The Best-Selling 1970s Rock Albums Ranked

The 1970s took music to a new level, building on the innovation of the ‘60s and pushing the boundaries of genre. With artists experimenting and blending styles, music became more varied than ever. From rock to disco, funk, and progressive, the era created something for everyone, introducing the idea that genres could overlap and morph into something entirely new. This led to a unique diversity in the best-selling albums of the decade, reflecting the creativity and experimentation that shaped the era. Let’s take a look at some of the most iconic albums of the ‘70s, ranked from great to unforgettable.

Grease Soundtrack
The Grease soundtrack swept the world as the musical’s catchy tunes and iconic dances captured fans’ hearts. With upbeat classics like “You’re the One That I Want” and “Summer Nights,” the soundtrack’s popularity made it one of the top-selling albums of the ‘70s. While fun and unforgettable, Grease didn’t push musical boundaries the way some albums on this list did, but it has rightfully earned its place in music history.

Their Greatest Hits 1971–1975 – Eagles
The Eagles’ Greatest Hits compilation achieved enormous success, blending country and rock in a way that was groundbreaking for the time. This collection showed the band’s impact on the music landscape, though its compilation nature holds it lower on the list. The Eagles’ studio albums are even more impressive, and fans of their work will find one further down this list.

Goodbye Yellow Brick Road – Elton John
Elton John’s Goodbye Yellow Brick Road highlighted his versatility and creativity as an artist. Tracks like “Bennie and the Jets” and “Candle in the Wind” showed his ability to balance playfulness with emotion. At 17 tracks, this ambitious album is a great representation of Elton’s powerful presence in ‘70s music and remains a defining work of his career.

Bat Out of Hell – Meat Loaf
Meat Loaf’s debut album, Bat Out of Hell, hit hard with its dramatic, operatic rock sound, appealing to some and polarizing others. Released in 1977, this album became a rock staple, with hits that are still performed by tribute bands worldwide. Whether you love it or not, Bat Out of Hell undeniably left a lasting legacy in rock music.

Saturday Night Fever – Bee Gees
Saturday Night Fever captured the disco craze with the Bee Gees at the helm, bringing the genre to global fame. As a movie soundtrack, its originality and influence made it more than just an accompaniment—it became a defining album of the ‘70s disco era. Even today, the songs remain popular, proving that disco’s infectious groove has endured.

The Wall – Pink Floyd
With The Wall, Pink Floyd embraced conceptual music, creating an immersive world within the album that redefined rock. While some felt it didn’t quite match Dark Side of the Moon, The Wall is a masterpiece in its own right. The album’s narrative style and its ambitious scale have made it one of the most memorable rock albums of all time.

Rumours – Fleetwood Mac
Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours is the product of tension and raw emotion, proving that chaos can produce brilliance. Created amid band drama and personal turmoil, the album stands as a testament to their talent and resilience. Rumours capture the band’s best work, both commercially and artistically, and remain culturally significant today.

Hotel California – Eagles
Hotel California took the Eagles’ sound to new heights, combining rock and country elements with epic riffs and memorable lyrics. With its iconic guitar solo, the title track became an anthem for the decade. This album showcased the Eagles at their peak, making it one of the most influential records of the ‘70s.

Dark Side of the Moon – Pink Floyd
With Dark Side of the Moon, Pink Floyd proved psychedelic music could be layered, deep, and complex. This album transcended genre expectations, transforming psychedelic rock into something serious and sophisticated. Pink Floyd broke musical boundaries, giving psychedelic music the respect it deserved and creating a landmark album that continues to inspire.

Led Zeppelin IV – Led Zeppelin
No album captures the spirit of ‘70s rock quite like Led Zeppelin IV. Blending rock, blues, acoustic, and classical influences, this album broke new ground and defied categorization. Tracks like “Stairway to Heaven” helped cement its legendary status. Led Zeppelin IV definitely shows the spirit of the ‘70s: bold, experimental, and timeless. It stands as a defining record for both the band and the decade.