Essential 1970s country music

The best Country Music albums of the 1970s.

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

Top of the 1970s — country music

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

Harvest

Neil Young

Harvest

A blend of heartfelt folk melodies and introspective lyrics that evoke a sense of longing and connection to the past.

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Comes a Time

Neil Young

Comes a Time

A blend of reflective folk and country rock, infused with Neil Young's signature emotive vocals and poignant storytelling.

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John R. Cash

Johnny Cash

John R. Cash

A blend of heartfelt storytelling and traditional melodies, evoking the struggles and resilience of everyday life.

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Johnny Cash Sings Precious Memories

Johnny Cash

Johnny Cash Sings Precious Memories

A heartfelt collection of timeless gospel hymns delivered with Cash's iconic baritone and a stripped-down, soulful arrangement.

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Planet Waves

Bob Dylan

Planet Waves

A blend of heartfelt storytelling and musical simplicity, capturing the essence of American folk with a touch of rock.

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Slow Train Coming

Bob Dylan

Slow Train Coming

Gospel-infused rock intertwines with Dylan's distinct storytelling, creating a profound exploration of faith and redemption.

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Today

Elvis Presley

Today

A blend of soulful ballads and country-infused rock, showcasing Elvis's emotional depth and vocal prowess.

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Love Letters from Elvis

Elvis Presley

Love Letters from Elvis

A tender blend of heartfelt ballads and soulful grooves, showcasing Elvis's enduring vocal charisma and emotional depth.

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My Woman, My Woman, My Wife

Marty Robbins

My Woman, My Woman, My Wife

A heartfelt blend of traditional country melodies and romantic ballads that evoke deep emotional connections.

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Adios Amigo

Marty Robbins

Adios Amigo

A tender blend of classic country melodies and heartfelt ballads that evoke nostalgia and longing.

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Harmony

Don Williams

Harmony

A soothing blend of traditional country melodies with soft, introspective lyrics that evoke a sense of nostalgia and heartfelt storytelling.

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Visions

Don Williams

Visions

Warm, soothing melodies intertwine with heartfelt storytelling, embodying the essence of classic country music.

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Now and Then

Conway Twitty

Now and Then

A smooth blend of traditional country melodies and heartfelt ballads showcasing Conway Twitty's signature emotive vocals.

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The High Priest of Country Music

Conway Twitty

The High Priest of Country Music

A heartfelt blend of traditional country storytelling and emotive melodies, showcasing Twitty's rich baritone voice.

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The Two and Only

The Bellamy Brothers

The Two and Only

'The Two and Only' captures the duo's charm and musicality, offering a well-rounded introduction. Its tracks reflect their ability to mix humor with genuine emotion, allowing listeners to engage from the start.

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Bing 'n' Basie

Bing Crosby

Bing 'n' Basie

A lush blend of jazz-infused folk melodies and traditional pop harmonies, showcasing Crosby's smooth vocals against Basie's swinging arrangements.

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Feels Good, Feels Right

Bing Crosby

Feels Good, Feels Right

A smooth blend of traditional pop and jazz-inflected balladry, showcasing Crosby's timeless vocal charm.

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High Cumberland Jubilee

Jimmy Buffett

High Cumberland Jubilee

A laid-back blend of folk, country, and rock that captures the essence of carefree Southern living.

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Living and Dying in 3/4 Time

Jimmy Buffett

Living and Dying in 3/4 Time

A breezy blend of country rock and folk influences, evoking sun-soaked shores and laid-back storytelling.

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Picks on the Hits

Chet Atkins

Picks on the Hits

A collection of smooth, melodic interpretations that blend country, pop, and jazz into a seamless acoustic tapestry.

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The Night Atlanta Burned

Chet Atkins

The Night Atlanta Burned

A masterful blend of classical, country, and jazz influences woven through intricate guitar arrangements.

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Stories We Could Tell

The Everly Brothers

Stories We Could Tell

A reflective blend of country rock and rockabilly that captures the duo's trademark harmonies and storytelling prowess.

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Through the Eyes of Love

Ray Charles

Through the Eyes of Love

Soulful melodies intertwine with heartfelt lyrics, creating a reflective atmosphere that captures the essence of love and longing.

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Volcanic Action of My Soul

Ray Charles

Volcanic Action of My Soul

A soulful blend of blues and gospel, layered with heartfelt melodies and rich instrumentation that captures the essence of emotional storytelling.

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