Music is magical because it can give us a peek into life when a song was released. As time goes on, tunes of the past only get more special. With the release of Daisy Jones & The Six coming out soon, we can only assume we’ll see a resurgence of ’70s style in the near future – from clothing and shoes to music. Here are 10 timeless songs from the ’70 that deserve to be listened to today!
George Harrison – My Sweet Lord (1970)
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Memorable Lyrics: Really want to see you Lord / but it takes so long my Lord
This tune was a No. 1 single in the UK in 1971, and with its catchy melody, it’s easy to see why. George Harrison wrote this song so that people of all denominations would be able to relate to the lyrics. As a result, it became one of the most listened-to songs penned by the Beatle during his solo career.
Led Zeppelin – Hey, Hey, What Can I Do (1970)
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Memorable Lyrics: I want to tell her that I love her so / I thrill with her every touch / I need to tell her she’s the only one I really love
This tune was on the B-side of the Immigrant Song vinyl during release, and it goes without saying that it was overshadowed at the time. However, when you look at the rest of the band’s discography, this tune is one of their more standard radio songs, though it doesn’t take away from how great it is. In our opinion, it’s perfect for those long summer road trips.
The Guess Who – American Woman (1970)
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Memorable Lyrics: I don’t want to see your face no more / I got more important things to do / Than spend my time growin’ old with you
The strumming pattern and lyrics to this song were improvised by the Canadian band during a concert in Ontario. A fan happened to be bootlegging a cassette of the song as it played, which served as the foundation for the band to continue working on the tune. It was initially perceived as being “anti-American,” and the band was asked not to perform it when playing at a White House event they were invited to.
Fleetwood Mac – The Chain (1977)
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Memorable Lyrics: Running in the shadows, damn your love, damn your lies / Break the silence, damn the dark, damn the light
Did you think we would give you a list of ’70s hits without a Fleetwood Mac song? One of the (countless) hits on their album Rumours, this song is extra special because it was one of the band’s few songs whose authorship was credited to all members. Each of its pieces was written separately until the band realized they all worked well as one singular hit.
The Eagles – Witchy Woman (1972)
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Memorable Lyrics: She’s been sleepin’ in the Devil’s bed / And there’s some rumors going ’round / Someone’s underground / She can rock you in the nighttime ’til your skin turns red
Though the inspiration for this tune was born from a number of dreamy women in the band members’ lives, Don Henley garnered particular writing motivation from Zelda Fitzgerald. Apparently, the “silver spoon” line is a direct call to how the woman used a silver spoon to dissolve sugar in absinthe.
The Rolling Stones – Beast of Burden (1978)
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Memorable Lyrics: I’ll never be your beast of burden / So let’s go home and draw the curtains / Music on the radio, come on, baby, sweet love to me
Ranking #435 on Rolling Stone’s list of the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time,” “Beast of Burden” is a hit that will live on for years. Despite not being a croony, heartfelt tune, it’s still deeply relatable, mildly beggy, and ultra-melodic.
Bob Seger – Night Moves (1976)
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Memorable Lyrics: We weren’t in love, oh no, far from it / We weren’t searchin’ for some pie in the sky summit / We were just young and restless and bored / Livin’ by the sword
This song was the top single from Bob Seger’s album of the same name. It’s a coming-of-age story about teenage love and romance and finding yourself in the heat of the summertime. Though many of us wouldn’t want to relive our years of adolescence, this tune makes thinking about it somewhat bearable.
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Memorable Lyrics: You took your life as lovers often do / But I could have told you, Vincent / This world was never meant for one / As beautiful as you
Written about and named after Vincent van Gogh, this tune is also known as “Starry, Starry Night” due to its opening lines. It’s a bittersweet song, attributing the sorrowful life of the artist and his posthumous worldly appreciation and love.
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Memorable Lyrics: Won’t you tell me what you’re thinking of? / Would you be an outlaw for my love?
Another song about the puppy dog stages of first love, “Thirteen” is less than three minutes but earned a place on the list of the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time.” It’s pure and simple, a melancholic tribute to the beautiful days of youth, and something you’ll find yourself wanting to play again and again.
Three Dog Night – Mama Told Me (Not To Come) (1970)
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Memorable Lyrics: I think I’m almost chokin’ from the smell of stale perfume / And that cigarette you’re smokin’ ’bout scare me half to death / Open up the window, sucker, let me catch my breath
This is actually a cover of a song performed by Eric Burdon in 1966, but the Three Dog Night version garnered national attention by being longer, funkier, and infinitely more rock ’n’ roll. If you hated partying in college, or if you ever had a moment in time where you wished you had listened to your mom’s advice, this one’s for you.