1970–1979 · From heavy rock and singer-songwriters to disco, punk and electronic music
The 1970s did not move in one direction. The decade began with the breakup of The Beatles and the rise of album rock, then expanded through progressive rock, glam, funk, disco, punk, reggae and electronic music. By 1979, the foundations of the 1980s were already clearly visible.
1970–1972: new giants and new albums
Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Elton John, Carole King, Marvin Gaye, David Bowie and Pink Floyd helped establish the album as the main creative and commercial unit of the decade.
1973–1975: scale, spectacle and groove
Progressive rock and arena tours grew larger, glam became a visual force, funk deepened, Philadelphia soul flourished and disco began moving from underground clubs toward the mainstream.
1976–1977: punk interrupts the system
As established rock became increasingly polished, punk brought back speed, confrontation and simplicity. At the same time, disco exploded commercially and Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours showed the continuing power of album-oriented pop-rock.
1978–1979: transition toward the 1980s
New wave, post-punk ideas, synthesizers and electronic production gained ground. Chic and disco production influenced pop and R&B, while The Police, Blondie, Talking Heads and other acts pointed directly toward the next decade.
How to explore
Use the year pages to follow the decade chronologically or jump between scenes to see how rock, soul, disco, punk and electronic music evolved side by side.
Explore each year: 1970 · 1971 · 1972 · 1973 · 1974 · 1975 · 1976 · 1977 · 1978 · 1979.