Forgotten Classic Rock Songs of the ’70s
We’re highlighting forgotten classic rock songs of the ’70s that need their due. These songs deserve more attention. – Author: Anne Erickson, Artwork via Reprise
So many fantastic classic rock songs hail from the ’70s that it’s easy to forget that a lot of great classic rock songs from that era didn’t get the love they deserved. While songs such as “Stairway to Heaven” from Led Zeppelin and “Hotel California” from the Eagles ruled the airwaves for that decade and decades to follow, some songs from that era were overlooked and, sadly, forgotten. But, that’s not the case any longer, because we’re highlighting forgotten classic rock songs of the ’70s that need their due.
The Best Forgotten Classic Rock Songs of the ’70s
Blue Oyster Cult, “This Ain’t The Summer of Love”
Blue Oyster Cult may be known for hits such as “The Reaper” and “Burnin’ for You,” but they should really get some acclaim for “This Ain’t The Summer of Love.” The 1976 track is the opening track on the band’s “Agents of Fortune” album and features a great, hard rock vibe. It references the “Summer of Love” statement that marketers used to monetize on the hippie movement in 1967, per Genius.
Electric Light Orchestra, “Telephone Line”
Here’s a song that just doesn’t get the respect it deserves. That was the case when it came out in the mid-1970s and is still the case today. “Telephone Line” arrived on Electric Light Orchestra’s “A New World Record” album. It was a success, topping the charts across the world, but it just doesn’t seem to have the impact of other songs from that era. With its incredible guitars and sonics, it really should, though.
Fleetwood Mac, “Station Man”
Fleetwood Mac’s “Station Man” is one of the earlier songs on this tally, having been released in 1970. It’s off the group’s “Kiln House” record and has an incredible twin guitar attack that is all its town. It’s one of the “heavier” songs for Fleetwood Mac and shows how much they could rock it, even in their very early days.
Genesis, “Supper’s Ready”
One of the reasons “Supper’s Ready” by Genesis never got its due with the mainstream is because the song is a lengthy 23 minutes long. Still, the 1972 release is a symphonic rock opus. The lyrics from Peter Gabriel tell the late of a personal adventure through the “Book of Revelation” with the themes of good versus evil. He also sings about some real-life experiences, so this is a very deep and special song. You really can’t go wrong with Genesis. This one is underrated.
Led Zeppelin, “Tangerine”
Led Zeppelin is known for their blockbuster rock songs, but don’t overlooking their lesser-known gem “Tangerine.” Here, Led Zeppelin have a dark-sounding folk-rock ballad, with lyrics that center around lost love. It features lightly strummed, acoustic guitar and pedal steel, giving it a very folk vibe and less of the hard rock for which Led Zeppelin is known. What’s interesting is that Jimmy Page and his band the Yardbirds recorded an early version of the song in 1968, called “Knowing That I’m Losing You.” It’s also a popular song to cover.
While you’re enjoying the ’70s sounds in this article, check out some of the best rock albums from the ’70s, too.
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