The 30 Top Songs Of The 1970s

The 1970s were an eclectic time for music and cultural phenomena. Between disco, rock, R&B, funk and soul music the 70s saw some of the greatest sonic outputs of any era, and to this day many of these songs are still celebrated and able to find new audiences due to their ingenious writing and powerful performances. It can’t be overstated just the sheer number of hits that came out of the 70s, and much of this is due to the renaissance within music that was occurring at the time.

Top 70s Songs

Rock or what’s now referred to as classic rock, was at its peak during the decade. From Eagles, Led Zeppelin, The Who and Queen, the 70s gave birth to many of the genre’s most popularized bands. Disco and Funk absolutely dominated the scene as well, with solo artists like Stevie Wonder and Gloria Gaynor making waves throughout the decade, not to mention iconic groups like ABBA and Bee Gees helping define the sound and looks of the era.

While there are a countless number of masterclass songs from the 70s, there are few that stand out as gems and all time greats. That being said, the main criteria for determining a list of this kind is time itself. The following songs have been chosen based on their proven ability to traverse through subsequent decades and remain relevant within the eyes of pop-culture and new generations. The fact these songs were released in the 1970s is only part of the equation, but their consistent influence and iconic status is what ultimately deems them all time classics of the 70s.

30. “Love Train” by The O’Jays (1972)

The gleeful R&B masterpiece that is the O’Jays “Love Train” has shown itself to be a timeless song from the group, given its appearance throughout today’s media and pop-culture. While The O’Jays incredible ability to write catchy melodic R&B hooks wasn’t exclusive to “Love Train,” they’ve not had another single as monumentally impactful and celebrated as this song.

29. “Jungle Boogie” by Kool & The Gang (1973)

With “Jungle Boogie” Kool & The Gang created one of the epitomes of funk music, which was one of the many thriving genres throughout the decade. The band’s sense of groove and unique arrangements as heard on “Jungle Boogie” helped to cultivate a lasting career for themselves and other inspired acts down the road.

28. “What you wont do for love” by Bobby Caldwell (1978)

Following a massive resurgence on social media platforms such as TikTok, Bobby Caldwell’s 70s hit “What You Won’t Do For Love” has undoubtedly established itself as an R&B gem. The song has clearly transcended the 70s boasting a quarter of a billion streams as of late, thus making it an essential listen from the decade.

27. “Barracuda” by Heart (1977)

A riff that’s been a staple of the rock genre since it’s inception, “Barracuda” is the song that emboldened’s the Wilson sisters already successful career, and ever since it’s become one of the main draws for the band’s legion of fans. While Heart have a handful of chart topping songs, “Barracuda’s” widespread recognition and continued discovery is what makes it the band’s greatest hit.

26. “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” by Blue Oyster Cult (1976)

The haunting melancholic anthem that is Blue Oyster Cult’s “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” has long been established as one of the greatest rock songs of the 70s. Despite “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” being Blue Oyster Cult’s main monumental hit, the band’s multiplatinum song is still celebrated by a multitude of generations today and it continues to be an anthem, particularly throughout the month of October.

25. “Sweet Emotion” by Aerosmith (1975)

Despite songs “Walk This Way” and “Dream On” becoming more sensational hits throughout the bands career, there’s no denying the sense of 70s swagger and flower power heard on Aerosmith’s “Sweet Emotion.” Maybe it’s from the song’s appearance in the brilliant 70s coming of age film Dazed and Confused, or simply it’s sonic motifs from the decade, regardless “Sweet Emotion” can’t help but kindle a nostalgia for the 70s.

24. “Smoke On The Water” by Deep Purple (1972)

The hard rock outfit Deep Purple forged many of hard rock’s and heavy metal’s foundational pillars throughout the 70s, but Smoke On The Water” transcends anything the band has ever done. From possessing a riff that either invigorates or infuriates your average guitar player, to being a household name among rock classics, “Smoke On The Water” is quintessential to the story of rock and 70s music.

23. “What’s Going On” by Marvin Gaye (1971)

From its themes and eloquent instrumental arrangements, Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On” has held up as a masterfully produced piece, both as a song and statement. Gaye’s illustrious career was filled with a litany of hits many of which were reflections of the times they written in, with “What’s Going On” being no exception.

22. “Sultans of Swing” by Dire Straits (1978)

Known for their prowesses as songwriters and musicians, Dire Straits crafted a symphony of guitar licks, riffs and popping solos on “Sultans of Swing,” which has long been established as one of the most formidable songs amongst aspiring musicians and guitarists. With over 1.1 billion streams, Dire Straits Legacy has continued to prove there’s always an appetite for beautifully and sophisticated guitar music.

21. “Baba O’Reilly” by The Who (1971)

The arpeggiated kinetic energy of Baba O’ Reilly will always inspire listeners with the same euphoric energy echoed by rock frontman Roger Daltrey on The Who’s “Baba O’Reilly.” As one of the greatest rock outfits of all time The Who’s catalogue makes it difficult to pick a favorite, but “Baba O’Reilly’s” appraisal and popularity has always been unanimous over the last six decades.

20. “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver (1971)

As one of America’s most important folk songwriters, John Denver saw national acclaim in the late 60s and throughout the 70s and beyond. His social and environmental activism were essential to his songwriting, and it’s ultimately what makes “Take Me Home, Country Road” his greatest and most memorable work.

19. “YMCA” by Village People (1978)

Despite its repetitive qualities, one can’t help but smile whenever Village People’s “YMCA” hits the speakers and the crowd starts chanting its joyful chorus. “YMCA” is forever one of the most iconic contemporary pieces of music and ultimately one of the greatest sonic outputs of the 70s.

18. “Starman” by David Bowie (1972)

The pop-rock icon David Bowie had several hits throughout the 70s and early 80s, but his masterpiece that is “Starman” will forever remain one his greatest sonic achievements. Alongside a number of Bowie’s hits, “Starman” is continually played throughout pop-culture and celebrated for it’s quirky euphoric melancholy.

17. “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor (1978)

With the 70s being the height of disco music there were loads of mesmerizing hits from the decade, and Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive” was no exception. The empowering song has continued to traverse through each subsequent decade despite disco music being long gone, further solidifying Gaynor’s hit as a masterpiece from the decade and bygone musical era.

16. “Highway To Hell” by AC/DC (1979)

The hard-rock band’s output throughout the 70s was nothing short of masterclass, and while AC/DC found even higher success in the early 80s with singer Brian Johnson, “Highway To Hell” is still their most recognizable hit. Bon Scott’s bluesy and soulful charisma make this anthem the powerhouse song that it is, and it only further cements AC/DC as one of the greatest rock bands in history.

15. “War Pigs” by Black Sabbath (1970)

While “Paranoid” landed Black Sabbath their biggest commercially successful hit, “War Pigs” seemingly captured many profound themes of the decade many of which are still prevalent today. The epic is a masterclass in political songwriting just as it is in heavy riff writing, and Black Sabbath’s legacy continues to be praised for both of these aspects.

14. “Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill Withers (1971)

Sitting as one of the most iconic melodies in all of R&B, Bill Wither’s had one of the most impressionable debut records of the decade largely because of “Ain’t No Sunshine.” To this day the song is still widely celebrated amongst other hits in Withers’ catalogue, however, “Ain’t No Sunshine” specifically is his most routinely played and covered original.

13. “One Love/People Get Ready” by Bob Marley (1977)

With Exodus being one of the most important albums of the 70s, and moreover the 20th century, Bob Marley’s messaging and genius are difficult to encapsulate with one song, but “One Love/People Get Ready” has to be the most well rounded choice. Marley’s pulsing reggae and powerful messaging vibrates transparently throughout “One Love/People Get Ready” making it one of the most essential songs of the decade.

12. “Rocket Man” by Elton John (1972)

Sir Elton John’s career saw widespread mainstream success throughout the 70s, and much of which was due to his chart topping hit “Rocket Man.” While John’s career would continue to reach new highs with over 40 multiplatinum records and one diamond record, “Rocket Man” still remains as one of his greatest musical outputs.

11. “Jolene” by Dolly Parton (1973)

Standing as a true classic of American folk music, Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” is a country-folk masterpiece that came out of the early 70s, and to this day it’s still one of her most cherished works. From her haunting performance and the stripped back arrangement, “Jolene” still gives goosebumps and a sense of awe to listeners proving itself a masterclass in songwriting nearly 50 years later.

10. “September” by Earth Wind & Fire (1978)

There are few songs that give off an infatuation like Earth Wind & Fire’s “September.” From the mid-tempo pulsing funk groove to the wonderfully soulful chorus, there’s a litany of reasons “September” has remained an opus and classic in contemporary music.

9. “Imagine” by John Lennon (1971)

Despite The Beatles breaking up in the early 70s, John Lennon’s solo career would go on to produce one of the most iconic songs from any of the four musicians. The powerful lyrics and moving chord progression in “Imagine” has made it timeless over the years, and it continues to be a song of optimism and reflection for the ongoing issues that shroud our society.

8. “Superstition” by Stevie Wonder (1972)

The soulful rhythms and swagger of Stevie Wonder were ever present throughout the 1970s, specifically on his world renown single “Superstition.” The track has proven itself as one of his most defining songs from the decade and given it’s continued popularity it’s safe to say it’s the most successful song of his career.

7. “Hotel California” by Eagles (1976)

Just as the 70s were the embodiment of disco music the decade saw a litany of rock guitar epics, with the Eagles’ “Hotel California” being one of the decade’s greatest. For a band with 120 million plus albums sold the Eagles aren’t short on hits, but Hotel California easily takes the cake for their best and most popularized song.

6. “Time” by Pink Floyd (1973)

Given their number of classic albums and hits throughout the decade it’s hard to put a finger on Pink Floyd’s greatest song from the 70s. While there’s a plethora of amazing songs to choose from, “Time” best encapsulates the band’s virtuosity and mesmerizing progressive rock qualities that have made the band so iconic.

5. “Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac (1977)

Despite it already being one of Fleetwood Mac’s most widely recognized songs, the spike in attention the classic rock outfit has received throughout the TikTok era has made “Dreams” one of their single greatest achievements. The 50-plus year old song continues to possess new listeners with its mesmerizingly delicate beauty, further proving it’s stood the test of time as one of the 70s greatest hits.

4. “Dancing Queen” by ABBA (1976)

As an all time classic from one of 70s most beloved groups, ABBA’s disco anthem “Dancing Queen” has remained a staple from the dance and disco era. The groups popularity has only exponentially risen with the rise of social media and streaming platforms, which has consequently created a resurgence for the group and their other likeminded hits.

3. “Stairway To Heaven” by Led Zeppelin (1971)

One of the most iconic chord progressions and song arrangements in all of rock music, Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway To Heaven” is deserving of every ounce of praise it’s received and then some. Lightning in a bottle is exactly what this four piece had throughout their career, and ‘Stairway’ is the song that best encapsulates the pure oneness of their sonic magic.

2. “Stayin’ Alive” by Bee Gees (1977)

If there’s one song that instantly puts you into the dazzle, sparkle and groove of the 70s it’s The Bee Gees’ “Staying Alive.” For a decade filled with R&B, Rock and funk, Disco was at its peak in the 70s and the Bee Gee’s were one of the most formidable groups on the block.

1. “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen (1975)

With A Night At The Opera Queen single handily revolutionized rock music and opened the door for what elaborate concoctions were even possible in the genre. To this day “Bohemian Rhapsody” stands as the band’s magnum opus as it continues to enlighten generations of rock fans, young and old. Standing at nearly 2.5 billion streams, the track and Queen’s brilliance have proven to stand the test of time as all masterful works of art should.

Bottom line

Based on this list, the 70s were clearly an essential era for a variety of genres of music, and much of modern music would cease to be what it is without its influence. As for the best songs from this decade, all matters are subjective in terms of the numerical rankings, but each song in this list share in the main criteria of being timeless works of art.