The 1970s was a decade of seismic shifts in music, birthing genres, subgenres, and unforgettable anthems that continue to resonate today. From the soulful grooves of disco and funk to the raw energy of punk and the introspective depths of singer-songwriters, the 70s soundtracked a generation coming to terms with rapid change and cultural evolution. This list isn’t just a collection of hits; it’s a journey through a decade of musical innovation, showcasing the Greatest Songs Of The 70s that defined an era and continue to inspire musicians and listeners alike. Get ready to rediscover or discover for the first time, the sounds that made the 70s truly iconic.
The Ultimate 70s Soundtrack: 100 Timeless Classics
1. Roxy Music – ‘Dance Away’
Bryan Ferry initially conceived ‘Dance Away’ for his solo projects, but it found its perfect home on a Roxy Music album, becoming one of their signature hits. This track, with Ferry’s suave vocals and a blend of glam rock and new wave sensibilities, perfectly encapsulates Roxy Music’s cool and innovative sound. It bridged the gap between their past and future, becoming a top-selling single in the UK in 1979.
Roxy Music Dance Away music video still, showcasing Bryan Ferry in a stylish pose, highlighting the song's sophisticated and cool vibe.
2. The Osmonds – ‘Crazy Horses’
Known for their boyband image, The Osmonds surprised the music world with the hard rock intensity of ‘Crazy Horses’ in 1972. Driven by a desire to explore their musical boundaries, this track defied expectations and showcased a raw, powerful sound far removed from their typical schmaltzy pop. Despite initial skepticism from their record company, its UK success proved their versatility and cemented its place as a unique entry in their discography.
The Osmonds perform Crazy Horses in a live music video still, highlighting their energetic performance and hard rock departure from their boyband image.
3. Glen Campbell – ‘Rhinestone Cowboy’
‘Rhinestone Cowboy’, while originally recorded by Larry Weiss, became an enduring country classic thanks to Glen Campbell’s heartfelt rendition a year later. Campbell connected deeply with the song’s themes of survival and perseverance, identifying with the struggles and triumphs of making it in the music industry. This song marked a significant comeback for Campbell, solidifying his status as a country music icon of the 70s.
Glen Campbell in the Rhinestone Cowboy music video, wearing a sparkly outfit, embodying the song's theme of resilience and showmanship.
4. The Clash – ‘London Calling’
Released at the tail end of 1979, ‘London Calling’ by The Clash is an apocalyptic and politically charged anthem that defined their post-punk sound. Joe Strummer’s lyrics reflected the anxieties of the era, referencing global events and a sense of impending doom. This track captured the raw energy and social commentary that made The Clash a pivotal band of the late 70s.
The Clash London Calling music video still, featuring the band in a gritty urban setting, reflecting the song's raw and politically charged lyrics.
5. The Temptations – ‘Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone’
‘Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone’, originally penned by Motown songwriters Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong, reached its iconic status with The Temptations’ masterful rendition. Transformed into a 12-minute soul epic, this song delves into the complex and painful legacy of an unreliable father. The Temptations’ version remains a soul anthem, celebrated for its powerful storytelling and musical depth.
The Temptations perform Papa Was A Rolling Stone in a 1972 single version music video still, capturing their soulful performance and the song's dramatic narrative.
6. Wild Cherry – ‘Play That Funky Music’
‘Play That Funky Music’ by Wild Cherry is a quintessential funk-rock track and a memorable one-hit wonder from the 70s. This incredibly catchy song, blending funk, disco, and rock elements, achieved massive success, selling over 2.5 million copies in the US in 1976. It remains a high-energy classic that perfectly captures the funky spirit of the decade.
Wild Cherry Play That Funky Music performance still, showcasing the band's energetic stage presence and the song's infectious funk-rock rhythm.
7. Supertramp – ‘The Logical Song’
‘The Logical Song’ stands as Supertramp’s biggest hit and a defining soft rock anthem of the 70s. As the lead single from their album Breakfast in America, Roger Hodgson’s autobiographical lyrics reflect on his experiences being sent to boarding school. The song’s introspective nature and melodic charm resonated widely, making it a standout track of the era.
Supertramp The Logical Song official 4K video still, featuring the band in a surreal classroom setting, visualizing the song's themes of logic and conformity.
8. Bee Gees – ‘Night Fever’
‘Night Fever’, from the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack, propelled the Bee Gees to disco superstardom and topped charts worldwide. This quintessential disco track became synonymous with the 70s dance craze and the film it accompanied. Its infectious rhythm and soaring vocals cemented its place as one of the greatest disco songs ever created.
Bee Gees Night Fever official video still, highlighting the brothers' iconic disco era style and the song's association with Saturday Night Fever.
9. Olivia Newton-John – ‘Hopelessly Devoted to You’
‘Hopelessly Devoted to You’ was a last-minute addition to the Grease movie soundtrack, becoming Olivia Newton-John’s signature ballad from the film. Written by her personal producer, John Farrar, the song captured the heartfelt emotion of Sandy’s character. Despite initial reluctance from the production team, it became an Oscar-nominated hit, proving its timeless appeal.
Olivia Newton-John in the Grease Hopelessly Devoted clip, portraying Sandy in a scene filled with teenage longing and emotional vulnerability.
10. Roberta Flack – ‘Killing Me Softly With His Song’
‘Killing Me Softly With His Song’, while initially recorded by Lori Lieberman, became a timeless classic through Roberta Flack’s soulful rendition. Inspired by Don McLean, the song’s poignant lyrics resonated deeply with audiences. Flack’s version earned critical acclaim and commercial success, and it continues to be celebrated as a masterpiece of soul balladry.
Roberta Flack performing Killing Me Softly, capturing her soulful delivery and the song's emotional depth.
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99. Queen – ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’
‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ by Queen is an unparalleled six-minute epic, defying genre conventions and often hailed as one of the greatest songs of all time. This masterpiece, conceived by Freddie Mercury, blends ballad, opera, hard rock, and a reflective coda into a seamless and unforgettable musical journey. Its groundbreaking structure and theatrical flair cemented Queen’s legendary status and continue to captivate listeners decades later.
Queen Bohemian Rhapsody official remastered video still, showcasing the band in their iconic poses during the operatic section, emphasizing the song's theatrical and groundbreaking nature.
100. ABBA – ‘Dancing Queen’
‘Dancing Queen’ is arguably ABBA’s most iconic and beloved song, and a quintessential disco anthem of the 70s. Its infectious energy and universal appeal made it a global smash hit, embodying the joy and freedom of the disco era. Even within ABBA, there was an immediate recognition of its hit potential, and it remains a timeless dance-pop classic, even rumored to be a favorite of royalty.
