[Golden Age of Rock] Debut Songs by Western Rock Bands of the 1970s
The rock scene of the ’70s was a golden era in which guitar riffs and psychedelic sounds evolved, vastly expanding the possibilities of music.
It was a tumultuous time that saw the birth of new genres one after another, including hard rock, progressive rock, and glam rock.
So, with what debut tracks did the bands that etched their names into the world’s rock history in that brilliant decade take their first steps? Here, we present a selection of debut songs that fired up rock fans of the time and remain as vibrant as ever today.
- The 1970s were the golden age of Western rock! Recommended classics and hit songs
- 1980s: Legendary Western Rock Bands’ Classic and Hit Songs
- [A Collection of Classics] Nostalgic 70s Western Hit Songs
- [Recommended for people in their 70s] Classic nostalgic hits: A collection of youth songs
- [Western Music] A roundup of debut songs by female artists from the 1970s
- Debut songs by Western rock bands from the 2000s
- A roundup of debut songs by Western bands that lit up the 2000s
- [80s Western Music] A roundup of debut songs by girl bands
- [80s Western Music] Debut Songs by Male Artists
- Classic and hit Western pop songs from the 1970s
- The allure of 70s glam rock! A host of masterpieces that colored a dazzling chapter of music history
- Love songs in Western music that were hits in the 1970s. World-famous classics and popular tracks.
- Debut songs by female Western artists from the 1980s
[Golden Age of Rock] Debut Songs by 1970s Western Rock Bands (31–40)
NobodyThe Doobie Brothers
Included on the 1971 album “The Doobie Brothers.” A three-piece rock band from California formed in 1970, they were one of the leading bands of West Coast rock, which became a major movement in the American music scene from the late ’60s to the ’70s.
This is a single from their debut album.
The guitar sound has a very dry, crisp tone that feels distinctly West Coast.
In The CityThe Jam
The title track from the 1977 album “In the City.” A five-piece punk band from the UK formed in 1972.
Unlike the punk that channeled youthful rage like the Sex Pistols, their sound—and their mod style—won massive support from young people.
This is their debut single.
Beneath the intensity, there’s a pop sensibility peeking through, which shows real taste.
SweetnessYES
Included on the 1969 album Yes.
A five-piece rock band from London formed in 1968, they are a progressive rock group that produced hit numbers throughout the 1970s and 1980s.
This track is notable for its soulful vocals set against a slow-tempo, mellow, and soft melody.
Lucky ManEmerson Lake&Palmer
Included on the 1970 album Emerson, Lake & Palmer.
A London-based rock trio formed in 1970, the band is known for its strong affinity for classical music, its unique arrangements of Mussorgsky’s works, and its pioneering use of synthesizers.
Composed of members with proven track records in other bands, they are also considered a supergroup.
In this track, aside from the latter half, synthesizers are scarcely used, resulting in a sound where the acoustic guitar’s timbre leaves a strong impression.
More Than A FeelingBoston
From the 1976 album “Boston.” A seven-piece rock band from Boston formed in 1976.
This single is taken from their debut album, and the band is known as one of the leading groups of American progressive hard rock that flourished from the 1970s to the 1980s.
It’s a cool track that fuses hard-edged guitar sounds with pop melodies.
[Golden Age of Rock] Debut songs by Western rock bands of the 1970s (41–50)
Little Johnny Jewel, Part OneTelevision
A single released in 1975.
A five-piece rock band formed in 1973.
Tom Verlaine’s lyrics and the band’s densely tense performances stood out even amid the height of the New York punk movement.
With just a quick listen, the sound and vocals make it clear you’re dealing with something extraordinary—simply astounding.
Love Is StrangeWings
Included on the 1971 album Wild Life.
A cover of the single released in 1956 by the American duo Mickey & Sylvia.
A five-piece rock band from the UK formed in 1971.
It’s a track on the debut album of the rock band Paul McCartney formed with his wife Linda after the breakup of the Beatles.
The song was slated for single release, but it was canceled.