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'Waterloo' by ABBA -

The Swedish pop group's second studio album features the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest winning 'Waterloo.' ABBA's international career took off after this album came out. 

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'Court and Spark' by Joni Mitchell -

The iconic singer-songwriter pushed music boundaries with this album. Rather than a pure folk record, Mitchell experimented with other genres, including jazz and pop. Check out the fan-favorite 'Free Man in Paris.'

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'Natty Dread' by Bob Marley and the Wailers -

The reggae legend released 'Natty Dread' in 1974. The album features one of Bob Marley's greatest classics—'No Woman, No Cry.'

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'Second Helping' by Lynyrd Skynyrd -

Southern rock gods Lynyrd Skynyrd found great success with their second studio album, which features (among other great tunes) the band's biggest hit; the classic 'Sweet Home Alabama.'

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'It’s Only Rock ‘n Roll' by The Rolling Stones -

The Stones released this album in 1974. It's best known for its hit single 'It's Only Rock ’n’ Roll (but I Like It).' The band also experimented with elements of reggae and funk in their compositions, making it a pretty unique record.

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'Diamond Dogs' by David Bowie -

Bowie reinvented himself in this album. Drawing inspiration from George Orwell's dystopian novel, '1984,' the record is definitely worth revisiting. Even if only to listen to 'Rebel, Rebel' on repeat. 

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'Caribou' by Elton John -

Elton John's eighth studio album features classics such as the hit single 'Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me.' Do we need to say more?

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'Rush' by Rush -

The Canadian rockers released their debut self-titled album in 1974 through the band's own label, Moon Records. The album closes with their famous tune 'Working Man.' 

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'Queen II' and 'Sheer Heart Attack' by Queen -

The British band released two albums in 1974. 'Queen II' came out first and featured the band's signature experimentations with different genres, multi-layered overdubs, and vocal harmonies. 'Sheer Heart Attack' is also a really cool record that features the hit single 'Killer Queen.'

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'Kiss' and 'Hotter Than Hell' by Kiss -

The debut album by rockers Kiss was released on February 18, and their second, on October 22, 1974. 'Kiss' features hits such as 'Strutter,' 'Deuce,' and 'Black Diamond.' Whereas their second album includes tunes such as 'Parasite,' 'Hotter than Hell,' and 'Let Me Go, Rock 'n' Roll.' They're both rock 'n' roll classics!

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'Elis & Tom' by Elis Regina and Tom Jobim -

This is what happens when you put two powerhouses of Brazilian music together. Elis Regina and Antônio Carlos Jobim collaborated in what is arguably one of the best bossa nova (and pop) albums of all time. 

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'Apostrophe (')' by Frank Zappa -

Zappa's musicianship and clever humor was second to none, and this album proves it. 'Apostrophe (')' was also Zappa's first top ten album in the US.

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'Get Your Wings' by Aerosmith -

Aerosmith's second studio album went on to reach triple platinum. It includes the band's rendition of 'Train Kept A Rollin',' which is a fan-favorite and a staple in the band's live performances. 

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'Jolene' by Dolly Parton -

This album features two of Dolly Parton's most successful hits: 'I Will Always Love You,' and of course, the classic 'Jolene.' According to the artist, both songs were written on the same day! 

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'Rock ‘n’ Roll Animal' by Lou Reed -

Reed's 'Rock ‘n’ Roll Animal' is raw and loud. The album features classics originally recorded by The Velvet Underground, such as 'Sweet Jane,' 'Heroin,' and 'White Light/White Heat.'

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'Nightlife' by Thin Lizzy -

'Nightlife' is the first Thin Lizzy album to feature guitarists Scott Gorham and Brian Robertson. Songs such as 'Sha-La-La' and 'Still In Love With You,' became fan favorites. 

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'Crime of the Century' by Supertramp -

Supertramp's third studio album is best known for their hit single 'Dreamer.' Overall, it's a progressive rock record worth revisiting. 

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'They Don’t Make ‘Em Like My Daddy' by Loretta Lynn -

Loretta Lynn's 24th (yes, really!) studio album contains original songs as well as renditions of country classics and it's a joy to listen to. 

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'461 Ocean Boulevard' by Eric Clapton -

The English guitarist and singer-songwriter mixes elements of rock, blues, and R&B in this album. This was Eric Clapton's second solo album, and his first to top the charts in a number of countries. It includes his famous cover of Bob Marley's 'I Shot the Sheriff.'

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'The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway' by Genesis -

'The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway' is a prog rock classic. The band's masterpiece is a rock opera originally released in two LPs. Listen to this concept album back to back for the full experience. 

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'Al Green Explores Your Mind' by Al Green -

'Al Green Explores Your Mind' is a soul classic. The album features great songs, such as 'Sha-La-La (Make Me Happy)' and 'Take Me To The River.' 

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'Fulfillingness' First Finale' by Stevie Wonder -

'Fulfillingness' First Finale' is widely considered one of Stevie Wonder's greatest albums. It features guest appearances by bassist James Jamerson, singers Paul Anka and Minnie Riperton, as well as members of the Jackson 5.

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'Before the Flood' by Bob Dylan and The Band -

'Before the Flood' is Bob Dylan's first live album. It features a number of Dylan classics but also a few tunes written by The Band. It's definitely worth revisiting it as it reaches its 50th anniversary. 

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'Open Our Eyes' by Earth, Wind & Fire -

'Open Our Eyes' was Earth, Wind & Fire's fifth studio album. Tunes such as 'Mighty Mighty' and 'Kalimba Story' fuse funk, soul, Latin rhythms, and R&B like no other group has done before. 

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'Veedon Fleece' by Van Morrison -

This record poignantly reflects the emotional experience of divorce, which the singer-songwriter was going through at the time. While 'Veedon Fleece' wasn't a commercial success, it remains a fan favorite.

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'On The Beach' by Neil Young -

A rather mellow and dark album, Young's 'On The Beach' is full of melancholic, introspective songs. Check out the single 'Walk On.'

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'Country Life' by Roxy Music -

The art rockers' fourth studio album is as sophisticated and cool as it gets. Highlights include  'All I Want Is You,' and 'The Thrill of It All.'

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'The Heart of Saturday Night' by Tom Waits -

Tom Waits' second album mixes elements of
folk, blues, and jazz, in a poetic cocktail that deserves to be listened to. 

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'Pretzel Logic' by Steely Dan -

The third album by Donald Fagan and Walter Becker's band cemented the group's position in the charts, with 'Rikki, Don't Lose That Number,' getting a lot or airplay.

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'Marvin Gaye Live!' by Marvin Gaye -

Recorded at the Oakland Coliseum, this live album captures what Marvin Gaye was all about. Check out his song 'Distant Lover.'

Sources: (Grunge) (Udiscovermusic) (Albumoftheyear)

See also: The greatest live albums of all time

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