1970s
1979 in British Music
Thatcher enters No. 10, the Walkman arrives, and 2 Tone unites Britain.
The Story of 1979
A year of extraordinary musical richness, as punk's energy spread into every corner of British music. The Jam released 'Setting Sons', their masterpiece of sharp, observational songwriting, with 'The Eton Rifles' cutting through the class divide. The Police released 'Reggatta de Blanc', their breakthrough, with 'Message in a Bottle' showing their pop-reggae fusion at its peak. Joy Division released 'Unknown Pleasures', produced by Martin Hannett, a cold, beautiful masterpiece that invented a new kind of rock. Gary Numan's 'Cars' and 'Are Friends Electric?' with Tubeway Army were the sound of the future – cold, synth-driven and utterly alien. The Specials released 'Gangsters', launching the 2 Tone ska revival that mixed black and white musicians in a period of racial tension. Madness were right behind them. Margaret Thatcher became Prime Minister in May, and the political backdrop would define the decade. The Clash released the double album 'London Calling', transcending punk to incorporate rockabilly, reggae, soul and pop. The chart was a glorious mess – from disco to post-punk to synth-pop to ska. 1979 was British music's richest transitional year.
Key Events
The Specials and Madness lead the 2 Tone ska revival — black and white musicians united
Joy Division release Unknown Pleasures — post-punk's dark masterpiece
Pink Floyd's The Wall released — one of the last great concept albums
Dominant Genres
Notable Trends
- →Sony Walkman changes how and where people listen to music
- →2 Tone movement brings racial unity message to pop's centre stage
- →Synthesizers become affordable — electronic music democratises
Key Artists of 1979
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