18 forgotten fantastic albums from the 1970s you have likely never heard

There’s a continuous debate raging on about which decade from recent history stands out as the best. This argument may never reach a conclusion, but one decade that often comes up in these discussions is the 1970s. The reasons for its frequent mention could be numerous, perhaps because it was a time of rich and diverse music production, with many albums (and singles) still considered timeless classics today.

In much the same way as each passing decade tends to have its share, many albums didn’t receive the acclaim they deserved from critics, audiences, or even both. Some received some recognition and built a dedicated fanbase, but eventually faded into obscurity as the years went by.

One possible explanation for this phenomenon might involve several factors, such as the iconic albums previously mentioned, like Pink Floyd’s “The Wall,” along with numerous other renowned works.

Forgotten albums from the 1970s that you need to hear

It’s possible that one cause could be that numerous undiscovered treasures were actually concept albums, which recording companies struggled to identify or overlooked a standout single from, since radio was the primary music broadcast platform during that period.

Additionally, various elements contribute to this, such as artists leaving the music industry quickly or bands disbanding prematurely, shifts in listener preferences among both audiences and critics, and the current situation where classic albums or reissues receive less streaming attention compared to recently released tracks.

Here are 18 forgotten, or never fully explored albums that deserve more exposure these days too.

Emitt Rhodes – Emitt Rhodes 1970

In the later years, Emitt Rhodes amassed a devoted following of fans, especially those who yearned for music reminiscent of The Beatles’ early days. Notably, Rhodes met this demand with his debut solo album, which he self-produced entirely within his personal home studio.

Despite the fact that the caliber of this album, as well as all his subsequent solo works, was undeniably exquisite, Rhodes unfortunately didn’t manage to attract the broader fanbase he truly merited.

Spirit – 12 Dreams of Dr. Sardonicus 1970

Initially, Randy California and his band created a big impact with their initial three albums. However, their fourth album was undoubtedly their finest and most refined work, impressing both critics and their existing audience. This album, titled “Nature’s Way,” was also one of the first rock songs to address environmental issues thoughtfully.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but reminisce about an album that continues to resonate powerfully today – an album that, it seems, has faded somewhat from the collective memory of fellow music enthusiasts. Yet, in my eyes, its brilliance remains undimmed, a testament to its enduring quality and the unforgettable moments it has etched into my musical journey.

Crabby Appleton – Crabby Appleton 1970

This band, who released just two albums in the early seventies, managed to explore a broad spectrum of what rock music encompassed during that period. Although their debut album’s track “Go Back” was a modest hit on its own, the album as a whole failed to garner the recognition it deserved, resulting in the band becoming almost forgotten in the annals of rock history.

Funkadelic – Maggot Brain 1971

As a devotee, I’d say George Clinton is famously known as a funk virtuoso, able to assume various musical personas that he transformed into distinct ensembles. With Funkadelic, it was the psychedelic aspect of his journeys, showcased by Eddie Hazel’s hypnotizing guitar solos, especially on the title track, where his late genius truly shone.

Jade Warrior – Released 1971

Hailing from a factory worker background, this British band is frequently associated with the early British progressive rock movement. However, it’s essential to understand that the band’s founders, Jon Field and Tony Duhig, were less about demonstrating instrumental or vocal skill and more about crafting intricate song structures. This album marks the beginning of their innovative exploration.

Batdorf and Rodney – Off the Shelf 1972

In the early ’70s, there was a significant surge of soft rock acts. Among them, John Batdorf and Mark Rodney were one such duo that emerged. However, despite their talent and the quality of their music, not many of these artists or duos managed to leave a lasting impression on a larger audience.

Not only did Batdorf & Rodney boast exceptional songwriting, instrumental skills, and harmonious vocals, but their talent deserved far greater recognition than they received during that period.

David Ackles – American Gothic 1972

Music enthusiasts often raise their eyebrows upon seeing Ackles’ name and the title of this album on numerous ‘best of’ lists, given that Ackles, who transitioned from theater to music (and then back to it), has a larger fan base among fellow musicians rather than the broader music audience. However, this, his fourth album, is universally acknowledged as a timeless classic, still sounding fresh today.

Tim Buckley – Greetings From L.A. 1972

For certain younger audiences, the name Buckley might bring to mind Jeff Buckley. Given that his father, who tragically passed away, was indeed named Tim, and he too possessed remarkable songwriting skills and vocal abilities that Jeff carried on.

As a dedicated fan, I’ve witnessed Buckley’s musical journey unfold, transitioning from a simple folk artist, diving into peculiar, avant-garde explorations, and on this album, he shifted to a more mainstream sound that was nothing short of brilliant, yet failed to capture the broader audience it truly deserved.

Terry Reid – River 1973

Musician Reid initially got an opportunity to join the New Yardbirds, a group that later became Led Zeppelin. However, he declined the offer, missing out on what likely would have been a successful career given his songwriting, singing, and playing abilities.

In this album, Reid captures the core of the West Coast music style, bearing a resemblance to what Van Morrison was creating around that period. This leads to the creation of an exceptionally beautiful album.

John Cale – Paris 1919 1973

Prior to joining Velvet Underground, Cale initially worked as a contemporary classical composer with a flair for avant-garde music. Upon leaving the band, he carried with him an exceptional talent for intricate melody construction, showcasing it fully on this album he produced alongside members of Little Feat and others, resulting in one of his finest works.

Prelude – After The Gold Rush 1973

In the midst of numerous folk trios during that era, it’s plausible that this English trio, spearheaded by husband and wife Brian and Irene Hume, didn’t garner as much recognition as their music merited. However, the quality of their music should have been the primary factor, not the number of similar acts. While they may not be as widely known, they are occasionally remembered, often due to their a cappella rendition of Neil Young’s classic song. Yet, this album, sharing the same title, showcases consistent strength throughout.

Judee Sill – Heart Food (1973)

One of David Geffen’s initial artists when he established Geffen Records was Judee Sill, and this was entirely justified. Although she fit into the category of singer-songwriter, her songwriting was exceptionally innovative at that time. This creativity reached its pinnacle in her second album, promising a prosperous career that was sadly cut short by her untimely demise.

Shuggie Otis – Inspiration Information 1974

As a gamer, I might rephrase it like this: “How can you create a massive gaming success without becoming a global sensation? Let’s ponder over Shuggie Otis, whose “Strawberry Letter 23” was a smash hit for Brothers Johnson. Perhaps it was due to his father Johnny being a renowned band leader, or the album (containing that song) being too advanced for its time, but Otis didn’t quite reach the stardom he deserved.

Multiple releases of this album, even the one by David Byrne’s Luaka Bop, aren’t doing a whole lot in terms of improvement.

Little Feat – The Last Record Album 1975

Every devoted Little Feat enthusiast has their preferred studio album from the band. However, this particular one doesn’t get mentioned too frequently, despite showcasing some of the group’s most sophisticated songwriting (especially by Lowell George) and top-notch musicianship. It truly deserves more recognition than it originally received, or continues to receive.

Andy Pratt – Resolution 1976

During the ’70s, Pratt earned favor among critics for all the right reasons, with much of his acclaim resonating on this album. However, while some critics believed he would revolutionize rock music, he didn’t, at least not in a way that garnered him as wide an audience as his talent might have suggested.

The Modern Lovers – The Modern Lovers 1976

Despite getting electrocuted on stage, which led him to use only acoustic instruments, Jonathan Richman remained deeply devoted to the sound of The Velvet Underground. He frequently adapted this style to suit his own musical direction. This is evident in his pre-acoustic phase, as shown by a collection of songs he recorded with John Cale, including the timeless punk rock anthem “Roadrunner.

Dennis Wilson – Pacific Ocean Blue 1977

In the process of creating music with The Beach Boys, Dennis Wilson wasn’t particularly known for writing many songs. However, when his only official album was released, it became clear that his songwriting and studio abilities encompassed all the fundamental elements of The Beach Boys’ signature sound, perfectly executed. Somehow, this gem went unnoticed by most fans except the dedicated and devoted ones of The Beach Boys.

Big Star – Third/Sister Lovers 1978

Regrettably, despite their potential, Big Star didn’t achieve the level of success they deserved. In contrast to this, none of its members were particularly famous, even though Alex Chilton, their leading figure, was a star in his own right, as he was the one who sang the iconic “The Letter” by The Box Tops.

Although their first two albums are considered power pop masterpieces, by the time of their third album, the band was on the verge of chaos, a fact that some critics describe as the saddest rock album ever made. Surprisingly, this album came into existence amidst the turmoil within the group. Despite other artists frequently covering its tracks, the album did not receive the widespread recognition it merited.

2025-07-05 13:00