Essential 1970s adult contemporary music

The best Adult Contemporary Music albums of the 1970s.

Where to start with 1970–1979 adult contemporary music — with a one-line read on why each one matters.

Top of the 1970s — adult contemporary music

Top picks from 1970–1979, ranked by where we would start.

Hot Streets

Chicago

Hot Streets

A fusion of soft rock and jazz with polished arrangements and soulful melodies that evoke emotional depth.

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Love Lifted Me

Kenny Rogers

Love Lifted Me

A heartfelt blend of country and pop, featuring smooth melodies and reflective lyrics that resonate with warmth and nostalgia.

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Kenny

Kenny Rogers

Kenny

A smooth blend of soft rock and country influences, marked by heartfelt storytelling and rich vocal melodies.

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Honey, Wheat & Laughter

Anne Murray

Honey, Wheat & Laughter

A soothing blend of soft rock and country pop that weaves heartfelt narratives with gentle melodies.

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Chicago 13

Chicago

Chicago 13

A vibrant fusion of jazz rock and pop, weaving intricate horn arrangements with smooth vocal melodies.

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New Kind of Feeling

Anne Murray

New Kind of Feeling

A warm blend of soft rock and country pop, infused with heartfelt melodies and smooth vocal harmonies.

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America

Julio Iglesias

America

A lush tapestry of Latin rhythms and heartfelt melodies that evoke nostalgia and a sense of wanderlust across diverse cultural landscapes.

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A México

Julio Iglesias

A México

A vibrant blend of traditional Mexican melodies infused with Iglesias’ smooth vocal delivery and rich orchestral arrangements.

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Johnny Farnham Sings the Shows

John Farnham

Johnny Farnham Sings the Shows

A vibrant showcase of classic musical theater tunes delivered with Farnham's rich vocals and engaging charisma.

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Hits Magic & Rock 'N Roll

John Farnham

Hits Magic & Rock 'N Roll

A vibrant blend of pop rock and soft anthems showcasing a young Farnham's soaring vocals and emotive delivery.

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Now & Then

The Carpenters

Now & Then

A nostalgic blend of soft melodies and heartfelt harmonies that perfectly captures the essence of early '70s pop.

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Quiet Fire

Roberta Flack

Quiet Fire

A soulful blend of jazz-inflected arrangements and deeply emotive vocals that resonate with intimacy and warmth.

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Fantasy

Carole King

Fantasy

A lush blend of soft rock and introspective lyrics that evoke a sense of yearning and emotional depth.

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Welcome Home

Carole King

Welcome Home

A mellow blend of soft rock and adult contemporary, infused with introspective lyrics and melodic warmth.

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A Kind of Hush

The Carpenters

A Kind of Hush

A lush blend of orchestral arrangements and soft vocals creates a dreamy atmosphere throughout the album.

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Roberta Flack

Roberta Flack

Roberta Flack

A smooth blend of soulful melodies and rich jazz influences, showcasing Flack's emotive vocal prowess.

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This Is Barbara Mandrell

Barbara Mandrell

This Is Barbara Mandrell

A blend of country pop and adult contemporary, featuring smooth melodies and heartfelt storytelling that showcases Mandrell's vocal prowess.

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A Perfect Match

Barbara Mandrell

A Perfect Match

A blend of country pop and adult contemporary, merging heartfelt lyrics with lush melodies and smooth instrumentation.

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Sergio Mendes

Sérgio Mendes

Sergio Mendes

A vibrant blend of bossa nova, jazz, and pop, infused with rich melodies and rhythmic grooves.

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