The Best Pop Music from the 70s
Contents
The best pop music from the 70s was a time when the genre was experimenting with new sounds and styles. From disco to punk, there was something for everyone in the 70s.
Introduction
Though it is often forgotten or overshadowed by the music of the following decade, the 1970s was a time of incredible creativity in pop music. Though disco would come to dominate the latter half of the decade, there were a wide variety of other genres being explored in the early and middle part of the decade, such as folk, rock, and soul. Here are ten of the best pop songs from the 1970s.
The Beatles – “Let It Be”
The Beatles – “Let It Be”
Arguably the most important pop song of the 1970s, “Let It Be” was released as a single in 1970, just weeks before The Beatles announced their break-up. The song was written by Paul McCartney during the band’s final recording sessions and features some of his most iconic lyrics. The track is considered one of The Beatles’ finest ballads and is included on several “best of” lists, including Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
ABBA – “Dancing Queen”
From ABBA’s 1976 album “Arrival,” “Dancing Queen” was an instant classic and is still one of the most popular songs of all time. It was ABBA’s only US No. 1 hit, and it spent 17 weeks in the UK charts. The song is about having fun and enjoying life, something that we could all use a little more of.
Michael Jackson – “Billie Jean”
“Billie Jean” is a song by American singer Michael Jackson, released by Epic Records on January 2, 1983, as the second single from his sixth studio album, Thriller (1982). It was written and composed by Jackson, produced by Quincy Jones, and includes a rap verse by American musician Paul McCartney. The song’s theme was inspired by Jackson’s personal experiences with groupies in the 1970s.
“Billie Jean” is regarded as one of the greatest songs of all time and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2001. The single was a commercial success; it became one of the best-selling singles of all time with sales estimates between six and seven million copies worldwide. It peaked at number one on both the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and the Official Singles Chart in the United Kingdom. In 2009, “Billie Jean” was ranked as the greatest pop single of all time by Billboard magazine. An accompanying music video for “Billie Jean” directed by Steve Barron was released in 1983. The video features Jackson dancing solo in a dark room illuminated only by a pulsating floor neon light. As he dances, white light simulations flash around him giving the illusion that he is being shot from multiple cameras
Queen – “We Will Rock You”
“We Will Rock You” is a song by the English rock band Queen. Written by band member Brian May, the track is featured on their 1977 album News of the World. “We Will Rock You” concert Favorite songs to play live, and was used as a sing-along tune at sporting events. On 7 October 1977, the song was released as a single in the United Kingdom, and peaked at number three on the UK Singles Chart. In 2009, “We Will Rock You” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
The song opens with a six-note guitar riff played by Brian May. The rest of the song consists of rhythm clapping and hand-clapping with May singing a simple vocal line.
David Bowie – “Fame”
“Fame” is a track from English singer-songwriter David Bowie’s 1975 album Young Americans. The song was written by Bowie, Carlos Alomar and John Lennon, and produced by Harry Maslin. It was released as the lead single from the album in the United States on 14 January 1976 and in the United Kingdom on 21 February 1976.
The song was a hit in America, becoming Bowie’s first number one single on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It was less successful in the UK, peaking at number 17. However, its Kris Kristofferson-inspired country-rock sound helped to make it a timeless classic, and it has since been covered by many artists.
The Rolling Stones – “Start Me Up”
The Rolling Stones – “Start Me Up”
The Rolling Stones are one of the most iconic and influential rock bands of all time, and “Start Me Up” is one of their most enduring hits. Released in 1981, the song was written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards and quickly became a fan favorite. The song is a true classic of the rock genre and continues to be played on radio stations around the world today.
Led Zeppelin – “Stairway to Heaven”
There are few songs in the history of popular music that are as iconic as Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven.” The song was released in 1971 on the band’s fourth studio album, Led Zeppelin IV, and quickly became a massive hit. It is often cited as one of the greatest rock songs of all time, and its opening guitar riff is one of the most recognizable in music history.
The Who – “Won’t Get Fooled Again”
The best pop music from the 70s was often the product of collaborative efforts between artists and producers. The Who’s “Won’t Get Fooled Again” is a perfect example of this. The song was written by lead singer Roger Daltrey and guitarist Pete Townshend, but it was producer Glyn Johns who helped to bring it to life.
Johns took the basic track that had been recorded by the band and added overdubs, including a now- iconic synth line played by keyboardist Rick Wakeman. The result was a smash hit that epitomized the sound of the 70s.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 70s were a great decade for pop music. There were so many different styles and genres that there was something for everyone. From the feel-good vibes of disco to the angsty anthems of punk rock, the 70s had it all. So dust off your platform shoes and get ready to relive some of the best pop music from the greatest decade ever.
