While the 1970s are often remembered as the era of disco balls and dance floors, it was also a powerhouse decade for rock music. From stadium anthems to introspective ballads, the 70s gifted us a treasure trove of rock songs that continue to resonate today. Forget the polyester suits for a moment, and let’s dive into 70 Rock Songs that prove the decade’s rock scene was anything but soft.
Iconic Anthems and Stadium Rockers
The 70s were the golden age of stadium rock, and these anthems were built for massive crowds and singalongs:
- Queen “Bohemian Rhapsody”: An operatic rock masterpiece, pushing boundaries and defying genre conventions.
- Bruce Springsteen “Born to Run”: A quintessential American rock anthem about escape and the open road.
- Led Zeppelin “Stairway to Heaven”: An epic and mystical track, often debated but undeniably influential in rock history.
- The Who “Baba O’Riley”: Known for its synthesizer intro and powerful drive, a staple of rock radio.
- Lynyrd Skynyrd “Free Bird”: A Southern rock epic with a legendary guitar solo that still electrifies audiences.
- Foghat “Slow Ride”: The ultimate driving song, with a groove that’s both heavy and irresistible.
- The Cars “Just What I Needed”: New wave rock at its finest, catchy and cool with a distinctive 70s sound.
- Thin Lizzy “The Boys Are Back In Town”: A hard rock classic celebrating camaraderie and high energy.
- Aerosmith “Walk This Way”: A raw and swaggering track that cemented Aerosmith’s place as rock icons.
- Van Halen “Runnin’ With The Devil”: High-octane energy and Eddie Van Halen’s revolutionary guitar playing burst onto the scene.
- T. Rex “Bang a Gong (Get It On)”: Glam rock at its most infectious, with a driving beat and undeniable charisma.
- Boston “More Than a Feeling”: Soaring vocals and instantly recognizable guitar riffs defined this rock radio staple.
- Deep Purple “Smoke on the Water”: The iconic guitar riff that every aspiring guitarist learns, a hard rock monument.
- Free “All Right Now”: A blues-rock anthem with a simple but powerful message and unforgettable chorus.
- Blue Oyster Cult “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper”: A hauntingly beautiful track with a memorable melody and iconic cowbell.
- Bachman-Turner Overdrive “You Ain’t Seen Nothin’ Yet”: Raw, powerful, and instantly recognizable for its stuttering vocals and driving rhythm.
- The Eagles “One of These Nights”: Smooth harmonies and rock sensibilities combined in this Eagles classic.
- Yes “Roundabout”: Progressive rock at its most accessible, intricate yet melodic and captivating.
- Alice Cooper “School’s Out”: The ultimate rebellious anthem for teenagers, full of theatrical rock flair.
- AC/DC “Highway to Hell”: Pure, unadulterated rock and roll energy, a timeless anthem of rebellion.
- KISS “Rock and Roll All Nite”: The ultimate party anthem, embodying the spectacle and energy of KISS.
- The Steve Miller Band “Fly Like an Eagle”: A psychedelic rock journey with a smooth groove and dreamy atmosphere.
Ballads, Blues, and Soulful Rock
Not all 70 rock songs were about raw power; many explored softer, more introspective themes:
- Eric Clapton “Wonderful Tonight”: A tender ballad showcasing Clapton’s softer side and enduring songwriting.
- Lou Reed “Walk On The Wild Side”: A deceptively catchy tune exploring the fringes of 70s counterculture with a laid-back vibe.
- Elton John “Bennie And The Jets”: A piano-driven glam rock track, blending showmanship with musical brilliance.
- Rod Stewart “Maggie May”: A folksy rock ballad with a touch of melancholy and a relatable story.
- George Harrison “My Sweet Lord”: A spiritually uplifting and globally resonant song from the ex-Beatle.
- Pink Floyd “Comfortably Numb”: An atmospheric and emotionally resonant track, showcasing Pink Floyd’s mastery of mood and texture.
- Derek and the Dominos “Layla”: An epic love song in two distinct parts, showcasing both raw blues and tender melody.
- Don McLean “American Pie”: A sprawling and poetic ballad reflecting on American cultural shifts and rock and roll history.
- The Rolling Stones “Brown Sugar”: Raw and bluesy rock and roll, quintessential Stones swagger and energy.
- The Police “Roxanne”: Blending rock with reggae influences, this track is known for its distinctive rhythm and Sting’s vocals.
- The Beatles “Let It Be”: A timeless message of hope and reassurance, one of the Beatles’ most enduring ballads released in the 70s.
- Dire Straits “Sultans of Swing”: Mark Knopfler’s signature guitar style shines in this story-driven track about a struggling band.
- Creedence Clearwater Revival “Who’ll Stop the Rain”: A Vietnam War era protest song disguised as a roots rock anthem, still relevant today.
- Janis Joplin “Me and Bobby McGee”: A soulful and raw performance, capturing Joplin’s powerful voice and emotional depth.
- Neil Young “Heart of Gold”: A gentle acoustic ballad, reflecting on searching for authenticity and meaning.
- Van Morrison “Moondance”: A jazzy and soulful track, showcasing Morrison’s unique vocal delivery and poetic lyrics.
- John Lennon “Instant Karma”: A raw and immediate plea for peace and unity, reflecting Lennon’s activist spirit.
- Paul McCartney and Wings “Band on the Run”: A dynamic and adventurous track, showcasing McCartney’s post-Beatles songwriting prowess.
- The Allman Brothers Band “Ramblin’ Man”: Southern rock storytelling at its finest, with a narrative of life on the road.
- Elvis Presley “Burning Love”: Even the King of Rock and Roll delivered a powerful rock hit in the 70s, full of passion and energy.
New Wave, Punk, and Genre Benders
The 70s also saw the rise of punk and new wave, pushing rock in new and exciting directions:
- The Clash “Train in Vain”: Punk energy with a pop sensibility, showcasing the Clash’s versatility.
- Sex Pistols ” Anarchy In The U.K.”: A raw and confrontational punk anthem that shook the music establishment.
- Cheap Trick “I Want You to Want Me”: Power pop perfection, catchy hooks and high energy blended seamlessly.
- The Kinks “Lola”: A quirky and controversial track exploring themes of identity and societal norms.
- The Ramones “I Wanna Be Sedated”: Punk rock simplicity at its finest, fast, catchy, and undeniably fun.
- David Bowie “Changes”: A glam rock anthem of transformation and self-reinvention, quintessential Bowie.
- The Guess Who “American Woman”: A powerful rock track with a driving beat and politically charged lyrics.
- MGMT “Kids”: While released later, this song heavily borrows and reflects the psychedelic rock sound of the late 70s, bridging generations.
- The Flaming Lips “Do You Realize??”: Another modern track that echoes the 70s psychedelic and introspective rock vibe.
- Wild Cherry “Play That Funky Music”: A fusion of rock and funk that dominated the airwaves and dance floors.
- Edwin Starr “War”: A Motown song, but its powerful rock arrangement in the 70s made it a defining protest anthem.
- Bob Seger “Night Moves”: A nostalgic coming-of-age rock ballad, capturing youthful memories and change.
- Black Sabbath “Paranoid”: The birth of heavy metal, a dark and powerful track that defined a new genre.
- Santana “Black Magic Woman”: Latin rock fusion at its finest, Santana’s guitar magic and rhythmic drive are undeniable.
- Bob Dylan “Tangled Up in Blue”: Storytelling genius, a complex and poetic narrative set to a folk-rock melody.
- AC/DC “New Satellite Blues”: Another example of AC/DC’s raw, blues-infused rock and roll energy from the era.
- Mott the Hoople “All the Young Dudes”: Glam rock anthem written by David Bowie, celebrating youth and individuality.
Lively crowd enjoying classic rock music at 1970s themed party venue
The 70s were a diverse and dynamic decade for rock music, proving its staying power and versatility. These 70 rock songs are just a starting point for exploring the rich musical landscape of the era. Whether you’re a seasoned rock fan or new to the classics, these tracks offer a journey through a truly unforgettable period in music history. So, turn up the volume and let the 70s rock!
