The best Art Pop albums
of the 1970s.
Where to start with 1970–1979 art pop — with a one-line read on why each one matters.
Top of the 1970s — art pop
Top picks from 1970–1979, ranked by where we would start.
Brian Eno
Taking Tiger Mountain (By Strategy)
A kaleidoscopic blend of avant-garde pop and ambient soundscapes, weaving together playful melodies and experimental textures.
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Brian Eno
Ambient 1: Music for Airports
Ethereal soundscapes unfold gradually, inviting listeners into a tranquil space where time seems to stretch and dissolve.
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Björk
Björk
A whimsical blend of folk influences and experimental sounds that hint at the artistic evolution Björk would later embrace.
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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.
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David Bowie
Young Americans
A genre-blurring fusion of soul, rock, and pop that captures the disillusionment of American life in the mid-1970s.
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Kate Bush
The Kick Inside
A haunting blend of ethereal vocals and whimsical arrangements that evoke literary themes and emotional depth.
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Kate Bush
Lionheart
A kaleidoscope of theatrical sounds interwoven with lush melodies and introspective lyrics, capturing the essence of a burgeoning artist's vision.
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10cc
Bloody Tourists
A vibrant fusion of Caribbean rhythms and pop sensibilities wrapped in clever lyrics and sophisticated arrangements.
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10cc
Sheet Music
Eclectic arrangements blend art rock and soft pop, punctuated by sharp wit and a playful approach to songwriting.
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Peter Gabriel
Peter Gabriel
A fusion of art rock and worldbeat that showcases Gabriel's eclectic vision and emotive storytelling.
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Peter Gabriel
Peter Gabriel
A fusion of art rock and experimental sounds, blending introspective lyrics with eclectic instrumentation and atmospheric textures.
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The Velvet Underground
Loaded
A vibrant blend of rock and pop that captures the exuberance of youth and the bittersweet nature of life.
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The Velvet Underground
Andy Warhol's Velvet Underground Featuring Nico
A haunting blend of avant-garde sounds and raw emotion wrapped in ethereal melodies and stark lyrical imagery.
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The Human League
Reproduction
An experimental blend of synthetic textures and haunting melodies that foreshadows the rise of electronic pop in the late '70s.
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Split Enz
Mental Notes
A vibrant blend of art rock and pop that showcases theatricality through eclectic instrumentation and distinctive melodies.
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Split Enz
Dizrythmia
A whimsical blend of eclectic sounds, dizzying rhythms, and theatrical performances that embody the essence of art rock.
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Dalbello
Lisa Dal Bello
An eclectic blend of art pop and rock, layered with soulful vocals and intricate arrangements that defy conventional genre boundaries.
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Dalbello
Pretty Girls
Eclectic melodies intertwine with soulful vocals, creating a vibrant landscape of art pop and rock influences.
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