Top 10 Billboard Chart Topping Rock Songs Of The 70s

Just weeks after the untimely deaths of Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin, rock fans were presented with a gift from the Gods, courtesy of a new solo artist named George Harrison. As The Beatles had recently parted ways, the experimental musician upped the ante by releasing a TRIPLE album entitled All Things Must Pass, with a lead single dedicated to the supreme deity Krishna. Therapeutic for both the artist and listeners alike, “My Sweet Lord” became the most successful single of George Harrison’s post-Beatles career, as the song hit number one, where it remained for four weeks.

From a man with natural hippy hair to one with carefully sculpted mane of early 70s glory. After playing with The Jeff Beck Group in the late 60s, Rod the Mod set off on a solo career and thoroughly dominated the Billboard charts with the throaty vocals of “Maggie May.” Based on his first sexual encounter with a much older dame, the song details a strange journey of love, but despite the awkward details, Rod Stewart topped the Billboard Hot 100 for an impressive five weeks.

Unless you lived during the '70s, there’s a good chance that this chart topper is the only Janis Joplin song you can name off the top of your head. And there’s a good reason for that as it was released a few months after her life ended at the age of 27. Co-written by Kris Kristofferson, and Roy Orbison producer Fred Foster, “Me and Bobby McGee” was recorded the week of Joplin’s death, much to the surprise of Kristofferson upon first hearing the version one day after the singer passed. Janis’ short but legendary music career was given a touching sendoff, as the song became a chart topper, and one of her signature songs.

While rocks stars have been known to be a bit pretentious, this song stripped away all the theatrics with respect to the early days of rock and roll. “Crocodile Rock” originated after Elton John heard the Australian hit “Eagle Rock” by Daddy Cool, and along with writing partner Bernie Taupin, he came up with the playful lyrics for a future Billboard #1. Ok, it’s not the exactly the most thrashing of early '70s rock songs, but it captures the essence and energy of the genre itself.

Speaking of, well, “serious” musicians, Don McLean once noted that his lyrics to this cultural phenomenon are “beyond analysis. They’re poetry.” And you know what? He’s right! As a recollection of “the day the music died,” “American Pie” is essentially about America itself, and as the singer has noted HIMself, it means that he doesn’t ever have to work again. Ever. Because that’s what happens when find yourself at the top of the Billboard charts. “American Pie” reminds of a more innocent time, and it remains a memento of classic folk rock.

Speaking of Americana, perhaps it was the success of this rock hit that inspired Don McLean to write a more in-depth response. Whatever the case, The Guess Who weren’t actually Americans at all, but a Canadian rock band who caused a stir with the aggressive nature of their lyrics. Despite the controversy, the United States took a liking to “American Woman,” and it ultimately climbed its way to the top of the charts, thus proving that all it takes is a funky groove and an “America” reference to gain attention. And maybe some badass vocals too.

Well, here’s a song that wouldn’t exactly fly as a new release today, but nevertheless, it’s undoubtedly a rock and roll classic. Recorded down south at Alabama’s Muscle Shoals studio and inspired by Mick Jagger’s relationship with Marsha Hunt, the lyrics were every parent’s worst nightmare in 1971 - and not exactly politically correct. Then again, we’re talking about The Rolling Stones, a legendary band who could sell anything, and “Brown Sugar” was ultimately consumed like a daily appetizer for rock fans.

Put your palms to the sky, baby, because this folky number will have you praising the godly songwriting of Paul Simon. For the lead single off their final album, Simon and Garfunkel channeled a little gospel along with Phil Spector’s “Wall of Sound” technique for a song that would be covered by the likes of Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin and Johnny Cash. Almost five minutes in length, “Bridge Over Troubled Water” has grand scope of positivity that had people shouting from the mountaintop. Remaining atop the Billboard Hot 100 for six big weeks, there’s no doubt that this is one of the duo’s most signature songs.

Written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, “Let It Be” originated after the latter saw his deceased mother in a dream, and upon its release, no other rock song had ever debuted higher on the Billboard charts. A fitting conclusion to the band’s decade together, “Let It Be” stands the test of time, and is often considered one of the greatest songs of all time. The track marked the end of era, as McCartney left The Beatles approximately five weeks after the song’s release. But you know what they say…Let it be.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“A Horse With No Name” (1972)
America

“The Loco-Motion” (1974)
Grand Funk Railroad

“Fame” (1975)
David Bowie

“Rich Girl” (1977)
Hall & Oates

By the mid-70s, die-hard music fans were becoming less concerned with the Billboard charts and more interested in the scope of albums as a whole. And when The Eagles released their fifth studio album in December of 1976, a six and half minute musical journey stopped listeners in their tracks. Musically adroit and lyrically profound, “Hotel California” is far more than a soft rock anthem and one of the best-selling songs of all time; it’s a surrealistic fantasy open for endless interpretations.

So, do you agree with our selections? What is your favorite Billboard chart topping rock song of the 70s? For more mind-blowing Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.