The 1970s were a great time for country music. Many of the biggest names in the genre were at their creative peak, releasing timeless and groundbreaking albums. Today’s country music wouldn’t be the same without some of the highly influential LPs released during the decade.
Videos by American Songwriter
Many country music fans keep a handful of albums from the 1970s in heavy rotation. Hit records like Jolene, Red-Headed Stranger, Honky Tonk Heroes, and more are classic that remain fan favorites decades later. However, those in the know also reach for these enduring records.
[RELATED: 4 Overlooked 1970s Country Albums from Legendary Artists]
1. Viva Terlingua by Jerry Jeff Walker
Jerry Jeff Walker is one of many largely unsung heroes of the Outlaw/Progressive Country music movement of the 1970s. This 1973 album, recorded live in Luckenbach, Texas, is a classic. His Lost Gonzo Band features the likes of Gary P. Nunn, Mickey Raphael, Bob Livingston, and Herb Steiner. It also features stunning covers of Guy Clark’s “Desperados Waiting for a Train” and Ray Wylie Hubbard’s “Up Against the Wall, Redneck Mother.” Nunn also sings lead on a rendition of his “London Homesick Blues.”
It doesn’t matter if you’re a longtime fan of classic country music, just getting into music from the 1970s, or a fan of Outlaw Country, this album is a must-spin.
Highlights: “Gettin’ By,” “London Homesick Blues,” “Up Against the Wall, Redneck Mother”
2. Phases and Stages by Willie Nelson
Country music icon Willie Nelson released several timeless albums in the 1970s. Shotgun Willie, Red Headed Stranger, Stardust, and his collaborative release with Waylon Jennings all get much attention. However, longtime fans know not to overlook Phases and Stages.
This is a concept album about divorce from both sides of the failing marriage. The first five tracks are from the woman’s perspective, and the final six are from the man’s point of view. The album’s title track appears several times, introducing multiple tracks throughout the 11-track collection. Nelson penned every track on the album, showcasing his skill as not only a songsmith but also a storyteller.
Highlights: “Bloody Mary Morning,” “Pick Up the Tempo,” “Pretend I Never Happened”
3. My Tennessee Mountain Home by Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton was just beginning her domination of the country music world in the 1970s. The decade saw her release classic albums like Jolene, Coat of Many Colors, New Harvest…First Gathering, and more. However, those who want to know more about Parton should listen to My Tennessee Mountain Home.
This 1973 album is basically Parton’s autobiography. It begins with a recitation of the first letter she wrote her parents after moving to Nashville. It also includes odes to her childhood and the area where she was raised. The record ends with “Down on Music Row,” bringing listeners up-to-date on her life.
Highlights: “The Letter,” “In the Good Old Days (When Times Were Bad),” “My Tennessee Mountain Home”
4. All I Ever Meant to Do Was Sing by Johnny Rodriguez
While many modern country music fans overlook his music, Johnny Rodriguez was one of the biggest country stars of the early 1970s. His first three albums, Introducing, All I Ever Meant to Do Was Sing, and My Third Album, all dropped in 1973. They were all top five hits, with his debut peaking at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart.
Pressing play on All I Ever Meant to Do Was Sing will show new listeners why Rodriguez was so popular. The arrangements, combined with his voice and song selection, are a distillation of what made country music from the 1970s so good, and why we’re still spinning these records five decades later.
Highlights: “That’s the Way Love Goes,” “Ridin’ My Thumb to Mexico,” “I Really Don’t Want to Know”
Featured Image by Rick Diamond/Getty Images
Leave a Reply
Only members can comment. Become a member. Already a member? Log in.