phil Taylor’s double bass drumming, and “Fast” Eddie Clarke’s raw guitar riffs combined to create a sound that was both groundbreaking and uncompromising. The title track, with its iconic double bass intro, is a statement of intent, and the album as a whole is a high-octane blast of pure rock and roll energy.
Bomber (1979)
Released in the same year as Overkill, Bomber further cemented Motörhead’s place as kings of speed and aggression. While perhaps lacking the shock of Overkill‘s sonic breakthrough, Bomber is nonetheless a lean, mean, and nasty rock and roll machine. Tracks like the title track and “Dead Men Tell No Tales” are classic Motörhead anthems. Despite Lemmy’s own downplaying of their early work, Bomber remains a crucial album in their discography and a testament to their raw power.
Lynyrd Skynyrd: Southern Rock Icons
Lynyrd Skynyrd were the quintessential Southern rock band, blending blues-rock with country and boogie influences to create a sound that was both uniquely American and universally appealing.
Pronounced ‘Lĕh-nérd Skin-nérd (1973)
Lynyrd Skynyrd’s debut album, Pronounced ‘Lĕh-nérd Skin-nérd, is a Southern rock masterpiece. From the anthemic “Simple Man” and “Tuesday’s Gone” to the guitar-driven power of “Gimme Three Steps” and the epic “Free Bird,” the album is packed with classic tracks. The album captures the band’s raw energy, their songwriting talent, and their distinct Southern identity. It remains a cornerstone of the Southern rock genre and a testament to Lynyrd Skynyrd’s enduring legacy.
Rainbow: Dio-Era Grandeur
Rainbow, formed by Ritchie Blackmore after leaving Deep Purple, became a vehicle for his neoclassical guitar work and the soaring vocals of Ronnie James Dio. Their 1970s output is characterized by a blend of hard rock, fantasy themes, and Dio’s unmistakable vocal style.
Rising (1976)
Rising, often considered Rainbow’s finest album, is a showcase for Ronnie James Dio’s vocal prowess and Ritchie Blackmore’s guitar virtuosity. While still retaining proto-metal elements, Rising elevates Rainbow’s sound with epic compositions and fantasy-inspired lyrics. Tracks like “Stargazer” and “Do You Close Your Eyes” are iconic examples of their grandeur and power. Rising solidified Rainbow’s place as a major force in 1970s rock and highlighted Dio’s emergence as a legendary frontman.
Robin Trower: Hendrix’s Spiritual Successor
Robin Trower, formerly of Procol Harum, carved out a successful solo career by channeling the spirit of Jimi Hendrix into his blues-rock guitar playing. His album Bridge of Sighs is a testament to his guitar mastery and his ability to evoke Hendrix’s psychedelic blues sound.
Bridge of Sighs (1974)
Bridge of Sighs is Robin Trower’s most acclaimed album, a gorgeous and accomplished work of guitar-driven blues-rock. Trower’s guitar playing is heavily influenced by Jimi Hendrix, but he forges his own distinct voice, creating a sound that is both familiar and uniquely his own. The album’s atmospheric and evocative tracks, like the title track and “Day of the Eagle,” showcase Trower’s virtuosity and his ability to capture a mood through his guitar work. Bridge of Sighs stands as a high point in 1970s blues-rock and a tribute to Hendrix’s enduring influence.
Night Sun: German Proto-Metal Obscurity
Night Sun were a German band that produced one exceptional proto-metal album, Mournin’, blending heavy sounds with prog and jazz elements. Despite being overlooked at the time, Mournin’ is now recognized as a cult classic of German proto-metal.
Mournin’ (1972)
Mournin’ by Night Sun is a standout album of German proto-metal. Produced by the legendary Conny Plank, Mournin’ blends elements of spacy prog, jazzy grooves, and Ian Gillan-esque vocals with doomy heaviness that rivals early Black Sabbath. Tracks like “Nightmare” and the instrumental “Got A Bone Of My Own” showcase the band’s musical chops and their ability to create complex and heavy compositions. Mournin’ is a rediscovered gem, deserving of its place among the best proto-metal albums of the 1970s.
The Groundhogs: Hard Blues Psych Masters
The Groundhogs were a British band that honed their hard blues psych sound throughout the late 60s and early 70s. Their album Split is considered their masterpiece, featuring the classic track “Cherry Red.”
Split (1971)
Split is The Groundhogs’ defining album, capturing their hard blues psych sound at its peak. Formed in the 1960s, The Groundhogs blended blues roots with psychedelic experimentation and hard rock energy. Split features the classic track “Cherry Red,” alongside other powerful and dynamic songs. The album showcases their tight musicianship and Tony McPhee’s distinctive guitar playing, making Split a highlight of 1970s British blues-rock.
Speed, Glue & Shinki: Japanese Heavy Psych Pioneers
Speed, Glue & Shinki were a unique trio based in Japan, featuring an English singer/drummer. Their album Eve is a bold and eclectic mix of heavy psych and proto-metal, addressing controversial lyrical themes.
Eve (1971)
Eve by Speed, Glue & Shinki is a fascinating and unconventional album of heavy psych and proto-metal from Japan. With English singer/drummer Joey Smith at the helm, the band tackled controversial themes and blended diverse musical styles. Their eclectic approach and lyrical boldness were ahead of their time, and Eve has gained a cult following for its unique and daring sound. It’s a testament to the global reach of rock music in the 1970s and the diverse forms it could take.
Scorpions: From Hard Rock to Stadium Metal
Scorpions began their career in the 1970s as a hard rock band, gradually evolving towards the stadium-filling metal sound they would become known for in the 1980s. Taken By Force represents a high point in their 70s output, showcasing their evolving sound.
Taken By Force (1978)
Taken By Force is arguably Scorpions’ best album from the 1970s. While Lovedrive might be flashier and more commercially oriented, Taken By Force is a more consistent and powerful hard rock album. Tracks like “Steamrock Fever,” “We’ll Burn the Sky,” and “The Sails of Charon” showcase the band’s songwriting strength and their developing metal edge. Taken By Force is a crucial stepping stone in Scorpions’ evolution towards becoming stadium metal giants.
UFO: The Guitarist’s Band
UFO were a band renowned for their live performances and the guitar work of Michael Schenker. Lights Out is considered their best studio album, showcasing their tight musicianship and Schenker’s exceptional playing.
Lights Out (1977)
Lights Out is UFO’s studio masterpiece. While their live album Strangers in the Night often overshadows their studio work, Lights Out is a more consistent and sonically refined album. Michael Schenker’s guitar work is exceptional, and the songwriting is strong throughout. Despite lacking major “hits,” Lights Out is a favorite among UFO fans and guitar aficionados, highlighting their tight band dynamic and Schenker’s guitar brilliance.
Sweet: Glam Rock with a Heavy Edge
Sweet were a glam rock band that surprisingly incorporated proto-speed metal elements into their sound. Sweet Fanny Adams is a prime example of their heavier side, influencing bands across genres.
Sweet Fanny Adams (1974)
Sweet Fanny Adams showcases Sweet’s heavier and more experimental side. While known for their glam rock hits, Sweet Fanny Adams delves into proto-speed metal territory with tracks like “Set Me Free,” which predates and influenced Judas Priest and the NWOBHM scene. The album blends glam rock with heavier elements, demonstrating Sweet’s versatility and their surprising influence on later metal genres. Sweet Fanny Adams is a hidden gem in their discography and a testament to the diverse sounds of 1970s rock.
Budgie: Welsh Proto-Metal Pioneers
Budgie were a Welsh trio who were early pioneers of proto-metal, often cited as an influence on bands like Rush, Iron Maiden, and Metallica. Never Turn Your Back on a Friend is considered their best album, featuring the classic track “Breadfan.”
Never Turn Your Back on a Friend (1973)
Never Turn Your Back on a Friend is Budgie’s masterpiece and a crucial album in the proto-metal canon. Formed before Deep Purple, Budgie blended hard rock with prog and heavy psych elements. Never Turn Your Back on a Friend features “Breadfan,” a track covered by Metallica, showcasing their heavy, riff-driven sound and Burke Shelley’s distinctive vocals. The album’s prog elements and dynamic songwriting further solidify its place as a proto-metal classic and a major influence on subsequent generations of metal bands.
Uriah Heep: Operatic Hard Rock Innovators
Uriah Heep were pioneers of operatic hard rock, blending heavy rock with prog and vocal harmonies. Look At Yourself is a strong example of their early sound, featuring their signature vocal arrangements and heavy, progressive compositions.
Look At Yourself (1971)
Look At Yourself is a key album in Uriah Heep’s discography and a prime example of their operatic hard rock sound. Blending hard rock with prog and heavy psych, Uriah Heep were known for their use of high-pitched vocal harmonies, reminiscent of Queen. Look At Yourself features tracks like the title track and the epic “July Morning,” showcasing their progressive songwriting and dynamic arrangements. Despite some initial critical dismissal, Uriah Heep’s influence on bands like Judas Priest and Queen is undeniable, and Look At Yourself remains a strong example of their unique sound.
Deep Purple: Hard Rock Royalty
Deep Purple are giants of hard rock, alongside Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin. In Rock marked a turning point in their sound, moving towards a heavier and more aggressive style that would define their 1970s output.
In Rock (1970)
In Rock is a pivotal album for Deep Purple and for hard rock in general. Marking a shift towards a heavier and more aggressive sound, In Rock is packed with hard rock anthems like “Speed King,” “Child in Time,” and “Black Night.” Ritchie Blackmore’s guitar virtuosity, Ian Gillan’s powerful vocals, and the band’s tight musicianship combine to create a defining album of the era. In Rock cemented Deep Purple’s status as hard rock royalty and influenced countless bands that followed.
Scorpions: Early Hard Rock Explorations
Scorpions‘ early albums explored a range of hard rock styles, from psychedelic to kosmische influences. In Trance marks a step towards their more metal-oriented sound, showcasing their evolving musical direction.
In Trance (1975)
In Trance is a significant album in Scorpions’ development, marking a transition towards a more defined hard rock/proto-metal sound. While their earlier albums contained psychedelic and kosmische elements, In Trance leans into heavier riffs and more focused songwriting. The album showcases the band’s growing maturity and their exploration of heavier sonic territories. In Trance is a crucial step in Scorpions’ journey towards becoming one of the biggest hard rock and metal bands in the world.
UFO: Proto-Metal Leanings in 1974
UFO‘s Phenomenon album from 1974 showcases their proto-metal leanings, stripping away blues influences for a leaner, harder sound. This album is significant for its influence on bands like Iron Maiden.
Phenomenon (1974)
Phenomenon is a key album in UFO’s discography, highlighting their proto-metal leanings. In 1974, UFO were already stripping away blues influences and forging a leaner, harder sound. Phenomenon is significant for its influence on the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, particularly Iron Maiden. Steve Harris of Iron Maiden has cited UFO’s “Doctor Doctor,” featured on Phenomenon, as a major influence. The album demonstrates UFO’s pioneering approach to hard rock and their impact on the development of heavy metal.
More 70s Rock Band Albums Worth Exploring
Beyond the top selections, the 1970s offered a wealth of incredible rock albums. Further exploration into these bands and albums will reveal the true depth and diversity of the decade’s rock scene:
- Black Sabbath – Black Sabbath (1970)
- Black Sabbath – Vol. 4 (1972)
- Black Sabbath – Sabotage (1975)
- Black Sabbath – Sabbath Bloody Sabbath (1973)
- Led Zeppelin – Led Zeppelin III (1970)
- Thin Lizzy – Jailbreak (1976)
- Led Zeppelin – Physical Graffiti (1975)
- AC/DC – Let There Be Rock (1977)
- Rush – Hemispheres (1978)
- Thin Lizzy – Johnny the Fox (1976)
- AC/DC – Highway to Hell (1979)
- Rush – A Farewell to Kings (1977)
- Queen – A Night at the Opera (1975)
- AC/DC – High Voltage (1976)
- Epitaph – Outside the Law (1974)
- Queen – Sheer Heart Attack (1974)
- Thin Lizzy – Fighting (1975)
- Sweet – Desolation Boulevard (1974)
- Rush – 2112 (1976)
- Atomic Rooster – Death Walks Behind You (1970)
- Deep Purple – Machine Head (1972)
- Thin Lizzy – Vagabonds of the Western World (1973)
- Scorpions – Virgin Killer (1976)
- Uriah Heep – Demons and Wizards (1972)
- Funkadelic – Standing on the Verge of Getting It On (1974)
- Lucifer’s Friend – Lucifer’s Friend (1970)
- Leaf Hound – Growers of Mushroom (1971)
Bubbling Under: More 70s Rock Gems
These albums, while not making the main list, are still worthy of attention for those seeking deeper cuts from the 1970s rock scene:
- November – En Ny Tid är Här (1970)
- Funkadelic – Standing On the Verge Of Getting It On (1974)
- Budgie – In For the Kill! (1974)
- Granicus – Granicus (1973)
- Van Halen – Van Halen (1978)
- Montrose – Montrose (1973)
- The Groundhogs – Thank Christ for the Bomb (1970)
The 1970s were a golden age for rock music, a decade of innovation, experimentation, and enduring classics. The bands and albums highlighted here represent just a fraction of the incredible music produced during this era. Exploring these artists and their contemporaries offers a journey through a pivotal period in rock history, revealing the foundations upon which modern rock and metal were built. Dive in and discover the roaring sounds of the seventies!
