The Best Albums, From All Genres, Of 1970
In 1970, recorded music entered a new era of creative confidence as artists continued to push beyond the established sounds of the 1960s, embracing heavier, more adventurous, and increasingly diverse approaches to songwriting and production. By this stage, the LP had firmly established itself as more than a collection of singles, with artists creating increasingly cohesive album experiences that encouraged listeners to engage with the music as a single body of work. Vinyl remained at the heart of that experience, with striking artwork and carefully considered presentations helping to define an album’s identity alongside the music itself.
Creatively, 1970 was a year of transition and experimentation. Rock became heavier and more expansive, while blues, soul, folk, country, pop, and emerging progressive influences continued to intersect in fascinating ways. Production and recording standards also became increasingly important, with layered arrangements and greater attention to sonic detail, resulting in albums that could be both powerful and intimate.
At Subjective Sounds, the Best Albums of 1970 list celebrates the records that best capture this pivotal moment in music history and are ranked from best to almost the best, but not quite. Although, depending on your subjective preferences, you may prefer a different order, omit some, or even ponder some that are not included. Trust me, I’ve changed the order countless times because determining the best albums often depends on how one feels at any given moment. Either way, let’s simply enjoy the best music from 1970.
1. Van Morrison – Moondance
Moondance may well be the most relaxingly intimate album experience of all time and, in my view, is Van Morrison’s magnum opus.
Blending rhythmic blues rock with jazz and pop elements, alongside singer/songwriter sensibilities, Morrison’s signature sound and uniquely compelling vocals ring out across a timeless classic that is not only amongst the greatest albums in all of recorded music history, but one that, upon repeat listens, exceeds expectations.
Moondance is, ultimately, a timeless masterpiece that few albums, of any era, can match.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Van Morrison’s Moondance.
2. Ricky Nelson – Rick Sings Nelson
There are underrated albums, and then there is Rick Sings Nelson; a timeless 1970 release that showcases Ricky Nelson at his creative peak.
Blending rockabilly, pop, country rock, and a distinctly Southern California feel, this collection of original songs is filled with exceptional performances, beautiful melodies, and a level of songwriting that deserves far greater recognition than it often receives.
While the album may have been largely forgotten outside of dedicated music circles, its quality remains undeniable and is among the greatest releases from 1970.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Ricky Nelson’s Rick Sings Nelson.
3. Black Sabbath – Paranoid
Few albums have had the impact of Paranoid. Released just months after Black Sabbath’s self-titled debut, this landmark second release saw the band expand upon their origins with a heavier, more bombastic musical style that helped define heavy metal as we know it.
Darker in tone, yet hypnotic in execution, Paranoid balances crushing riffs with surprising depth and diversity, proving the band was far more than straightforward hard rockers.
More than fifty years later, Paranoid remains not only one of Black Sabbath’s finest releases, but one of the greatest albums of the decade.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Black Sabbath’s Paranoid.
4. Elton John – Elton John (Self-Titled)
There are classic albums, and then there is Elton John; a remarkable release that laid the foundation for one of the greatest careers in popular music.
With masterful piano playing, gorgeous lyrics, infectious hooks, melodic brilliance, and a sequencing that is utterly perfect, this is an album experience from the very first note to the last.
Ultimately, Elton John remains a masterpiece that deserves greater recognition and stands proudly alongside the very best albums in recorded music history.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Elton John’s self-titled release, Elton John.
5. Trapeze – Medusa
There are underrated (hard rock) albums, and then there is Medusa.
Stripped back to the powerhouse trio of Glenn Hughes, Mel Galley, and Dave Holland, Trapeze delivered an album that seamlessly blends hard rock, blues, soul, and funk into one of the most compelling releases of the early '70s.
From its remarkable musicianship to its exceptional songwriting, Medusa stands as the band's defining statement and remains one of the era's most overlooked releases.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Trapeze’s Medusa.
6. Uriah Heep – Very 'Eavy, Very ‘Umble
There are impressive debuts, and then there is Very 'Eavy, Very 'Umble; a release that remains amongst the greatest Uriah Heep ever recorded and, more than five decades later, still sounds fresh and compelling.
With its signature blend of rock and what is now considered classic heavy metal, the album can not only be seen as a pioneering progressive rock release within the heavy metal genre, but as one of the best albums released in 1970.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Uriah Heep’s Very 'Eavy, Very ‘Umble.
Honourable Mentions (In Alphabetical Order)
1970 was an extraordinary year for recorded music, with artists pushing established sounds in new and exciting directions. While these albums didn’t quite make my best of the best list, there’s still some killer music to be heard across this selection. Music is subjective, after all, so load up your favourite streaming service, give them a listen, and you may just discover a 1970 masterpiece that deserves a place in your own record collection.
