The best Experimental Music albums
of the 1970s.
Where to start with 1970–1979 experimental music — with a one-line read on why each one matters.
Top of the 1970s — experimental music
Top picks from 1970–1979, ranked by where we would start.
Franco Battiato
Pollution
A fusion of avant-garde experimentation and melodic pop that explores existential themes through eclectic soundscapes.
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Ryuichi Sakamoto
SUNSHOWER
A delicate interplay of lush melodies and electronic textures that evoke a serene yet contemplative atmosphere.
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Ryuichi Sakamoto
Go Ahead!
A vibrant blend of electronic textures and jazz rhythms, showcasing Sakamoto's innovative approach to composition and sound.
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John Lennon
Rock 'n' Roll
A vibrant homage to rock and roll's roots, blending raw energy with nostalgic reverence for classic hits.
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John Lennon
Walls and Bridges
A blend of introspective ballads and infectious pop grooves that reflect both personal turmoil and vibrant optimism.
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Yoko Ono
Yoko Ono/Plastic Ono Band
Avant-garde experimentation intertwines with raw emotional expression, creating an audacious blend of sound and sentiment.
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Franco Battiato
Fetus
A bold fusion of avant-garde experimentation and pop sensibilities, drenched in surreal, cerebral themes.
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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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Kraftwerk
Autobahn
'Autobahn' is not only a breakthrough album but also encapsulates Kraftwerk's signature sound, making it an ideal entry point. Its exploration of themes related to travel and technology aligns perfectly with the rhythmic complexity that defines their work.
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Kraftwerk
Ralf & Florian
A seamless blend of minimalist rhythms and abstract electronic textures that redefine the boundaries of sound and music creation.
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Yoko Ono
Approximately Infinite Universe
A kaleidoscopic blend of experimental rock and avant-garde pop that explores complex emotional landscapes.
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Frank Zappa
Weasels Ripped My Flesh
A chaotic blend of rock, jazz, and avant-garde sounds that challenges conventions and embraces improvisation.
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Frank Zappa
One Size Fits All
A kaleidoscopic blend of jazz, rock, and absurdist humor that challenges musical conventions with intricate arrangements.
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Tom Waits
Blue Valentine
A haunting blend of jazz-inflected blues and ragged storytelling, steeped in urban melancholy and existential reflection.
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Sun Ra
Visions
A cosmic journey through avant-garde jazz, intertwining free improvisation with interstellar themes and hypnotic rhythms.
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Tom Waits
Small Change
A smoky, barroom tapestry woven from raw blues and jazz, echoing the stories of lost souls and broken dreams.
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Nurse With Wound
Chance Meeting on a Dissecting Table of a Sewing Machine and an Umbrella
A surreal soundscape of dissonance and texture, blending industrial noise with abstract melodies that challenge conventional listening.
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R. Stevie Moore
Delicate Tension
A lo-fi collage of eclectic sounds that merges experimental pop with poignant lyrical reflections on everyday life.
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R. Stevie Moore
Phonography
A lo-fi tapestry of eclectic sounds weaving together country, pop, and experimental influences that defy conventional genre boundaries.
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John Cage
Voices and Instruments
A surreal blend of spoken word, unusual instrumentation, and avant-garde structures that challenge traditional listening experiences.
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Sun Ra
Cosmos
A cosmic journey through avant-garde jazz, blending intricate melodies with otherworldly rhythms and improvisational exploration.
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Scott Walker
'Til the Band Comes In
A lush tapestry of orchestral arrangements and introspective lyrics framed by Scott Walker's baritone, blending pop and experimental country sensibilities.
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Scott Walker
We Had It All
A blend of country-inflected melodies and introspective lyrics layered with Walker's unique baritone and experimental arrangements.
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P-Model
In a Model Room
A bold mix of experimental soundscapes and catchy melodies, reflecting the avant-garde spirit of late 1970s Japan.
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