The Best of Instrumental Music from 1970

Here are the best instrumental songs of 1970. This list was created by taking into account the most popular songs of the year, as well as critical acclaim.

Introduction

When it comes to great instrumental music, the 1970s were a decade that truly delivered. Some of the biggest selling and most popular artists of the time focused on instrumental pieces, and as a result, some unforgettable tracks were born. Below is a list of what we believe to be the greatest instrumental tracks of the 1970s.

The Best of Instrumental Music from 1970

As the decade came to a close, the best of what Instrumental Music had to offer in 1970 was both ambitious and varied. This was the year that Miles Davis released Bitches Brew, an album that would come to be seen as a turning point in jazz.

“In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida” by Iron Butterfly

“In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida” is a song by the American rock band Iron Butterfly, released in 1968. It is widely considered to be one of the defining works of the psychedelic rock genre, and one of the first metal songs to achieve mainstream popularity. The 17-minute version of the song that appears on the band’s album of the same name is often cited as one of the longest songs ever recorded.

The song’s title is a play on words on a popular brand of breakfast cereal, “In A Gadda Da Vida Cereal”. The original title was actually “In The Garden Of Eden”, but it was changed at the last minute due to concerns over potential legal action from the cereal company.

Despite its length, “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida” was a huge commercial success, reaching #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and selling over two million copies. It remains one of Iron Butterfly’s most popular songs, and has been covered by numerous other artists over the years.

“Bolero” by Ravel

Bolero by Ravel is one of the most popular pieces of instrumental music from 1970. It was originally written as a ballet, but has since been adapted for many different types of ensembles. The piece is known for its continuous, hypnotic rhythm, which builds in intensity as the piece progresses.

“Rhapsody in Blue” by George Gershwin

Rhapsody in Blue is a 1924 musical composition by George Gershwin for solo piano and orchestra. It was inspired by the blues and jazz music of the time. The piece is considered one of the most important American works of the 20th century.

“The Entertainer” by Scott Joplin

Released in 1902, “The Entertainer” is one of the best-known piano pieces of all time. The Ragtime tune was composed by Scott Joplin, who is considered to be the King of Ragtime. The piece became even more popular after it was featured in the 1973 film “The Sting,” starring Paul Newman and Robert Redford. “The Entertainer” has been covered by many artists over the years, and it remains a favorite among pianists and music lovers alike.

“Canon in D Major” by Johann Pachelbel

This piece is one of the most well-known and beloved classical pieces ever written, and for good reason – the melody is beautiful, and the harmonies are simply gorgeous. It’s been used in countless movies and TV shows (most notably in the wedding scene from The Godfather), and has been covered by everyone fromOPERA to Jerry Garcia.

Conclusion

Instrumental music from 1970 was some of the best ever made. From smooth jazz to hard rock, there was something for everyone. The best instrumentalists of the era truly pushed the boundaries of their craft, and the results were nothing short of spectacular. If you’re a fan of instrumental music, then you owe it to yourself to check out the best of what 1970 had to offer.