Rediscover the Magic: Timeless 70s Love Songs That Still Resonate Today

The 1970s, a decade of bell-bottoms, disco balls, and a seismic shift in music, gifted us with an incredible collection of love songs. From soulful ballads to soft rock anthems, the 70s love songs captured a spectrum of emotions, exploring romance, heartbreak, and everything in between. These tracks aren’t just relics of the past; they are timeless classics that continue to tug at our heartstrings. Let’s take a journey back and rediscover some of the most iconic 70s love songs that still hold a special place in our hearts today.

1. Billy Paul – ‘Me and Mrs. Jones’

   Released in 1972, ‘Me and Mrs. Jones’ by Billy Paul delves into the complexities of forbidden love. Written by Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff, and Cary Gilbert, this soulful masterpiece narrates the clandestine affair between a man and his lover, Mrs. Jones. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of their secret rendezvous, “every day at the same cafe,” where stolen moments of hand-holding and hushed conversations become precious. The song poignantly captures the dilemma of their situation: “We both know that it’s wrong/But it’s much too strong/To let it go now,” expressing the irresistible pull of their illicit romance despite the acknowledged moral boundaries. ‘Me and Mrs. Jones’ resonated deeply with audiences, topping charts and becoming a defining song of the era, showcasing the sophisticated soul sound that characterized many 70s love songs.

2. Commodores – ‘Three Times a Lady’

   Lionel Richie of The Commodores performing Three Times a Lady in a 1970s concert setting.

   ‘Three Times a Lady,’ a ballad of enduring love and devotion by the Commodores, swept the airwaves in 1978, becoming one of their signature hits. Penned by Lionel Richie, the song’s inspiration is rooted in a tender moment between his parents. Richie recounted how a simple yet profound declaration from his father to his mother – “I love you. I want you. I need you. Forever” – sparked the concept of the “three times a lady.” This heartfelt sentiment translates beautifully into the lyrics, celebrating a woman’s multifaceted nature and the depth of a man’s adoration. The song’s gentle melody and sincere lyrics cemented its place as a favorite for weddings and romantic occasions, embodying the softer, more sentimental side of 70s love songs.

3. Fleetwood Mac – ‘Songbird’

   Christine McVie of Fleetwood Mac playing piano and singing Songbird during a 1970s concert.

   ‘Songbird,’ a delicate and heartfelt ballad by Fleetwood Mac, is a testament to the spontaneous nature of creativity. Christine McVie, the songwriter, recounted how the melody and lyrics came to her in a rush of inspiration at 3 am. In an astonishing burst of creativity, she composed the entire song in just half an hour. Driven by the fear of forgetting this fleeting inspiration, McVie played the melody repeatedly until she could record it later that morning. This anecdote underscores the raw emotion and sincerity embedded in ‘Songbird.’ Its simple yet profound lyrics and McVie’s tender vocals make it a standout track, often covered and cherished for its pure and unadulterated expression of love. Eva Cassidy’s posthumous cover in 1998 further amplified the song’s lasting appeal, introducing it to a new generation and solidifying its status as a timeless love song.

4. Carpenters – ‘We’ve Only Just Begun’

   Karen and Richard Carpenter performing We've Only Just Begun on a 1970s television show.

   Ironically beginning its life as a jingle for a bank advertisement, ‘We’ve Only Just Begun’ by the Carpenters blossomed into a quintessential wedding anthem. Richard Carpenter, recognizing the song’s potential beyond its commercial origins, approached co-writer Paul Williams to inquire about a full-length version. Initially, the song comprised only two verses without a bridge. However, Williams assured Carpenter that a bridge and additional verse existed in concept. He and Nichols then swiftly developed these missing pieces, transforming the advertisement jingle into a complete and deeply resonant song about new beginnings and lifelong journeys, perfectly capturing the optimism and hope associated with love and marriage. Its uplifting melody and Karen Carpenter’s soothing vocals made it a massive hit and a staple in the soundtrack of countless weddings, embodying the romantic optimism prevalent in many 70s love songs.

5. The Hollies – ‘The Air That I Breathe’

   The Hollies band members performing The Air That I Breathe on stage in the 1970s.

   ‘The Air That I Breathe,’ while not explicitly a romantic love song, uses the metaphor of air to express an all-encompassing and vital need for a loved one. Though co-writer Albert Hammond first recorded it in 1972, it was The Hollies’ 1974 rendition that propelled the song to international success. Interestingly, the song later faced controversy due to similarities with Radiohead’s 1992 hit ‘Creep.’ The chord progression and melodic contours shared between the two tracks led to a plagiarism lawsuit, which Hammond and Hazlewood won, resulting in songwriting credits for them on ‘Creep.’ This anecdote highlights the enduring melody and chord structure of ‘The Air That I Breathe,’ proving its lasting impact and influence on subsequent generations of musicians. The song’s popularity, further cemented by Simply Red’s cover two decades later, speaks to its universal appeal and timeless quality as a powerful expression of dependence and longing, themes often explored in 70s love songs.

6. Chicago – ‘If You Leave Me Now’

   Chicago band performing If You Leave Me Now in a live concert during the 1970s.

   ‘If You Leave Me Now,’ released in 1976 by Chicago, marked a significant turning point for the band, catapulting them into mainstream prominence. This poignant ballad resonated deeply with audiences worldwide, reaching the top of charts in both the UK and the US. Renowned as one of the greatest break-up songs ever recorded, ‘If You Leave Me Now’ uniquely deviates from traditional song structures by notably lacking a conventional chorus. Instead, the song unfolds as a continuous expression of vulnerability and pleading, emphasizing the raw emotion of impending heartbreak. Peter Cetera’s emotive lead vocals, combined with the song’s melancholic melody, capture the universal fear of loss in love, making it a standout example of the emotionally charged ballads that were a hallmark of 70s love songs.

7. John Denver – ‘Annie’s Song’

   John Denver singing and playing guitar, performing Annie's Song in a 1970s television appearance.

   ‘Annie’s Song’ stands as John Denver’s sole UK chart-topper, despite his vast catalog of beloved songs. This tender ballad was penned as an ode to his then-wife, Annie Martell Denver. In a moment of inspired creativity, Denver wrote the song in a mere ten and a half minutes while riding a ski lift up Ajax Mountain in Aspen, Colorado. This spontaneous creation captures the essence of love in its purest form, expressing profound adoration through simple yet evocative lyrics. The song’s gentle melody and Denver’s heartfelt delivery made it an instant classic, celebrated for its sincerity and the genuine emotion it conveys. ‘Annie’s Song’ remains a testament to the power of love to inspire art, epitomizing the singer-songwriter vulnerability found in many 70s love songs.

8. Marvin Gaye – ‘Let’s Get it On’

   Marvin Gaye performing Let's Get It On in a sensual and soulful 1970s concert.

   ‘Let’s Get It On,’ the title track from Marvin Gaye’s album of the same name released in 1973, became his most successful single for Motown and one of his most recognized songs globally. Initially conceived with religious and then political undertones, Gaye masterfully transformed the song into a sensual anthem, celebrating physical intimacy with an unprecedented level of openness for the time. This metamorphosis showcases Gaye’s artistic genius and his ability to infuse profound emotion into his music. ‘Let’s Get It On’ broke barriers with its overtly sexual yet tender lyrics, becoming a defining track in the landscape of 70s love songs, particularly those exploring themes of passion and desire with a newfound freedom of expression.

9. Barry White – ‘You’re the First, the Last, My Everything’

   Barry White in a white suit conducting his orchestra while performing You're the First, the Last, My Everything in the 1970s.

   Released in 1974, ‘You’re the First, the Last, My Everything’ by Barry White spent two glorious weeks at the pinnacle of the UK Singles Chart, becoming an instant classic. Interestingly, the song’s origins trace back over two decades prior to its release, initially written by Peter Radcliffe as a country song. Barry White completely reimagined and reworked the track, infusing it with his signature deep baritone voice, lush orchestral arrangements, and a distinctive soul-disco groove. This transformation highlights White’s genius in musical reinvention, taking a country tune and turning it into a global phenomenon. ‘You’re the First, the Last, My Everything’ exemplifies the grand, sweeping romanticism found in many 70s love songs, characterized by rich instrumentation and powerful vocal performances.

10. Billy Joel – ‘Just the Way You Are’

    Billy Joel playing piano and singing Just The Way You Are on Old Grey Whistle Test in the 1970s.

    ‘Just the Way You Are,’ a timeless ballad by Billy Joel, was penned for his first wife, Elizabeth Weber. Despite its later immense popularity, neither Joel nor his band initially favored the song. Its release only came about due to the persistent encouragement from Linda Ronstadt and Phoebe Snow, who recognized its inherent beauty and commercial potential. Their intuition proved correct as the song became a massive hit, celebrated for its simple yet profound message of unconditional love and acceptance. Barry White later recorded a disco-infused version, further attesting to the song’s versatility and widespread appeal across genres. ‘Just the Way You Are’ remains a quintessential 70s love song, admired for its sincerity and its celebration of loving someone authentically, flaws and all.

11. Bread – ‘Make It With You’

    David Gates of Bread playing acoustic guitar and singing Make It With You in a 1970s performance.

    ‘Make It With You’ marked Bread’s breakthrough into mainstream success, a soft rock gem penned by lead singer David Gates. Demonstrating his multi-instrumental talent, Gates not only wrote the song but also played acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass, and strings on the recording. Only drummer Mike Botts joined him in the studio for this track, highlighting the song’s intimate and personal nature. A humorous anecdote surrounds the song’s release: when Gates’ mother was asked by a local interviewer about her son’s career, she misheard the title as ‘Naked with You,’ providing a lighthearted and memorable story associated with this gentle love song. ‘Make It With You’ perfectly encapsulates the mellow, acoustic-driven sound that defined a segment of 70s love songs, focusing on intimate and tender expressions of affection.

12. Roberta Flack – ‘The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face’

    Roberta Flack singing The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face in a 1970s television studio.

    Roberta Flack’s rendition of ‘The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face’ transformed Ewan MacColl’s folk song into a soaring, soulful ballad that resonated across generations. Flack’s genius lay in slowing down the tempo of the original, imbuing it with a newfound depth of emotion and intensity. The song gained widespread recognition when it was featured in Clint Eastwood’s 1971 film Play Misty for Me, propelling it to number one in the US charts in 1972. Flack’s version emphasizes the lyrical beauty and emotional core of the song, focusing on the transformative power of love at first sight. Her interpretation became the definitive version, showcasing the soulful balladry that was a prominent and beloved facet of 70s love songs.

13. Bee Gees – ‘How Deep Is Your Love’

    The Bee Gees brothers singing How Deep Is Your Love in a promotional shot for Saturday Night Fever in the 1970s.

    ‘How Deep Is Your Love,’ a ballad of enduring romance by the Bee Gees, was crafted for the iconic Saturday Night Fever soundtrack in 1977. In a movie dominated by disco beats, this song provided a contrasting slice of heartfelt emotion, showcasing the Gibb brothers’ versatility as songwriters. The song’s lush harmonies and tender lyrics made it an instant hit in 1977. Its appeal transcended generations, as evidenced by Take That’s 1996 cover, which also soared to number one, becoming their final single for a decade. ‘How Deep Is Your Love’ stands as a testament to the timeless quality of well-written love songs, seamlessly fitting into both the disco era and the boy-band pop scene of the 90s, proving its enduring power as a classic 70s love song.

14. Eric Clapton – ‘Wonderful Tonight’

    Eric Clapton playing guitar and singing Wonderful Tonight in a live concert setting.

    ‘Wonderful Tonight,’ a deceptively simple yet profoundly moving love song by Eric Clapton, was inspired by his then-girlfriend Pattie Boyd. Clapton penned the song while waiting for Boyd to get ready to attend Paul and Linda McCartney’s annual Buddy Holly party. This spontaneous creation, born out of a mundane moment of waiting, became one of Clapton’s most enduring hits. Boyd, who had previously been married to George Harrison, found the song both flattering and poignant. While ‘Wonderful Tonight’ celebrated the good times in their relationship, it also became a painful reminder when things soured, leading to their divorce in 1989 despite marrying two years after the song’s release. The song’s enduring popularity lies in its raw sincerity and relatable portrayal of everyday love, capturing a gentler, more intimate side of 70s love songs.

15. Harry Nilsson – ‘Without You’

    Harry Nilsson singing Without You in a 1970s recording studio session.

    ‘Without You,’ while originally written and performed by Badfinger, reached iconic status through Harry Nilsson’s 1971 rendition. Paul McCartney famously dubbed it “the killer song of all time,” recognizing its devastating emotional impact. Nilsson’s powerful vocal performance captures the raw anguish of loss and desperation, portraying a man utterly lost and adrift without his beloved. The song’s heart-wrenching lyrics and Nilsson’s emotive delivery resonated deeply with audiences, making it a number one hit and a staple of heartbreak playlists. ‘Without You’ stands as a quintessential 70s power ballad, exploring the darker side of love and loss with unflinching honesty and raw emotion.

16. Al Green – ‘Let’s Stay Together’

    Al Green singing Let's Stay Together in a soulful performance during the 1970s.

    ‘Let’s Stay Together,’ from Al Green’s 1972 album of the same name, is arguably his most famous and signature song. This soulful anthem of commitment and enduring love topped charts in the US and has been covered countless times since its release. Its universal appeal is evident in its diverse range of admirers, including President Barack Obama, who famously sang a line of the song during a 2012 appearance at the Apollo Theater, where Al Green himself was also performing. This spontaneous presidential serenade underscores the song’s ingrained place in popular culture and its timeless message of wanting a relationship to last through thick and thin. ‘Let’s Stay Together’ is a defining track of 70s soul music and a testament to the decade’s rich contributions to the love song genre.

17. Bill Withers – ‘Ain’t No Sunshine’

    Bill Withers singing and playing guitar, performing Ain't No Sunshine in a 1970s concert.

    ‘Ain’t No Sunshine,’ a melancholic masterpiece by Bill Withers released in 1971, was inspired by the 1962 film Days of Wine and Roses. Withers drew parallels between the film’s alcoholic protagonists, oscillating between weakness and strength, and the bittersweet pang of missing someone who might not have been good for you. Produced by Booker T. Jones and featuring Stephen Stills on guitar, the song is notable for its unconventional structure, particularly the extended repetition of “I know” in the third verse. Initially intended to have more varied lyrics, Withers followed the advice of fellow musicians to retain the repetition, which ultimately became one of the song’s most distinctive and emotionally resonant features. ‘Ain’t No Sunshine’ is a poignant exploration of absence and longing, a hallmark of the introspective and emotionally raw 70s love songs.

18. 10cc – ‘I’m Not in Love’

    10cc band members in a promotional photo for I'm Not In Love during the 1970s.

    ‘I’m Not in Love,’ a UK number one hit for 10cc, is celebrated for its groundbreaking and unique backing track, primarily composed of meticulously layered multitracked vocals. The song’s genesis was somewhat ironic: Eric Stewart wrote it as a response to his wife’s playful complaint that he didn’t express his love for her frequently enough. Initially conceived as a bossa nova tune, the song underwent a radical transformation after bandmates Kevin Godley and Lol Creme initially disliked the early version. This creative friction led to the innovative vocal-heavy arrangement that defines ‘I’m Not in Love.’ The song cleverly explores denial and repressed emotions, masking deep love beneath a facade of indifference, a sophisticated and nuanced take on love that set it apart within the landscape of 70s love songs.

19. Elvis Presley – ‘Always On My Mind’

    Elvis Presley singing Always On My Mind in a passionate performance in the 1970s.

    ‘Always On My Mind,’ though famously performed by Elvis Presley, was originally a soul ballad by Gwen McCrae. The song narrates the remorseful confession of someone who acknowledges neglecting to show appreciation to their partner but affirms their constant thoughts and care. Elvis Presley recorded ‘Always On My Mind’ shortly after his separation from Priscilla, adding a layer of personal resonance to his rendition. Passed to him by one of his bodyguards, the song resonated deeply with Elvis, and his powerful and emotive performance garnered widespread acclaim, becoming one of his most successful and beloved songs. Elvis’s version transformed the song into a country-tinged ballad, showcasing his vocal range and emotional depth, and cementing its place as a classic 70s love song, albeit one tinged with regret and longing.

20. Elton John – ‘Your Song’

    Elton John playing piano and singing Your Song on Top Of The Pops in 1971.

    ‘Your Song,’ taken from Elton John’s self-titled second album, is a quintessential ballad that encapsulates youthful sincerity and devotion. Interestingly, Three Dog Night initially recorded the song after Elton John granted them permission. However, it was Elton’s own version that became the definitive hit, launching his career into superstardom. Bernie Taupin penned the lyrics after breakfast on the rooftop of 20 Denmark Street in London, where Elton worked as an office boy for a music publishing firm. This humble setting inspired the iconic line, “I sat on the roof and kicked off the moss,” grounding the song in everyday experiences while expressing profound and poetic sentiments of love. ‘Your Song’ remains one of the most cherished 70s love songs, celebrated for its lyrical simplicity, melodic beauty, and Elton John’s passionate performance, capturing the earnest romanticism of the era.