The Best Songs of the ’70s
The 1970s was a decade filled with fantastic, blockbuster rock songs, and here, we celebrate the best songs of the ’70s. – Author: Anne Erickson, Photo via Rocket Entertainment – Ben Gibson
The 1970s was a decade filled with fantastic, blockbuster rock songs, and many of those songs are still popular today. The best songs of the ’70s topped the charts, both mainstream and rock, and showcased great instrumentalists and powerhouse vocalists. It’s really difficult to imagine what the musical landscape would be like without the catalog of unforgettable songs from the ’70s and rock bands that became the basis of the classic rock genre. Today’s music, indeed, was greatly influenced by the blueprint left behind by the greats of the ’70s. In honor of this delightful decade, we present some of the greatest songs of the ’70s for your reading and listening pleasure.
Best Songs of the ’70s
ABBA, “Dancing Queen”
Sure, when one thinks of the 1970s music, a lot of legendary classic rock bands come to mind. But, one band that was deeply rooted in disco and dance that was huge in the 1970s was ABBA. Their 1976 hit “Dancing Queen” was a phenomenon all its own. “Dancing Queen” is still a viral hit today and plastered all over social media.
Bee Gees, “Stayin’ Alive”
Aside from the big hard rock songs of the 1970s, the Bee Gees ruled the decade with their mix of funk, disco and R&B. Their 1977 hit “Stayin’ Alive” is a classic and turned the Bee Gees into one of the most exciting and popular bands of the decade. That groove is more than infectious.
Earth Wind & Fire, “September”
Earth Wind & Fire brought the funk to the 1970s and helped make the genre one of the biggest of that era. We’d be remiss to leave them off this tally. Their 1978 hit “September” is a mid-tempo, fiery funk anthem with a deep groove that begs the listener to dance.
Elton John, “Rocket Man”
Elton John is one of the greatest pop acts of all time, and he really achieved massive mainstream success with his 1972 hit, “Rocket Man.” After this song hit the airwaves, John’s career went up, up and up, and he went multiplatinum. It’s also been covered by many artists.
Led Zeppelin, “Stairway to Heaven”
Could you imagine a list of the greatest songs of the ’70s without Led Zeppelin and “Stairway To Heaven?” Definitely not. This song is simply one of the most iconic in all of rock music. It’s chord progressions are instantly recognizable, and Robert Plant’s vocals can give the listener goosebumps. “Stairway To Heaven” is simply magical.
Queen, “Bohemian Rhapsody”
In 1975, Queen changed the musical world by releasing “Bohemian Rhapsody,” off “With a Night at the Opera.” Never before had a rock band attempted to do such a grand-sounding piece of music, and boy, they pulled it off.
Stevie Wonder, “Superstition”
Motown was a big part of the ’70s, bringing lots of soul and swagger to the decade. Stevie Wonder is one of the greatest, and he gifted the world “Superstition” in 1972. This rhythmic track is absolutely infectious from start to finish and remains one of his most popular songs.
The Eagles, “Hotel California”
It doesn’t get much more iconic than the Eagles with their 1976 hit, “Hotel California.” These guys were just everything that was right about the guitar-centered rock era of that decade. “Hotel California” became one of the greatest songs of the ’70s and the entire classic hits movement.
Van Halen, “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love”
Eddie Van Halen and company are a total rock fest on their 1978 hit, “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love.” Even if they aren’t talking about love, audiences were loving everything about this track. It even has an electric sitar.
Find some forgotten rock songs from the 1970s in this additional Audio Ink Radio feature, too.
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