Best Metal Songs of the ’70s

2024-12-04

Alice Cooper

In honor of the pioneers of heavy metal, we’re discussing some of the best metal songs of the ’70s. – Author: Anne Erickson, Photo via Rob Fenn

The 1970s were an interesting time in music, because the decade saw so many genres rising in popularity. From disco to rock ‘n’ roll to heavy metal, the ’70s were really an exciting period for any music fan. Even those who weren’t around during the decade can look back at the music from that time, including the best metal songs of the ’70s, and appreciate all the goodness that was happening. The 1970s were an especially interesting time for heavy metal, because the genre was starting to bloom and take on an identity all its own. In honor of these pioneers, we’re discussing some of the best metal songs of the ’70s.

Greatest Metal Songs of the ’70s

Alice Cooper, “I’m Eighteen”

Alice Cooper did shock rock before it was a thing, and in turn, he inspired generations of shock rockers to follow, from Slipknot to Mushroomhead. The Rock Hall member released a fan favorite in 1971, “I’m Eighteen.” The song became a blueprint for hard rock and metal to follow and got the decade off to a rocking, metal-heavy start.

Black Sabbath, “Iron Man”

Black Sabbath was really the quintessential metal band of the 1970s. They kicked off the decade, and their discography, in 1970 by releasing “Paranoid” and continued to release imaginative, blues-heavy metal music throughout the decade. Of all their tracks, “Iron Man,” off “Paranoid,” really sums up the Black Sabbath character and aura.

Blue Oyster Cult, “Cities on Flame With Rock and Roll”

Blue Oyster Cult often get overlooked when it comes to best-of metal tallies, but not here. On “Cities on Flame With Rock and Roll,” which arrived in 1975, Blue Oyster Cult grew a following with their big, magnificent riffing, and they would stay trendsetters for decades.

Deep Purple, “Highway Star”

Deep Purple were another influential band from the 1970s, and they had a bit more of a jam-based delivery than many of the other groups on this tally. Their 1972 “Highway Star” single was a massive metal hit that really put them on the musical map in the early part of the decade.

Judas Priest, “Victim of Changes”

Pretty much any Judas Priest track could be on this tally, because the British heavy metal band were pioneers in the 1970s. If we had to pick just one to highlight, it would be 1976’s “Victim of Changes,” although 1978’s “Exciter” is a close second. Off their “Sad Wings of Destiny” album, this song is special because even though the studio version is fantastic, many fans prefer the live in Tokyo version on “Unleashed in the East.” It’s certainly one of the greatest metal songs of the ’70s.

Led Zeppelin, “Immigrant Song”

Some might say Led Zeppelin are more hard rock than metal, and they would be right, but there’s no denying that these guys helped pave the way for the dark, heavy metal sound that thrived in the 1970s. Led Zeppelin’s 1970 song “Immigrant Song” is one of their most popular, and for good reason. Between thick, heavy guitars and Robert Plant’s raw, powerful vocals, this song epitomized Zep.

Rainbow, “Man on the Silver Mountain”

When it comes to Rainbow, perhaps no song is bigger than 1975’s “Man on the Siler Mountain.” Here, Ronnie James Dio teamed up with Deep Purple guitarist Ritchie Blackmore for a beautiful, piercing semi-religious metal anthem about redemption. Would you expect anything less grand from the mighty Dio?

Uriah Heep, “Gypsy”

Progressive metal band Uriah Heep were often overlooked by the mainstream, but that’s a shame, because they have some of the best metal riffs of all time. The band’s 1970 song “Gypsy” is a classic and features a very unique organ and menacing riff. Lyrically, the song is about a man’s dedication to his gypsy queen.

When it comes to rock in the 1970s, check out Audio Ink Radio’s tally of the best rock albums of the decade.

Anne Erickson
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Posted by Anne Erickson | Features, Metal, Music