Exploring the best 70s songs for nostalgia or discovering iconic tunes?
You’re in the right place!
We’ve curated ’70s classics that continue to captivate.
Relive the era’s magic with our timeless selection. Groove to the ultimate 70s songs in no time!
1. “God Save The Queen” by Sex Pistols
One of the music genres that thrived in the 1970s is punk.
And when you think about punk, one of the first things that comes to mind is: Sex Pistols.
And not only have they disrupted the music scene with their “God Save The Queen” but they also crashed Queen Elizabeth’s Silver Jubilee celebration.
2. “Dance Away” by Roxy Music
The greatest songs of the 70s also include some soft melodies.
Although “Dance Away” by Roxy Music didn’t hit number one, it was one of the best-selling singles in the UK.
3. “Stayin’ Alive” by Bee Gees
Another genre that thrived in the 70s is, of course, disco music.
And is there a better way to describe 70s disco hits than with Bee Gees?
“Stayin’ Alive” is undoubtedly one of the most popular 70s songs.
And it’s still alive!
4. “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen
When it comes to the most impactful 70’s songs, it’s impossible not to mention “Bohemian Rhapsody.”
This 6-minute suite was entirely written by Freddie Mercury.
“Bohemian Rhapsody” became the band’s signature song as well as one of the greatest hits of all time.
5. “Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac
Another band that released some of their best work in the 70s is Fleetwood Mac.
Released in 1977, their iconic song “Dreams” reached the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100.
It also sold more than one million copies.
6. “Heroes” by David Bowie
We’ve already mentioned that the 1970s was a decade when many icons showed up.
Well, Bowie was one of them.
And his track “Heroes” was life-changing – both for music history and his fans around the world.
7. “Mr. Blue Sky” by ELO
This epic pop-rock song is also one of the best songs of the 70s.
The song ranked number four when it was released.
It also became popular among younger generations after being used in the Guardians of the Galaxy OST.
8. “London Calling” by The Clash
Not everyone gets to be in the Grammy Hall of Fame.
But The Clash with their “London Calling” album has a well-deserved spot there.
And their iconic 70s hit of the same name is one of the most significant songs of the decade.
9. “Heart Of Glass” by Blondie
Without a doubt, Blondie’s “Heart Of Glass” is one of the most danceable 70s hit songs.
Disco vibes, Debbie Harry’s unmatched energy, and familiar, carefree melodies…
Yes, we still love it.
10. “I Feel Love” by Donna Summer
Another 70s song we still can’t get out of our heads is “I Feel Love” by Donna Summer.
It’s actually incredible how fresh this tune sounds.
“I Feel Love” is also considered the very first house record.
11. “Blitzkrieg Bop” by the Ramones
It seems like 70s music was really affected by punk legends.
And one of those legends is, of course, the Ramones.
Hey ho, let’s go!
12. “Psycho Killer” by Talking Heads
“Psycho Killer” is another iconic song of the 70s.
Many sources claim that the song is a result of lead singer David Byrne trying to write an Alice Cooper song.
But it’s simply vintage Talking Heads.
13. “Imagine” by John Lennon
In 1971, John Lennon had a vision of a different world.
His timeless song “Imagine” eventually became a peace anthem.
And it’s still considered one of the most impactful songs ever written.
14. “Tiny Dancer” by Elton John
Hold me closer, tiny dancer…
Many agree that this is one of the most beautiful songs from the 70s.
Nevertheless, it’s undeniably a timeless classic.
15. “They Long To Be (Close To You)” by the Carpenters
This soft, heartfelt 70s song won multiple awards and ‘entered’ the Grammy Hall of Fame.
Therefore, it’s fair to say that it’s one of the greatest songs of the 70s.
16. “Le Freak” by Chic
Get ready for some serious dancing.
Besides being one of the most popular 70’s music hits, it’s also one of the best party songs of all time.
17. “American Woman” by The Guess Who
“American Woman” is also considered one of the 70s greatest hits.
At first, the song doesn’t sound like a legendary 70s song.
And that build-up and change of pace turns things around…
18. “Hooked On A Feeling” by Blue Swede
With that beginning of the song, you can’t miss Blue Swede’s “Hooked On A Feeling.”
In essence, it’s an ultimate feel-good song.
And we’re still hooked on it.
19. “Crazy Horses” by The Osmonds
The 1970s was definitely full of crazy sounds.
And The Osmonds contributed to the 70s rock scene with their hit “Crazy Horses” released in 1972.
20. “Could It Be I’m Falling In Love” by The Spinners
The Spinners and Atlantic Records released this soulful masterpiece in 1972.
Who says that 70s music doesn’t have R&B/soul jams?
21. “Don’t Stop Til’ You Get Enough” by Michael Jackson
Speaking of the roots of R&B, soul, and pop…
Released in 1979, this smashing hit is still a popular tune in clubs, parties, and weddings.
So it definitely passed the test of time.
Also, “Don’t Stop Til’ You Get Enough” was the first short film of Michael Jackson‘s solo career.
22. “Caravan” by Van Morrison
“Caravan” was taken from Van Morrison’s album “Moondance”, one of the best albums released in 1970.
Soulful melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and Van Morrison’s soothing voice… It doesn’t get better than that.
23. “Comfortably Numb” by Pink Floyd
Let your mind drift through Pink Floyd’s “Comfortably Numb.”
This iconic song was allegedly inspired by Roger Waters’ sensations after being injected with tranquilizers before one of the shows.
Well, it makes sense.
24. “Ballroom Blitz” by The Sweet
“Ballroom Blitz” by British glam rock band The Sweet was released as a single in 1973.
And it quickly topped the charts, especially in Canada.
25. “Superstition” by Stevie Wonder
Although Stevie Wonder wasn’t really superstitious, this track got him another level of fame.
“Superstition” is undeniably one of the most popular 70s songs.
And it probably has one of the most popular basslines of all time.
26. “Mind Your Own Business” by Delta 5
Although it’s not as famous as “Superstition”, this whimsical track was a big hit in the 70s.
And that’s why it deserves a spot on every 70s songs list.
27. “International Feel” by Todd Rundgren
Todd Rundgren also made an impact on the 70s rock scene.
And his “International Feel” is certainly worth listening to, especially if you like progressive rock.
28. “Stairway To Heaven” by Led Zeppelin
We don’t have to make a big introduction for this legendary band.
And “Stairway To Heaven” is arguably one of the most memorable songs in music history.
29. “Transmission” by Joy Division
Joy Division added a different kind of sound to the 70s music specter.
Their uniquely dark atmosphere and captivating tracks really made an impact on many future artists.
“Transmission” is a part of their iconic album “Unknown Pleasures.”
30. “Brown Sugar” by The Rolling Stones
Of course, the 1970s were also an era of one of the most enduring bands, the Rolling Stones.
“Brown Sugar” is taken from “Sticky Fingers”, an album released on their new, and own label Rolling Stones Records in 1971.
31. “Walk On The Wild Side” by Lou Reed
Lou Reed’s solo success is marked by “Walk On The Wild Side.”
There is something very raw and simple about this song.
And that’s why it probably still sounds fresh and inspiring.
32. “Dancing Queen” by ABBA
The 70s music scene was largely affected by the success of the Swedish group ABBA.
After all, their signature song “Dancing Queen” is considered one of the greatest pop songs ever written.
And we can see why – it’s hard to describe the feeling of freedom and happiness you get when it comes up.
33. “Das Model” by Kraftwerk
Another European 70s music sensation came from Germany.
However, “Das Model” didn’t become a universal hit until the early 1980s.
Nevertheless, it’s considered one of the most innovative songs made in the 70s.
34. “What’s Going On” by Marvin Gaye
This soulful masterpiece with an important message was released in 1971.
The single reached number 2 in the US.
Plus, Gaye’s album made it to the top of NME’s all-time albums list in 1985.
35. “Family Affair” by Sly & The Family Stone
This is undeniably one of the most popular songs about family.
But it’s also one of the greatest 70s hits.
It was actually the group’s third #1 in America.
36. “My Sharona” by The Knack
“My Sharona” is The Knack’s debut single released at the end of the decade.
Lyrically, the song is about a girl lead singer Doug Fieger liked.
So, the meaning of the song is quite straightforward – and it fits.
37. “Free Bird” by Lynyrd Skynyrd
“Free Bird” is a rock classic.
And one of the most memorable songs from the 70s.
Moreover, the “Free Bird” solo comes at Number 8 on Guitar World’s list of the 100 Greatest Guitar Solos of All Time.
38. “Jolene” by Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” is one of the greatest country hits of all time.
It’s a rather lively tune, but when you look at the lyrics, you’ll realize how heartbreaking it actually is.
Also, Miley Cyrus did a really nice cover version of the song in 2012.
39. “Joy To The World” by Three Dog Night
Formed in 1967, Three Dog Night are still rocking.
However, only one original member is still in the band, but the fact that they’re still actively touring is impressive.
And “Joy To The World” is their most popular recording.
40. “Smoke On The Water” by Deep Purple
Of course, we didn’t forget about that iconic 4-note riff.
And the story behind it is also iconic – the song was inspired by the smoke spreading over lake Geneva.
The smoke came from a burning casino that caught fire during a Frank Zappa concert.
41. “Lust For Life” by Iggy Pop
This song immediately reminds me of “Trainspotting.”
But of course, most people associate it with the fresh rock sounds of the late 1970s.
The song still sounds as lively as ever – it simply evokes a lust for life.
42. “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor
“I Will Survive” is undeniably one of the top hits of the 1970s.
In the song, Gloria Gaynor sings about inner strengths developed after a tough breakup.
And the song definitely survived – after all these years, it’s still a hit.
43. “American Pie” by Don McLean
Don McLean’s “American Pie” was the number-one US hit for four weeks in 1972.
And the popular phrase “the day the music died” refers to a plane crash that killed early rock and roll stars including Buddy Holly.
44. “Paranoid” by Black Sabbath
“Paranoid” was one of the most impactful rock/metal songs of the 70s.
The lyrics were supposedly written by and about bassist Geezer Butler, whom the band often called paranoid.
And according to the band, the song took only 20 minutes to write – almost unbelievable.
45. “YMCA” by Village People
You can describe “YMCA” in so many ways – the greatest dance hit, a beloved sing-along song, the most predictable karaoke choice…
But one thing is for sure: “YMCA” is one of the most popular songs of the seventies.
And it’s still played on the radio and at many sporting events.
46. “You’re The One That I Want” by Grease
This ultimate 70s playlist isn’t complete without John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John.
“You’re The One That I Want” was a life-changing single for Olivia Newton-John, and one of the most played songs in the ‘70s.
47. “Dream On” by Aerosmith
“Dream On” is taken from Aerosmith’s debut studio album released in 1973.
Considering it’s their first album, it’s actually impressive how good (and fully formed) they sounded.
And their single “Dream On” really withstands the test of time.
48. “Heart Of Gold” by Neil Young
Another 70s song that never gets old is “Heart Of Gold” by Neil Young.
Although he released countless unforgettable songs, this is the singer’s only number 1 hit.
Nevertheless, this song really is pure gold.
49. “Get Up I Feel Like A Sex Machine” by James Brown
James Brown’s iconic funky tune is undeniably one of the best 70s songs.
The song also has a well-deserved spot on Rolling Stone magazine’s list of the 500 greatest songs of all time.
50. “Let It Be” by The Beatles
One of the songs that marked the beginning of this decade is “Let It Be” by The Beatles.
It’s taken from the band’s 12th and final album of the same name.
And it’s a perfect ending to our list of the best 70s songs of all time.
Let it be, let it be…
Wrapping Up Our List of the Best 70s Songs
Picking the best songs of the 70s wasn’t an easy task.
There are so many great 70s songs out there.
But, all of the songs we mentioned today made an impact on this music era and the world in general.
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