In the chronicles of music history, the year 1977 looms large as a momentous epoch. It marked an era when the music realm underwent profound metamorphoses, as various genres engaged in a fervent contest for supremacy. From the advent of punk rock to the enduring reign of classic rock and the ascendancy of disco, this temporal juncture was an embodiment of musical diversity. In the ensuing discourse, we shall embark on a nostalgic journey to the summer of the Silver Jubilee, the resplendence of disco balls, and the fervor of punk insurgency, as we delve into the finest 25 albums of the year 1977.
Best Albums of 1977
David Bowie – “Low”
Release Date: 14th January 1977
David Bowie, the enigmatic virtuoso of the rock genre, inaugurated the year 1977 with his revolutionary opus, “Low.” A constituent of Bowie’s famed “Berlin Trilogy,” this opulent creation bore an image from the cinematic masterpiece “The Man Who Fell To Earth” on its cover. It is noteworthy for spawning the chart-topping single “Sound And Vision” and for incorporating ambient soundscapes crafted in collaboration with Brian Eno. “Low” marked a watershed moment in Bowie’s artistic odyssey and served as a harbinger of an extraordinary year in the realm of music.
Pink Floyd – “Animals”
Release Date: 21st January 1977
The vanguards of progressive rock, Pink Floyd, unveiled “Animals” in the wintery throes of January. This conceptual opus, adorned with evocative cover art by Hipgnosis, embarked on an exploration of societal themes. Featuring tracks such as “Dogs,” “Pigs,” and “Sheep,” Pink Floyd’s auditory expedition ensnared the imagination of listeners and cemented their eminence among the pantheon of rock legends.
Fleetwood Mac – “Rumours”
Release Date: 4th February 1977
The annals of 1977 bore witness to the magnum opus of Fleetwood Mac, “Rumours.” This iconic magnum opus ascended to the pinnacle of best-selling records, gracing the world with timeless harmonies in the form of “Go Your Own Way,” “Dreams,” and “Don’t Stop.” The album’s emotional profundity and melodious brilliance etched it into the annals of enduring masterpieces.
Television – “Marquee Moon”
Release Date: 8th February 1977
“Marquee Moon” by Television, although failing to garner commercial acclaim in the United States, left an indelible imprint on the British post-punk landscape. The album’s sprawling ten-minute titular opus remains an exemplar of art-rock, a testament to Tom Verlaine’s avant-garde guitar virtuosity.
The Damned – “Damned Damned Damned”
Release Date: 18th February 1977
In the month of February 1977, The Damned unleashed their inaugural album, “Damned Damned Damned.” Hailing from London, this ensemble etched their place in history as the purveyors of the first British punk single, “New Rose.” The album’s unadulterated dynamism and the brilliance of its titular track set the stage for the burgeoning punk movement.
Peter Gabriel – “Peter Gabriel”
Release Date: 25th February 1977
Former Genesis frontman Peter Gabriel embarked on a solitary sojourn with the eponymous “Peter Gabriel” album. This release introduced the world to the timeless single “Solsbury Hill.” Gabriel’s transition into the realm of solo artistry unveiled his multifaceted talent and presaged an illustrious solo career.
Iggy Pop – “The Idiot”
Release Date: 18th March 1977
Iggy Pop’s inaugural foray into solo territory, “The Idiot,” recorded in Berlin and helmed by David Bowie as producer, may not have scaled the zenith of commercial acclaim, but it exerted a profound influence on an array of post-punk ensembles. The album featured the track “China Girl,” subsequently covered by Bowie himself.
Kraftwerk – “Trans Europe Express”
Release Date: 21st March 1977
The pioneering Teutonic maestros of electronic music, Kraftwerk, unveiled their sextet, “Trans Europe Express.” This innovative opus encompassed the mesmeric titular suite and the synthpop classic “Showroom Dummies.” Kraftwerk’s groundbreaking sonorities laid the bedrock for the future trajectory of electronic music.
The Clash – “The Clash”
Release Date: 8th April 1977
The vanguard of punk rock, Joe Strummer’s The Clash, burst forth onto the scene with their eponymous debut album. This offering enshrined the explosive singles “White Riot” and “Remote Control,” alongside enduring classics such as “Career Opportunities,” “Janie Jones,” and a rendition of Junior Murvin’s “Police & Thieves.” The raw exuberance and socially charged lyrical discourse of The Clash became the quintessence of punk rock.
The Stranglers – “Rattus Norvegicus”
Release Date: 15th April 1977
Hailing from Guildford, The Stranglers left an indelible mark with their inaugural long-playing venture, “Rattus Norvegicus.” Laden with tracks like “(Get A) Grip (On Yourself)” and “Hanging Around,” this offering hinted at the band’s forthcoming prominence within the punk milieu.
The Jam – “In The City”
Release Date: 20th May 1977
Released mere days prior to Paul Weller’s 19th birthday, The Jam’s debut opus, “In The City,” showcased the burgeoning band’s ebullience and prodigious talent. It featured the eponymous track and a rendition of the Batman theme, thereby establishing The Jam as vanguards of the British punk movement.
Bob Marley And The Wailers – “Exodus”
Release Date: 3rd June 1977
The reggae luminary Bob Marley and his ensemble, The Wailers, released their ninth creation, “Exodus.” This magnum opus ascended to the eighth position on the UK charts and included classics such as the eponymous track “Exodus” and “One Love.” The melodious reverberations of Bob Marley’s music endure, serving as a fount of inspiration and solace to audiences across the globe.
Elvis Costello – “My Aim Is True”
Release Date: 22nd July 1977
Elvis Costello, under his veritable appellation Declan MacManus, inaugurated his musical odyssey with “My Aim Is True.” This creation introduced the world to compositions such as “Alison” and “Less Than Zero.” The American edition further augmented its allure with the inclusion of the supplementary track “Watching The Detectives.” Costello’s dexterity in lyrical craftsmanship and his distinctive auditory aura marked the advent of a prodigious career.
Iggy Pop – “Lust For Life”
Release Date: 9th September 1977
The year 1977 bore witness to the prolificity of Iggy Pop, as “Lust For Life” emerged as his second creation of the annum. This release encompassed the raucous titular track, “The Passenger,” and the composition subsequently covered by Bowie, “Tonight.” Iggy Pop’s magnetic stage presence and his raw, gritty resonance indelibly etched his presence in the era.
Talking Heads – “Talking Heads ’77”
Release Date: 16th September 1977
The amalgamation of David Byrne, Tina Weymouth, Chris Frantz, and Jerry Harrison culminated in the inception of the debut creation, “Talking Heads ’77.” This opus introduced the world to the iconic single “Psycho Killer” and ushered in the band’s distinctive and pioneering auditory style.
The Stranglers – “No More Heroes”
Release Date: 23rd September 1977
The Stranglers emerged as another indefatigable ensemble of 1977, gifting the world with their sophomore creation, “No More Heroes.” The album featured the brilliant titular composition and the confrontational “Something Better Change.” The Stranglers’ irreverence and distinctive auditory lexicon set them apart within the punk sphere.
Ian Dury – “New Boots And Panties!!”
Release Date: 30th September 1977
The beloved songwriter and entertainer Ian Dury made a resounding debut with his maiden opus, “New Boots And Panties!!” Displaying an evocative cover graced by his progeny, Baxter Dury, this album featured signature tracks like “Billericay Dickie” and “Sweet Gene Vincent.” Later editions even incorporated the inclusion of “Sex And Drugs And Rock ’N’ Roll.”
David Bowie – “Heroes”
Release Date: 14th October 1977
David Bowie’s prolific year continued with “Heroes,” his second creation of 1977. This record featured the eternal titular track “Heroes,” in addition to other distinguished compositions such as “Beauty And The Beast,” “Sons Of The Silent Age,” and ambient symphonies courtesy of Eno. The album’s cover art mirrored the brilliance of its content, rendering it an exceptional release.
Meat Loaf – “Bat Out Of Hell”
Release Date: 21st October 1977
The Texan crooner Meat Loaf unveiled “Bat Out Of Hell” in the autumnal embrace of October 1977. This debut opus, masterminded by the producer Jim Steinman, ascended to the echelons of best-selling records. Anthems such as “Bat Out Of Hell,” “Two Out Of Three Ain’t Bad,” and “Paradise By The Dashboard Light” endure as rock anthems that captivate audiences to this day.
Sex Pistols – “Never Mind The Bollocks”
Release Date: 28th October 1977
The legendary punk ensemble, Sex Pistols, unleashed their sole studio album in 1977, titled “Never Mind The Bollocks.” The album encompassed all their iconic hits, ranging from “Anarchy In The UK” to “Pretty Vacant,” “Holidays In The Sun,” and “God Save The Queen.” Sex Pistols’ unadulterated, rebellious dynamism rendered them a symbol of the punk insurgency.
Queen – “News Of The World”
Release Date: 28th October 1977
Freddie Mercury and Queen left an indelible imprint on 1977 with “News Of The World.” This sixth opus featured the anthemic tandem of “We Will Rock You” and “We Are The Champions,” alongside the underappreciated gem “Spread Your Wings.” The album’s distinctive cover art by Frank Kelly Freas contributed to its allure.
Electric Light Orchestra – “Out Of The Blue”
Release Date: 28th October 1977
Jeff Lynne and his cadre at Electric Light Orchestra bequeathed fans with a classic double album, “Out Of The Blue.” This expansive long-playing endeavor incorporated hits such as “Turn To Stone,” “Sweet Talkin’ Woman,” “Wild West Hero,” and the Concerto For A Rainy Day, culminating with the timeless “Mr. Blue Sky.” ELO’s amalgamation of rock and orchestral elements set them apart in the realm of musical artistry.
Ramones – “Rocket To Russia”
Release Date: 4th November 1977
The New York punk stalwarts, Ramones, proffered their second creation of the year in November with “Rocket To Russia.” This offering featured punk classics such as “Rockaway Beach,” “Sheena Is A Punk Rocker,” and a rendition of “Surfin’ Bird.” Ramones’ rapid-fire, high-octane resonance exerted a lasting influence on the punk rock sphere.
Original Soundtrack – “Saturday Night Fever”
Release Date: 15th November 1977
One of the most colossal albums of 1977 was the soundtrack to the disco extravaganza, “Saturday Night Fever.” This opus featured a plethora of hits from the Bee Gees, including “Night Fever,” “Staying Alive,” and “How Deep Is Your Love.” It attained a 16 times Platinum certification in the United States, serving as a quintessential snapshot of the disco epoch. It also showcased compositions from Tavares, The Trammps, Kool & The Gang, KC & The Sunshine Band, and Yvonne Elliman, rendering it an iconic encapsulation of the disco era.
Wire – “Pink Flag”
Release Date: 5th December 1977
Concluding the annus mirabilis, Wire bequeathed “Pink Flag,” an opus that may not have instantaneously seized the limelight but left an indelible mark on the musical tapestry. The album’s influence reverberated through future generations of musicians, with bands like Elastica drawing inspiration from it. Compositions like “Three Girl Rhumba” showcased Wire’s pioneering spirit.
In summation, 1977 represented a period of musical innovation and kaleidoscopic diversity. These 25 opuses epitomized the spectrum of musical expression, from punk insurgency to progressive rock, disco euphoria, and beyond. Each opus played a pivotal role in shaping the musical terrain of its time and persists in resonating with audiences even today.