As part of my Decades project, I counted down my own favorite albums of the year then explored other notable releases with which I was less familiar.

The year 1977 might just be the greatest in this whole series. It certainly boasts two of my favorite ever albums battling it out for the top of my personal list. Throw in some excellent punk and art pop debuts and the greatest soundtrack of all time. But the highlight for me may well be the album that introduced me to Linda Ronstadt.

Originally published: 2026 | Song of the Day posts featured: 20

My top ten albums of 1977:

#1. Rumours – Fleetwood Mac

#2. The Stranger – Billy Joel

#3. My Aim is True – Elvis Costello

#4. Running on Empty – Jackson Browne

#5. Talking Heads: 77 – Talking Heads

#6. Saturday Night Fever soundtrack

#7. Animals – Pink Floyd

#8. Exodus – Bob Marley & The Wailers

#9. Slowhand – Eric Clapton

#10. Little Criminals – Randy Newman

Other notable albums of 1977…

Karla Bonoff – Karla Bonoff

CSN – Crosby, Stills & Nash

Little Queen – Heart

Trans-Europe Express – Kraftwerk

Lust For Life – Iggy Pop

In the City – The Jam

Simple Dreams – Linda Ronstadt

Never Mind the Bollocks Here’s the Sex Pistols – The Sex Pistols

Once Upon a Time… – Donna Summer

Marquee Moon – Television