The year 1970 may have signaled the start of a new decade on the calendar, but when we delve into the best rock albums of 1970, it’s evident that the musical landscape still heavily reflected the 1960s. While a few new artists began to emerge, the overwhelming presence of legendary figures from the previous decade dominated the scene. Icons like The Doors, Bob Dylan, and Jimi Hendrix continued to shape the sound of the era. Even The Beatles had one last statement to make before they officially disbanded, with three of its members featuring in solo projects that made our top list.

However, transformative changes were on the horizon. The early signs of the 1970s—ranging from the emergence of the singer-songwriter movement to the raw energy of funk—started to make their appearance in the music scene. Even groups like the Beach Boys, who were quintessentially linked to the 1960s, began reinventing their artistic approach to align with the evolving musical landscape. This period was not merely about continuity; it represented both growth and transition, serving as a pivotal extension of an era that profoundly influenced the trajectory of rock music.

READ MORE: Top 35 Hard Rock Albums of the ’70s

As we explore UCR’s list of the best rock albums of the 1970s, it might seem like a conclusion rather than a new beginning. The decade required additional time to find its footing. Many of the biggest bands, including The Rolling Stones and The Who, opted to release live albums instead of new studio recordings during this transitional year. They chose to recuperate and reflect rather than dive into fresh projects, implying that the musical evolution would take a little longer to fully materialize.

While the calendar flipped to 1970, the essence of the music in the best rock albums remained deeply rooted in the 1960s. However, this is not to suggest that there was anything amiss with this continuation. The world of rock ‘n’ roll was simply gearing up for an exciting evolution that would unfold over the next few years.