The Best Albums, From All Genres, Of 1975
The music industry in 1975 was thriving, fuelled by the creativity of artists and the growing appetite for new sounds. Record labels were far more eager to sign diverse acts that reflected the eclectic tastes of the music-loving public at the time. The concert scene was also vibrant, with stadium tours becoming more common, allowing fans to experience their favourite artists live and on an unprecedented scale as music festivals continued to gain popularity, further establishing live performances as a crucial component of the music experience.
While the music industry was buzzing with creativity and innovation, Vinyl records remained the primary medium through which music was consumed as their warm analog sound provided a tangible connection to the artists and their work. Radio continued to deliver music via the airwaves to listeners around the world and the increasing popularity of the Compact Cassette began to offer new, and more flexible, ways for audiences to engage with the music they held dear and near.
Popular Sounds of 1975
1975 was a year marked by a rich diversity of musical genres, each carving its unique niche in the cultural zeitgeist. Rock music continued to dominate, with sub-genres like hard rock, glam rock, and progressive rock capturing the imaginations of listeners. Disco was on the rise, bringing its infectious rhythms and dance-floor anthems to the forefront of popular culture while folk and country influences also remained strong, reflecting the era's penchant for storytelling and emotional expression through music.
Rock Legends, Innovative Albums, And New Horizons
Queen’s A Night At The Opera, released on November 21, 1975, stood out as a monumental album, blending rock, opera, and progressive elements into a cohesive and groundbreaking work while Elton John’s autobiographical Captain Fantastic And The Brown Dirt Cowboy (May 19, 1975) provided an introspective look into his life and career, showcasing his ability to weave personal narrative with complex musical arrangements.
The Bee Gees reinvented themselves with Main Course (June 1975), marking their foray into disco and showcasing their versatility and adaptability while ABBA's self-titled album (April 21, 1975) further cemented their status as pop royalty with infectious melodies and a polished production, demonstrating their knack for creating timeless pop anthems.
Nazareth's Hair Of The Dog (April 3, 1975) presented a gritty, hard rock sound that would influence countless bands to come and Moxy’s self-titled debut (n.d.) introduced fresh, hard rock energy to the 70s.
The Eagles continued their ascent with One Of These Nights (June 10, 1975), combining rock with country influences to create timeless hits while America's Hearts (March 19, 1975) continued the band's tradition of harmonious folk-rock, delivering smooth, melodious tracks that resonated with a broad audience.
Fleetwood Mac’s self-titled album (July 11, 1975) introduced the world to the classic lineup that would soon become legendary while Linda Ronstadt’s Prisoner In Disguise (September 15, 1975) showcased her vocal prowess and versatility across genres, further solidifying her status as a major force in rock and country music.
Alice Cooper’s theatrical concept album, Welcome To My Nightmare (March 11, 1975), pushed the boundaries of rock performance with its elaborate and dark themes while Neil Young & Crazy Horse delivered raw, unfiltered rock with Zuma (November 10, 1975).
Eloy's Power And The Passion (October 1975) ventured into the realm of progressive rock with the concept album format, presenting intricate compositions and thematic depth while Journey's self-titled debut (April 1, 1975) marked the beginning of their path toward becoming rock giants, blending progressive rock with jazz fusion.
Finally, Art Garfunkel’s Breakaway (October 14, 1975) showcased his delicate vocal delivery in a collection of beautifully crafted songs, including thoughtful covers that highlighted his emotive delivery.
In this dynamic landscape, 1975 emerged as a year of innovation and enduring musical contributions. The albums released during this period have left an indelible mark on the industry and have influenced generations of musicians while continuing to captivate listeners.
This list is ranked from best to almost the best, but not quite. However, 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 that 1975 has to offer.
1. QUEEN – A NIGHT AT THE OPERA
Queen's fourth studio album, A Night At The Opera, is a masterpiece that solidified the band's place in rock history. With Freddie Mercury's flamboyant vocals soaring above intricate instrumental arrangements, it stands as one of the most coherent and ambitious works by these British rockers. The album's theatricality and eclectic style, ranging from hard rock anthems to operatic ballads, showcase Queen's unparalleled versatility and creativity. This release isn't just one of the greatest albums of 1975 or the 70s; it is one of the greatest albums of all time!
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Queen’s A Night At The Opera.
2. Bee Gees – Main Course
Main Course is a landmark release that captured the Bee Gees during one of their most creative periods. With its irresistible grooves, magnificent vocals, and captivating lyrics, this album remains a classic and a testament to the enduring legacy of one of the world's most iconic groups. Main Course was also the album that saw the Bee Gees' successfully transition to a more disco-oriented sound, featuring hits like Jive Talkin' and Nights on Broadway, which not only defined their new direction but also left an indelible mark on the music landscape of the late 70s.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of the Bee Gees’ Main Course.
3. NAZARETH – HAIR OF THE DOG
Hair Of The Dog’s combination of hard-hitting rockers and heartfelt ballads makes it a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences decades after its release. Featuring Nazareth’s signature gritty sound and powerful vocals, this is one album that is more than a standout in their discography for it has become a cornerstone of 70s rock music.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Nazareth’s Hair Of The Dog.
4. Eagles – One Of These Nights
One Of These Nights, the fourth studio album from the Eagles, is their greatest achievement in the era prior to Hotel California’s release. It would also become the Eagles’ first number-one record, and without a B-side to be found and featuring hits like Lyin’ Eyes and Take It To The Limit, it’s best described as a masterpiece.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of the Eagles’ One Of These Nights.
5. Elton John – Captain Fantastic And The Brown Dirt Cowboy
As a complete body of work, Elton John and Bernie Taupin masterfully crafted a sonic journey that spans the highs and lows of their careers and personal lives. Each track contributes to the album's overarching narrative, showcasing the duo's ability to seamlessly blend rock, pop, and introspective ballads. With Captain Fantastic And The Brown Dirt Cowboy, they don't just tell a story—they invite listeners into an immersive, deeply personal experience that stands as a testament to their unparalleled creative partnership.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Elton John’s Captain Fantastic And The Brown Dirt Cowboy.
6. FLEETWOOD MAC – FLEETWOOD MAC (SELF-TITLED, 1975)
With a blend of catchy hooks, heartfelt lyrics, and masterful musicianship, Fleetwood Mac stands as one of the greatest albums ever released. This landmark record not only rejuvenated the band's career but also introduced the iconic lineup that included Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks. Together, they crafted some of the most enduring music of the 20th century, cementing Fleetwood Mac's legacy as one of the most influential bands in rock history.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Fleetwood Mac’s self-titled 1975 release.
7. Alice Cooper – Welcome To My Nightmare
Welcome To My Nightmare is not only one of Alice Cooper’s best albums, but it’s one of the greatest records, concept or otherwise, from the 70s; particularly 1975. It really is a triumph of creativity and innovation that pushed the boundaries of the concept album to the very limits of what such a release could achieve. After more than four decades, it remains a timeless classic that continues to captivate and inspire music lovers and Alice Cooper fans alike.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Alice Cooper’s Welcome To My Nightmare.
8. Eloy – Power And The Passion
Eloy’s Power And The Passion, their fourth studio album, is a masterpiece of progressive symphony rock that has to be heard firsthand to be fully appreciated. Its complex compositions and thematic depth are to be marvelled at; even if the drug-fueled time traveller's encounter with a wizard isn’t the most easy-to-follow narrative. Nevertheless, this record is a standout in the band's discography with epic compositions ensuring the album remains a classic of the genre as well as a testament to Eloy's enduring creativity and innovation.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Eloy’s Power And The Passion.
9. MOXY – MOXY (SELF-TITLED)
Moxy’s self-titled debut is a classic recording, offering a raw and energetic display of classic hard rock elements. It’s one of those albums that is best heard in its intended linear structure for as powerful as the individual songs are, the musicianship, throughout, is top-notch, thereby creating a tight, cohesive sound that propels the album forward with relentless energy. There certainly isn’t a bad song to be heard on Moxy, nor is there a B-side. Perhaps it is the concise (sub-40 minute) runtime of the album, but if you put the time aside to appreciate this record, from start to finish, you won’t be disappointed.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Moxy’s self-titled release.
10. Art Garfunkel – Breakaway
Breakaway, Art Garfunkel’s second solo release, is a stunning showcase of his remarkable vocal prowess, emotive storytelling, and timeless appeal. While fans might have yearned for a Simon & Garfunkel reunion, Breakaway offers the next best thing with the duet "My Little Town." Beyond this nostalgic collaboration, the album stands on its own as a classic record, filled with beautifully crafted songs that highlight Garfunkel's unique talent and artistry. Breakaway is a blessing to listeners, solidifying Garfunkel's place as a solo artist of extraordinary depth and charm.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Art Garfunkel’s Breakaway.
11. America – Hearts
Hearts is a masterpiece of 1970s soft rock, showcasing America during their most prominent years. While it’s another stellar collaboration with producer George Martin, Hearts stands out for its seamless blend of acoustic guitar-driven compositions, lush harmonies, and subtle instrumental arrangements. The result is an album that, like the rest of their 70s catalogue, delivers easy-listening soft rock folk music with a universal appeal.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of America’s Hearts.
12. ABBA – ABBA (Self-Titled)
ABBA's self-titled album is a minor masterpiece that showcases the band's unparalleled talent and musical innovation. This release highlights their exceptional skills in both production quality and songwriting, resulting in infectious melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and dynamic performances. Each track demonstrates ABBA's ability to create timeless music, making this album an essential addition to any music lover's collection.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of ABBA’s self-titled release.
13. Neil Young & Crazy Horse – Zuma
Zuma is a monumental achievement in Neil Young's prolific career, highlighting his raw musical prowess alongside his legendary backing band, Crazy Horse. This album is a sonic journey that encapsulates the essence of Young's distinctive songwriting and the electrifying synergy of Crazy Horse. Zuma is, ultimately, one of the era's greatest releases, showcasing an unparalleled blend of folk, rock, and grunge into a cohesive and captivating sonic tapestry. Young and Crazy Horse's ability to seamlessly merge these elements results in a timeless masterpiece that continues to resonate with audiences and solidify their legendary status in rock history.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Neil Young & Crazy Horse’s Zuma.
14. JOURNEY – JOURNEY (SELF-TITLED)
Journey’s eponymous debut marked the beginning of a musical odyssey that would significantly shape the sound of arena rock in the late 70s and 80s. However, this album stands apart from their later works due to its distinctive fusion of jazz and progressive rock, creating a compelling and unique sound. The intricate musicianship and experimental approach on this record set it apart, showcasing the band's early versatility and willingness to push musical boundaries. This blend of genres not only highlights the technical prowess of the band members but also provides a refreshing contrast to the more commercially oriented rock that would later define their career. Journey's debut is a testament to their innovative spirit and serves as a fascinating glimpse into the formative years of a band that would go on to achieve substantial success.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Journey’s self-titled release.
15. LINDA RONSTADT – PRISONER IN DISGUISE
Throughout Prisoner In Disguise, Linda Ronstadt effortlessly transitions between musical styles, seamlessly blending elements of rock, folk, and country into a cohesive and compelling sound. Her dynamic vocal range shines brilliantly, whether she's belting out rock anthems or delivering heartfelt ballads, captivating listeners with each note. The album's enchanting melodies, soul-stirring lyrics, and impeccable performances create an enduring appeal that continues to captivate audiences decades after its release. Prisoner In Disguise not only showcases Ronstadt's versatility and emotional depth but also solidifies her status as one of the greatest vocalists of her generation.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Linda Ronstadt’s Prisoner In Disguise.
Honourable Mentions (In Alphabetical Order)
These are albums from 1975 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.
