10 70s Albums That Were All Filler, No Killer

The 1970s brought us some of the greatest albums in music history, but not every record lived up to the hype. Some albums relied on one or two standout tracks while the rest felt uninspired. These records may have sold well, but they lacked consistency, leaving fans and critics wanting more.

1. Elton John – Caribou (1974)

Elton John dominated the ’70s with his prolific songwriting, but Caribou fell short of his usual standard. While “The Bitch Is Back” and “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” became hits, the rest of the album felt rushed and lacked the spark that defined his earlier work.

The album was recorded in just two weeks, and it shows. The filler tracks lacked the polished melodies and thoughtful lyrics that made John a superstar. Fans praised the standout singles but largely forgot the rest of the record over time.

2. The Rolling Stones – Goats Head Soup (1973)

Following the success of Exile on Main St., expectations were high for Goats Head Soup. The hit “Angie” kept the album afloat, but much of the rest felt lackluster, with songs that lacked the grit and energy fans expected from the Stones.

Recorded during a turbulent time for the band, the album had a scattered feel. While it had moments of brilliance, it didn’t capture the rebellious spirit that made their earlier records iconic. Many tracks were easily overshadowed by their stronger work.

3. Led Zeppelin – Presence (1976)

Led Zeppelin was known for their groundbreaking albums, but Presence is often viewed as one of their weaker efforts. The standout track “Achilles Last Stand” showcased their signature intensity, but the rest of the record struggled to leave a lasting impression.

The band was dealing with personal challenges during the recording, and it seemed to impact their creativity. The filler tracks lacked the dynamic arrangements and raw power that defined Zeppelin’s best work, leaving fans disappointed.

4. Fleetwood Mac – Penguin (1973)

Before the Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks era, Fleetwood Mac went through a transitional phase. Penguin was one of their less memorable efforts, with only a few tracks standing out while the rest felt uninspired and forgettable.

The album’s inconsistent style reflected the band’s struggle to find their footing during this period. While it has its moments, it’s far from the groundbreaking work they would later achieve with Rumours.

5. The Eagles – On the Border (1974)

The Eagles were masters of crafting radio-friendly hits, but On the Border was uneven. While “Already Gone” and “Best of My Love” became classics, much of the album felt like filler, with tracks that didn’t match the quality of their earlier releases.

The band’s shift towards a rockier sound felt forced at times, and the album didn’t flow as smoothly as their best work. It was a stepping stone to their later success, but it didn’t fully capture their potential.

6. Paul McCartney & Wings – Red Rose Speedway (1973)

Paul McCartney’s solo career hit a low point with Red Rose Speedway. While “My Love” became a hit, the rest of the album lacked direction, with songs that felt more like unfinished ideas than polished tracks.

Critics noted that McCartney seemed to be coasting on his Beatles legacy rather than pushing creative boundaries. The album’s disjointed feel made it one of his less memorable efforts.

7. David Bowie – Pin Ups (1973)

David Bowie’s Pin Ups was a collection of covers from the ’60s, but it failed to live up to his usual standard of innovation. While his renditions of “Sorrow” and “See Emily Play” were enjoyable, the album felt more like a side project than a cohesive record.

Bowie’s creative genius was evident, but the lack of original material left fans underwhelmed. Compared to his groundbreaking albums like Ziggy Stardust, Pin Ups felt like filler in an otherwise stellar career.

8. Black Sabbath – Technical Ecstasy (1976)

Black Sabbath’s Technical Ecstasy marked a departure from their heavy, doom-laden sound. While “Dirty Women” had its moments, much of the album felt watered down, with songs that lacked the intensity and darkness fans expected from the band.

The production choices and experimental approach didn’t pay off, leading to an album that felt uneven. It’s often regarded as one of the weaker entries in their catalog.

9. Chicago – Chicago VIII (1975)

Chicago was known for their blend of rock and brass, but Chicago VIII struggled to capture the energy of their earlier albums. While “Old Days” became a hit, the rest of the record felt uninspired and lacked the band’s usual flair.

The album’s subdued tone didn’t resonate with fans, and it’s often overlooked in their extensive discography. It lacked the memorable hooks and dynamic arrangements that defined their best work.

10. Kiss – Dynasty (1979)

Kiss embraced a disco-influenced sound on Dynasty, but the experiment didn’t fully work. While “I Was Made for Lovin’ You” became a hit, the rest of the album felt disjointed, with tracks that didn’t match the band’s hard rock identity.

Fans and critics alike were divided on the album’s direction. It marked a shift in their sound that alienated some listeners, leaving Dynasty as a polarizing entry in their catalog.