Raw genius sparked to life in the most unexpected places during the 1970s. Behind every chart-topping hit lay months of persistence, technical breakthroughs, and moments of pure magic captured on tape. From Elvis’s passionate final triumph to Kate Bush’s teenage fearlessness, these artists crafted sonic revolutions that redefined what music could achieve.
Deep within rock history’s most creative decade, musical brilliance emerged from remarkable places. Piano bars in Los Angeles birthed enduring anthems, while late-night London sessions captured lightning in bottles. These 13 tracks shaped the sound of an era, creating ripples that still influence artists today, waiting for a new generation to discover their power.
13. Burning Love by Elvis Presley
If you think Elvis was past his prime in late 1972, this blazing track would change your mind. With a piano riff that could wake your neighbors and gospel-tinged backing vocals, the single soared to #2 on Billboard’s Hot 100. Through a period of personal struggle that would make anyone else throw in the towel, The King delivered a 20-week chart run that stands as his final top-10 achievement, marking the end of an era with characteristic power.
12. Oh! Sweet Nuthin’ by The Velvet Underground
Ever had seven minutes to spare for a life-changing song? 1970’s “Loaded” album closer is your answer. Doug Yule’s soulful vocals (yes, the new guy could really sing) float over three distinct guitar movements, each building toward something greater. Its journey from gentle beginnings to soaring finale might just be the greatest album closer you’ve never heard.
11. Wuthering Heights by Kate Bush
You might think literary adaptations in pop are pretentious, but try resisting this one. In January 1978, a 19-year-old Bush turned Brontë’s classic into a soaring pop revolution. While most teenagers were figuring out life, she was making history as Britain’s first female #1 with a self-written song, complete with a dance routine that would launch a thousand Halloween costumes.
10. Pink Moon by Nick Drake
If you’ve ever felt misunderstood, October 1971’s two-minute-thirteen-second masterpiece is your spiritual anthem. Like that quiet friend who turns out to be the most interesting person at the party, Drake’s gentle guitar and 28-second piano flourish initially drew just 5,000 brave souls. It took a 2000 car commercial (of all things) to finally give Drake’s genius its due, pushing sales past a million copies.
9. I Feel the Earth Move by Carole King
Before Taylor Swift broke records, 1971’s “Tapestry” showed how to turn personal journals into pop gold. While dominating charts for 15 weeks, King proved what your piano teacher always said – practice makes perfect, especially when captured in just two takes. Her raw energy became the blueprint for anyone who’s ever poured their heart out at a piano.
8. Cry Baby by Janis Joplin
Think your breakup playlist is intense? Meet October 1970’s ultimate heartbreak anthem. Like that friend who turns every karaoke night into an emotional spectacle, Joplin and the Full Tilt Boogie Band laid bare their souls across three unforgettable sessions. Her final studio performance remains the gold standard for anyone who’s ever tried to sing their pain away.
7. Big Yellow Taxi by Joni Mitchell
Next time you’re hunting for a parking spot, thank 1970’s most quotable environmental protest. Mitchell turned a Hawaiian vacation bummer into the catchiest “I told you so” in history. When you hear “they paved paradise” for the 350th time, remember – sometimes the best songs come from life’s most annoying moments.
6. Live and Let Die by Wings
Next time you’re hunting for a parking spot, thank 1970’s most quotable environmental protest. Mitchell turned a Hawaiian vacation bummer into the catchiest “I told you so” in history. When you hear “they paved paradise” for the 350th time, remember – sometimes the best songs come from life’s most annoying moments.
5. Piano Man by Billy Joel
If you’ve ever been stuck at a bad work party, you’ll relate to Joel’s six-month stint playing lounge piano in 1973. Between serving drinks and dodging requests for “Piano Man” (oh, the irony), he captured every character you’d meet at a bar in an oddball 5/4 time signature. Those nights of watching strangers drown their sorrows created the storytelling style that would have us all believing we’re regular bar philosophers.
4. Up Around the Bend by Creedence Clearwater Revival
Need a break from doom-scrolling? May 1970’s instant mood-lifter has you covered. Fogerty’s double-tracked guitar intro still makes you want to call in sick and hit the road, powering the band through 7 weeks at #1. In an era of protest songs and bad news, CCR gave us the ultimate windows-down, volume-up escape route.
3. Heart of Glass by Blondie
While your parents were arguing about disco vs. punk in January 1979, Blondie was busy mixing both. It took six months and one stubborn Roland CR-78 drum machine to create this dance floor revolution. Like that rebel who crashes both the prom and the punk show, Blondie’s six #1 hits proved sometimes the best party crashes all the parties. Curious about what growing up in the 1970s was like? Here are 15 wild relics from growing up in the 70s.
2. Ramblin’ Man by The Allman Brothers Band
Ever tried getting your garage band to nail that perfect take? Try 20 attempts at southern rock perfection in 1973. Producer Johnny Sandlin captured those twin guitar harmonies like catching lightning in a mason jar. The result? A polished piece of southern comfort that made even your Yankees uncle tap his feet.
1. Beast of Burden by The Rolling Stones
While 1978’s punk kids were saying rock was dead, the Stones were in the lab cooking up their response. After 18 takes of Keith’s guitar weaving (no coffee breaks for legends), they emerged with proof that rock could age like fine wine. In a year of safety pins and mohawks, the Stones reminded everyone that sometimes the old dogs know the best tricks.
