The best Ambient Music albums
of the 1970s.
Where to start with 1970–1979 ambient music — with a one-line read on why each one matters.
Top of the 1970s — ambient music
Top picks from 1970–1979, ranked by where we would start.
David Bowie
Young Americans
A genre-blurring fusion of soul, rock, and pop that captures the disillusionment of American life in the mid-1970s.
Start here
Brian Eno
Music for Films
Ethereal textures and minimalist compositions create an otherworldly soundscape that evokes cinematic imagery without the need for visuals.
Start here
Brian Eno
Taking Tiger Mountain (By Strategy)
A kaleidoscopic blend of avant-garde pop and ambient soundscapes, weaving together playful melodies and experimental textures.
Start here
Mike Oldfield
Ommadawn
An expansive journey blending folk melodies, progressive rock structures, and intricate instrumental layers into a cohesive sonic landscape.
Start here
Mike Oldfield
Platinum
A dynamic fusion of progressive rock and classical elements, exploring themes of nature and technology through intricate instrumentals.
Start here
David Bowie
The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars
This album serves as the introduction to Bowie's world, combining compelling storytelling with diverse musical styles. It captures the essence of Bowie's alter ego Ziggy Stardust, making it a captivating starting point for new listeners.
Start here
Rick Wakeman
Rick Wakeman's Criminal Record
A theatrical blend of progressive rock and classical influences, weaving intricate narratives through elaborate keyboard compositions.
Start here
Rick Wakeman
Piano Vibrations
A reflective blend of classical motifs and melodic interpretations, showcasing piano as both an instrument of elegance and emotional depth.
Start here
Jean-Michel Jarre
Deserted Palace
A surreal soundscape blending ambient textures with playful electronic motifs, evoking a dreamlike journey through the unknown.
Start here
Jean-Michel Jarre
Équinoxe
A mesmerizing blend of electronic textures and ethereal melodies that transports listeners through time and space.
Start here
Vangelis
Beaubourg
An expansive, immersive soundscape that blurs the lines between electronic experimentation and classical minimalism.
Start here
Vangelis
Heaven and Hell
This album highlights Vangelis's trademark style, combining rhythmic propulsion with rich melodies. Its varied tracks provide a solid overview of his artistic range, making it ideal for new listeners.
Start here
Isao Tomita
Snowflakes Are Dancing
'Snowflakes Are Dancing' beautifully weaves together classical themes and electronic innovation, making it a quintessential example of Tomita's artistry. The album captures the essence of his sound while remaining engaging and evocative for first-time listeners.
Start here
David Gilmour
David Gilmour
A serene blend of bluesy rock and introspective lyrics woven through lush guitar textures and ambient soundscapes.
Start here
Harold Budd
The Pavilion of Dreams
A serene blend of ambient textures and minimalist melodies that invites introspection and ethereal reflection.
Start here
Cabaret Voltaire
Extended Play
Industrial rhythms intertwine with surreal samples and disjointed vocals, crafting a disorienting yet captivating soundscape.
Start here
Cabaret Voltaire
Mix-Up
A pulsating blend of industrial textures and experimental rhythms that challenge conventional song structures with a raw, avant-garde edge.
Start here
Holger Czukay
Movies
A surreal blend of ambient soundscapes and rhythmic experimentation, echoing the avant-garde spirit of late 1970s Germany.
Start here