The best Americana albums
of the 1970s.
Where to start with 1970–1979 Americana — with a one-line read on why each one matters.
Top of the 1970s — Americana
Top picks from 1970–1979, ranked by where we would start.
Emmylou Harris
Quarter Moon in a Ten Cent Town
A seamless blend of country, folk, and Americana that evokes a sense of yearning and nostalgia.
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Willie Nelson
Laying My Burdens Down
A soulful blend of heartfelt storytelling and gentle melodies that captures the essence of American country music.
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Willie Nelson
The Words Don't Fit the Picture
A mellow blend of introspective lyrics and smooth melodies that meld country and blues influences into a reflective journey.
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Emmylou Harris
Gliding Bird
A tender fusion of folk, country, and gospel that showcases Harris's ethereal voice against intricate instrumentation.
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Bob Dylan
The Basement Tapes
A lo-fi tapestry of Americana, blending folk, blues, and country with a playful sense of spontaneity.
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Bob Dylan
Desire
A vibrant tapestry of storytelling woven with rich instrumentation and passionate vocals, exploring themes of love, loss, and political turmoil.
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Bonnie Raitt
Takin' My Time
A soulful blend of blues and folk rock that showcases Raitt's powerful vocals and expressive guitar work.
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Los Lobos
Los Lobos del Este de Los Angeles
A vibrant tapestry of traditional Mexican sounds fused with rock elements, reflecting the cultural richness of Los Angeles.
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Los Lobos
Si Se Puede!
A vibrant fusion of traditional Mexican sounds and American rock, echoing the spirit of cultural pride and activism.
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Bonnie Raitt
The Glow
A soulful blend of blues and Americana, infused with heartfelt lyrics and Raitt's signature slide guitar work.
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Guy Clark
Texas Cookin'
A rich tapestry of storytelling woven through acoustic melodies and heartfelt lyrics that define the essence of Americana.
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Ry Cooder
Bop till You Drop
A vibrant blend of rock, blues, and world music that showcases Cooder's eclectic guitar work and storytelling prowess.
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Guy Clark
Guy Clark
A tapestry of storytelling woven through vivid imagery and heartfelt melodies, reflecting the soul of American life.
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Ry Cooder
Ry Cooder
A lively blend of folk, blues, and rock that showcases Cooder's virtuosity and storytelling through vibrant instrumentation.
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The Band
Stage Fright
A rich tapestry of Americana blending country rock with introspective lyrics and soulful arrangements that reflect vulnerability and authenticity.
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The Band
Islands
A reflective blend of Americana and rock, weaving storytelling with rich melodies and a sense of nostalgia.
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Joe Ely
Joe Ely
A vivid blend of honky-tonk rhythms and poetic storytelling that captures the spirit of Texas life.
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Joe Ely
Honky Tonk Masquerade
A vibrant blend of honky-tonk rhythms and heartfelt storytelling that captures the spirit of Texas music.
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Tony Rice
Tony Rice
An intricate blend of bluegrass, folk, and jazz showcasing virtuosic guitar work and heartfelt storytelling.
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Tony Rice
California Autumn
A blend of bluegrass, folk, and jazz that captures the essence of Americana through intricate guitar work and heartfelt storytelling.
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