Album Chart of 1978

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Album Chart of 1978

info.png 72 tracks, runtime 5h 11m. The playlist features the highest-rated track from each album (subject to what's available on YouTube) in chart order, with a minimum individual track-rating of 6.5 required for inclusion. To view the full tracklist, access shuffle-play or avoid in-play interruption due to territorially blocked videos, it might be best playing directly via YouTube external-link.png
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MASCHINEN MÄNNER SIND NUMMER EINS!

Why put yourself through the hassle and boredom of album-launch photo-shoots when pretend-robots can do the job just as well? The Kraftwerk futurists from Dusseldorf dared to be different in many different ways, and this set them apart from the stars of yesterday and today. In 1978, they were at the peak of their mighty powers, capping a phenomenal 18 months for this most visionary of groups.

Elsewhere, English music is going from strength to strength on the back of last years’ Punk explosion, and leftfield music fans are revelling in glorious offerings from Buzzcocks, The Jam, Elvis Costello, Public Image Ltd. and Kevin Coyne, as well as high quality debuts from Siouxsie and The Banshees, Alternative TV and The Adverts.

The overall rise in quality is measurable in my ratings system; for the first-time ever, only a rating of “7” or more is good enough for a Top 30 place.

The Saints, from Australia, typify the great leap forward, with a quite magnificent follow-up to their ’77 debut.

Jamaican music continues to reverberate strongly, with terrific LPs from Bob Marley and The Wailers, Prince Far I, Culture, Poet and The Roots (led by Jamaican-born poet Linton Kwesi Johnson) and Lee Perry with his Upsetters.

Revolution is afoot in Rhodesia, and Thomas Mapfumo risks life and limb by putting music at the heart of the battle, although this is known only to his people in his homelands at this time.

In the States, old dogs Captain Beefheart and Lou Reed underline their durability, whilst newcomers Pere Ubu demonstrate that they’ve been watching and learning, as they forge ahead with the “Avant-Garage” new tricks of now.

The Jukebox Rebel
28-Sep-2016

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DIE MENSCH-MASCHINE
Kraftwerk
Kling Klang 1 C 058-32 843
Germany
9.27 “A masterpiece” Electronica

Jukebox picks: “Das Modell” (9.6) • “Spacelab” (9.5) • “Neonlicht” (9.4)
TJR saysReleased in May ’78, the seventh Kraftwerk LP was the group’s poppiest offering to date, yet still retained an allure fo...more →

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ANOTHER MUSIC IN A DIFFERENT KITCHEN
Buzzcocks
United Artists Records UAG-30159
England
8.67 “A classic” Punk; New Wave

Jukebox picks: “Sixteen” (9.9) • “You Tear Me Up” (9.4) • “Fast Cars” (9.2)
TJR saysFollowing the seminal “Spiral Scratch” EP and two cracking non-album singles – “Orgasm Addict” and “What Do I Get” – the...more →

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ALL MOD CONS
The Jam
Polydor 2442-155
England
8.40 “Excellent” New Wave; Punk; Songwriter

Jukebox picks: “Down In The Tube Station At Midnight” (10) • “’A’ Bomb In Wardour Street” (9.8) • “English Rose” (9.7)
TJR saysWhat an absolute gem this is; they released two good albums last year, but ‘78s “All Mod Cons” is on a different level a...more →

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THIS YEAR’S MODEL
Elvis Costello and The Attractions
Radar Records RAD-3
England
8.23 “Excellent” New Wave

Jukebox picks: “Night Rally” (10) • “Pump It Up” (9.8) • “(I Don’t Want To) Go To Chelsea” (9.5)
TJR saysFollowing the success of “My Aim Is True”, Costello wasted no time in forming his own permanent backing band, and The At...more →

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ETERNALLY YOURS
The Saints
Harvest SHSP-4078
Australia
8.23 “Excellent” Punk; New Wave

Jukebox picks: “No, Your Product” (9.8) • “Private Affair” (9.3) • “This Perfect Day” (9.2)
TJR saysEschewing the raw and gritty Stooges-inspired sound of their debut, the Saints opted for a generally brighter, breezier ...more →

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PUBLIC IMAGE (FIRST ISSUE)
Public Image Ltd.
Virgin ‎V-2114
England
8.15 “Excellent” Post-Punk

Jukebox picks: “Public Image” (9.3) • “Low Life” (9.0) • “Religion I” (8.3)
TJR saysJohnny Rotten had started the year on stage in America with the imploding Sex Pistols, infamously sneering “this is no...more →

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KAYA
Bob Marley and The Wailers
Island Records ILPS-9517
Jamaica
8.12 “Excellent” Reggae

Jukebox picks: “Time Will Tell” (10) • “Is This Love” (9.7) • “Easy Skanking” (9.5)
TJR saysCleverly annexed from the “Exodus” sessions, “Kaya” stands cohesively as an album of peace, love and marijuana. Once I g...more →

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LONG LIFE
Prince Far I
Front Line FL-1021
Jamaica
7.98 “Brilliant” Reggae

Jukebox picks: “Daughters Of Zion” (9.2) • “In Your Walking Remember Jah Jah” (9.1) • “So Long” (8.4)
TJR saysFar I’s second album for Virgin this year was undoubtedly the stronger, even if it is preachy, harking back to “Psal...more →

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SHINY BEAST (BAT CHAIN PULLER)
Captain Beefheart and The Magic Band
Warner Bros. Records BSK-3256
the USA
7.58 “Brilliant” Blues Rock / Soul Rock

Jukebox picks: “Candle Mambo” (10) • “Tropical Hot Dog Night” (9.4) • “When I See Mommy I Feel Like A Mummy” (8.3)
TJR saysAn album called “Bat Chain Puller” had been recorded in ’76 for DiscReet in 1976, but label co-owner Frank Zappa withhel...more →

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HARDER THAN THE REST
Culture
Front Line FL-1016
Jamaica
7.58 “Brilliant” Reggae

Jukebox picks: “Behold” (9.6) • “Work On Natty” (8.6) • “Iron Sharpening Iron” (8.2)
TJR saysFollowing royalty disputes with Joe Gibbs, Culture had been “looking around” for a new production partner and had record...more →

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DYNAMITE DAZE
Kevin Coyne
Virgin V-2096
England
7.57 “Brilliant” Songwriter; Rock n Roll / Rockabilly

Jukebox picks: “Brothers Of Mine” (10) • “Dynamite Daze” (9.5) • “Juliet And Mark” (9.2)
TJR saysCo-produced by Kevin Coyne and Bob Ward, who also plays on the album. The contributors are: Kevin Coyne (vocal, guitar);...more →

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ROAD TO RUIN
Ramones
Sire SRK-6063
the USA
7.56 “Brilliant” Punk

Jukebox picks: “I Wanna Be Sedated” (10) • “Questioningly” (8.0) • “Bad Brain” (7.8)
TJR saysThe fourth Ramones already? They didn’t hang about in any way whatsoever, that’s for sure. “Road To Ruin” isn’t as stron...more →

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DREAD BEAT AN’ BLOOD
Poet and The Roots
Front Line FL-1017
Jamaica
7.53 “Brilliant” Reggae

Jukebox picks: “Five Nights Of Bleeding” (9.0) • “Dread Beat An’ Blood” (8.8) • “Man Free” (8.3)
TJR saysFurther to the publication of his 1975 book of poetry, “Dread Beat and Blood”, Linton Kwesi Johnson became a revered nam...more →

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HOKOYO!
Thomas Mapfumo and The Acid Band
Chimurenga ASLP-5000
Zimbabwe
7.51 “Brilliant” Africana

Jukebox picks: “Matiregerera Mambo” (8.4) • “Murandu” (8.2) • “Hwa-Hwa [1978 song]” (8.1)
TJR saysSince the 1960s, Thomas Mapfumo had been playing western rock music with his band, The Springfields, in the pubs and clu...more →

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RETURN OF THE SUPER APE
The Upsetters
Lion Of Judah LPIR-0001
Jamaica
7.50 “Brilliant” Reggae

Jukebox picks: “Dyon-Anasaw” (9.8) • “The Lion” (9.0) • “Psyche And Trim” (8.2)
TJR saysFollowing “Scratch The Super Ape” and “Roast Fish Collie Weed And Corn Bread”, Lee Perry continued his fine form with “R...more →

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BALDHEAD BRIDGE
Culture
Joe Gibbs Record Globe
Jamaica
7.45 “Really good” Reggae

Jukebox picks: “Behold I Come” (9.5) • “So Long Babylon A Fool I (And I)” (9.4) • “Love Shines Brighter” (7.7)
TJR saysCulture’s second and final LP for Joe Gibbs was, once again, brilliantly recorded with “The Professionals” studio band, ...more →

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LOVE BITES
Buzzcocks
United Artists Records UAG-30197
England
7.45 “Really good” New Wave; Punk

Jukebox picks: “Ever Fallen In Love” (8.8) • “Late For The Train” (8.4) • “Love Is Lies” (8.1)
TJR says“Love Bites” arrived just six months after the debut and, already, there’s a remarkable difference in the band’s sound, ...more →

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THE SCREAM
Siouxsie and The Banshees
Polydor ‎POLD-5009
England
7.43 “Really good” Post-Punk

Jukebox picks: “Mirage” (9.6) • “Metal Postcard (Mittageisen)” (8.8) • “Overground” (8.5)
TJR saysWith the confrontational explosion of British Punk anything now seemed possible, and the Banshees, commanded by Siouxsie...more →

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BLACK AND WHITE
The Stranglers
United Artists Records UAG-30222
England
7.33 “Really good” Punk; New Wave; Post-Punk

Jukebox picks: “Nice ’n’ Sleazy” (10) • “Tank” (8.4) • “Toiler On The Sea” (7.9)
TJR saysThe third Stranglers LP in just 13 months arrived in May ’78, with labels and sleeves distinctly coloured to reflect the...more →

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AN AMERICAN PRAYERː JIM MORRISON
The Doors
Elektra 5E-502
the USA
7.28 “Really good” Poetry; Blues Rock / Soul Rock

Jukebox picks: “Angels And Sailors” (9.4) • “Newborn Awakening” (9.0) • “The Hitchhiker” (8.8)
TJR saysJim Morrison recorded quite a few sessions in 1969 and 1970 where he laid down some poetry and stories, with the intent ...more →

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EASTER
The Patti Smith Group
Arista AB-4171
the USA
7.24 “Really good” Rock

Jukebox picks: “High On Rebellion” (8.7) • “25th Floor” (8.0) • “We Three” (7.8)
TJR saysAfter breaking several neck vertebrae as a result of her horrendous fall from stage at the beginning of last year, Patti...more →

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THE MODERN DANCE
Pere Ubu
Blank Records 001
the USA
7.23 “Really good” Post-Punk

Jukebox picks: “Life Stinks” (8.8) • “Real World” (8.0) • “Non-Alignment Pact” (7.9)
TJR saysServing bona-fide modernity as opposed to Kraftwerk's unrealistic variant, this peculiar quintet from Cleveland were jus...more →

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THE IMAGE HAS CRACKED
Alternative TV
Deptford Fun City Records DLP-01
England
7.22 “Really good” Post-Punk; Punk

Jukebox picks: “Viva La Rock N’ Roll” (9.1) • “Still-Life [live ’78]” (8.6) • “Why Don’t You Do Me Right?” (7.9)
TJR says4 live tracks (recorded at the 100 Club in London on 7 February 1978) and 5 in the studio make up the strange but compel...more →

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STREET HASSLE
Lou Reed
Arista AB-4169
the USA
7.21 “Really good” Blues Rock / Soul Rock

Jukebox picks: “Street Hassle” (10) • “Gimmie Some Good Times [live]” (7.7) • “Dirt [live]” (7.4)
TJR saysLou’s eighth album of new music in seven years was the best of his solo career since the high-watermark of 1972s “Transf...more →

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ROAST FISH COLLIE WEED AND CORN BREAD
Lee Perry The Upsetter
Upsetter LPIR-0000
Jamaica
7.20 “Really good” Reggae

Jukebox picks: “Roast Fish And Cornbread” (9.2) • “Throw Some Water In” (9.0) • “Favourite Dish” (8.0)
TJR saysIncredibly, this was the 20th new music LP from the prolific producer, and the first which fully featured him on lead vo...more →

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A TONIC FOR THE TROOPS
The Boomtown Rats
Ensign ENVY-3
Ireland
7.19 “Really good” New Wave

Jukebox picks: “Rat Trap” (9.6) • “Like Clockwork” (9.3) • “She’s So Modern” (9.0)
TJR saysA massive improvement on last years’ self-titled debut, “A Tonic For The Troops” found the Rats playing to their own str...more →

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CROSSING THE RED SEA WITH THE ADVERTS
The Adverts
Bright Records BRL-201
England
7.19 “Really good” Punk

Jukebox picks: “One Chord Wonders” (8.7) • “On Wheels” (8.2) • “Great British Mistake” (7.8)
TJR saysI keep reading stories about how these misfits couldn’t play to save themselves – a tale backed-up by themselves on thei...more →

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GIVE ’EM ENOUGH ROPE
The Clash
CBS S-CBS-82431
England
7.03 “Really good” Punk; New Wave

Jukebox picks: “Tommy Gun” (9.9) • “Safe European Home” (8.8) • “English Civil War” (7.2)
TJR saysMuch against the prevailing punk trend, The Clash took their time with the second album – it arrived fully 18 months aft...more →

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UJABULISA ABANTU
Izintombi Zesi Manje Manje
Masterpiece Records LMS-535
South Africa
7.03 “Really good” Africana

Jukebox picks: “Ujabulisa Abantu” (9.2) • “Ekhaya Kulezontaba” (8.4) • “Izindlela Ziyahlangana” (8.1)
TJR saysAs clearly marked on the label itself, this is an album of two distinct halves, with side 1 being described as the “soul...more →

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PARALLEL LINES
Blondie
Chrysalis CHR-1166
the USA
7.01 “Really good” New Wave

Jukebox picks: “Picture This” (9.7) • “Sunday Girl” (8.9) • “Heart Of Glass” (8.5)
TJR saysThe album blasts in with a killer version of The Nerves’ 1976 single, “Hanging On The Telephone”, and Blondie boss t...more →

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GERM FREE ADOLESCENTS
X-Ray Spex
EMI INS-3023
England
6.96 “Good” Punk; New Wave

Jukebox picks: “Obsessed With You” (8.0) • “Germ Free Adolescents” (7.9) • “Plastic Bag” (7.7)
TJR saysHaving given up on her fledgling career as Britain's answer to Susan Cadogan, 19-year-old Marian Elliott (soon to be re-...more →

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PLASTIC LETTERS
Blondie
Chrysalis CHR-1166
the USA
6.88 “Good” New Wave

Jukebox picks: “(I’m Always) Touched By Your Presence Dear” (10) • “Denis” (9.5) • “I Didn’t Have The Nerve To Say No” (9.2)
TJR saysThere’s plenty of high-class action on the first side of “Plastic Letters” with the two glorious singles, “Denis” (t...more →

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Qː ARE WE NOT MEN? Aː WE ARE DEVO!
Devo
Warner Bros. Records BSK-3239
the USA
6.86 “Good” New Wave

Jukebox picks: “Space Junk” (8.0) • “Come Back Jonee” (7.5) • “Gut Feeling / Slap Your Mammy” (7.4)
TJR saysDe-evolution = the theory that we're de-evolving as a species was initially a bit of a joke, but who's to say we aren't ...more →

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DISGUISE IN LOVE
John Cooper Clarke
CBS CBS-83132
England
6.74 “Good” New Wave

Jukebox picks: “Readers Wives” (8.2) • “(I Married A) Monster From Outer Space” (8.1) • “Health Fanatic” (7.2)
TJR saysMajor label mania strikes - Cooper Clarke hits Epic! The first of three Cooper Clarke albums to officially feature The I...more →

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THE ONLY ONES
The Only Ones
CBS CBS-82830
England
6.71 “Good” New Wave

Jukebox picks: “Another Girl, Another Planet” (10) • “No Peace For The Wicked” (7.8) • “The Immortal Story” (7.7)
TJR saysBattling through their scarcely disguised pub rock tendencies, the debut from this quartet emerges triumphantly largely ...more →

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HOT BLAST
Peggy Seeger and Ewan MacColl
Blackthorne Records BR-1059
England
6.64 “Good” Folk

Jukebox picks: “White Wind” (9.2) • “Cut-Price Hero” (7.2) • “Emily” (7.0)
TJR saysThe husband-and-wife duo continue with their fine 1970s form, with musical accompaniment from their sons Neil and Calum ...more →

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REAL LIFE
Magazine
Virgin V-2100
England
6.62 “Good” New Wave

Jukebox picks: “Shot By Both Sides” (8.8) • “Definitive Gaze” (7.3) • “Recoil” (6.6)
TJR saysEven before Buzzcocks' seminal “Spiral Scratch” EP was released in late Janaury, 1977, Howard Devoto had announced his d...more →

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TUBEWAY ARMY
Tubeway Army
Beggars Banquet BEGA-4
England
6.61 “Good” New Wave; Post-Punk

Jukebox picks: “Jo The Waiter” (8.4) • “Listen To The Sirens” (7.6) • “The Life Machine” (7.5)
TJR says10th February 1978 was a bit of a monumental day in the life of Gary Webb. With just under a month left as a teenager, h...more →

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MESSAGE FROM THE KING
Prince Far I
Front Line FL-1013
Jamaica
6.55 “Good” Reggae

Jukebox picks: “Moses, Moses” (8.8) • “Message From The King” (7.1) • “Black Man Land” (6.6)
TJR saysThe biggest story in the 1978 world of reggae music came as a result of Richard Branson and Johnny Rotten's visit to Jam...more →

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ÉQUINOXE
Jean Michel Jarre
Disques Dreyfus FDM-83150
France
6.51 “Good” Electronica

Jukebox picks: “Equinoxe, part 5” (8.7) • “Equinoxe, part 8” (7.0) • “Equinoxe, part 6” (7.0)
TJR saysAfter the huge success of “Oxygène”, Jarre delivered the follow-up in December '78, exactly two years later. The wondrou...more →

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MAVOUNGU
Lolo-Lolitta and his Likwe-Likwe Band
Establishment Bonne Musique EBM-LPS-005
Congo-Brazzaville
6.50 “Good” Africana

Jukebox picks: “Ambiance A Abidjan” (7.0) • “Malelissa” (6.4) • “Samboulouma” (6.1)
TJR saysRecorded in the Ivorian capital of Abidjan, this lively and entertaining production features 3 pieces, with the blisteri...more →

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AMBIENT 1ː MUSIC FOR AIRPORTS
Brian Eno
Polydor 2310-647
England
6.48 “Decent enough” Ambient

Jukebox picks: “1/1” (8.1) • “1/2” (6.2) • “2/2” (5.9)
TJR says“Brian Eno? What does ‘e know?” I used to scoff, back in the day when I was an ignorant youth. Sorry about that Brian. K...more →

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SHALIMAR
R. D. Burman
Polydor 2392-147
India
6.44 “Decent enough” Crooner / Cabaret

Jukebox picks: “Title Music” (9.2) • “Naag Devta” (8.3) • “Aaina Wohi Rehta Hai” (7.1)
TJR saysI knew before I picked up this soundtrack that I was getting the classic Title Music for my money – an epic of the c...more →

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DUB HOUSING
Pere Ubu
Chrysalis CHR-1207
the USA
6.40 “Decent enough” Dubbeat; New Wave

Jukebox picks: “Navvy” (8.7) • “Dub Housing” (7.1) • “On The Surface” (6.9)
TJR saysThe second album of the year from the vocally imaginative David Thomas and his experimental gang of avant-garage adventu...more →

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MORE SONGS ABOUT BUILDINGS AND FOOD
Talking Heads
Sire SRK-6058
the USA
6.40 “Decent enough” New Wave

Jukebox picks: “Thank You For Sending Me An Angel” (8.0) • “I’m Not In Love” (7.0) • “With Our Love” (6.8)
TJR saysWhen we were making this album I remembered this stupid discussion we had about titles for the last album. At that ti...more →

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THIRD
Big Star
PVC Records PVC-7903
the USA
6.38 “Decent enough” Moodcore; Songwriter; Soft Rock / A.O.R.

Jukebox picks: “Kanga Roo” (9.8) • “Stroke It Noel” (8.3) • “Nighttime” (7.1)
TJR saysTheir “#1 Record” long-player of ’72 may have been highly-rated but was a bit of a soft-rock snooze-fest for me. “Third”...more →

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OUTLANDOS D’AMOUR
The Police
A&M Records AMLH-68502
England
6.34 “Decent enough” New Wave

Jukebox picks: “So Lonely” (9.5) • “Can’t Stand Losing You” (8.8) • “Roxanne” (8.8)
TJR saysJust as well they called it “Outlandos d'Amour” coz “Outlaws of Love” just sounds naff! Cheap japes aside, this decent d...more →

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MOVING TARGETS
Penetration
Virgin V-2109
England
6.34 “Decent enough” New Wave; Punk

Jukebox picks: “Future Daze” (7.3) • “Life's A Gamble” (6.9) • “Freemoney” (6.8)
TJR saysWith two non-album singles and a Peel session behind them, the artful County Durham group of pop-rockers / new wavers / ...more →

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WRECKLESS ERIC
Wreckless Eric
Stiff Records SEEZ-6
England
6.33 “Decent enough” New Wave

Jukebox picks: “Whole Wide World” (9.7) • “Reconnez Cherie” (7.0) • “There Isn't Anything Else” (6.8)
TJR saysThe debut album from the Ian-Dury-inspired 23-year-old singer-songwriter-guitarist, known by day as Eric Goulden. His (t...more →

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FINAL EXAM
Loudon Wainwright III
Arista AB-4173
the USA
6.31 “Decent enough” Songwriter

Jukebox picks: “Fear With Flying” (8.0) • “Golfin’ Blues” (7.2) • “The Heckler” (6.9)
TJR saysThe second of his two-record deal with Arista was, rather unfairly, a critical and commercial flop. Your journeyman is o...more →

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DUCK STAB / BUSTER & GLEN
The Residents
Ralph Records RR-0278
the USA
6.12 “Decent enough” Avant-Garde; New Wave

Jukebox picks: “Hello Skinny” (7.3) • “The Electrocutioner” (7.2) • “Semolina” (6.9)
TJR saysThe fifth album from the determinedly anonymous art collective is regarded as one of their most accessible works; I can'...more →

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BLUE VALENTINE
Tom Waits
Asylum Records 6E-162
the USA
6.11 “Decent enough” Blues / Rhythm n Blues; Songwriter

Jukebox picks: “Romeo Is Bleeding” (7.0) • “Wrong Side Of The Road” (6.6) • “Somewhere” (6.4)
TJR saysThe first Tom Waits album where Jazz doesn't emerge as the foremost genre. The story goes that part way through the sess...more →

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CLIFTON CHENIER AND HIS RED HOT LOUISIANA BAND
Clifton Chenier and his Red Hot Louisiana Band
Arhoolie Records 1078
the USA
6.10 “Decent enough” Blues / Rhythm n Blues

Jukebox picks: “Tante Na Na” (8.4) • “Grand Prix” (7.2) • “Hungry Man Blues” (7.0)
TJR saysFine LP from the 53-year-old “King Of Zydeco”, produced by Chris Strachwitz and recorded on April 25th, 1977 at Sea-Sain...more →

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HANDSWORTH REVOLUTION
Steel Pulse
Island Records ILPS-9502
England
5.99 “Average” Reggae

Jukebox picks: “Prediction” (6.9) • “Sound Check” (6.6) • “Soldiers” (6.3)
TJR saysThree years of hard work had led the Birmingham group to Island Records, who were seemingly hellbent on becoming a world...more →

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BUSH DOCTOR
Peter Tosh
Intel Diplo DSR-6923
Jamaica
5.99 “Average” Reggae

Jukebox picks: “Dem Ha Fe Get A Beatin’” (6.6) • “(You Gotta Walk) Don’t Look Back” (6.5) • “Bush Doctor” (6.5)
TJR saysA good move for Tosh business wise, his 4th solo album in 4 years was tied in with the Rolling Stones label, involved Ja...more →

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BRUISED ORANGE
John Prine
Asylum Records 6E-139
the USA
5.85 “Average” Country

Jukebox picks: “Sabu Visits The Twin Cities Alone” (8.2) • “Crooked Piece Of Time” (6.4) • “The Hobo Song” (6.4)
TJR saysDisillusioned with Atlantic, the 31-year-old singer-songwriter jumped ship to Asylum Records and, after a lot of wasted ...more →

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JUST IN TIME
Justin Hines and The Dominoes
Mango ‎MLPS-9532
Jamaica
5.84 “Average” Reggae

Jukebox picks: “Positive Way” (6.7) • “Let Jah Arise” (6.2) • “Help Your Falling Brother” (6.1)
TJR saysThe second long-player from the Rastafarian convert, once again produced by Jack Ruby with a pucker cast, the busy studi...more →

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JESUS OF COOL
Nick Lowe
Radar Records RAD-1
England
5.83 “Average” Pop; New Wave

Jukebox picks: “I Love The Sound Of Breaking Glass” (7.8) • “So It Goes” (7.2) • “Marie Provost” (6.7)
TJR saysDebut album from the 28-year-old singer-songwriter-multi-instrumentalist, taking some timeout as the bassist with Rockpi...more →

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ONE NATION UNDER A GROOVE
Funkadelic
Warner Bros. Records BSK-3209
the USA
5.82 “Average” Disco / Funk

Jukebox picks: “One Nation Under A Groove” (8.4) • “Who Says A Funk Band Can’t Play Rock?!” (6.5) • “Groovallegiance” (6.2)
TJR saysTheir most celebrated work, critically and commercially, arrived in September '78. “Let's dance our way to freedom” is t...more →

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OBSCURE ALTERNATIVES
Japan
Ariola Hansa AHAL-8007
England
5.76 “Average” New Wave

Jukebox picks: “Obscure Alternatives” (7.0) • “The Tenant” (6.8) • “Suburban Berlin” (6.4)
TJR saysThey stick with the German Ariola Hansa label for this October '78 release and prove to all and sundry what a difference...more →

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EXCITABLE BOY
Warren Zevon
Asylum Records 6E-118
the USA
5.69 “Average” Soft Rock / A.O.R.

Jukebox picks: “Werewolves Of London” (10) • “Excitable Boy” (6.6) • “Roland The Headless Thompson Gunner” (6.2)
TJR saysThe third album from the 30-year-old wry-rocker gave him his only Top 10 success on the album front, and his only Top 40...more →

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DARKNESS ON THE EDGE OF TOWN
Bruce Springsteen
Columbia JC-35318
the USA
5.69 “Average” Rock

Jukebox picks: “Factory” (7.7) • “Candy's Room” (6.6) • “Darkness On The Edge Of Town” (6.1)
TJR saysShockingly, legal wrangles delayed Springsteen's follow up to “Born To Run” for almost three whole years, but the highly...more →

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GO 2
XTC
Virgin V-2108
England
5.57 “Average” New Wave; Dubbeat

Jukebox picks: “Meccanik Dancing (Oh We Go!)” (6.8) • “Battery Brides (Andy Paints Brian)” (6.7) • “Life Is Good In The Greenhouse” (6.1)
TJR saysTheir second album - and their second of 1978 - arrived in October, fronted by a wonderfully sarcastic mini-essay on the...more →

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AUTOMAT
Automat
EMI 3C-064-18323
Italy
5.55 “Average” Electronica

Jukebox picks: “Mecadence” (6.2) • “Ultraviolet” (5.5) • “Droid” (5.3)
TJR saysItalian composer Romano Musumarra was keen to get a pioneering album of electronica out into the marketplace, and with t...more →

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THE KICK INSIDE
Kate Bush
EMI EMC-3223
England
5.48 “Below average” Songwriter; Cerebral Pop; Pop Ballad

Jukebox picks: “The Man With The Child In His Eyes” (7.3) • “Wuthering Heights” (7.0) • “The Kick Inside” (6.6)
TJR saysDebut album from the piano playing 19-year-old singer-songwriter from Kent, 8 years after she started writing songs. Wha...more →

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EAST OF THE RIVER NILE
Augustus Pablo
Message DSR-7108
Jamaica
5.47 “Below average” Reggae

Jukebox picks: “Natural Way” (6.8) • “East Of The River Nile” (6.2) • “Chant To King Selassie I” (6.0)
TJR says2 years passed before Pablo delivered the follow-up to “King Tubbys Meets Rockers Uptown”, in the meantime he was occupi...more →

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OU EST LA MAISON DE FROMAGE?
John Cooper Clarke
Rabid Records NOZE-1
England
5.43 “Below average” Poetry

Jukebox picks: “(I Married A) Monster From Outer Space [live]” (7.5) • “Film Extra’s Extra [live]” (7.0) • “Nothing [live]” (7.0)
TJR saysThe debut album from the 29-year-old John Cooper-Clarke aka the Bard of Salford aka the Punk Poet. The posh double-barre...more →

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USKHANDAMAYEZA
The Tulips
Ring RG-K-1025
South Africa
5.26 “Below average” Africana; Pop

Jukebox picks: “Mama Ka Sibongile” (7.0) • “Sofasilahlane” (6.5) • “Uskhandamayeza” (5.9)
TJR saysIn the disco era, an mbaqanga-soul fusion is proving to be popular in South Africa, and this release on the EMI subsidia...more →

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TO THE LIMIT
Joan Armatrading
A&M Records AMLH-64732
Saint Kitts and Nevis
5.22 “Below average” Blues Rock / Soul Rock

Jukebox picks: “Let It Last” (8.0) • “Bottom To The Top” (8.0) • “What Do You Want” (6.2)
TJR saysArriving in September '78 was Joan Armatrading's fifth long-player, in collaboration with producer Glyn Johns for the th...more →

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SQUEEZE
Squeeze
A&M Records AMLH-68465
England
5.21 “Below average” New Wave; Rock

Jukebox picks: “Take Me I'm Yours” (9.1) • “The Call” (5.8) • “Get Smart” (5.5)
TJR saysDebut album from the London five-piece, jokingly named after the oft-derided fifth Velvet Underground LP. Are they a tri...more →

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STREET-LEGAL
Bob Dylan
Columbia JC-35453
the USA
5.10 “Below average” Soft Rock / A.O.R.

Jukebox picks: “No Time To Think” (6.6) • “Where Are You Tonight? (Journey Through Dark Heat)” (6.5) • “Baby, Stop Crying” (5.4)
TJR saysThe unpredictable Bob Dylan of the 1970s continues to disappoint me – after the culturally brilliant French/Mexican deto...more →

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C’EST CHIC
Chic
Atlantic SD-19209
the USA
4.76 “Poor” Disco / Funk

Jukebox picks: “I Want Your Love” (7.1) • “Le Freak [12" version]” (6.6) • “(Funny) Bone” (6.3)
TJR saysThe big production on their second long-player gave the stylish New Yorkers their biggest album success, hitting #4 in t...more →

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THE CARS
The Cars
Elektra 6E-135
the USA
4.74 “Poor” New Wave

Jukebox picks: “My Best Friend’s Girl” (7.2) • “Just What I Needed” (5.9) • “I’m In Touch With Your World” (4.7)
TJR saysThe debut album from the Boston 5-piece arrived in June '78, trading in that quintessentially Amercian brand of new wave...more →

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SIEMBRA
Willie Colón and Rubén Blades
Fania Records JM-537
the USA
4.70 “Poor” Latin

Jukebox picks: “Ojos” (5.2) • “Dime” (5.0) • “Plástico” (4.8)
TJR saysRegarded as an essential classic by salsa and latin aficionados, and one of the greatest selling LPs of all-time in thos...more →

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HEAVEN TONIGHT
Cheap Trick
Epic JE-35312
the USA
4.62 “Poor” Rock

Jukebox picks: “Surrender” (5.9) • “Heaven Tonight” (5.8) • “Auf Wiedersehen” (5.5)
TJR saysReleased in May 1978, this was the third album from the power-pop quartet outta Illinois, beloved of Joey Ramone. I coul...more →

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SECRETS
Gil Scott-Heron and Brian Jackson
Arista AB-4189
the USA
4.46 “Lame” R n B; Disco / Funk

Jukebox picks: “Third World Revolution” (6.0) • “Angel Dust” (5.4) • “Show Bizness” (5.2)
TJR saysKeeping up his prolific decade, the 8th Gil Scott-Heron new music album arrived in September '78, the fifth of his long ...more →

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MOTOR BOOTY AFFAIR
Parliament
Casablanca NBLP-7125
the USA
4.45 “Lame” Disco / Funk

Jukebox picks: “Aqua Boogie (A Psychoalphadiscobetabioaquadoloop)” (6.7) • “The Motor-Booty Affair” (4.8) • “One Of Those Funky Things” (4.6)
TJR saysThe sixth album in five years from the pop branch of the Clinton funk empire begins with a film-esque voiceover thus: “...more →

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DIRE STRAITS
Dire Straits
Vertigo 9102-021
England
4.39 “Lame” Soft Rock / A.O.R.

Jukebox picks: “Wild West End” (5.8) • “Down To The Waterline” (5.2) • “Sultans Of Swing” (5.2)
TJR saysIt would become easy and fashionable to knock Dire Straits in the 80s, and sometimes for very good reason, but three tra...more →

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ADOLESCENT SEX
Japan
Ariola Hansa AHAL-8004
England
3.75 “Terrible” New Wave

Jukebox picks: “Don't Rain On My Parade” (5.3) • “Communist China” (5.0) • “Adolescent Sex” (4.2)
TJR saysThe debut album from this young guitar-funk 5-piece arrived in April '78, the South Londoners lining-up: David Sylvian (...more →

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HUMAN CONDITION
Canned Heat
Takoma TAK-7066
the USA
3.70 “Terrible” Blues / Rhythm n Blues; Blues Rock / Soul Rock

Jukebox picks: “Human Condition” (5.3) • “She’s Lookin’ Good” (4.4) • “Open Up Your Back Door” (4.0)
TJR saysBob Hite’s excessive drinking and drug use on stage is leading to tumultuous line-up changes behind the scenes at this t...more →

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VAN HALEN
Van Halen
Warner Bros. Records BSK-3075
the USA
3.66 “Terrible” Rock

Jukebox picks: “Runnin' With The Devil” (4.7) • “You Really Got Me” (4.5) • “Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love” (4.3)
TJR saysThe debut album from the Pasadena hard-rockers - named after the band's two Dutch brothers - arrived in February '78. Th...more →

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NEVER SAY DIE!
Black Sabbath
Vertigo 9102-751
England
3.49 “Terrible” Rock

Jukebox picks: “Never Say Die” (5.1) • “Breakout” (4.8) • “Shock Wave” (3.6)
TJR saysThe final Black Sabbath album to feature Ozzy Osbourne as the band’s lead singer starts promisingly with the “Boys Are B...more →

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HONKY TONK MASQUERADE
Joe Ely
MCA Records MCA-2333
the USA
3.48 “Terrible” Country

Jukebox picks: “Boxcars” (5.6) • “Honky Tonkin'” (4.2) • “West Texas Waltz” (3.8)
TJR saysJoe Strummer was a massive fan. There's a slinky allure with “Boxcars”, I'll give him that, but that's about yer lot...more →

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STRANGER IN TOWN
Bob Seger and The Silver Bullet Band
Capitol Records SW-11698
the USA
3.39 “Terrible” Soft Rock / A.O.R.; Rock

Jukebox picks: “Hollywood Nights” (5.0) • “We’ve Got Tonight” (4.2) • “Feel Like A Number” (3.8)
TJR saysThe tenth album in ten years from the Detroit-born singer-songwriter-guitarist, released the day before his 33rd birthda...more →

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SLEEPING ON THE JOB
Fats Domino
Antagon Musikgesellschaft ALP-3215
the USA
3.31 “Terrible” Pop

Jukebox picks: “After Hours / When I Lost My Baby” (5.7) • “Something About You Baby” (4.1) • “I Just Can’t Get (New Orleans Off My Mind)” (4.0)
TJR saysFirst new Fats Domino LP in 7 years. Dear oh dear, he’s gone all cod-funk in a Dr. Hook style. Only, my pants don’t wann...more →

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LONDON TOWN
Wings
MPL PAS-10012
England
2.99 “Dire” Pop; Soft Rock / A.O.R.

Jukebox picks: “Famous Groupies” (4.5) • “Morse Moose And The Grey Goose” (4.5) • “I’m Carrying” (4.0)
TJR saysSame quintet for the third album in a row, namely Paul McCartney (vocals, guitar, bass, keyboards, drums, percussion, vi...more →

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HERE, MY DEAR
Marvin Gaye
Tamla T-364LP2
the USA
2.96 “Dire” Soul; Disco / Funk; R n B; Soul Ballad

Jukebox picks: “A Funky Space Reincarnation” (5.3) • “Anger” (4.6) • “You Can Leave, But It’s Going To Cost You” (4.0)
TJR saysWhile I was listening to this over again for the review I was so appalled by what I was hearing that I started to doubt ...more →

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STARDUST
Willie Nelson
Columbia JC-35305
the USA
1.45 “An embarrassment” Pop Ballad; Crooner / Cabaret

Jukebox picks: “Blue Skies” (2.8) • “Stardust” (2.6) • “Moonlight In Vermont” (2.0)
TJR saysThe whole concept and execution of his “Red Headed Stranger” LP of a few years earlier delivered some decent results for...more →

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AND THEN THERE WERE THREE
Genesis
Charisma CDS-4010
England
1.20 “An embarrassment” Prog; Soft Rock / A.O.R.

Jukebox picks: “Follow You, Follow Me” (3.9) • “Down And Out” (1.8) • “Scenes From A Night’s Dream” (1.4)
TJR saysDisillusioned guitarist Steve Hackett had jumped ship, leaving Phil Collins (vocals, drums, percussion), Tony Banks (key...more →

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FAME
Grace Jones
Island Records ILPS-9525
Jamaica
1.00 “An embarrassment” Disco / Funk

Jukebox picks: “Autumn Leaves (Les Feuilles Mortes)” (2.0) • “Do Or Die” (1.4) • “All On A Summers Night” (0.9)
TJR saysApalling stuff. No character to this cabaret disco tripe. Even worse than her debut of last year and that’s saying somet...more →

see also: (B-list) Album Chart of 1978



Album Charts by year

“A-list”

1939 1940 1941 1942 1943 1944 1945 1946 1947 1948 1949 1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

“B-list”

1943 1945 1946 1950 1951 1952 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Album Charts by decade

“A-list”

1930s 1940s 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s

“B-list”

1940s 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s

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