The 1970s were the golden age of Western rock! Recommended classics and hit songs
Western music of the 1970s, which began with the symbolic event that signaled the end of the 1960s—the breakup of The Beatles—saw a wide variety of genres flourish alongside traditional rock, including hard rock, progressive rock, and glam rock, with many stadium bands achieving record-breaking hits.
As a counter-movement, punk rock emerged, making it undeniable that this was a pivotal era in rock history.
In this feature, we present a lineup centered on classic, definitive numbers—masterpieces and hit songs that colored the golden age of Western rock in the ’70s.
It’s a recommended guide for young music fans who are interested in ’70s Western rock but aren’t sure where to start listening!
- [A Collection of Classics] Nostalgic 70s Western Hit Songs
- Classic and hit Western pop songs from the 1970s
- [Masterpiece Selection] A Compilation of Classic Western Rock Songs
- The Greatest American Rock Band [All Time Best]
- Great Western rock classics and hit songs of the '60s
- Love songs in Western music that were hits in the 1970s. World-famous classics and popular tracks.
- [1970s] Recommended Nostalgic Western Music: Female Singers
- Legendary Western rock masterpieces and hit songs of the 80s
- Recommended Western music bands for men in their 60s
- A classic blues rock masterpiece. A highly recommended album you should listen to at least once.
- [50s–60s] A Collection of Rock ’n’ Roll Classics
- [2025] A Collection of Classic Piano Rock/Pop Songs (Western Music)
- Great Western rock classics and hit songs of the ’90s
The 1970s: The Golden Age of Western Rock! Recommended Classics and Hit Songs (21–30)
Hot LoveT-REX
This is a single released in February 1971 by the British band T.
Rex, emblematic of the dawn of the glam rock era.
It dominated the UK charts for six weeks and helped spark the social phenomenon known as “Bolanmania.” The repetitive, simple guitar riff and Marc Bolan’s sweet, whisper-like vocals are especially memorable.
The lyrics convey irrepressible, passionate love and a sense of exhilaration.
As you listen, your heart can’t help but lift, evoking a sparkle akin to the first rush of romance.
It’s often said that their performance of this song on a music show marked the very beginning of “glam rock,” making it an essential track for anyone interested in the genre.
Benny and the JetsElton John
Opening with audience cheers and a striking piano riff, this track appears to be influenced by the glam rock boom and was crafted by the legendary British musician Elton John.
Included on the classic 1973 album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road and released as a single in February 1974, it soared to No.
1 on the U.
S.
charts.
The song depicts a fervor for a futuristic, sci-fi-style fictional band.
You can practically picture their stage show—dazzling costumes and performances that captivate the crowd.
Its live-like immediacy, despite being a studio recording, transports you to the glittering world of the 1970s.
Why not give it a listen on a night when you want to forget the everyday and lose yourself in a sparkling spectacle?
TrashNew York Dolls
Formed in New York City and hugely influential on the later punk scene, the New York Dolls left an indelible mark.
This work, released in July 1973 as a double A-side single with “Personality Crisis,” stands as a milestone of glam punk.
Set against a decadent city backdrop, the song belts out a tale of fleeting love and a way of life, its sweet, aching melody shining through the raw performance.
It was also showcased on NBC’s television program The Midnight Special.
Have you ever felt the urge to be yourself, unbound by conventional values? On a night when you feel compelled to rebel against something, why not immerse yourself in this sound where danger and purity coexist?
MoneyPink Floyd
A song by Pink Floyd, pioneers of progressive rock.
In Japan it’s also known by the title “Madness,” and it’s included on the 1973 album The Dark Side of the Moon.
As the title suggests, it’s about money, and it’s interesting how the track includes sounds like cash registers and coins partway through.
Rock And Roll (Part 1 & 2)Gary Glitter
This is the debut single by UK artist Gary Glitter, whose glitter-clad outfits came to symbolize the 1970s.
Released in March 1972, it spent three consecutive weeks at No.
2 on the UK charts.
The track is structured in two parts: a vocal section that serves as an ode to rock ’n’ roll, and an instrumental section built solely on a driving rhythm and repeated shouts of “Hey.” Its sheer, unfiltered exhilaration has the power to sweep listeners into a frenzy in an instant.
It was also included on his debut album, Glitter, and many may remember its memorable use in the film Joker.
Give it a listen when you want to feel that stadium-shaking sense of unity.
Mama Weer All Crazee NowSlade
This is a song by Slade, a rock band from the West Midlands in the United Kingdom.
It’s included on their 1972 album “Slayed?”.
The upbeat sound is enough to make you feel good just by listening to it.
I’mamanJobriath
Emerging with massive promotion, America’s tragic genius Jobriath.
Featured on his 1973 debut album “Jobriath” and released as a single the following year in 1974, this song is emblematic of his very presence.
The dazzling piano and theatrical sound meld into one, and the way he boldly sings of his identity is nothing short of breathtaking.
His performance on the TV show The Midnight Special, paired with glittering costumes, left an indelible impression on viewers.
It really drives home the preciousness of staying true to oneself.
If you ever want to immerse yourself in the fleeting brilliance and fervor of ’70s glam rock, this is a must-listen.