The Best Albums, From All Genres, Of 1979
As the final echoes of the 70s reverberated through the fabric of popular culture, 1979 stood as a pivotal year for the music industry. With musical trends ranging from rock anthems to disco infernos, the diverse spectrum of music available was so broad that there was something for all music lovers to enjoy.
The tangibility of the vinyl record was still the heartbeat of the music industry, and consumer interest, with cassette tapes gaining traction. The iconic image of a spinning turntable, with its needle delicately tracing the grooves of a record, defined the music experience of the era and, as such, many of the albums that were released were designed specifically around the Side A and B structure, thereby making them an audible work of art, often with a story to tell.
Rock Reigns Supreme
Rock music, in its various forms, continued to dominate the charts and the hearts of music enthusiasts in 1979. Amongst the standout albums, KISS dropped Dynasty on May 23rd, with their flamboyant hard rock sound continuing to captivate audiences. Kansas released Monolith on May 1st, showcasing their progressive rock prowess, while AC/DC unleashed the thunderous and timeless classic, Highway To Hell on July 27th.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse's Rust Never Sleeps (June 22nd) etched the name of the Canadian musician into the annals of rock history, while Dire Straits continued to make waves with Communiqué (June 5th), building on the success of their debut album.
The Eagles bid farewell to the 70s with The Long Run (September 24th), a testament to their enduring rock legacy, and Supertramp's Breakfast In America (March 16th) exemplified the band's ability to craft sophisticated and memorable pop-rock tunes.
Pop, Funk, And Disco Extravaganza
As the disco ball glittered above dance floors, Michael Jackson's Off The Wall (August 10th) showcased the King of Pop's transition from a child star to a global sensation. The Bee Gees, riding the wave of Saturday Night Fever's success, released Spirits Having Flown on February 5th, solidifying their status as disco royalty.
ABBA's Voulez-Vous (April 23rd) reaffirmed their position as international disco-pop sensations, while Neil Diamond's September Morn (December 22nd) showcased the enduring appeal, and smooth tones, of the icon.
Diana Ross, with an incredible legacy, further asserted her dominance with The Boss (May 23rd), showcasing an addictive rhythm and blues-based styling that incorporated disco, soul, and pop elements along with her versatile vocal range.
A Touch Of Jazz
While always an outlier, in regards to popular music, the smooth jazz-infused sounds of Herb Alpert's Rise (September 1st) and The Crusaders' Street Life (December 9th) offered an expressive respite and are amongst the greatest albums the genre has to offer.
Diverse Melodies And Thoughtful Lyrics
A core standout was Bob Dylan's Slow Train Coming (August 20th) as it marked a significant chapter in his career, as the folk icon embraced a spiritual sound, challenging his audience both musically and lyrically.
No matter which way you look at the music from 1979, it becomes clear that the albums released during this year were not merely collections of songs but time capsules capturing the spirit of an era – a testament to the enduring power of music to transcend time and leave an indelible mark on the hearts of listeners.
Within the list below, the best albums from 1979 have been ranked from best to almost the best, but not quite. However, 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 1979.
1. KISS – Dynasty
What a thunderous record!
From start to finish, Dynasty is hard rock at its very best. The firestorm of rhythm, followed by an incredible mix and lyrical styling, makes this one of the greatest KISS albums of all time with memorable and engaging tunes.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Dynasty.
2. Kansas – Monolith
A soaring progressive rock masterpiece that is intensely underrated is a good way to describe Kansas’ sixth studio album Monolith. The fact that it has been so overlooked is a travesty for it is a remarkable piece of audible art and while some would disagree, I consider Monolith to be Kansas’ best album.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Monolith.
3. AC/DC – Highway To Hell
Highway To Hell is one of the hardest rocking albums of the 70s and is certainly Bon Scott's greatest vocal performance. To say he went out on top is an understatement. While the band would continue without Scott, his legacy lives on through these recordings. Brian Johnson would adopt a different style, but his was complementary to Scott’s thereby ensuring the former frontman was never forgotten.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Highway To Hell.
4. Neil Young & Crazy Horse – Rust Never Sleeps
If Rust Never Sleeps isn’t the greatest Neil Young release of all time, I don’t know what is. There’s something special to be heard here; something missing from every other album Young has released. Perhaps it’s the recording style, or the songs themselves, but whatever it is, Rust Never Sleeps is a pinnacle moment in the story of Neil Young & Crazy Horse.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Rust Never Sleeps.
5. Michael Jackson – Off The Wall
Off The Wall is tight, purposefully fluid, and lacks filler. With disco vibes, funk, and soft rock influences, merged with some sensational pop styling, Off The Wall is not only one of Michael Jackson’s greatest albums but is one of the best albums released in the 70s; particularly in 1979.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Off The Wall.
6. Bee Gees – Spirits Having Flown
Spirits Having Flown was their fifteenth studio album and leaned so completely into the disco styling that there was no room for doubt as to their intentions and aspirations. The result, however, is some of the very best pop music, with a disco vibe, ever recorded as Spirits Having Flown is a masterpiece from the very first note.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Spirits Having Flown.
7. Dire Straits – Communiqué
While the self-titled Dire Straits debut is a must-own for any music collection, their second album, Communiqué, is less edgy with a smoother all-over presentation. Those dismissing Communiqué as a clone of their first album do so because it is fashionable. I, on the other hand, consider it to be better than their debut and I’d even go as far as declaring it their very best album.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Communiqué.
8. Herb Alpert – Rise
Rise is one of the most energetically exciting releases of Alpert’s career and is, without a doubt, one of the best albums released in 1979. It is quintessentially Herb Alpert, but more importantly, it is a landmark album that goes beyond the borders of jazz, for this is one album that can be appreciated by all music lovers.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Rise.
9. The Crusaders – Street Life
While jazz music has never focused on commercial success, The Crusaders’ Street Life was not only a success in that regard but is also their creative pinnacle. Few jazz-based albums are as fluid as Street Life and this is one release that is amongst the best of what jazz has to offer. It’s also one of the best albums from 1979 with a captivating rhythm.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Street Life.
10. Bob Dylan – Slow Train Coming
Whether you agree with Dylan’s inferred Christian values on Slow Train Coming, or not, there is little doubt that this is musically one of his greatest creative achievements. There isn’t a bad song to be heard and even the cover art is appealing to fix one’s gaze upon while slipping into the sonic wonderland that only Dylan, and one-half of Dire Straits, could deliver.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Slow Train Coming.
11. Diana Ross – The Boss
The Boss was Diana Ross’ greatest musical achievement since her time in The Supremes for the addictive rhythm and blues styling encompasses disco, soul, and pop elements that ensured this 1979 release wasn’t only a statement for Ross but it was an album that perfectly captured the spirit of the era and is subsequently one of the best albums from 1979.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of The Boss.
12. Eagles – The Long Run
For decades, The Long Run was considered the final chapter in the Eagles’ story, and in a way it is, for as exceptional as the four new songs from Hell Freezes Over are, and Long Road Out Of Eden is, The Long Run is the culmination of the classic Eagle’s body of work.; a superb album and a perfect closing chapter to the Eagles’ 70s output.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of The Long Run.
13. Supertramp – Breakfast In America
Breakfast In America is an experience in and of itself and while some may suggest that Crime Of The Century is Supertramp’s greatest release, I’d counter that by declaring that Breakfast In America is, in fact, the most extraordinary album Supertramp ever recorded.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Breakfast In America.
14. ABBA – Voulez-Vous
Not disco per se, yet ABBA, and Voulez-Vous, will get you on the dance floor. ABBA's sixth studio album, Voulez-Vous, rose to the top of the charts with a solid line-up of songs. Subsequently, there’s much to appreciate with Voulez-Vous but it is the additional tracks, available via the digital versions, that ensure the album is greater than the sum of its parts.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Voulez-Vous.
15. Neil Diamond – September Morn
Neil Diamond’s thirteenth studio album, September Morn, is somewhat tarnished by the theist perspective of The Good Lord Loves You and the Caribbean/reggae-styled cover of I’m A Believer. Yet, even with these missteps, September Morn is a magnificent release that is worthy of inclusion on this ranked list.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Neil Diamond’s September Morn.
Honourable Mentions (In Alphabetical Order)
These are albums from 1979 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.
