Every Generation Should Listen to These Top '70s Songs
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The 1970s had the largest variety of music genres over any other decade. Soft rock, soul, R&B, disco, funk and hard rock all hit the No. 1 spot on the Billboard charts. It was the golden era of affordable vinyl records for everyone who owned a record player.
But the 1970s also marked the end of a music era when the world's most popular group, The Beatles, split up, along with the sudden deaths of Jimi Hendrix and Janice Joplin. The music made famous by these artists in the 1960s made way for new music from Britain with the emergence of Elton John, The Bee Gees, Led Zepplin, The Who and Black Sabbath.
In the early part of the '70s, music was heavily laced with the symbolic representation of U.S. politics and the Vietnam War. This later morphed into soulful love ballads and reminiscents of happier days. But like that gregarious friend who likes to make an entrance at parties, disco exploded onto the scene, and the world of music was forever changed.
Here's a list of Billboard's top-ranking tunes for each year released. We guarantee some of these '70s songs will bring back memories or, at the very least, become an earworm.
Bridge Over Troubled Water
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Artist: Simon & Garfunkel
Album: Bridge Over Troubled Water
Year released: 1970
Bottom Line: Bridge Over Troubled Water
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The lyrics to this famous song by Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel offer comfort to someone going through troubled times.
It was often used as a song for funerals for the family in mourning to let them know they were not alone.
'(They Long to Be) Close To You
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Artist: The Carpenters
Album: Close To You
Year released: 1970
Bottom Line: (They Long to Be) Close To You
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Originally written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, "Close To You" was one of the most beloved songs in the '70s.
The lyrics depict unrequited love — a longing to be close to someone popular and idolized by others.
American Woman
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Artist: The Guess Who
Album: American Woman
Year released: 1970
Bottom Line: American Woman
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This song's lyrics have been under debate for generations. Some say the song is about U.S. politics and is an anti-Vietnam War anthem.
Others claim that the lyrics, written by The Guess Who band member Burton Cummings, are about the difference between Canadian women and American women, stating his displeasure that U.S. females mature too quickly.
Joy to The World
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Artist: Three Dog Night
Album: Naturally
Year released: 1971
Bottom Line: Joy to The World
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Hoyt Axton originally wrote "Joy to the World" for a TV special that never made it into production. It ended up being a major hit for Three Dog Night and stayed in the No. 1 slot for six weeks.
The bullfrog Jeremiah mentioned in the song became a big part of the band's marketing in press kits and clothing.
Maggie May/Reason to Believe
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Artist: Rod Stewart
Album: Sing It Again Rod
Year released: 1971
Bottom Line: Maggie May/Reason to Believe
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"Maggie May" is a song about the conflicting emotions of a young man in a relationship with an older woman. It was Rod Stewart's first breakout hit.
"Reason to Believe" is also a song about a man hopelessly in love with a woman who is gaslighting him. The Rod Stewart version became another 1971 chart-topper alongside "Maggie May."
It's Too Late/I Feel The Earth Move
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Artist: Carole King
Album: Tapestry
Year released: 1971
Bottom Line: It's Too Late/I Feel The Earth Move
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The lyrics in "It's Too Late" address a relationship on the verge of ending with no one to blame. The romantic feelings have simply died.
In contrast, "I Feel The Earth Move" has been interpreted as being about the powerful effects of a lover and is the most sensual song on the "Tapestry" album. Both songs from the album became acclaimed No. 1 hits in 1971.
The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face
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Artist: Roberta Flack
Album: Originally released as a single
Year released: 1972
Bottom Line: The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face
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Ewan MacColl wrote this piece as an ode to Peggy Seeger, a woman he fell in love with while married to another. Roberta Flack recorded it for her 1969 album titled "First Take."
The song was largely ignored until it appeared in the Clint Eastwood movie, "Play Misty for Me." After that, the song became hugely popular, scoring the No. 1 spot in 1972.
Alone Again (Naturally)
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Artist: Gibert O'Sullivan
Album: Himself
Year released: 1972
Bottom Line: Alone Again (Naturally)
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This sad ballad is the story of a man left standing at the altar on his wedding day. Feeling as though everyone, including God, has abandoned him, he contemplates suicide. But in the end, he knows he must carry on.
The song had broad appeal due to the nature of raw emotions that spoke to many jilted lovers in the throes of depression.
American Pie
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Artist: Don McLean
Album: American Pie
Year released:1972
Bottom Line: American Pie
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As American as apple pie, this eight-minute-long song depicts the cultural and political decline of the U.S.
There are numerous historical references in the lyrics, but the overall message is clear: The world is ever-changing and is not the same as we once knew it.
Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree
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Artist: Tony Orlando and Dawn
Album: Tuneweaving
Year released: 1973
Bottom Line: Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree
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A yellow ribbon tied around a tree has long been a symbol of support for those missing in action or returning home from war. Originally the song was inspired by the story of a Civil War soldier returning home to see if his sweetheart was still waiting for him after being apart for three years.
But the song was also interpreted as showing support for returning troops from Vietnam.
Bad, Bad Leroy Brown
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Artist: Jim Croce
Album: Life and Times
Year released:1973
Bottom Line: Bad, Bad Leroy Brown
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This is the story of Leroy Brown, a dangerous man living in a bad part of Chicago. The women loved his attractive, destructive side, but other men feared him.
Then, one day he made the mistake of coming on to a married woman and her husband rearranged Leroy Brown's face.
Killing Me Softly With His Song
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Artist: Roberta Flack
Album: Killing Me Softly
Year released: 1973
Bottom Line: Killing Me Softly With His Song
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Although this song made Roberta Flack famous in 1973, it was initially co-written and sung by Lori Lieberman. The words were Lori's response to watching Don Mclean perform "American Pie."
She felt his song was directed personally to her, inspiring her to write "Killing Me Softly With His Song."
The Way We Were
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Artist: Barbra Streisand
Album: The Way We Were
Year released: 1974
Bottom Line: The Way We Were
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The title track to the movie of the same name (starring Barbra Streisand and Robert Redford) became an instant hit shortly after its release. The reflective film is about completely opposite people who fall deeply in love.
This emotionally charged song is a sad reminiscence of a past romance.
Seasons in the Sun
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Artist: Terry Jacks
Album: Seasons In The Sun
Year released: 1974
Bottom Line: Seasons in the Sun
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"Seasons in the Sun" was originally titled "Le Moribond" and sung in French.
Terry Jacks reworked the song in 1974 for a close friend who was dying of Leukemia and focused instead on the man's final farewell to loved ones.
Love's Theme
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Artist: Love Unlimited Orchestra
Album: Rhapsody In White
Year released: 1974
Bottom Line: Love's Theme
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Released as an A-side single, "Love's Theme" was written by Barry White in 1965. It later became famous in 1974 when it was used by ABC Sports as an opening song for its golf coverage.
It was also used as the closing music for an action news station franchise in the mid-1970s.
Love Will Keep Us Together
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Artist: Captain & Tennille
Album: Love Will Keep Us Together
Year released: 1975
Bottom Line: Love Will Keep Us Together
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Originally written by powerhouse team Neil Sedaka and Howard Greenfield, the song was performed by Captain & Tennille, a married couple who made the catchy tune hugely popular in 1975.
The song is an affirmation of the love between husband and wife despite whatever temptations may cross their path. It was the duo's first major hit and became their signature song.
Rhinestone Cowboy
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Artist: Glen Campbell
Album: Rhinestone Cowboy
Year released: 1975
Bottom Line: Rhinestone Cowboy
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"Rhinestone Cowboy" is the story of a cowboy struggling to make it big in the city with his songwriting skills.
Written by Larry Weiss and recorded by Glen Campbell, the song was popular with country and pop music audiences, reaching the top of the charts in 1975.
'Philadelphia Freedom
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Artist: Elton John
Album: Originally released as a single
Year released:1975
Bottom Line: 'Philadelphia Freedom
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This popular song was written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin for Elton's close friend, tennis star Billie Jean King, who had just been named the "World's No. 1 Women's Player" for the fifth time.
Elton and Billie shared a powerful, philanthropic relationship.
Silly Love Songs
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Artist: Wings
Album: Wings at the Speed of Sound
Year released: 1976
Bottom Line: Silly Love Songs
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Written by Paul and his wife Linda McCartney, "Silly Love Songs" is a sentimental yet light-hearted piece about the love they shared.
The song was the No. 1 pop song in Billboard's Year-End Charts of 1976.
Don't Go Breaking My Heart
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Artist: Elton John and Kiki Dee
Album: Originally released as a single
Year released: 1976
Bottom Line: Don't Go Breaking My Heart
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This duet performed by Elton John and Kiki Dee is about a nervous boyfriend asking his girlfriend not to break his heart.
The female assures the boyfriend that she loves him equally and will always be loyal.
Disco Lady
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Artist: Johnnie Taylor
Album: Originally released as a single
Year released: 1976
Bottom Line: Disco Lady
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"Disco Lady" was Johnnie Taylor's biggest hit when it spent four weeks at No.1 on the Billboard chart and ended up in third place for top song of the year in 1976.
Despite its title, the piece was considered an R&B song, not a disco tune.
Tonight's The Night (Gonna Be Alright)
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Artist: Rod Stewart
Album: A Night on the Town
Year released: 1977
Bottom Line: Tonight's The Night (Gonna Be Alright)
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This song was written by Neil Yong as a tribute to roadie Bruce Berry, who died of a heroin overdose. The lyrics, however, are centered on a man sensually seducing a virgin he is smitten with.
The BBC banned the song due to its risque language, but it still topped the Billboard charts in 1977, finishing out the year at No.1.
I Just Want to Be Your Everything
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Artist: Andy Gibb
Album: Flowing Rivers
Year released: 1977
Bottom Line: I Just Want to Be Your Everything
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Written by Barry Gibb and performed by younger brother Andy Gibb, this song depicts a man declaring his love for a woman he claims he cannot live without.
It was Andy's first No. 1 hit in 1977, followed by two more the following year.
Best of My Love
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Artist: The Emotions
Album: Rejoice
Year released: 1977
Bottom Line: Best of My Love
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The Emotions were the first female band to stay No.1 on the Billboard charts for five consecutive weeks.
The song was written by two Earth, Wind & Fire members and won a Grammy in 1977 for Best Rhythm & Blues Vocal Performance by a Group.
Shadow Dancing
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Artist: Andy Gibb
Album: Shadow Dancing
Year released: 1978
Bottom Line: Shadow Dancing
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This popular tune written by the Gibb brothers for Andy Gibb became another chart-topper in 1978, helping launch Andy's career even further.
The romantic lyrics center on a love-sick man longing for a relationship with a woman who is just out of his reach.
Night Fever
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Artist: Bee Gees
Album: Saturday Night Fever
Year released: 1978
Bottom Line: Night Fever
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Written and performed by the Bee Gees, "Night Fever" first appeared on the soundtrack for "Saturday Night Fever," a blockbuster movie released in 1977.
The song remained in the No. 1 slot for eight weeks in a row, the longest of any single in 1978.
You Light Up My Life
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Artist: Debby Boone
Album: You Light Up My Life
Year released:1978
Bottom Line: You Light Up My Life
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Another song that came from a movie soundtrack of the same name, "You Light Up My Life" was written by Joseph Brooks as a love song. However, Debby Boone interpreted the tune as an inspirational piece about God, which landed the song at the top of the Christian music charts.
The movie did not do well at the box office, but the breakout song for Boone remained Billboard's No. 3 hit for 1978.
My Sharona
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Artist: The Knack
Album: Get The Knack
Year released: 1979
Bottom Line: My Sharona
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Lead singer Doug Fieger of The Knack wrote the lyrics for this song, which is about his infatuation with a young student named Sharona. Both Doug and Sharona were in separate relationships, but Fieger continued to pursue the woman.
The two finally ended up dating and stayed together for four years (and were briefly engaged) before breaking things off due to Fieger's alcoholism.
Bad Girls
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Artist: Donna Summer
Album: Bad Girls
Year released: 1979
Bottom Line: Bad Girls
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Donna Summers got the idea for this song while working for her record label in Los Angeles, California. After hearing that her secretary was harassed and accused by police of being a prostitute while running errands along Sunset Boulevard, Donna was inspired to write a song about the secretary's experience.
The tune was Summer's biggest hit in the U.S. and helped her earn her "Queen of Disco" nickname.
Le Freak
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Artist: Chic
Album: C'est Chic
Year released: 1979
Bottom Line: Le Freak
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"Le Freak" was written by band members Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards as a sarcastic tribute to the infamous Studio 54 nightclub where celebrities hung out. The men were denied access to the club despite one of their songs being played there regularly.
The tune is a response to their unpleasant experience and was initially titled "F--k Off" (but later changed to the more acceptable "Le Freak").