These Are the 30 Best Songs of the 1970s
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."
Arguably one of the best decades of music, the 1970s saw the rise of disco, long shaggy hair, the continuation of the free love movement, and, of course, Rock and Roll at its height of fame. Combined with the star-studded talent of groups like Fleetwood Mac, ABBA, and Queen, the 1970s was a decade destined for greatness. To remember that glory, we put together a list of the best 1970s songs that still captivate listeners today.
These hits span genres from Rock and Roll to Country to R&B/Soul, enticing audiences who experienced the famous decade firsthand and a new crop of young listeners. Because music from the ‘70s is so iconic, many songs are still used and referenced in pop culture today (i.e. Bohemian Rhapsody (2018), a biopic of the band Queen; the Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) soundtrack, which is comprised almost exclusively of ‘70s music; and Taylor Swift’s reference to Stevie Nicks in the song “Clara Bow” off her album The Tortured Poets Department (2024)).
If you want to listen to these popular 1970s songs all in one place, make sure to check out our Spotify playlist. For more music recommendations, we have roundups of women empowerment songs, wedding songs, and the best summer songs to play next.
"Mr. Blue Sky" by Electric Light Orchestra (1977)
With a tempo that immediately puts a spring in listeners's steps, Electric Light Orchestra, otherwise known as ELC, saw great success with this second single off of their seventh studio album, Out of the Blue.
RELATED: 1970s Trivia Questions to Quiz Your Old-Head Friends
"Ain't No Sunshine" by Bill Withers (1971)
The short but hard-hitting blues tune was inspired by the movie, Days of Wine and Roses, which depicts the steep decline of a couple struggling with alcoholism. Emotional lyrics read, "Ain't no sunshine when she's gone, only darkness every day."
"Dancing Queen" by ABBA (1975)
Coined as ABBA's "biggest and most well-known hit," the song skyrocketed to number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 — making it their only song to top the chart. "Dancing Queen" debuted at the perfect time, as disco was all the rage in the latter half of the '70s.
RELATED: Best Wedding Songs to Craft the Ultimate Playlist for Your Big Day
"September" by Earth, Wind & Fire (1978)
Mixing disco with spirituality, "September" depicts a night of love that makes you want to groove. Funnily enough, there is no great significance to the 21st of September — part of the song's opening line. It simply has a good mouth feel, according to writer Maurice White.
"Rock Steady" by Aretha Franklin (1971)
In 1971, the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin came out with the single "Rock Steady," a song about dancing, which the disco decade could surely relate to. The song was penned entirely by Franklin, along with three other tracks from the same album, Young, Gifted, and Black.
"Rich Girl" by Daryl Hall & John Oates (1976)
As Hall & Oates's first number one single, "Rich Girl" set the stage for their '80s stardom. Although the lyrics call out to a woman, the song is actually about a man who came from great money and privilege. Reportedly, he knows the song is about him.
"Last Dance" by Donna Summer (1978)
Did disco even exist without Summer? Known as the "Queen of Disco," Summer released this smash in '78. The song won a Grammy, Academy Award, and Golden Globe. The icon sadly passed away in 2012, but a documentary about her life titled "Love to Love You, Donna Summer" debuted a couple of years back. It follows the ups and downs of the singer's personal life and her contribution to music.
"Piano Man" by Billy Joel (1973)
With lyrics that act more as a story than a song, "Piano Man" outlines Joel's perspective as a short-lived lounge performer, where he would hear about the lives of patrons and workers. The tune is very slice of life and speaks to the idea that everyone is going through something.
"Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen (1975)
This operatic rock ballad and nearly six-minute song broke many of the music industry's rules at the time, thanks to its length and genre, but that was just frontman Freddie Mercury's style. The song later became the title for Queen's 2018 biographical film starring Remi Malek.
"Imagine" by John Lennon (1971)
Hailed as "one of the most influential songs of the 20th century," "Imagine" came a year after The Beatles broke up. The song portrays a world of hope, tinged by a touch of sadness. "You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one. I hope someday you'll join us, and the world will be as one."
"Highway to Hell" by AC/DC (1979)
Representing life on the road, "Highway to Hell" is a popular road trip song and hard rock staple. The tune marks the opening of AC/DC's sixth studio album under the same name. It speaks of a barrenness that's equal parts limitless and inspiring.
RELATED: Best Halloween Songs to Add to Your Spooktacular Party Playlist
"Let's Get It On" by Marvin Gaye (1973)
No dual meaning here, "Let's Get It On" is a sensual song about connection. It's set to the enticing sound of saxophones, strings, and groovy bass. Debuting during the free love movement of the '60s and late '70s, the song couldn't have come at a better time.
"Come and Get Your Love" by Redbone (1973)
Breaking records as the first song by an all-Native American and Mexican-American band to enter the Billboard Top 10, the song and band combined disco with politics, bringing attention to native artists and the idea that what you believe is greater than who and where you come from.
"American Pie" by Don McLean (1971)
Coining the term "the day the music died" after the 1959 passing of singers Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and the Big Bopper, the song reflects on the influence American singers and songwriters have on the greater music landscape.
"Let It Be" by The Beatles (1970)
Of all the chart-topping hits written by the Beatles, none stand out as much as one of their last collaborations, "Let It Be." The soft rock piano tune was written by Beatles band member, Paul McCartney, about his feelings of the group's impending breakup.
"Superstition" by Stevie Wonder (1972)
Initially written by Wonder as a song for another artist, Wonder was encouraged to keep the song for himself because of its believed success. And those encouragers were right. The song became his first number-one hit, earning him two Grammys for 'Best Rhythm & Blues Song' and 'Best R&B Vocal Performance.'
"Hotel California" by Eagles (1976)
The classic rock/country rock song talks about the enticing yet convoluted pull of California, and more aptly Los Angeles, amidst the ambiance of 12-string guitars, bass, and percussion. The hit song went on to win the 1978 Grammy for 'Record of the Year.'
"December, 1963 (Oh What A Night)" by Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons (1975)
Ranking number-one on the Billboard Hot 100 after its release, "December, 1963 (Oh What A Night)" combined the group's well-known harmonies with a disco beat that was more emblematic of the time.
"Landslide" by Fleetwood Mac (1975)
Fleetwood Mac member Stevie Nicks masters reflection, emotion, and relation in the folk-rock hit, making it a timeless classic that listeners can still resonate with today. Popular lyrics read, "Can I sail through the changin' ocean tides? Can I handle the seasons of my life?"
"Rocket Man (I Think It's Going to Be A Long, Long Time)" by Elton John (1972)
Drawing inspiration from Ray Bradbury's short story titled, The Rocket Man, Elton John's longtime collaborator Bernie Taupin wrote the soft rock hit "Rocket Man." The song would later go on to inspire the 2019 musical biography movie of the same name.
"More Than A Feeling" by Boston (1976)
Coming together over the span of five years, Boston member Tom Scholz namedrops his cousin in the hard rock tune. "When I hear that old song they used to play (More than a feeling), I begin dreaming (More than a feeling) 'til I see Marianne walk away."
"Lean On Me" by Bill Withers (1972)
Simple and straightforward, Withers sings about the beauty in helping others in this soulful hit. "I'll be your friend. I'll help you carry on. For it won't be long 'til I'm gonna need somebody to lean on." Over 10 years after its release and covered by a new group, Club Nouveau, Withers won a Grammy for the song's lyricism.
"What's Going On" by Marvin Gaye (1971)
With profound lyrics about the political and cultural landscape of the '70s, Marvin Gaye released "What's Going On." A song he made in just 10 days that touches on war, brutality, love, and other vast and enduring topics.
"Jolene" by Dolly Parton (1973)
While the story told in the lyrics of "Jolene" is true, the now infamous name does not reveal the true identity of the woman with a crush on Parton's husband. Rather, the name came from a young fan for whom Parton signed an autograph.
"Best of My Love" by The Emotions (1977)
With Earth, Wind & Fire's industry influence and presence on the track, sister trio The Emotions was able to create the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart-topper and Grammy-winning song, "Best of My Love" — the group's biggest hit.
"Mammas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys" by Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson (1978)
Initially recorded by Waylon Jennings, the singer felt something was missing in the song, so he brought it to Willie Nelson and pitched it as a duet. The song was a success, winning the 1979 Grammy for 'Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.'
"Mamma Mia" by ABBA (1975)
The Eurovision-winning band ABBA saw a dip in success after their breakout hit, "Waterloo," but "Mamma Mia" their last record to be recorded for their third studio album, ABBA, turned out to be the song that cemented them as more than a one-hit-wonder. After the song took off, the music industry took the band more seriously, with greater promotion and playtime.
"I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor (1978)
With women's rights at the forefront of politics and discussion in the 1970s, Gloria Gaynor came out with a smash hit about women's independence. "I Will Survive" chronicles a woman's intolerance for cheating and power in newfound solitude.
RELATED: Best Women Empowerment Songs to Inspire You During Women's History Month and Beyond
"Dream On" by Aerosmith (1973)
"Dream On" was Aerosmith's first-ever single and one that frontman Steven Tyler wrote when he was just a teenager. Receiving minimal success during its debut, the song was re-released after their third album with much greater reception, peaking at number six on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.
"Stayin' Alive" by Bee Gees (1977)
Created as a track for the disco film Saturday Night Fever (1977), "Stayin' Alive" became one of the greatest and most popular songs to ever arise from a movie soundtrack. Funnily enough, the song also doubles as a great metronome for practicing CPR.
You Might Also Like
