Top 10 70s Songs You Forgot Were Awesome

#10: If I Cant Have You (1977)

Yvonne Elliman

If you dont like disco, you might be lying to yourself or you havent heard this one yet. If I Cant Have You is a great example of the genre and its love ballads. Yvonne Elliman sings the song from the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack. The Bee Gees wrote the track, making it a fully-loaded piece of pop history. Ellimans vocals enhance the track even more with one of her defining performances. With orchestral instruments, the production transports you back to the 1970s. The Gibb brothers crafted a tune that makes you happy, nostalgic, and a little emotional.

#9: Be Here Now (1973)

George Harrison

Many people love his album All Things Must Pass, but the former Beatle also did wonders on Living in the Material World. This includes his spiritual track Be Here Now. The song puts you into a peaceful head space, making listeners feel alive. His inspiring voice asks people to enjoy every single moment they have on earth. Harrisons words might be his most underrated, delivered with a tenderness that sells the message especially well. He gently carries you away on a cloud as you forget about everything else. In a folk arrangement, the performer knows how to let every note linger for dramatic effect. The musician shows that he has a catalog much deeper than his most popular work.

#8: I Wouldnt Want to Be Like You (1977)

The Alan Parsons Project

This rock outfit is perhaps known for epic singles like Sirius or Eye in the Sky. In the late 1970s, they also had songs with more funky grooves like this one. Its a lively track that might inspire you to dance or walk down the street with a smile. I Wouldnt Want to Be Like You has the kind of beat to brighten your day, with an awesome bass and guitar riff. Theres also a slow build that captures the atmosphere before spilling over into exciting verses. The Alan Parsons Project might not be the heaviest act ever, but they can still play with the same earth-shattering effect.

#7: Love Is the Drug (1975)

Roxy Music

You can call them glam or some kind of art rock, but either way Roxy Music is an incredible collective of musicians. Their eclectic catalog spans ballads, artistic hits, and other musical experiments. Love Is the Drug marked one of their more enduring singles and one that encapsulates their ever-evolving sound. The audience gets to hear a sensational baseline, with John Gustafson helping to pour the foundation. You also cant have this song without Andy Mackays dynamic saxophone riff. Pulling it all together, vocalist Bryan Ferry sings with a self-assured delivery thats full of swagger.

#6: The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia (1972)

Vicki Lawrence

There are many murder ballads, but this one might be the best of the 1970s. Its the kind of scandalous track thatll make you stop and think. The entertaining case of revenge, murder, and tragedy never fails to draw your interest. Vicki Lawrence wasnt the only one to record this track, but she became synonymous with its success. The singer takes you through this story like a good book. As the narrator, Lawrence lulls you into a sense of security before throwing in a few surprises. Its all crystal clear with some violent twists to keep you interested. With all of the details of a Dateline episode, this song is for the crime story fan in all of us.

#5: Right Down the Line (1978)

Gerry Rafferty

He might be somewhat underrated, but Gerry Raffertys contributions to music deserve much more attention. The singer is known for Stealers Wheel and solo hits like Baker Street. Right Down the Line came out on the same album as the latter single, but it also brought out Raffertys more emotional side. The tender ballad holds a special power from the vocal to the guitar lines. You could call it soft rock, but its certainly as impactful as a louder tune. The songwriter describes his feelings for a woman in precise detail. With a poetic and pure intention, the artist spins a beautiful yarn about love.

#4: Hanging on the Telephone (1978)

Blondie

How else do you start an iconic album like Parallel Lines? New wave act Blondie covered this song by The Nerves, inviting listeners into an amazing record. The electric guitars and drum beats give audiences a glimpse into the bands musical direction. With effortless cool, Debbie Harry fires off some memorable vocals. The iconic frontwoman brings this cover to life. Hanging on the Telephone bursts with energy, signalling the groups ability to create a lively performance. Its a gem among many other classics in their awesome catalog. You know them for Call Me and Heart of Glass, but youll love them even more after this catchy tune.

#3: Summer, Highland Falls (1976)

Billy Joel

From the album Turnstiles, this song doesnt get talked about as much as other Billy Joel hits. Summer, Highland Falls deserves just as much radio play as Piano Man. It comes complete with an engaging piano part, but it also has some of Billy Joels finest lyrics. He explores the highs and lows of life in a complex narrative. You can imagine all of the personal feelings hes woven into the song, with each verse adding to the themes of sadness and euphoria. The intricate playing only adds to the overall effect as Joel puts you through an emotional journey. Its yet another lesser-known work that more casual fans should seek out, along with the artists moving work on Souvenir.

#2: Life During Wartime (1979)

Talking Heads

At the end of the 1970s, Talking Heads helped to change musical expectations with their output. David Byrnes vision of someone living through a much different version of the United States. With specific details, the singer puts you in the hot seat as you imagine the scary situation in the title. This combines with a funky production that makes you want to dance. The band are able to mix dark imagery with upbeat sounds, giving them an edge on their contemporaries. Life During Wartime makes you want to dance your way through a potential apocalypse.

#1: Drivers Seat (1978)

Sniff n the Tears

In this rocking tune, the band Sniff n the Tears made a name for themselves. Hailing from England, the group emerged during the time of new wave and multi-genre rock influences. Their hit reached the top twenty on the Billboard Hot 100 and landed on their first album Fickle Heart. Starting with a fun buildup, it all builds to a slick guitar line. The track almost sneaks up on you before bringing the heat. Its also aptly named, making for some perfect driving music. The stylish sound fills out a stellar musical experience. Singer and songwriter Paul Roberts delivers an exceptional performance, setting the stage for a classic glimpse into the late 1970s.

Did we forget another 70s track that deserves another listen? Let us know in the comments below.