Hidden Gems of 1970: 10 Underrated American Albums Worth Rediscovering

Let’s hop in a time machine and revisit 1970—a golden year for music that gave us Let It Be, Bridge Over Troubled Water, and Moondance. But what about the albums that didn’t get their flowers? This list is all about those lesser-known records that deserve to be dusted off and played loud. From soulful rock to psychedelic country, these underrated American albums of 1970 still sound fresh today. Let’s dive in.

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1. “Be a Brother” by Big Brother and the Holding Company

After Janis Joplin left the group, Big Brother and the Holding Company pressed on with Be a Brother, showcasing a more democratic and musically diverse sound.

Our Review: Without Janis, they had a lot to prove—and they did. This album is raw, vibrant, and full of unexpected funk-rock detours. It feels like a band rediscovering its soul, and it’s well worth hearing for the first time (or again).

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2. “Brother, Brother, Brother” by The Isley Brothers

This early ’70s outing often gets overshadowed by the Isley’s later funk hits, but it’s a quietly brilliant soul-rock hybrid.

Our Review: Blending sweet harmonies with socially conscious lyrics and guitar work that hints at Jimi Hendrix, this album is a hidden blueprint for much of the soulful rock that followed.

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3. “Self Portrait” by Bob Dylan

Yes, the critics hated it when it dropped. But time has been kind to Self Portrait, a collection of covers, live tracks, and genre explorations.

Our Review: Dylan threw the rulebook out the window here, and while it confused fans at the time, it’s a fascinating listen today. Think of it as Dylan’s mixtape to America—loose, weird, and oddly touching.

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4. “False Start” by Love

Led by the mercurial Arthur Lee, Love was always one step ahead (and slightly to the left). False Start features a guest appearance by Jimi Hendrix and dives into bluesy rock territory.

Our Review: Gritty, spontaneous, and defiantly unpolished, False Start might not be perfect, but it’s always compelling. Arthur Lee’s vocals are as intense as ever.

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5. “12 Songs” by Randy Newman

Before he was Pixar’s favorite songwriter, Randy Newman was a master satirist with a piano and a sneer. 12 Songs is a sharp, beautifully arranged record.

Our Review: Witty, dry, and subtly orchestrated, this is Newman at his best. It might take a few listens to get under your skin, but once it does, it sticks.

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6. “American Beauty” by Grateful Dead

Yes, Deadheads love it. But outside that circle, American Beauty is sometimes overlooked compared to the band’s more jam-heavy records.

Our Review: This is arguably their most accessible and emotionally resonant work. The songwriting is tight, the harmonies are gorgeous, and the Americana roots run deep. It deserves a much wider audience.

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7. “Morrison Hotel” by The Doors

Coming off the experimental The Soft Parade, The Doors returned to their blues-rock core with Morrison Hotel. It’s often forgotten in their discography, but it’s a gem.

Our Review: Gritty, bluesy, and anchored by some of Jim Morrison’s most straightforward vocals, this album is the sound of a band regaining its footing. It rocks hard and leaves a mark.

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8. “Getting It Together in the Country” by Michael Nesmith

Monkees fans knew Michael Nesmith had talent, but few anticipated how pioneering his solo work would be. This album (also known under the Magnetic South series) is an early alt-country milestone.

Our Review: Smooth, clever, and laced with twang, Nesmith paved the way for the country-rock explosion. His dry humor and melodic instincts shine through beautifully.

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9. “Starsailor” by Tim Buckley

This is a wild one. Starsailor is not an easy listen—it’s avant-garde, jazz-infused, and vocally acrobatic.

Our Review: But if you’re up for a challenge, this is stunning. Buckley pushes his voice and songwriting to the edge, crafting something otherworldly. It’s not background music; it’s a sonic journey.

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10. “Ladies of the Canyon” by Joni Mitchell

While Blue gets all the love, Ladies of the Canyon is every bit as poetic and musically rich. It often lives in the shadow of its younger sibling.

Our Review: From the sunny vibes of “Morning Morgantown” to the social commentary of “Big Yellow Taxi,” this album is a beautifully detailed snapshot of a specific moment in time. It deserves equal billing with her masterpieces.

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Wrapping It Up

1970 was a pivotal year in music—an era where artists took big swings and explored new territories. These albums might not have dominated the charts, but they brim with creativity, boldness, and heart. Revisit them, and you’ll hear the sound of artists who weren’t afraid to color outside the lines. Sometimes, that’s where the magic really happens.

What underrated 1970 albums would you add to the list? Let’s keep the conversation going.