The 1970s were the golden age of Western rock! Recommended classics and hit songs

Won’t Get Fooled AgainThe Who

The Who – Won’t Get Fooled Again (Shepperton Studios / 1978)

Alongside the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, The Who have secured their place in history as one of the world-renowned rock bands to come out of the UK.

Released in 1971, their ninth album, Who’s Next— which topped the UK charts and reached No.

4 in the US—firmly cemented the band’s popularity.

Among its tracks, Won’t Get Fooled Again stands as one of their signature songs.

Known in Japan by the title “Muhō no Sekai” (“Lawless World”), this over-eight-and-a-half-minute epic boldly weaves synthesizer phrases into The Who’s trademark dynamic hard rock.

For the early 1970s, it was hailed as an avant-garde work that fused elements reminiscent of later techno.

In fact, even those who might not realize it’s a song by The Who may know this classic as the theme for the popular TV series CSI: Miami.

Born to RunBruce Springsteen

Bruce Springsteen – Born to Run (Official Video)

Known by the nickname “The Boss,” Bruce Springsteen is world-renowned as a quintessential American rock artist.

Though he was initially promoted as a singer-songwriter, he proudly asserted his identity as a rock ’n’ roller, and here we spotlight the title track from his 1975 masterpiece Born to Run, which became his first Top 10 hit in the U.

S.

Also famous in Japan under the title “Ashita Naki Bōsō,” this song distills the essential appeal of Springsteen as the ultimate rock ’n’ roller: a band ensemble that’s irresistibly cool, anchored by guitar yet rich with brass sections.

Beyond the sound, the lyrics—imbued with the brilliance and struggles of youth unique to one’s twenties—feel as if they’re racing forward, hot-blooded and urgent.

It’s an eternal rock anthem that speaks to the timeless conflicts of young people, and one I hope everyone living in the 2020s will give a listen to.

Brown SugarThe Rolling Stones

The Rolling Stones – Brown Sugar (Live) – OFFICIAL

In the 1970s, a heavy weight bore down on the Rolling Stones: their contemporaries and rivals the Beatles had broken up, and by the end of the 1960s their original leader, Brian Jones, had passed away.

Even as they explored new paths—such as launching their own label—they went on to release many masterpieces that left their mark on rock history.

Kicking off the Stones’ 1970s was the lead single “Brown Sugar,” the opening track of their smash 1971 album Sticky Fingers: a quintessential Stones tune and an irresistibly feel-good rock number.

The languid, rough-edged guitar riff, the light, dancing piano, and Bobby Keys’ sax solo by the American musician all come together to create a wonderfully funky vibe.

Guitarist Mick Taylor, who joined the Stones with this album, also shines throughout.

It’s a classic I highly recommend—even as a first song for newcomers to the Stones!

BarracudaHeart

Heart – “Barracuda” (1977)

A song that can be called a landmark of ’70s rock was born in 1977.

Sparked by conflicts between Heart and their record label, the track is known as a hard rock number with a strikingly powerful guitar riff.

Boasting a level of craftsmanship that leaves others in the dust—including the use of unconventional time signatures—it stands out for its technical excellence.

Its reputation is unshakable, having ranked 34th on VH1’s “Greatest Hard Rock Songs.” Reaching No.

11 on the Billboard Hot 100, this track is packed with the spirit of American rock.

Highly recommended for those who want to be swept away by powerful performances and vocals.

Anarchy In The U.K.SEX PISTOLS

Sex Pistols – Anarchy In The UK

In the punk rock movement that erupted in the UK from the late ’70s onward, the Sex Pistols stand as arguably the most important and historic icon.

Their influence on the music scene, fashion, and broader culture can’t be summed up in a few sentences, and even in the 2020s their blend of reality and myth continues to enthrall people—for instance, in July 2022 the official Disney streaming service Disney+ began streaming the original drama Pistols based on the band.

If there’s one song that epitomizes them, it’s surely Anarchy in the U.

K.

Released in November 1976 as their debut single, it was a shock to the system—and the fact that it came out on major label EMI seems incredible in hindsight.

That said, the band was dropped from the label after the release.

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Listening to Anarchy in the U.

K.

again, beyond Johnny Rotten’s charismatic, incendiary lyrics and delivery, what shines is the pop melodic sensibility of original member and bassist Glen Matlock, who composed the song—making it catchy, straightforward, and undeniably cool.

If the band had been mere hype, their influence wouldn’t have endured for decades; the fact that it has is proof that their music was simply outstanding.

It stands as one of the finest songs of ’70s punk rock.

This Town Ain’t Big Enough For Both Of UsSparks

Sparks – This Town Ain’t Big Enough For Both Of Us

Sparks is a band formed by the contrasting Mael brothers: vocalist Russell, who stands out with his striking appearance, and Ron, whose trademark is his mustache and perpetually stern expression as he plays the keyboard.

Although they’re from California in the United States, their contrarian attitude and unorthodox musicality feel decidedly British—and it’s interesting that the UK was the first place to truly embrace them.

Their career spans over 50 years, and many artists openly cite them as an influence.

In 2021, director Edgar Wright made the documentary The Sparks Brothers, which was released in Japan in April 2022 and drew many music fans to theaters.

They were slated to appear at Summer Sonic in August 2022, as well as perform solo shows in Japan.

Given their wide-ranging musical style, it’s hard to pick a single signature song, but here I’d like to introduce their lead single This Town Ain’t Big Enough for Both of Us from their classic third album Kimono My House, released in 1974.

It’s one of their hallmark tracks, which achieved major success in the UK and across Europe.

With a song structure that defies standard rock formats, a somewhat theatrical atmosphere, and melodies rich in falsetto, it’s singular and wonderfully strange.

Savor this masterpiece by the iconoclastic geniuses of the ’70s—a shining example of their uniquely imaginative sensibility that few could dream up.

Search and DestroyIggy & The Stooges

Iggy & The Stooges – Search And Destroy (Bowie Mix) (Audio)

This is a track by the American band Iggy and the Stooges, often hailed as the godfathers of protopunk.

Released as a single in June 1973, it was also included on the landmark album Raw Power, mixed by glam rock icon David Bowie.

The song voices the feelings of a young person who thinks society has abandoned them, calling themselves a “cheetah walking down the street,” torn between destructive impulses and a hunger for recognition.

Its machine-gun-like guitar riff and feral vocals radiate a raw energy that stands apart from glittering glam rock.

It was memorably used in Wes Anderson’s film The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou.

When you feel the urge to tear everything down, why not surrender yourself to this roaring wall of sound?