For the bigger picture and full context, make sure you read our main guide on Popular Songs In 1970: A Look Back At The Music.
The 1970s were a wild ride for music, a decade that churned out an eclectic mix of sounds that still resonate today. From soulful ballads to stadium anthems, '70 pop songs' captured a generation's spirit, anxieties, and hopes. Ready to teleport back to a time of bell bottoms and booming stereos?
At a glance:
- Discover a curated playlist spanning the breadth of 70s pop.
- Understand the key artists and genres that defined the decade.
- Learn how social and technological shifts influenced the music scene.
- Glean insights into Billboard's role in shaping popular music.
- Find actionable tips for curating your own ultimate '70s playlist.
The Decade of Diverse Sounds: Defining 70s Pop
The term "pop music" itself is fluid, but let's be clear: we're talking about what was popular. The songs that dominated the charts and airwaves. The '70s weren't just disco balls and platform shoes (though those had their moment). It was an era of genre-bending, with rock, soul, funk, and country all vying for the top spot. To Relive 1970's popular music you must first understand its context.
Billboard's Top Charting 70 Pop Songs
Billboard's charts are a great starting point, but not the only point. They measured radio airplay, sales, and (later) streaming. Let's look at the billboard top songs.
- Ubiquitous Ballads: Simon & Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Water," The Carpenters' "(They Long to Be) Close to You"
- Rock Anthems: The Guess Who's "American Woman."
- Soulful Grooves: Diana Ross' "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," and soul and funk gaining popularity.
- Bubblegum Pop: The Jackson 5's hits, including "ABC" and "I'll Be There"
Beyond the Charts: Classic Rock History's Picks
Classic Rock History offers a broader list, emphasizing rock's influence. This list highlights a wider range of "70 pop songs" from rock anthems, to funk songs.
- Rock Royalty: Deep cuts from established acts like The Beatles ("Let It Be," a 1970 release) and The Rolling Stones.
- Emerging Rock Gods: Led Zeppelin's growing influence, though their singles weren't always chart-toppers.
- Singer-Songwriter Sensibilities: Elton John's early hits ("Your Song") and Carole King's Tapestry sound.
Social & Tech Influences on the Sounds of 70 Pop Songs
The music didn't exist in a vacuum. Social and political upheaval rippled through the lyrics and sounds of '70 pop songs'.
The Vietnam War and Protest Anthems
The ongoing Vietnam War fueled anti-establishment sentiment. Bands like Creedence Clearwater Revival captured this mood, though interestingly, few explicit protest songs topped the pop charts. However, the underlying themes of peace and questioning authority permeated popular music.
Civil Rights and Soulful Expression
The Civil Rights Movement continued to inspire soul and funk artists. Songs like Edwin Starr's "War" directly addressed social issues, while artists like Stevie Wonder used their music to promote unity and equality.
Technological Leaps and Sonic Innovations
Multi-track recording allowed for more complex arrangements. Synthesizers began creeping into pop, adding a futuristic edge. Improved concert sound systems and home stereos gave listeners a richer, more immersive experience.
Building Your '70s Pop Playlist: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to craft your ultimate '70s pop playlist? Here's a practical approach:
- Start with the Essentials: Begin with the Billboard Top 100 from key years (1970, 1975, 1979 are great starting points). This gives you a solid foundation of chart-topping hits. Also, explore top 200 lists.
- Genre Dive: Pick a genre (soul, rock, pop, country-pop) and explore deeper. Look beyond the biggest hits to discover hidden gems. For example, if you like The Bee Gees' disco hits, explore their earlier, more pop-oriented work.
- Artist Focus: Choose a favorite artist and delve into their discography. Many artists experimented across genres during the '70s. For example, Rod Stewart transitioned from hard rock to more pop-friendly material.
- Soundtrack Search: Movie soundtracks were huge in the '70s. Saturday Night Fever is the obvious example, but explore others like Grease or Rocky Horror Picture Show for unique pop moments.
- "One-Hit Wonders": The '70s were full of acts that had one massive hit and then faded away. These can add unique flavor to your playlist. Examples include Norman Greenbaum's "Spirit in the Sky" or Shocking Blue's "Venus".
- Don't Be Afraid to Be Cheesy: Embrace the inherent campiness of some '70s pop. It's part of the charm!
Practical Playbook: Essential Songs & Artists
Here's a quick-start guide to some key '70 pop songs' and artists:
Essential 70 Pop Songs by Year:
| Year | Song | Artist | Genre | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | "Bridge Over Troubled Water" | Simon & Garfunkel | Soft Rock | Billboard #1 |
| 1971 | "Joy to the World" | Three Dog Night | Rock | Billboard #1 |
| 1972 | "Heart of Gold" | Neil Young | Folk Rock | From the album Harvest. |
| 1973 | "Killing Me Softly With His Song" | Roberta Flack | Soul | |
| 1974 | "Bennie and the Jets" | Elton John | Glam Rock | US #1 |
| 1975 | "Bohemian Rhapsody" | Queen | Rock | A true 70's rock opus. |
| 1976 | "Dancing Queen" | ABBA | Pop | ABBA's signature Hit |
| 1977 | "Stayin' Alive" | The Bee Gees | Disco | From Saturday Night Fever |
| 1978 | "You're The One That I Want" | John Travolta & ONJ | Soundtrack | Grease soundtrack |
| 1979 | "Hot Stuff" | Donna Summer | Disco | |
| Key '70s Artists to Explore: |
- Elton John: A prolific songwriter with a string of hits across various styles.
- Stevie Wonder: A musical genius who blended soul, funk, and pop seamlessly.
- Fleetwood Mac: Transformed from a blues band into a pop powerhouse.
- ABBA: The kings and queens of catchy, impeccably produced pop.
- The Bee Gees: From pop ballads to disco anthems, they defined the decade's sound.
- Carole King: Her album Tapestry remains a touchstone of the singer-songwriter era.
Quick Answers: Clearing Up Common Misconceptions
Q: Was all '70s pop cheesy and overproduced?
A: Some of it, absolutely! But that's part of its charm. There was also plenty of genuine artistry and heartfelt songwriting happening. Think of it as a spectrum, with bubblegum pop on one end and introspective singer-songwriters on the other.
Q: Did disco kill rock and roll?
A: Not really. Disco certainly dominated the charts for a few years, but rock evolved and diversified. Many rock bands adapted to the changing landscape, incorporating elements of pop and funk into their music.
Q: Were the '70s just about big hair and platform shoes?
A: The fashion was definitely…memorable. But the music was more diverse than the stereotypes suggest. The '70s were a time of experimentation and innovation, both musically and culturally.
Your '70s Pop Song Adventure Starts Now
Crafting your '70s pop playlist is a journey, not a destination. Embrace the diversity, explore the deep cuts, and don't be afraid to indulge in a little bit of musical cheese. The '70s had something for everyone, and there's a whole world of sonic treasures waiting to be rediscovered. Now go forth and create your own groovy soundtrack!