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 (41–50)
Love GunKISS
A sound that epitomizes hard rock.
It’s a song by the American rock band KISS.
It’s the lead track from their 1977 album Love Gun.
The intro phrase that imitates the sound of a machine gun firing is really cool.
Do It AgainSteely Dan
This is a song by the American band Steely Dan, whose jazzy yet rock-influenced sound has won support.
It was included on their debut album, “Can’t Buy A Thrill,” released in 1972.
The pleasant sound makes you want to keep listening.
Reading the lyrics, you get the feeling you’re glimpsing an outlaw side of America from the past.
Band On The RunPaul McCartney & Wings
Paul McCartney & Wings is a band formed around Paul McCartney, who is also known as a member of The Beatles.
“Band on the Run” is the title track from the album released in 1973.
Listening to its lively, upbeat sound makes your heart feel light and excited.
Because the NightPatti Smith Group
Formed around Patti Smith, known as the “Queen of Punk,” the Patti Smith Group recorded “Because the Night” on their 1978 album Easter.
The song is also well-known for covers by famous artists.
When it comes to female-fronted rock from that era, this is the one.
American GirlTom Petty And The Heartbreakers
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers are the ones who created a masterpiece that can be called a symbol of American rock.
This work, which tells the story of an American girl pursuing youth and freedom, truly stands as a monument to ’70s rock.
Released in November 1976 as a track on the album “Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers,” it didn’t become a major hit at first, but was later reappraised and came to be loved by many fans.
Its use in the film “The Silence of the Lambs” also drew attention, boosting its universality and recognition.
It’s a perfect song for anyone who wants to chase their dreams or reminisce about their youth.
TarkusEmerson Lake&Palmer
This is a song by the progressive rock band Emerson, Lake & Palmer, affectionately known as “ELP.” It’s the epitome of progressive rock—a suite running over 20 minutes in total.
It was released in 1971.
London CallingThe Clash
In the 1970s, Western music saw rock band concerts drawing skyrocketing crowds, giving rise to terms like “stadium rock” and “arena rock.” As a counter to this bloated form of rock, punk rock emerged.
Without delving into the full historical context here, one of the definitive representatives of London punk—which is said to have begun around 1976—and a band that remains beloved alongside the Sex Pistols as an enduring symbol of the movement, is The Clash.
Blending the raw thrills of straight-ahead punk with reggae and dub, R&B, rockabilly, and jazz, they also found success in the United States.
Their 1979 masterpiece London Calling, and particularly its title track, is packed with elements that showcase The Clash’s uniqueness.
Politically charged lyrics, reggae-inflected beats, rough-and-ready guitar backing, and the punkish vocals of the now-late charismatic Joe Strummer—countless bands have drawn inspiration from this style.
If you approach this song expecting the typical punk image of “fast and short,” you’re in for a surprise!