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!
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The 1970s were the golden age of Western rock! Recommended classics and hit songs (31–40)
Dyna-miteMud
Released in October 1973, this is a signature track by the British band Mud.
It reached No.
4 on the UK Singles Chart and was also included on the soundtrack of the 2013 film Rush.
Crafted by hitmakers Nicky Chinn and Mike Chapman, it was reportedly originally intended for a different band.
Kicking off with a guitar riff like a dynamite blast, it’s an irresistibly upbeat slice of rock ’n’ roll.
It seems to celebrate the shock of falling in love and the pure, unreasoned joy that comes with it, conjuring images of the band performing in dazzling outfits.
A exhilarating number that’s perfect for lifting your spirits to the max.
20th Century BoyT-REX
It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to call it one of the most famous songs in the genre known as glam rock.
With its truly “glamorous,” hard-edged guitar sound, memorable riffs, pop melodies, and thick female backing vocals, it’s a quintessential 1970s killer tune that grabs listeners and won’t let go.
It’s a classic released in 1973 by T.
Rex, led by the legendary rocker Marc Bolan, who died young.
The song has maintained enduring popularity, covered by countless musicians and bands worldwide and used in commercials and film themes.
In fact, there’s a backstory: the track was recorded in 1972 at Toshiba EMI’s studio in Akasaka, Tokyo, when T.
Rex made their first visit to Japan.
Their popularity in Japan was phenomenal—strong enough to sell out the Nippon Budokan—so it’s a nice bit of history that a masterpiece etched into rock history was born in a country that so dearly loved the band.
ChangesDavid Bowie
A pioneering figure of the glam rock genre, David Bowie is a singer-songwriter from England.
This song is included on Hunky Dory, his fourth album, released in 1971.
It sings about oneself and the surrounding circumstances gradually changing.
His bright, clear vocals really resonate with the heart.
Make Me Smile (Come Up And See Me)Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel
Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel, a London-born act that stood out with literary lyrics and a theatrical sound.
Released in January 1975, this single became a massive hit, reaching No.
1 on the UK charts in February of the same year.
Its brisk, catchy melody has a charm that lifts anyone’s spirits the moment they hear it.
Yet what the song contains is Steve Harley’s biting irony and loneliness toward his former bandmates after experiencing their departure.
Even as he’s been betrayed, the protagonist puts on a brave face and says, “Go ahead, make me laugh,” which only deepens the poignancy.
It’s likely for this very depth that the track has been used in many works, including the film The Full Monty.
If you know the bittersweetness of human relationships, it will surely resonate with your heart.
I Want You to Want MeCheap Trick
There are many bands whose popularity caught fire in Japan before it did in their home countries, and Cheap Trick from Illinois, USA, is a prime example.
Debuting in 1977, they first became popular in Japan as mentioned above, successfully pulling off a Nippon Budokan concert on their very first visit.
The classic 1978 live album Cheap Trick at Budokan, which captured that performance, was “reimported” to the U.
S.
and broke into the Top 10 on the charts.
From there, they joined the ranks of popular bands in their home country—a trajectory that feels quintessentially 1970s, the golden age of Western pop and rock, and quite fascinating.
Their signature song I Want You to Want Me—also known in Japan by its translated title “Amai Wana” (“Sweet Trap”)—features a bouncy rhythm and irresistibly catchy melody that makes your heart flutter just by listening.
A canonical power-pop classic, its fusion of loud guitars and sweet melody shines with a brilliance that will never fade.
The 1970s were the golden age of Western rock! Recommended classics and hit songs (41–50)
Carry On Wayward SonKansas
This is a song by the American progressive rock band Kansas.
It is included on their 1976 album Leftoverture.
The single-cut version was used as the theme song for the film The Pursuit of Happyness, which drew attention.
Its dramatic guitar work leaves a lasting impression.
Take It EasyThe Eagles
As you listen, it somehow makes you want to go on a journey—it’s a classic.
This is the debut single by the Eagles, a rock band that was active on the U.
S.
West Coast.
It was released in 1972.
The melancholic guitar sound is striking.
It’s also widely known in Japan as background music for the TV show “Let’s Stay in the Countryside!”