Top 10 Best Albums of 1979

In 1979, the world was on the brink of change. The Cold War was in full swing, and the year marked the tail end of the disco era and the burgeoning punk and new wave scenes. There was a palpable sense of unrest, a drive for change, but also an undeniable desire to dance it all away. Amidst this cocktail of change, emotion, and groove emerged some incredible albums that not only defined that time but continue to influence today's soundscape.

The thing about 1979 is that it was a beautiful crossroads of generations and genres. Picture this: a disco ball spinning in one corner and leather-jacket-clad punks in the other, with progressive rock bands noodling away in between. It was a time when boundaries were blurring and music was evolving faster than ever before. From the heart-pounding beats of disco, to the unfiltered raw energy of punk, the transcendent mystique of progressive rock, and the birth of hip hop, 1979 had it all.

This eclectic mix led to the creation of albums that were so rich, so unique, that they continue to resonate with listeners even after all these years. These albums have passed the test of time, becoming part of our collective musical heritage. These are the gems that make the music of 1979 a treasure trove that we continue to explore and appreciate.

And that's where you step in. It's time to dust off your turntable, put on your headphones, and step into the music time machine. As you embark on this nostalgic voyage, you'll be able to vote for the albums you think deserve to stand tall at the top of this list. It's not just about personal taste. It's about recognizing the artistry, the creativity, and the lasting impact of these musical masterpieces.

The Top Ten

  1. Michael Jackson - Off the Wall

    Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough is a lyrical and vocal genius of a package, while Working Day and Night is his most underrated track, and She's Out of My Life is the most unique song in history.

    This album is just great. I love it, especially Rock with You, Off the Wall, Girlfriend, and the rest.

    Love you, Mike!

    Goes without saying, Off the Wall is a brilliant album and deserves to win!

  2. Pink Floyd - The Wall

    Yes, they made experimental albums before, like the one with Syd Barrett, a founding member of the band. But the then-frontman Roger Waters completely ignored all consequences of his risks in making a double album dramatizing his life and Syd's life. The lyrics touch on several serious issues like parental over-protection, failure in the education system, and disillusionment with fame.

    Operatic and twisted, "The Wall" is a beauty despite the ugliness it has gone through. Lyrically, emotional confession has never been so appealing.

    Extremely moving story told through some spectacular music. It also features some of Pink Floyd's best-loved songs such as "Hey You," "Comfortably Numb," and "Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2)."

    Overall, a spectacular large-scale spectacle of an album that has way more meaning than any music people are making now.

  3. The Clash - London Calling

    A masterpiece! The Clash are one of the few groups that can have an awesome debut album, lauded by most critics and name-dropped by everyone in the music biz, and yet produce a third album that is even better. If you haven't heard Working for the Clampdown, then you haven't had the joy of hearing a group in perfect motion!

    It's obvious that this is the best album of 1979, but since no one on this website listens to The Clash, it's at number ten. This is far better than the other albums released during this year. Possibly the best album of the late seventies.

  4. AC/DC - Highway to Hell

    Obviously their best work. It is also the last one with Bon Scott, so it is special. Every track is AWESOME! Long live Bon Scott.

  5. Journey - Evolution

  6. The Police - Reggatta de Blanc

    This probably has the greatest B-side ever. Every single song. Walking on the Moon, On Any Other Day, The Bed's Too Big Without You, Contact, Does Everyone Stare, and No Time This Time. All absolutely fantastic. And of course, there's Message in a Bottle.

  7. Queen - Live Killers

  8. ABBA - Voulez-Vous

    This is, for me, one of the finest pop albums ever released! I love everything from the '70s era Rush to modern-day bands like Fleet Foxes (folk) or Alter Bridge (awesome radio rock). But Voulez-Vous will always have a special place in my heart.

    As Good As New, If It Wasn't For The Nights, the title track, and Angeleyes are among the catchiest and most beautiful songs ever released by anybody! Oh, and a special mention to the cover. Quietly iconic and beautifully posed.

    Another album that was number one all over the world, with songs like Does Your Mother Know, Chiquitita, As Good As New, Voulez-Vous, and Angeleyes.

  9. Joy Division - Unknown Pleasures

  10. Led Zeppelin - In Through the Out Door

    Most underrated Zeppelin album. All of My Love and In the Evening are both great songs. The rest of the album is also good.

    11. The Newcomers
  11. ?

    Stone Crazy! - Buddy Guy

  12. ?

    Power Play - Dragon

    13. The Contenders

  13. David Bowie - Lodger

  14. Supertramp - Breakfast in America

  15. Aerosmith - Night in the Ruts

  16. The Who - The Kids Are Alright

  17. Rush - Permanent Waves

  18. Motörhead - Overkill

  19. Eagles - The Long Run

  20. Gang of Four - Entertainment!

  21. The Cure - Three Imaginary Boys

  22. Talking Heads - Fear of Music

  23. The Cars - Candy-O

  24. Kiss - Dynasty

  25. Wire - 154

  26. Pat Benatar - In the Heat of the Night

  27. Van Halen - Van Halen II

    This album was made in one week, and it doesn't sound rushed at all. This is my favorite VH album.

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