Classic and hit Western pop songs from the 1970s
The 1970s were a particularly tumultuous period in music history.
Genres such as New Soul, which laid the foundation for R&B, disco featuring distinctive synthesizer sounds, and New Wave with its unconventional and striking musicality, all had their moment in the spotlight.
This time, we’re showcasing pop hits from the 1970s that took the world by storm!
From timeless classics that everyone knows, regardless of age or gender, to hidden gems frequently heard in commercials and variety shows, we’ve picked a wide selection.
Please take your time and enjoy!
- [A Collection of Classics] Nostalgic 70s Western Hit Songs
- The 1970s were the golden age of Western rock! Recommended classics and hit songs
- Love songs in Western music that were hits in the 1970s. World-famous classics and popular tracks.
- [1970s] Recommended Nostalgic Western Music: Female Singers
- Dance music from Western artists that was a hit in the 1970s. World-famous and popular songs.
- Back to those nostalgic days… Classic and hit Western songs of the 1960s
- Why Classic Disco Music Is Still Loved Today
- [Western Music] Nostalgic Western songs that everyone has probably heard at least once!
- Foreign folk music. Classic folk masterpieces and recommended popular songs.
- [Recommended for people in their 70s] Classic nostalgic hits: A collection of youth songs
- Golden age of Western music! Recommended summer songs that were hits in the 80s
- Recommended male artists and singers in Western music from the 1970s
- Nostalgic or fresh? Great Western pop masterpieces and hit songs from the 1980s
Masterpieces and Hit Songs of 70s Western Pop (1–10)
I Will SurviveGloria Gaynor
Gloria Gaynor’s classic hit, “I Will Survive,” is known in Japan under the title “Koi no Survival” (Love Survival).
What makes this song stand out, above all, is its femininity.
The passionate melody and lyrics that portray a woman’s love life leave a strong impression.
Since the Bride of Frankenstein (the Bride) performs it in Universal Studios Japan’s attraction “Monster Rock ’n’ Roll Show,” many younger people are likely familiar with it as well.
Stayin’ AliveBee Gees
The Bee Gees are a male vocal group formed around the three Gibb brothers from the UK.
Known for their wide-ranging musical styles—including adult contemporary, soft rock, psychedelic pop, and disco—they produced numerous hit songs in the 1970s.
Among their works, a particularly recommended track is Stayin’ Alive.
It’s one of their signature songs, a disco masterpiece with a funky vibe centered on falsetto vocals.
SuperstitionStevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder is an artist who’s hugely popular in Japan as well.
He has released numerous classic songs and is highly acclaimed around the world.
Among his works, one 1970s masterpiece I especially recommend is “Superstition.” In Japan, it’s known by the title “Meishin,” which literally means “superstition,” and as the title suggests, it takes superstition as its theme.
The lyrics portray the dangers of living by superstition, making it valuable both as a musical work and as a life lesson—so be sure to give it a listen.
Masterpieces and Hit Songs of 70s Western Pop (11–20)
You’ve Got a FriendCarole King
Carole King’s classic, “You’ve Got a Friend.” This song is one of her signature works and has been covered by many artists.
The fact that each cover has charted highly shows it was an excellent song from the moment it was written.
It’s an achievement only someone like Carole King—who originally worked as a songwriter—could accomplish, isn’t it? The original is, of course, wonderful, and the covers are fantastic too, so be sure to compare them.
Let’s Stay TogetherAl Green
Al Green, a singer-songwriter who gained popularity in the genre of “new soul,” which blends soul music with various other styles.
Unlike fellow new-soul singers like Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and Donny Hathaway, he took a different path, and aspects of his musicality connect to today’s neo-soul.
One of Al Green’s masterpieces is “Let’s Stay Together.” Depending on how you listen, it can even sound like neo-soul: it has a relaxed tempo yet exudes a stylish atmosphere.
It’s impressive how he was essentially two decades ahead of his time.
Incidentally, I believe D’Angelo’s “Send It On,” a hallmark of neo-soul, was heavily inspired by this track.
A Song For YouDonny Hathaway
One of the artists who helped popularize the genre that laid the foundation for neo-soul, Donny Hathaway stood out from other neo-soul artists as a conservatory-trained musician whose soul music incorporated classical elements.
His “A Song for You” especially showcases those classical influences, resulting in an exceptionally beautiful melody.
Moreover, at a time when racial discrimination against Black people was severe, his decision to cover a song by white singer Leon Russell shocked the public.
In that sense as well, it can be considered a historically significant work.
Heart Of GlassBlondie
The 1970s saw the emergence of a wide range of musical styles.
Among them, one of the most unconventional was a genre known as New Wave.
Blondie, who perform “Heart of Glass,” are one of the representative bands of New Wave.
The highlight of this song is, above all, its unique melody that encapsulates the appeal of New Wave.
Since it’s also used in commercials, many younger listeners will likely find it familiar.