The Best Albums, From All Genres, Of 1973
1973 was a pivotal moment in recorded music history, where established artists reached new creative heights and fresh voices began carving out lasting legacies. From the lively spirit and theatricality of hard/shock rock to the rise of sophisticated singer-songwriters and the continued relevance of progressive rock and pop, the era delivered a breathtaking diversity of sounds. It was also a time when experimentation was encouraged, and artists weren’t afraid to blur genre lines while still creating music with mass appeal.
The industry was in transition, too. Vinyl reigned supreme, but the album itself had increasingly become more than just a collection of songs. Double albums, concept records, and ambitious production flourishes were increasingly common, highlighting how music had become an art form as much as entertainment. Additionally, radio, live performances, and word-of-mouth remained the lifeblood of discovery, helping these albums find audiences across the globe and ensuring their place in history.
At Subjective Sounds, our ranked lists seek to capture the essence of each era by celebrating not only the blockbuster releases but also the underrated gems that shaped the sound of their time. Looking back, 1973 was a remarkable year that gave us records that continue to resonate, inspire, and define generations of listeners. With that in mind, let’s explore the albums that made 1973 a golden year in recorded music history.
1. Paul McCartney & Wings – Band On The Run
Band On The Run is one of two of Paul McCartney’s post-Beatles masterpieces under the Wings banner, the other being Wings At The Speed Of Sound. Band On The Run, specifically, finds McCartney and Wings firing on all creative cylinders, delivering an eclectic yet cohesive collection of songs that blend rock, pop, and orchestral influences with effortless confidence.
As a defining moment in recorded music history, Band On The Run not only becomes one of the finest albums of 1973 but is also one of the very best releases from the 70s; from both a subjective and objective viewpoint. If you’re unfamiliar with the album, or haven’t listened to it in a while, give it a spin as this enduring classic continues to captivate listeners across generations.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Paul McCartney & Wings’ Band On The Run.
2. Alice Cooper – Billion Dollar Babies
Released in 1973 at the height of the Alice Cooper band's creative powers, Billion Dollar Babies remains a landmark release that combines shock rock spectacle with astute social commentary. Building on their earlier foundation, this sixth studio album bursts with confidence and top-tier production, all while delivering standout tracks from the magnificent title track to the darkly humorous “I Love The Dead.”
For those who value physical releases, Billion Dollar Babies offers one of the fullest sensory experiences with an immersive and elaborate wallet gatefold complete with unsettling imagery that serves the music perfectly.
Of course, it’s all about the music, and the album doesn’t disappoint as each track, from the biting satire to the theatrical, ensures Billion Dollar Babies is cemented in its position as one of the greatest albums of its era.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Alice Cooper’s Billion Dollar Babies.
3. Alice Cooper – Muscle Of Love
Muscle Of Love was to be the final studio outing from the original Alice Cooper band and, while often overshadowed by its more commercially successful predecessors, it remains one of their most compelling and underrated works. Rich in theatrical flair and addictively good rock numbers, the album blends gritty rock foundations with broader sonic experimentation and an overtly cheeky, tongue-in-cheek lyrical approach.
While Billion Dollar Babies, School’s Out, and Killer may command more attention, Muscle Of Love is a hidden gem of 1973, an essential listen that earns its place in any serious music collection.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Alice Cooper’s Muscle Of Love.
4. Black Sabbath – Sabbath Bloody Sabbath
Sabbath Bloody Sabbath is, without a doubt, one of Black Sabbath’s greatest achievements. With its bold, heavy, and intricately crafted atmosphere, the band took a creative leap that not only pushed the boundaries of what a Heavy Metal record could be, but they did so without losing their trademark sinister sonic presence. The result is a timeless record that feels brutal yet delicately expressive.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Black Sabbath’s Sabbath Bloody Sabbath.
5. Tom Waits – Closing Time
A hauntingly beautiful debut, Closing Time introduces Tom Waits’ signature blend of jazz, folk, and blues with poetic, introspective lyrics and raw emotional delivery. The album’s minimalistic production and atmospheric instrumentation create an intimate listening experience that reveals more with every spin, cementing its place as a timeless classic.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Tom Waits’ Closing Time.
6. Genesis – Selling England By the Pound
Selling England By The Pound stands as a defining moment in Genesis’ illustrious back catalogue. Intricately composed and thematically rich, this progressive rock masterpiece showcases the band’s exceptional musicianship and Peter Gabriel’s theatrical storytelling at its peak.
From sweeping epics to delicate ballads, every track plays a role in building a sonic tapestry. The balance between technical prowess and emotional depth is handled with finesse, making the listening experience immersive and deeply satisfying.
Overall, Selling England By The Pound is an album that rewards repeat listens and secures its place among the most enduring works of its era.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Genesis’ Selling England By The Pound.
7. America – Hat Trick
Hat Trick may not enjoy the same acclaim as America’s earlier releases, but it’s a fascinating and rewarding entry in their discography. Marked by bold experimentation and subtle sonic shifts, the album expands on the band’s folk-rock roots while introducing richer arrangements and broader stylistic exploration.
From harmony-driven ballads to more upbeat and adventurous compositions, Hat Trick reveals a group pushing its creative boundaries without completely abandoning the formula that first brought them success. It’s an album that rewards repeat listens and despite being sometimes overlooked, Hat Trick is far from a misstep as it’s a nuanced, transitional record that captures America at a moment of artistic evolution.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of America’s Hat Trick.
8. Buffalo – Volcanic Rock
Volcanic Rock is a bold, unapologetic statement from Australia’s hard rock pioneers Buffalo—an album that pulls no punches in either sound or intent. Raw, relentless, and dripping with intensity, this 1973 release channels primal energy through gritty guitar riffs, expansive song structures, and guttural vocals that feel both unhinged and tightly controlled.
Often overlooked outside of diehard circles, Volcanic Rock deserves far wider recognition. It’s not just one of the best hard rock records of the era, it’s a cornerstone of Australian rock history and is essential listening for those ready to venture into darker and louder musical territory.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Buffalo’s Volcanic Rock.
9. Elton John – Don't Shoot Me I'm Only The Piano Player
Don’t Shoot Me I’m Only The Piano Player is a pivotal release in Elton John’s early 1970s output, one that blends commercial appeal with the growing maturity of his songwriting partnership with Bernie Taupin. Featuring timeless hits like “Daniel” and “Crocodile Rock,” the album finds Elton walking a fine line between accessible pop-rock and heartfelt balladry.
Beyond the chart-toppers, the album offers a well-sequenced collection of deep cuts that reward close listening, with John’s signature piano work and expressive vocals taking centre stage. The production is lush without being overbearing, allowing the record’s emotional tones and playful energy to shine through.
As part of Elton John’s golden era, Don’t Shoot Me I’m Only The Piano Player captures him at a creative high point, balancing mainstream success with a genuine artistic voice that continues to resonate to this day.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Elton John’s Don't Shoot Me I'm Only The Piano Player.
10. Aerosmith – Aerosmith (Self-Titled)
Aerosmith’s self-titled debut might not have set the charts on fire upon release, but it laid the foundation for what would become one of hard rock’s most iconic careers. Raw, unpolished, and filled with blues-driven swagger, the album captures a young band brimming with potential and attitude.
Tracks like “Dream On” hinted at the anthemic brilliance to come, while deeper cuts such as “One Way Street” and “Mama Kin” showcased the group’s ability to blend groove, melody, and raw energy into a sound all their own. Steven Tyler’s vocals are distinctive, even if not delivered in his natural timbre, and Joe Perry’s guitar work sizzles with early promise.
Though often overshadowed by their later, more polished releases, this debut is essential listening for fans eager to trace the roots of Aerosmith’s unmistakable sound. It’s a slow-burn classic that reveals its strengths more clearly with every spin.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Aerosmith’s self-titled debut, Aerosmith.
11. Elton John – Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road isn’t just one of Elton John’s most iconic releases, it’s a masterclass in ambitious songwriting and artistic diversity. From the moment the cinematic title track begins, this landmark double album takes listeners on a journey through richly layered ballads, glam rock anthems, and genre-defying deep cuts that reveal new intricacies with every listen.
Whether it's the raw energy of “Saturday Night’s Alright For Fighting,” the stunning ballad of “Candle In The Wind,” or the compelling storytelling found in lesser-known tracks, the album strikes a perfect balance between mainstream appeal and artistic credibility.
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road isn’t just a standout from 1973, it’s an album that shaped the era, defined Elton John’s legacy, and continues to captivate modern audiences.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Elton John’s Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.
12. Eagles – Desperado
Desperado is one of the Eagles’ most emotionally resonant and narratively ambitious albums. Loosely conceptual in nature, it fuses country rock with heartfelt ballads, crafting vivid soundscapes that linger well beyond the final track. While not without its imperfections, the album offers a rich collection of hidden gems and stands as one of the era’s most enduring listening experiences.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of the Eagles’ Desperado.
13. Bee Gees – Life In a Tin Can
Life In A Tin Can is one of the Bee Gees’ most overlooked albums, yet it holds a quiet charm and introspective depth that reveals itself over time. While it failed to achieve commercial success, or spawn a chart-topping hit, songs such as Saw A New Morning, South Dakota Morning, and Living In Chicago are just a few of the hidden gems that are to be heard on one of the best records released in 1973.
For longtime fans and curious listeners alike, Life In A Tin Can is a marvellous addition to the Bee Gee’s legacy; one that is particularly rewarding for those of us willing to look beyond the hits.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of the Bee Gees’ Life In A Tin Can.
14. ABBA – Ring Ring
Ring Ring may not have the chart-topping polish of ABBA’s later releases, but it’s a fascinating look into the formative years of a group that would soon redefine pop music. From the very first track, it’s clear the foundations of ABBA’s signature harmonies and melodic brilliance were already firmly in place. Add to that the charming blend of Swedish pop, folk, and early 70s raw experimentation, and you’ve got a highly appealing release that is amongst the greatest albums ever recorded.
Despite only being ranked as my seventh favourite studio album from ABBA, it’s a vital piece of their legacy and is ideal for those exploring the roots of one of pop’s greatest acts. Plus, it’s only positioned seventh because the other six albums that bested this classic debut are subjectively better; an indication of just how impressive ABBA’s musical legacy is.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of ABBA’s Ring Ring.
Honourable Mentions (In Alphabetical Order)
These are albums from 1973 that I appreciate but don’t feel are the best of the best. However, there’s some killer music to be heard here, so load up your favourite streaming service and give them a listen, for our music tastes are subjective and you may just come across an album that you consider a masterpiece.
