1979: The Year In Music

1979 – Margaret Thatcher becomes the first female Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Stuntman Stanley Barrett breaks the land speed record in his three-wheeled vehicle the Budweiser Rocket (739.666 mph), though it was never officially recorded and remains controversial. “Monty Python’s Life of Brian” premiers. “Disco Demolition Night” sees baseball fans destroying Disco records at Comiskey Park. A weird year for news … but the songs were great!

I’ll be looking at the popular and highest-rated songs / albums of the year, giving my opinions on their musicality and longevity as well as an overall verdict for the year as a whole.

Before we begin, you can check out some of my related blog posts below:

Billboard Top 10 (Popular) Singles

Source: Wikipedia

10 – Sad Eyes (Robert John)

“Sad Eyes” is the kind of 70’s ballad I don’t really care for. The vocals and instruments are drawn-out, and there are random triangle dingles to add a bit of texture.

9 – Ring My Bell (Anita Ward)

A Disco classic, although I will say “Ring My Bell” gets a bit repetitive. Could it be I’m finally fed up of all the Disco hits?

8 – Y.M.C.A. (Village People)

It might be a bit of a joke song these days, but “Y.M.C.A.” was an important anthem that still has a fun appeal.

7 – Hot Stuff (Donna Summer)

Donna Summer is easily one of my favourite Disco artists, so I’m surprised it’s taken us this long to reach her.

“Hot Stuff” is one of her best, although that’s mainly down to the synth riff and Summer’s vocals.

6 – I Will Survive (Gloria Gaynor)

It’s only after re-listening to Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive” that I remembered how empowering it is.

Step aside “Respect” by Aretha Franklin – this is the ultimate feminist track, with lyrics that even get a rise out of a privileged white guy like me.

5 – Reunited (Peaches & Herb)

“Reunited” might be a simple duet, but it’s a fairly sweet ballad that I can get behind.

4 – Da Ya Think I’m Sexy? (Rod Stewart)

Rod Stewart is an acquired taste, but I love songs like “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?”.

It’s 70’s cheese with broad synths and a funky bassline, but I wouldn’t change a thing.

3 – Le Freak (Chic)

Chic are my go-to Disco guys and gals, and “Le Freak” is my personal favourite.

Niles Rodgers’ guitar is so good, and the bassline courtesy of Bernard Edwards is so bouncy and fun.

2 – Bad Girls (Donna Summer)

I’m not exactly sure why “Bad Girls” was more popular in 1979 than “Hot Stuff”.

It’s on the more generic side, and those whistle sounds can get a little annoying. Still a fun track, though.

1 – My Sharona (The Knack)

In a year dominated by Disco and ballads, I’m glad an all-out Rock song took top spot.

“My Sharona” by The Knack has a fantastic riff and an uproarious energy – all you need in a track, really.

FAVOURITE – “I Will Survive” (Gloria Gaynor)

LEAST FAVOURITE – “Sad Eyes” (Robert John)

Top-Rated Songs

Source: http://www.besteveralbums.com

10 – Shadowplay (Joy Division)

Joy Division was exactly what the 70’s needed – a moody outburst of expression rather than mindless Disco hits.

“Shadowplay” sounds visceral and real, with a thumping bassline that reminds me of “Transmission”.

9 – Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough (Michael Jackson)

We’re now entering the age of Michael Jackson … while that may lead to unpopular opinions down the line, for now I’m all for it.

Jackson’s vocals on “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” are superb, but I’ll always appreciate Quincy Jones’ masterful production on these Michael Jackson hits.

8 – She’s Lost Control (Joy Division)

“She’s Lost Control” highlights the storytelling powers of Ian Curtis, as well as the dark production and off-beat songwriting that Joy Division were best at.

7 – My My, Hey Hey (Out Of The Blue) (Neil Young & Crazy Horse)

Stripped back guitars, a soulful harmonica, and some great lyrics. Good stuff from Neil Young.

6 – Another Brick In The Wall, Part 2 (Pink Floyd)

Just when people thought Disco was dead, Pink Floyd put a Rock-y spin on it to create a smash-hit.

Roger Waters’ bassline in “Another Brick In The Wall” is what makes it so iconic, as well as the rousing chorus … although the kids choir part I could’ve done without.

5 – Train In Vain (The Clash)

The final track on The Clash’s famous “London Calling” album, and I think it’s a hidden / bonus track. Why wasn’t it on the main album?!?

It’s more upbeat and hopeful than other Clash songs, but maybe that’s why it’s so much fun.

4 – Hey You (Pink Floyd)

“Hey You” is the first song on the second half of “The Wall”, and it’s an immediate tonal shift to a darker sonic place.

I don’t think it’s as bulletproof as some Floyd fans say, but the lyrics and production are suitably moody.

3 – London Calling (The Clash)

The Clash were the ultimate Punk band, and “London Calling” is the ultimate Punk song.

The bassline is massive, the chorus is infectious, and I kinda wish this was England’s national anthem.

2 – Disorder (Joy Division)

I wasn’t alive in the 70’s (far from it), but I can only imagine how bizarre and earth-shattering Joy Division must have been.

“Disorder” is a fantastic album opener than sets the tone and boasts some iconic bass and guitar parts.

1 – Comfortably Numb (Pink Floyd)

Pink Floyd and David Gilmour weren’t happy with just one of the greatest guitar solos of all time, so we were treated to two in quick succession in “Comfortably Numb”.

I adore the shifts from Waters’ sombre verses to Gilmour’s brighter choruses, and the orchestral production always gives me goosebumps. An all-time great Rock song if ever there was one.

BEST SONG OF 1979 – “Comfortably Numb” (Pink Floyd)

Top-Rated Albums

Source: http://www.besteveralbums.com

5 – Fear Of Music (Talking Heads)

“Fear Of Music” is my second favourite Talking Heads album, and since Talking Heads are one of my favourite bands you can imagine how much I love this.

“Life During Wartime” is a banger, “Heaven” is haunting, “I Zimbra” is an energetic opener, and “Drugs” is a Brian Eno-produced masterwork to end the record on a high.

4 -Rust Never Sleeps (Neil Young & Crazy Horse)

It’s rare for a live album to make the year’s top five, but trust Neil Young to get the critics buzzing.

Both versions of “My My Hey Hey” and “Powderfinger” are great, but the rest of it is a musical style I’m not really into.

3 – Unknown Pleasures (Joy Division)

I’m so glad we live in a universe where Joy Division exists.

They turned Punk from an outburst of aggression into an outpouring of expression and emotion, and “Unknown Pleasures” is their magnum opus.

2 – The Wall (Pink Floyd)

It’s one thing to make an all-time great concept album, but “The Wall” being a phenomenal double album will always blow my mind.

There are too many amazing songs to mention, but stand-outs like “Comfortably Numb” and “Another Brick In The Wall” are some of the best songs in an already unbeatable discography.

1 – London Calling (The Clash)

The definitive Punk Rock album, “London Calling” was when The Clash went from renegade rockers to all-out superstars.

“London Calling” and “Train in Vain” are incredible openers and closers respectively, and other tracks like “Guns of Brixton” and “Lost in the Supermarket” slap too.

BEST ALBUM OF 1979 – “The Wall” (Pink Floyd)

Final Thoughts

1979 was good across the board. What else is there to say?

Overall Grade: B

BONUS – The Decade Reviewed

Other than 1974 being a bit boring and getting a C+ grade, every single year got at least a B (with 1971 and ’75 getting an A-). The 70’s were a remarkably consistent decade for music, and it may go down as the best era once this retrospective is done.

Decade Grade: B+

Aaaaand that’s my list! You can check out some of my latest blog posts below: