[A Collection of Classics] Nostalgic 70s Western Hit Songs
The scene opened up widely in the ’60s, and in the ’70s many rock bands flourished—Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, the Sex Pistols, the Beatles…
However, in the latter part of the decade, an explosive disco boom arrived.
From among the many classic songs that lit up the Western music charts of the 1970s—including rock bands releasing disco-style tracks—I’ve selected some nostalgic hit tunes.
Please enjoy a generous helping of the legendary albums and songs that thrilled fans around the world!
- The 1970s were the golden age of Western rock! Recommended classics and hit songs
- Classic and hit Western pop songs from the 1970s
- [1970s] Recommended Nostalgic Western Music: Female Singers
- Love songs in Western music that were hits in the 1970s. World-famous classics and popular tracks.
- Dance music from Western artists that was a hit in the 1970s. World-famous and popular songs.
- 1980s: Legendary Western Rock Bands’ Classic and Hit Songs
- Back to those nostalgic days… Classic and hit Western songs of the 1960s
- [Western Music] A roundup of debut songs by female artists from the 1970s
- [Definitive Edition] Masterpieces of 70s Disco Music
- [Definitive Edition] Masterpieces and Hit Songs of 80s Disco
- [Golden Age of Rock] Debut Songs by Western Rock Bands of the 1970s
- Western songs with cool bass lines: classic and popular tracks recommended for bassists
- Explore the innovative sounds and iconic songs that shaped the history of 60s bands
[A Collection of Classic Albums] Nostalgic 70s Western Hit Songs (101–110)
PersephoneWishbone Ash
It’s a classic song released in 1974 by the British rock band Wishbone Ash.
The twin lead guitars’ soulful, weeping phrases are electrifying.
The song’s development and captivating arrangement keep you engaged without any fussiness or pretension—simple yet never boring.
It’s a dramatic piece.
Even though it’s nearly seven minutes long, you won’t get tired of it.
Don’t Pull Your LoveHamilton, Joe Frank & Reynolds
Also known in Japan by the title “Koi no Kakehiki” (Love’s Play), this is the signature song by Hamilton, Joe Frank & Reynolds that became a huge hit in 1971.
The drum phrase that follows the horn section in the intro is so cool that many people probably listened to it over and over back then.
It’s an indispensable classic when discussing Western pop music—a quintessential track from the early 1970s.
Black SabbathBlack Sabbath
The title track from their debut album “Black Sabbath,” released on Friday the 13th in devilish fashion.
With just three chords, it crafts an overwhelmingly dark and heavy atmosphere, perfectly encapsulating who they are—a true classic.
It’s no exaggeration to say that metal began with this song.
I Need to Be in LoveCarpenters
A famous song that everyone knows.
Its Japanese title is “Seishun no Kagayaki” (literally, “The Brilliance of Youth”), and true to its name, it became the ending theme for the 1995 TV drama ‘Miseinen’ (Minors) in Japan, and was also used in the ‘Minors’ Declarations’ segment on the variety show ‘Gakkō e Ikō!’ It remains a timeless youth anthem even today.
I Will SurviveGloria Gaynor
A soul song brimming with femininity, “I Will Survive.” It’s the song the Bride sings in Universal Studios Japan’s Monster Rock ’n’ Roll Show.
It’s a classic covered all over the world, regardless of country.
The rhythm and vocal ad-libs evoke a sense of nostalgia.
[All-Time Classics] Nostalgic Western Hit Songs of the ’70s (111–120)
Will You Dance?Janis Ian
A song by American singer-songwriter Janis Ian, released in 1977.
It is included on the album Miracle Row, which was also released that year.
In Japan, it was used as the theme song for the TV drama Kishibe no Album, and the album recorded sales of over one million copies.
Detroit Rock CityKISS
This is KISS’s fifth single, released in 1976.
It’s one of their signature songs, which reached No.
7 on the U.
S.
charts, and it also serves as the theme song for the film “Detroit Rock City,” whose protagonists are KISS fans.
If you like rock, you’ll really enjoy this movie.
Give it a watch if you’re interested.