Greatest songs of the 70s

The s was a fantastic decade for music, with so many different genres setting greatest songs of the 70s charts alight. We may have mourned the demise of The Beatles inbut the decade also brought glam rock, disco, punk, new wave, funk and more. Whatever kind of music you preferred, there was something for everybody, and everyone looked fabulous all the while. We've picked ultimate key tracks that summed up the s.

As Western culture worked itself into a complicated cultural froth, the early Seventies reflected those complexities in its hit parade with music that was evocative, entertaining and, for better or worse, unavoidable. Which is to say that the tunes on this list constitute much of the DNA of anyone alive at the time. Radio still mattered more than TV, and our seemingly endless culture wars were only beginning. New constituencies were arising and pop had even started reflecting on its own history. It was the best of times, it was the — oh, you know. The Seventies was quite possibly the Western world's sexiest decade.

Greatest songs of the 70s

The year was a remarkable one for music, as it witnessed the emergence of new genres, styles, and sounds that would shape the musical landscape for decades to come. From rock to pop, from soul to folk, from funk to country, the best songs of captured the diversity, creativity, and spirit of a turbulent era. Whether you are a fan of classic hits or curious about the musical history of the '70s, you will find something to enjoy in this list of the best songs of Written by General Norman Johnson and Ronald Dunbar, the song narrates the struggles of a young man named Patches, who works hard to support his family after his father passes away. The poignant lyrics and Carter's heartfelt delivery evoke deep empathy, making it a touching portrayal of resilience and responsibility. The song's success earned Carter a Grammy Award nomination, solidifying his reputation as a soul and blues powerhouse. The song's infectious groove, energetic brass section, and Brown's electrifying vocal performance made it an instant classic. Its raw energy and provocative lyrics challenged societal norms, making it a cultural touchstone of the era. The track showcased a funkier sound, laying the groundwork for the funk music explosion in the s. Brown's innovative approach to rhythm and his tight band, The J. The track's impact extended beyond its initial release, influencing generations of musicians and becoming a staple in hip-hop and dance music. Its iconic bassline and dynamic rhythm have been sampled and emulated in countless songs, cementing its legacy in the annals of music history. Written and composed by Ray Dorset, the song's infectious melody, combined with its playful lyrics and upbeat vibe, made it an instant hit. The track celebrates the joys of summer, with its memorable chorus and laid-back feel resonating with audiences around the world.

With the groundwork for a new sense of aesthetic and personal freedom laid in the swinging 60s, people experimented with their sound, look and entire persona in more and more extreme ways.

The best 70s songs? There was simply too much going on throughout the world to accurately reflect the best music of the 70s. The best songs of the 70s do the same, pointing the way to music and art that demands your attention. Build your 70s music collection on vinyl with classic titles and under—the—radar favorites. There had already been incredibly popular music coming from Africa for decades, but the 70s saw a few singular artists emerge that would have an enormous impact. Fela Kuti pioneered Afrobeat with legendary drummer Tony Allen, while Mulatu Astatke mixed jazz, Latin music, and his native Ethiopian sounds into a complete unique concoction. People often mistake softness for weakness.

Emerging genres blended with the themes of the 60s that were so popular, and we ended up with numerous hit songs that are still incredibly popular today. Made up of four main sections and an introduction including a ballad, an operatic passage, a hard rock section, and a reflective ending, the song runs the gamut of everything you could ask for in a single track. It remains legendary, iconic, and a track that pushes the boundaries of what is possible in music today. The Beatles started the 70s off by breaking up , creating one of the biggest musical breakups in history. Let It Be was released as part of their album and was one of the most poetic ways they could have said goodbye to us. The song showcased the talents of Paul McCartney on the mic and walked the thin line between toughness and tenderness, a firm but caring track that told the world to just let them go. The track itself is one of the all-time disco classics and remains a bop today. It would go on to dominate the charts in the US, becoming their most popular song and one of the most recognizable tunes of the 70s.

Greatest songs of the 70s

Every item on this page was chosen by a The Pioneer Woman editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. Ahh, the s—what a time to be alive. But even if you weren't movin' and groovin' during the decade and sporting the fun clothing that now makes for some great '70s Halloween costumes , anyone can appreciate the amazing movies and music of the era. While these artists produced very different sounds, they all have one thing in common: They created some of the best '70s songs of all time. Regardless of what type of music you prefer, you'll appreciate the hits on this list. They totally defined the decade, after all! The moment you press play, these iconic '70s songs will transport you back to an era filled with bell-bottoms, hot pants, and platform shoes.

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See more More Features. Written by Ron Dunbar and Edythe Wayne, the song's poignant lyrics, combined with Payne's soulful delivery, create a powerful narrative of unfulfilled expectations and shattered dreams. Your email address will not be published. Its infectious charm and feel-good vibe made it a favourite among listeners during the early s. The song's universal themes and Lightfoot's evocative delivery continue to captivate listeners, making it a timeless classic in the folk music genre. The song's catchy melody and Mitchell's distinctive voice deliver a poignant message about the impact of human activities on nature. Roxy Music - Dance Away. The song's success was remarkable, reaching the number one spot on the UK Singles Chart and the top ten in several other countries. It was later revealed that the song concerned a crush Prince had at the time on pianist and singer Patrice Rushen. This rapid creation process contributed to the song's raw emotion and authenticity. Onstage, John would use the tune as a launching pad for ever-changing jams that would extend from New Orleans piano polyrhythms to New Age noodling. Its drive and thrash build to a delirious — some think epileptic — height before rattling away to silence. Released in from the album of the same name, it cemented Lennon as a songwriting genius on his own right following the breakup of The Beatles the year before. The name 'Layla' references a character from a 12th-century Persian poem, symbolizing forbidden love and heartache. Dewey Bunnell explained that the song was "a metaphor for a vehicle to get away from life's confusion into a quiet, peaceful place".

The best 70s songs? There was simply too much going on throughout the world to accurately reflect the best music of the 70s. The best songs of the 70s do the same, pointing the way to music and art that demands your attention.

It reached number one in the States, and it has been covered by countless artists ever since. Features Latest News. And when he erupts into a climactic shout of "Just look over your shoulders, honey" that echoes the Four Tops "Reach Out I'll Be There ," he's glancing back at the past to suggest greatness to come. Michael Jackson. The s were when icons were born. One of the seeds from which all of punk rock would grow thereafter. The lyrics were about the concern felt by Joe Strummer about world events that year, referring to "a nuclear error" at Three Mile Island. TV and Film. Serene, pristine and deranged, nobody should underestimate quite how shocking it was when the teenaged Bush emerged to the world with this haunting piano melodrama of her own creation. It may have been released in but this iconic track has stood the test of time to be featured in plenty of movies and TV shows over the years. Ian Dury scored a number one with this quirky million-seller in early Its Muscle Shoals arrangement, meanwhile, tapped deeply, if perhaps a little too nonchalantly, into early Jamaican reggae. This list wouldn't be complete without the one and only Gladys Knight. This version allowed listeners to experience the song as McCartney had intended, showcasing the beauty of his songwriting and emphasizing the melancholic beauty of 'The Long and Winding Road. We've picked ultimate key tracks that summed up the s.