The 70s were a great era for music, making a variety of genres and new artists popular. A good amount of music from this time period has been able to withstand the test of time and make its way onto my daily playlist. Here are my top ten picks from the 70s that you should definitely listen to if you haven’t already!
- (They Long to Be) Close to You by The CarpentersÂ
Genre: Pop
Best Line: “So they sprinkled moon dust in your hair of gold and starlight in your eyes of blue”
The first time I heard this song, I was captured by its simple, pleasant, and lyrical tones. The song’s soothing, yet upbeat melody and harmony of instruments is powerfully peaceful and envelops its listeners with a powerful sense of calm.Â
- It’s too late by Carole KingÂ
Genre: Singer/Songwriter
Best Line: “Still I’m glad for what we had and how I once loved you”
The song combines a catchy, upbeat chorus with groovy, slinky lyrics in between. It seamlessly doubles as both the perfect breakup anthem but also a generally catchy, jazzy listen.Â
- Heart of Gold by Neil YoungÂ
Genre: Rock
Best Line: “I’ve been to Hollywood, I’ve been to Redwood, I crossed the ocean, For a heart of gold”
Set over a harmony of soft drum, guitar, and harmonica, Heart of Gold’s simple rhyme and consistent, marching beat give it a timeless sound. It is the perfect song for any mood, with just the right combination of happy and melancholy tones that create an almost hopeful mood. Â
- Mona Lisas and Mad hatters by Elton JohnÂ
Genre: Pop
Best Line: “Turn around and say good morning to the night”
The lyrics in this stand out as incredibly poetic and more complex than others on this list. Paired with a simple piano instrumental in the beginning and light string instrument introduced later on, the song provides a melodic, beautiful vessel for an important commentary about a relatable human experience.Â
- Killing Me Softly With His Song – Roberta Flack
Genre: Pop
Best line: “Singing my life with his words”
The smooth, slinky vocals of this song pair with a jazzy instrumental to create the ultimate chill romance song. You can’t help but sway from side to side when this song comes on.Â
- Vienna – Billy Joel
Genre: Rock
Best line: “You’re so ahead of yourself that you forgot what you need”
This song is the ultimate coming of age song: it employs a passionate instrumental background and poetic yet conversational lyrics to discuss growing up and moving on. This song is truly timeless and can be relatable to any individual.Â
- Turn to Stone – Electric Light Orchestra
Genre: Rock
Best line: “The dying embers of a night, (A fire that slowly fades ’till dawn), Still glow upon the wall so bright, (turning, turning)”
With an update, techno-rock feel, this song gets you energized. If you like Mr. Blue Sky off the same album, you’ll love this song as a toned-down yet equally entertaining addition!
- Gold Dust Woman – Fleetwood Mac
Genre: Rock
Best Line: “Rock on, ancient queen, Follow those who pale in your shadow”
Gold Dust Woman is just one of the numerous amazing songs by Fleetwood Mac, but I chose this one specifically for the way it builds and becomes increasingly intense and powerful as the song goes on. The slow build is captivating and leaves the listener eager to find out how the song ends, almost like an intriguing mystery novel.Â
- Dust in the Wind – Kansas
Genre: Rock
Best line: “Nothin’ lasts forever but the earth and sky”
The hum of the guitar and eventually violin along with the harmony of soft lyrics turns this song into a stunning lullaby. Its melancholy message is delivered in such a simple, beautiful way that invited its audience to hum along, whether they’ve heard the song before or not.Â
- Miss You – Rolling Stones
Genre: RockÂ
Best Line: “You’ve been starrin’’ in my dreams”
The lively instrumental background and downbeat make listeners want to get up and dance to this song. Still, though, the consistency and lowkey nature of the song keep it relaxing but still a good time!Â