100 Best Songs Of The 70S

The 1970s. A decade of bell bottoms, disco balls, and music that continues to resonate with listeners today. From the raw energy of rock anthems to the soulful grooves of funk and the romantic sway of ballads, the 70s offered a diverse soundscape that shaped the musical landscape for generations to come. This blog post delves into the cream of the crop, presenting 100 of the best songs from this iconic era, categorized for your listening pleasure.

Top 50 Rock Anthems of the 70s: Unleashing the Raw Power

The 70s rock scene was a force to be reckoned with, giving birth to some of the most enduring anthems in music history. Bands like Led Zeppelin, Queen, and AC/DC delivered electrifying performances, crafting songs that transcended generations. Think soaring guitar solos, powerful vocals, and lyrics that captured the spirit of rebellion and freedom. This selection includes undisputed classics like:

• Led Zeppelin - "Stairway to Heaven"
• Queen - "Bohemian Rhapsody"
• AC/DC - "Highway to Hell"
• Deep Purple - "Smoke on the Water"
• Jimi Hendrix - "Purple Haze"
• The Rolling Stones - "Brown Sugar"

For a more comprehensive list and deeper dive into the best 70s rock, check out this insightful article: Best 70s Songs - Forbes

Ultimate Disco Hits of the 70s: Dancing Through the Night

Disco fever swept the nation in the 70s, transforming nightclubs into vibrant, pulsating spaces. The infectious beats and irresistible rhythms of disco created a unique social phenomenon, fostering a sense of unity and shared experience on the dance floor. This section highlights some of the most iconic disco tracks:

• Donna Summer - "MacArthur Park"
• Bee Gees - "Stayin' Alive"
• Gloria Gaynor - "I Will Survive"
• The Trammps - "Disco Inferno"
• KC and the Sunshine Band - "That's the Way (I Like It)"

Best Ballads from the 70s Era: Moments of Reflection and Romance

Amidst the high-energy anthems and dance floor fillers, the 70s also produced a wealth of beautiful ballads. These emotionally resonant songs captured the tenderness, heartbreak, and longing that are part of the human experience. From power ballads to soft rock serenades, these tracks are perfect for a quiet evening:

• Carole King - "So Far Away"
• America - "A Horse with No Name"
• Elton John - "Your Song"
• Fleetwood Mac - "Landslide"
• Chicago - "If You Leave Me Now"

Barry Manilow's recent work revisits many of these classic 70s ballads: Manilow Revisits 70s Favorites

Classic Funk Tracks of the 70s: Groove Masters and Soulful Sounds

The 70s funk scene was a melting pot of rhythm, soul, and improvisation. Artists like Parliament-Funkadelic, James Brown, and Earth, Wind & Fire crafted complex and infectious grooves that remain influential to this day. This list celebrates the architects of funk:

• James Brown - "Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine"
• Parliament - "Flash Light"
• Earth, Wind & Fire - "September"
• Sly & the Family Stone - "Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)"
• Kool & the Gang - "Jungle Boogie"

Greatest 70s Pop Hits of All Time: Chart-Toppers and Radio Staples

The 70s pop scene was a vibrant mix of genres, encompassing everything from bubblegum pop to sophisticated singer-songwriters. These songs dominated the airwaves and became ingrained in the cultural consciousness. This is a selection of the biggest pop hits:

• Abba - "Dancing Queen"
• The Jackson 5 - "I Want You Back"
• Marvin Gaye - "What's Going On"
• Stevie Wonder - "You Are the Sunshine of My Life"
• Olivia Newton-John - "Physical"

For a fully ranked list of the 100 best songs, check out this definitive countdown: Smooth Radio's Top 100 70s Songs

This list represents a small fraction of the incredible music released in the 70s. It’s a starting point for your own journey of rediscovery, a chance to revisit beloved classics or unearth hidden gems. So crank up the volume, put on your bell bottoms (optional!), and lose yourself in the timeless sounds of the 1970s.