Greatest 70s Rock Albums
The 1970s was a brilliant decade for rock music. Some of the Greatest 70s Rock Albums ever recorded came out during those years, and many of them still sound just as good today as they did back then.
While streaming is convenient, there’s still something satisfying about owning a proper CD copy of a classic album. You get the full track listing in the right order, the artwork, and the feeling of having it there on the shelf as part of your collection.
If you’re looking to revisit some of the greatest 70s rock albums still available on CD, or perhaps start building a collection of your own, here are six that are well worth considering.
Led Zeppelin – Led Zeppelin IV (1971)
When people talk about the greatest 70s rock albums still available on CD, Led Zeppelin IV is usually near the top of the list.
Released in 1971, the album features one of the most recognisable songs of the decade, “Stairway to Heaven”, along with powerful tracks like “Black Dog” and “Rock and Roll”. It captures the heavier side of early 70s rock while still showing the band’s range.
Even if you’ve heard these songs countless times, listening to the full album in order is a different experience. It remains widely available on CD and is a strong starting point for any 70s rock collection.
👉 Check it out here: Led Zeppelin IV
Pink Floyd – The Dark Side of the Moon (1973)
Few albums from the 70s have had the lasting impact of The Dark Side of the Moon.
Released in 1973, it became one of the best-selling albums of all time. Tracks such as “Money” and “Time” are instantly recognisable, but the album really works best when played from start to finish.
It’s one of those records that still feels complete and carefully put together. For fans of progressive rock, it’s essential listening and still easy to find on CD today.
👉 Get It Here: Dark Side Of The Moon
Fleetwood Mac – Rumours (1977)
Released in 1977, Rumours became one of the most successful albums of the decade.
With tracks like “Go Your Own Way” and “Dreams”, it blended rock with strong pop melodies and has continued to attract new listeners over the years.
It’s a good choice if you enjoy rock that leans slightly softer but still carries emotional weight. The album remains widely available on CD and continues to sell well decades later.
👉 Pick Up A Copy: Rumours
The Eagles – Hotel California (1976)
Hotel California is another standout release from the mid-70s.
The title track alone makes it memorable, but the album as a whole offers a strong mix of rock and country influences that defined much of the American sound during the decade. Tracks like New Kid In Town and Life In The Fast Lane are classic songs.
If you’re rebuilding a 70s collection, this is one that most people still recognise straight away. It continues to be available on CD and remains a popular choice.
👉 See For Yourself: Hotel California
Queen – A Night at the Opera (1975)
Released in 1975, A Night at the Opera showed just how ambitious 70s rock could be. It was Queens 4th album and their first to reach number one in the UK.
“Bohemian Rhapsody” became one of the most talked about songs of the decade, but the album also includes several other strong tracks that highlight the band’s range like Love Of My Life and You’re My Best Friend written by John Deacon about his wife.
For anyone interested in the more theatrical side of 70s rock, this is well worth owning. It’s still easy to find on CD and continues to appeal to both long-time fans and newer listeners.
👉 Check It Out: A Night At The Opera
David Bowie – The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars (1972)
This 1972 release remains one of David Bowie’s most recognised albums.
It introduced the Ziggy Stardust character and helped define the glam rock movement of the early 70s. Tracks like “Starman” still sound fresh today and represent a different side of the decade’s rock scene. M.y favourite songs on the album were Lady Stardust and Five Years
If you’re looking to add something slightly different to your 70s collection, this is a strong choice and is still widely available on CD.
👉 Get It Here: Ziggy Stardust and The Spiders From Mars
Are The Greatest 70s Rock Albums Still Worth Buying On CD?
Even with streaming services available, many people still prefer owning physical copies of their favourite albums.
CDs give you the full artwork, liner notes and the proper running order as originally intended. For collectors, there’s also something satisfying about seeing those classic 70s albums lined up on a shelf.
Many of the greatest 70s rock albums are still readily available on CD, making it easy to build or rebuild a collection without having to search too hard.
Final Thoughts on the Greatest 70s Rock Albums
The 1970s produced some of the strongest rock albums ever recorded, and they continue to be enjoyed by new generations of listeners.
Whether you prefer heavier rock, progressive sounds or something slightly more melodic, there are still plenty of classic 70s albums available on CD today.
If you enjoy exploring artists from the decade, you might also find my free A–Z of 70s Music Artists guide useful. It’s a simple reference you can download and keep handy.
Frank
