While I don't agree with Ironman that nothing good came out in the 80s (just 3 examples off the top of my head: R.E.M., Hüsker Dü, Public Enemy, not to speak of the 2nd British invasion), I agree with him that the 70s were better overall.

Stevie Wonder (my favorite artist of the 70s), David Bowie, Devo, Iggy Pop, Blondie, Kraftwerk, John Lennon, Steely Dan, Rickie Lee Jones, Prince started his career, Michael Jackson created his best album (imo), Aretha Franklin (well, it wasn't her best decade, but she just belongs in any list about great music), Al Green, Curtis Mayfield, The Sugarhill Gang, Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five, Earth Wind & Fire, KC & the Sunshine Band, CSN&Y, Neil Young, Carole King, Fleetwood Mac, King Crimson, Manfred Mann's Earth Band, The Allmann Brothers Band, Joni Mitchell had her best decade and yes, there were also Pink Floyd, Supertramp, Abba and Elton John.

70s music rules (only the 60s were better).

Did I miss someone? Olivia Newton-John, Diana Ross, The Eagles and The Bee Gees probably, but I don't want to put them next to the artists above.

Oh damn, how could I forget about Marvin Gaye!! What's Going On and Let's Get It On are two of my most favourite albums of the 70s. I'm ashamed of myself...

^^^I gotta download some Fleetwood Mac to my MP3 player. I'd forgotten all about them.

I'm a fan of music. I've gotten to the point where I really can't listen to the radio anymore. Maybe I'm just getting old, but as time progresses, I listen to more diverse, older music. Since the 90's (Gin Blossoms, Goo Goo Dolls, Counting Crows, Blues Traveler) things seem like they've really gone downhill.

Back on topic: Thanks for the awesome list of artists!

70's:

80's:

game, set, match.

I'll say 80's. But 50's beats both.