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!
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Masterpieces and Hit Songs of 70s Western Pop (1–10)
SeptemberEarth, Wind & Fire
Earth, Wind & Fire’s classic song “September.” Released in 1978, it blends R&B, soul, disco, and funk in a sophisticated way that won over listeners, and it remains beloved by many fans and artists today.
While many might assume it was an enormous hit from the start, it actually didn’t achieve massive chart success at the time; its current popularity grew over many years.
Now regarded as one of the defining songs of the 1970s, it’s a great place to start if you want to deepen your knowledge!
Bohemian RhapsodyQueen
Queen’s classic “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Many young people today may have discovered the song after watching the 2018 film of the same title.
While many find the melody very warm and inviting, the lyrics are heavy: they depict a boy who has committed murder, pleading with his mother for help and asking, “Why did I do such a thing?” The contrast between the melody and the lyrics is striking, isn’t it?
Hotel CaliforniaThe Eagles
The Eagles’ classic, “Hotel California.” The appeal of this song lies above all in its compositional complexity.
You can feel the deep attention to detail in the performance—from the layered arpeggios using as many as 13 guitars to the sophisticated guitar riffs by Don Felder and Joe Walsh.
The lyrics are also striking, portraying a decadent narrative in which the protagonist spends a depraved life in a hotel, growing disgusted with his own existence yet unable to escape.
Life On MarsDavid Bowie
David Bowie, the great artist from England.
Known as one of the pioneers of glam rock, he earned artist-to-artist respect, meaning he was an artist who had a profound influence on musicians around the world.
One of his classic songs is Life On Mars.
It is one of his signature works from the 1970s, and with its complex musicality that packs elements of cabaret and art rock into glam rock, it continues to be highly acclaimed by many listeners and artists today.
What’s Going OnMarvin Gaye
Marvin Gaye, known as one of the artists who helped shape modern R&B, was a soul singer and a pioneer of “New Soul,” which added contemporary arrangements to soul music and made a huge impact on the Black music scene of the 1970s.
One of his classic songs is “What’s Going On,” a work that tackles social issues in America.
Its bright melody paired with the depth of its lyrics creates a compelling and striking contrast.
Dancing QueenABBA
ABBA is a chorus group that represents Sweden.
They specialize in disco music with a strong pop flavor and were enormously popular in the 1970s.
One of their classic hits is Dancing Queen.
As one of ABBA’s signature works, it has maintained enduring popularity from its 1976 release to the present day.
Even younger listeners today have probably heard it at least once.
The 1970s saw many bands and artists with distinctive musical styles, but if you want to start with the classics, be sure to check out this song.
ImagineJohn Lennon
The song “Imagine,” released in 1971, is by John Lennon, a member of The Beatles, and is so famous that in some regions it’s even included in music textbooks.
What truly stands out about this piece are its lyrics, which sing of peace.
It’s a philosophical work that argues the futility of conflicts driven by national and religious divisions, and it deeply reflects John Lennon’s humanity.
If you’re a younger listener who isn’t familiar with The Beatles or John Lennon, be sure to check it out.