The Best Albums, From All Genres, Of 1978
In 1978, the music industry was a vibrant and eclectic space, reflecting the cultural spirit and tastes of the era. Riding high on a wave of creativity and innovation, with artists pushing the boundaries of their craft and producing timeless classics, the music released in 1978 represents some of the very best, and most diverse, to come out of the 70s.
It was also a year of remarkable diversity in musical styles. Disco fever was at its peak, filling dance floors with its infectious beats and glamorous vibes. Rock and roll maintained its stronghold with powerful anthems and guitar-driven melodies, while singer-songwriters continued to captivate audiences with their poignant lyrics and emotive performances. Reggae, funk, soul, punk, new wave, and country crossovers also made significant contributions, adding rich layers to the year's musical tapestry.
Of course, no matter how exceptional the music was it would all be for nil if it failed to make it into the homes of music lovers the world over. As such, music distribution was dominated by the Vinyl record, but Compact Cassettes were also gaining in popularity as they provided a more flexible alternative; one that also permitted home recording. Radio also remained a crucial medium for discovering music throughout the era ensuring that the popular sounds of 1978 melded into the zeitgeist.
Ranked from best to almost the best, but not quite. Although, depending on your subjective preferences, you may prefer a different order, omit some, or even ponder some that are not included. Trust me, I’ve changed the order countless times because determining the best albums often depends on how one feels at any given moment. Either way, let’s simply enjoy the best music from 1978.
1. Willie Nelson – Stardust
The strength of Stardust is that Willie Nelson wasn’t merely recording an album of covers, done in the same style as the originators, for Stardust may remind you of the classic recordings but make no mistake about it, Nelson made these songs his own and in many cases, if not all, I’d go as far as saying these renditions are superior to the original recordings.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Stardust.
2. Bonnie Tyler – Natural Force
Natural Force is one of the best albums released in the 70s and is a landmark record from 1978 that showcases Bonnie Tyler in her prime; captivating audiences with her powerful vocal and rock-infused musical styling. Full of energetic rock anthems, and emotion-filled ballads, Natural Force will appeal to just about any classic rock fan and music lover alike.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Natural Force.
3. Chic – C'est Chic
Some records define a generation, even a genre, and C'est Chic is one such release that sounds as fresh today as it did when it was released in 1978. It’s a classic album, filled with disco, funk, and R&B grooves, that humanity will be gleefully enjoying till the end of time.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of C'est Chic.
4. The Jacksons – Destiny
As their third album on Epic Records, Destiny cemented The Jacksons' legacy and is without a doubt their strongest and most enjoyable record. The song selection, musicality, and production values make Destiny not only a landmark disco-pop album, but an incredible example of the merging of electronic, funk, and soul.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Destiny.
5. Leo Sayer – Leo Sayer (Self-Titled)
Released in 1978, Leo Sayer’s self-titled album, his sixth studio recording, is a timeless classic that showcases the singer’s vocal prowess and musical talents. With its blend of pop, rock, and disco, this album offers a diverse range of musical styles that are guaranteed to captivate listeners from start to finish.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Leo Sayer (Self-Titled).
6. Gerry Rafferty – City To City
Released in 1978, Gerry Rafferty’s second solo studio album, City To City, is a classic release that showcases the singer-songwriter's distinctive vocal and skillful songwriting. With a perfect blend of pop, rock, and folk, City To City is not only a timeless record but is amongst the best of Rafferty’s career, particularly considering it features the hits Baker Street and Right Down The Line.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of City To City.
7. Dan Hill – Frozen In The Night
Dan Hill's Frozen In The Night is an astonishing release and is not only one of the best albums from 1978, but it’s one of the greatest records released in the 70s. It is truly underrated; a timeless classic!
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Frozen In The Night.
8. England Dan & John Ford Coley – Some Things Don't Come Easy
When you think of classic albums, England Dan & John Ford Coley’s Some Things Don't Come Easy probably doesn’t spring to mind, but this 1978 release, their sixth studio album, is a musical masterpiece that showcases the duo's extraordinary musical skills. With a mix of soft rock, pop, and country styles, this album becomes a timeless classic and one of the best recordings of the 70s.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Some Things Don't Come Easy.
9. The Moody Blues – Octave
Released in 1978, Octave is the ninth studio album from The Moody Blues and dare I say one of their greatest, if not their greatest release. Certainly, that perspective is heavily based on subjectivity, for Octave isn’t often at the top of everyone’s list, but when music sounds this good, it is difficult to overlook the addictive mix of upbeat rockers and moving ballads.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Octave.
10. Dire Straits – Dire Straits (Self-Titled)
As far as overall enjoyment and flow are concerned, Dire Straits is up there with their greatest releases and is not only one of the best debut albums of all time but is one of the best albums from 1978. In my mind, it is only bested by their second album, Communiqué; thereby offering a double punch of magnificent rock music that still, to this day, offers a unique experience.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Dire Straits.
11. Alice cooper – from the inside
The songs, either on their own or as a collective, are amongst Cooper’s greatest and while they may get displaced in his illustrious back catalogue, if you take the time to listen to this 1978 masterpiece, you’ll likely position them more prominently in your own Alice Cooper playlist as From The Inside is an exceptional, but criminally underrated album.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of From The Inside.
12. Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band – Stranger In Town
Stranger In Town is a must-listen classic rock album, from 1978, that contains some of Bob Seger’s greatest hits. With its intentionally meaningful lyrics, and a blues-based rock sound signature, it is also Seger’s most accessible creative endeavour and offers newcomers a wonderful introduction to the American singer/songwriter.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Stranger In Town.
13. Bob Dylan – Street Legal
Street-Legal is compelling and if you give it a chance, without necessarily comparing it to his landmark 60s works, I’ve no doubt you’ll come to a similar conclusion. Sometimes we can be too judgemental in our comparisons and we tend to forget that the aim is to simply enjoy the music. Street-Legal, Dylan's 18th studio album from 1978, allows just that.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Street–Legal.
14. Bruce Springsteen – Darkness On The Edge Of Town
Springsteen and The E Street Band were at the top of their game on Darkness On The Edge Of Town and the album’s so good that if you’re trying to introduce someone to Bruce Springsteen, I don’t believe there is a better album, other than a Greatest Hits compilation, that fully showcases his influences and the origins of the behemoth that Bruce Springsteen would ultimately become.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Darkness On The Edge Of Town.
15. The Angels (Angel City) – Face to Face (International Version)
Known in some regions as Angel City, The Angels’ second studio album from 1978, Face To Face, is memorable for not only the homage paid to AC/DC but to the diversity of music heard throughout. This energetic and diverse collection of rock songs with catchy melodies and hard-hitting rock instrumentation is a timeless classic and is deserving of a place in every respectable rock collection.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Face to Face (International Version).
16. Bob Marley & the wailers – Kaya
Kaya is a timeless reggae classic that showcases Marley's prowess as a singer, songwriter, and performer. With its upbeat, feel-good, tunes and Marley's unique blend of political and spiritual themes, combined with his smooth, soulful voice and catchy melodies, Kaya becomes a must-listen for any reggae music fan.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Kaya.
17. Andy Gibb – Shadow Dancing
Shadow Dancing is an exceptional release that had it been an album released by the Bee Gees, it would have been an absolute chart topper similar to that of Spirits Having Flown. Nevertheless, this classic 70s album, from 1978, is nothing short of a masterpiece and is most certainly a hidden gem. It is Andy Gibb at his very best.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Shadow Dancing.
18. AC/DC – Powerage
Powerage, while underrated, is amongst AC/DC’s greatest recordings as it highlights the raw power and energy of their music. It’s all killer, no filler, pure blues-based rock and roll. If you’re a fan you already know this, but when was the last time you spun this 1978 hard rock classic?
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Powerage.
19. Rick James – Come Get It!
Rick James and the Stone City Band were certainly a breath of fresh air to both funk and soul genres when they launched this debut studio album in 1978. Come Get It! is nothing short of a musical masterpiece and is rightfully deserving of its position as not only one of the best records from the 70s, but one of the best albums released in recorded music history.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Come Get It!.
20. The Cars – The Cars (Self-Titled)
The Cars’ debut album is the epitome of new wave, pop rock, and power pop genres and while the band would go on to unveil other exceptional albums, such as Candy-O and Heartbeat City, this self-titled debut can be seen as their most cohesive body of work. It’s all killer, with no filler. A classic 70s masterpiece!
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of The Cars.
21. The Bar-Kays – Money Talks
Money Talks is a groove-infested, funk, album that you’ll find yourself putting on repeat. Why it wasn’t more successful, and more well-known, is likely due to a lack of marketing, but there is no doubt at all that this is one of those hidden gems that deserves more respect than it is given. It really should be in every music lover’s collection; even yours!
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Money Talks.
22. Billy Joel – 52nd Street
52nd Street is the most unique of all of Billy Joel’s albums, in that it doesn’t conform to a natural progression from his previous releases, yet it simultaneously offers music lovers an album filled with infectious melodies, intricate arrangements, and insightful lyrics. It isn't perfect, however, yet I’ll be damned if I don’t admit to thoroughly enjoying it every time I listen to it.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of 52nd Street.
Honourable Mentions (In Alphabetical Order)
These are albums from 1978 that I appreciate but don’t feel are the best of the best. However, there’s some killer music to be heard here, so load up your favourite streaming service and give them a listen, for our music tastes are subjective and you may just come across an album that you consider a masterpiece.
