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Albums First Released in 1979

Post-punk, new wave and electronic music moved quickly in 1979, even as major rock and pop albums dominated sales. Notable albums first released in 1979 include London Calling by The Clash, Off the Wall by Michael Jackson, Unknown Pleasures by Joy Division and The Wall by Pink Floyd.

The decade ended without a single centre. Michael Jackson pointed towards modern pop, Joy Division towards post-punk, the Clash absorbed reggae and rockabilly, and Pink Floyd expanded the concept album to stadium scale.

Browse new vinyl editions alongside second-hand copies.

Our Pick of the Year: London Calling by The Clash

London Calling expanded punk without abandoning its urgency. The Clash moved through reggae, ska, rockabilly, soul and hard rock on songs such as the title track, Clampdown and Train in Vain. The double album feels broad because the band treated genre as material to use rather than a boundary to respect.

Explore the year before or after

1978 Vinyl Records  |  1980 Vinyl Records  |  All years