The Ten Best Selling Albums of the 70s

1. The Dark Side of the Moon (1973)

(Over 45 million copies sold) This progressive rock masterpiece remains one of the best-selling albums of all time.

The album is a seamless journey that unfolds, exploring the pressures of fame, mental illness, and mortality. Opening with the cacophony of cash registers and clocks (“Speak to Me/Breathe”), delving into anxieties around money, time, and sanity (“Time,” “Brain Damage”). Haunting vocals (“The Great Gig in the Sky”) express the fear of death, before a brief respite in the instrumental “Eclipse.” The closing “Any Colour You Like” offers a glimmer of hope, but fades with ticking clocks, suggesting the cycle of life’s struggles continues. Through innovative soundscapes and thought-provoking lyrics, “The Dark Side of the Moon” paints a powerful portrait of the human experience, both its anxieties and fleeting moments of light

Purchase it here: The Dark Side of the Moon

2. Rumours (1977)

(Over 40 million copies sold) A classic of soft rock and pop, this album chronicles the tumultuous personal relationships of the band members at the time.

Heartbreak reigns supreme. Amidst the band’s dissolving relationships, the 1977 album lays bare raw emotions through shimmering melodies. Lindsey Buckingham’s “Go Your Own Way” and Stevie Nicks’ “Dreams” become anthems of bittersweet breakups, while Christine McVie’s “Don’t Stop” offers a glimmer of hope and resilience. Instrumental tracks like “The Chain” and “Gold Dust Woman” weave a tapestry of melancholic beauty, mirroring the band’s fractured state. Despite the turmoil, “Rumours” transcends personal struggles, becoming a universal testament to love, loss, and the enduring power of music.

Purchase it here: Rumours

3. Led Zeppelin IV (1971)

(Over 37 million copies sold) Considered one of Zeppelin’s best, this hard rock album features iconic tracks like “Stairway to Heaven” and “Black Dog.”

The untitled fourth album, often called “Led Zeppelin IV,” isn’t just a collection of songs; it’s a journey. “Black Dog” kicks things off with bluesy swagger, showcasing Jimmy Page’s masterful riffs. “Rock and Roll” is a foot-stomping ode to the genre’s roots, while “Stairway to Heaven” takes listeners on an epic, eight-minute ballad, soaring from delicate acoustic melodies to thunderous guitar solos. John Bonham’s powerhouse drumming shines on “When the Levee Breaks,” a blues cover infused with raw energy. Celtic influences weave through “The Battle of Evermore,” and “Going to California” offers a mellow respite with John Paul Jones’ haunting mandolin. The album closes with the mystical “Stairway to Heaven” reprise, leaving listeners awestruck. “Led Zeppelin IV” isn’t just a classic album; it’s a genre-defining masterpiece, blending blues, rock, folk, and Eastern influences into a timeless sonic tapestry.

Purchase it here: Led Zeppelin IV

4. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (1973)

(Over 31 million copies sold) This double album showcases Elton John’s musical diversity with hits like “Candle in the Wind” and “Bennie and the Jets.”

A double LP bursting with creativity. Opening with the iconic “Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding,” he plunges into themes of fame, loneliness, and longing. The title track, a yearning ode to escape, reflects a desire to leave the glitz and glamor behind. The playful “Bennie and the Jets” paints a whimsical portrait of rock ‘n’ roll excess, while “Candle in the Wind,” a soaring ballad, becomes a timeless tribute to Marilyn Monroe. Social commentary peeks through in “Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting,” celebrating working-class resilience. The album closes with “Harmony Hall,” a contemplative reflection on fleeting moments of connection. Through diverse musical styles, from balladry to rock ‘n’ roll, “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” offers a rich tapestry of emotions, capturing the complexities of fame, self-discovery, and the yearning for something more.

Purchase it here: Goodbye Yellow Brick Road

5. Saturday Night Fever: The Original Movie Soundtrack (1977)

(Over 30 million copies sold) A classic disco soundtrack featuring the Bee Gees’ biggest hits like “Stayin’ Alive” and “Night Fever.”

The soundtrack ignites the disco inferno, mirroring Tony Manero’s (John Travolta) escape from Brooklyn streets through the pulsating dance floor. Synths shimmer, bass lines groove, and falsettos soar in anthems like “Stayin’ Alive,” capturing the desperation and desire for a better life. “How Deep Is Your Love” offers a softer moment, exploring love’s complexities. Yet, shadows lurk. “Night Fever” pulsates with escapism, while “More Than a Woman” hints at Tony’s internal struggles. The film’s climax with “You Should Be Dancing” explodes with liberation, but Tony’s reality casts doubt on the disco dream. Beyond the glitter, the soundtrack reflects social tensions and challenges, making “Saturday Night Fever” a timeless portrait of youth, ambition, and the fleeting hope found under the disco ball.

Purchase it here: Saturday Night Fever

6. Hotel California (1976)

(Over 26 million copies sold) Another classic of soft rock and pop, featuring the iconic title track, one of the Eagles’ most famous songs.

Luring melodies like the title track invite listeners to a luxurious hotel, but escape proves impossible. Don Henley’s smooth vocals belie the unease, hinting at isolation and longing in “New Kid in Town” and “Victim of Love.” The band’s signature harmonies soar in “Desperado,” romanticizing a life on the run, while “Wasted Time” reflects on lost opportunities. Instrumental journeys like “Hotel California” and “Heartache Tonight” build mesmerizing soundscapes, mirroring the album’s themes of entrapment and illusion. The fiery guitar duel in “Hotel California” showcases the band’s musical prowess, but darkness prevails. By the closing ballad “The Last Resort,” hope dwindles, leaving listeners questioning the true cost of paradise. “Hotel California” transcends mere storytelling, becoming a cautionary tale about the seductive dangers of materialism, fame, and the struggle to find true freedom

Purchase it here: Hotel California

7. Close to You (1970)

(Over 25 million copies sold) This album features the Carpenters’ signature sound of soft pop and adult contemporary, with hits like “Close to You” and “We’ve Only Just Begun.”

Karen Carpenter’s angelic vocals weave a tapestry of soft pop and adult contemporary tunes, exploring themes of love, longing, and everyday life. The title track, “(They Long to Be) Close to You,” yearns for connection, while “We’ve Only Just Begun” paints a hopeful picture of new beginnings. The Burt Bacharach and Hal David penned “Rainy Days and Mondays” captures the blues with a gentle touch, contrasting with the playful optimism of “Sing.” Melancholy tinges “Mr. Guder,” reflecting on lost innocence, while “Crescent Noon” showcases Karen’s vocal prowess with its soaring melodies. Despite its seemingly simplistic themes, the album delves into deeper emotions, from the loneliness of “Maybe It’s You” to the bittersweet farewell of “I Wouldn’t Be Surprised.” Richard Carpenter’s masterful arrangements and instrumentation create a cohesive listening experience, making “Close to You” a timeless classic that continues to resonate with its warmth and sincerity.

Purchase it here: Close To You

8. John Denver – Greatest Hits (1977)

(Over 25 million copies sold) This compilation features some of John Denver’s most popular songs, like “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” “Sunshine on My Shoulders,” and “Rocky Mountain High.”

Released in 1977, a warm nostalgia for wide-open spaces washes over the listener. Iconic folk anthems like “Take Me Home, Country Roads” and “Sunshine on My Shoulders” paint vivid landscapes of rolling hills and endless skies, evoking a yearning for connection to nature and home. “Rocky Mountain High” soars with its celebratory ode to the Rockies, while “Annie’s Song” offers a tender love ballad filled with simple joys. Social commentary emerges in “Leaving on a Jet Plane,” reflecting on the bittersweet realities of saying goodbye, and “Thank God I’m a Country Boy” proudly celebrates rural life. Even introspective moments like “Rhymes and Reasons” are imbued with an optimistic spirit. This compilation captures the essence of Denver’s musical style and themes, creating a timeless soundtrack for road trips, campfires, and moments of reflection.

Purchase it here: John Denver – Greatest Hits

9. Abraxas (1970)

(Over 25 million copies sold) This album blends Latin rock, blues, and psychedelic influences, featuring iconic tracks like “Black Magic Woman” and “Oye Como Va.”

Blending Latin rock, blues, and psychedelic influences into a captivating soundscape. The opening “Singing Drums” sets the tone with its tribal rhythm and Carlos Santana’s searing guitar solo, foreshadowing the fusion to come. The iconic “Black Magic Woman” ignites with its infectious groove and sensual vocals, showcasing the band’s Latin soul. Psychedelic explorations unfurl in “Oye Como Va,” a soulful rendition of Tito Puente’s classic, while “Hope You’re Feeling Better” dives into bluesy introspection. Gregg Rolie’s organ shines on the gospel-tinged “Every Day I Have the Blues,” and instrumental journeys like “El Manisero” and “Samba Pa Ti” transport listeners to vibrant worlds of sound. The album’s centerpiece, “Right On,” embodies its message of peace and unity, featuring a powerful brass section and Santana’s soaring guitar work. “Abraxas” transcends genres, becoming a landmark of cultural exchange and musical innovation, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire.

Purchase it here: Abraxas

10. Every Picture Tells a Story (1971)

(25 million copies) A Folk-tinged rock tapestry of love, loss, and raucous tales

“Every Picture Tells a Story” Paints a vibrant tapestry of experiences through a blend of rock, folk, and blues. The title track sets the scene, weaving narratives of childhood escapades, Parisian arrests, and even encounters with Shanghai vampires. “Maggie May,” the album’s breakout hit, tells a timeless tale of lost love with heartfelt tenderness and bluesy swagger. Introspective moments like “Reason to Believe” offer glimpses of vulnerability, while playful tracks like “Mandolin Wind” evoke carefree days with folk-tinged melodies. The album delves into social commentary with “Cindy (Oh Cindy),” highlighting societal pressures on young women. Closing with “Maggie May” again, this time in a melancholic acoustic rendition, the album leaves a lasting impression of the bittersweet realities of life’s journey. “Every Picture Tells a Story” isn’t just a collection of songs; it’s a captivating narrative sung with Rod Stewart’s signature raspy charm, solidifying his place as a rock and roll legend.

Purchase it here: Every Picture Tells a Story

Remember, you can purchase these albums and relive the magic by clicking on the provided links. Happy listening!