10 Classic Rock Albums From 1979 That Were Huge Disappointments

1979 was a year of change in rock music. Some bands tried new sounds that did not match their earlier work. Many fans and critics were let down by records that failed to deliver the energy and quality of previous hits. Below are ten albums from that year which missed the mark and did not bring the success many expected.

1. Return to Base – Slade (1979)

Return to Base was released in October 1979 by the British band Slade. The record was meant to revive their career but failed to attract new fans. It did not appear on major charts and sold very few copies, leaving long-time listeners disappointed with its basic rock sound.

Critics noted that the songs were weak and the style felt outdated. Radio play was scarce, and the album did not capture the spirit of the band’s earlier work. Return to Base stands as a clear letdown in the classic rock scene of 1979.

2. Dynasty – Kiss (1979)

Dynasty was put out by Kiss in 1979 in an attempt to mix hard rock with a softer pop influence. The band shifted its approach, but many fans felt the record lost the punch that made earlier albums popular. The familiar energy was missing, and the sound came off as too mild.

Sales did not meet high expectations, and harsh reviews followed. Listeners found that the record did not connect with the core rock audience. Dynasty remains one of Kiss’s efforts that disappointed fans during a challenging year.

3. In Through the Out Door – Led Zeppelin (1979)

In Through the Out Door marked a change for Led Zeppelin in 1979. The band used more keyboards and softer tones, a shift away from the heavy rock that made them famous. Many fans did not like the new style and gave the album mixed reviews at its release.

Critics felt the songs were not as strong as before. Although it sold fairly well, listeners viewed the work as a departure from the band’s true sound. In Through the Out Door is remembered as a disappointing release in 1979.

4. Night in the Ruts – Aerosmith (1979)

Aerosmith released Night in the Ruts in 1979 with an aim to mix raw rock with a heavier sound. The band hoped to keep up its past success, yet many fans found the record lacking. Reviews were mixed, and sales did not reach the high marks set by earlier work.

Listeners remarked that the energy had dropped and the songs missed the usual impact. The shift in style did not resonate with the loyal audience. Night in the Ruts is now seen as a missed opportunity and a clear disappointment from that year.

5. Stormwatch – Jethro Tull (1979)

Stormwatch came out in 1979 from Jethro Tull and showed a marked change in the band’s sound. The record was slower and more reflective than their previous hits, which left many fans unsatisfied. It did not climb the charts as hoped and felt different from the band’s classic style.

Critics pointed out that the tunes lacked the spark of earlier albums. The music felt forced, and the energy was missing throughout. Stormwatch is often remembered as a misstep for Jethro Tull during a year of high expectations.

6. Desolation Angels – Bad Company (1979)

Desolation Angels was released in 1979 by Bad Company. The band opted for a smoother, more relaxed rock sound instead of the high-energy style they were known for. Many fans expected the raw power of past hits, but the record came off as too mellow.

The album did not meet commercial hopes and received mixed reviews. Critics and listeners felt that the songs did not drive as strongly as before. Desolation Angels is seen as one of 1979’s disappointing efforts in classic rock.

7. Mirrors – Blue Öyster Cult (1979)

Mirrors was issued by Blue Öyster Cult in 1979 as the band tried a more complex approach to its music. However, the record failed to connect with its audience. The songs felt uneven, and the style came off as confusing rather than innovative.

Many fans struggled to follow the shifting sounds, and critics noted a lack of memorable hooks. Mirrors did not capture the essence of the band’s earlier work and is now remembered as a major letdown from that year.

8. No Mean City – Nazareth (1979)

No Mean City by Nazareth hit the shelves in 1979 but did not live up to the band’s reputation for strong hard rock. The album featured simple production and weak song quality, which left many fans wanting more of the usual power and drive.

The record failed to reach high chart positions, and listeners were disappointed by the lack of standout tracks. No Mean City marked a decline in performance for Nazareth during a year when expectations were high.

9. Off the Record – Sweet (1979)

Off the Record was released in 1979 by Sweet as they tried a new musical style. The album did not match the power and flair of their earlier hits. Long-time fans felt the change in sound was off, and the record did not offer enough memorable tunes.

Critics and listeners found the songs unremarkable and lacking in spirit. The effort to update their style did not work, and Off the Record is now seen as a disappointing release in the classic rock genre for that year.

10. State of Shock – Ted Nugent (1979)

State of Shock was put out by Ted Nugent in 1979 with high hopes of delivering a strong rock sound. However, many fans felt that the songs did not pack the usual punch. The energy was lower, and the record did not live up to the success of earlier work.

Sales were below expectations, and reviews were mixed at best. Critics noted that the music lacked drive and intensity. State of Shock is remembered as a weak effort from Ted Nugent and a clear disappointment in the classic rock scene of 1979.