Top 10 Slow Dance Songs of the 1970s

Our first dance is the song that made the Rocket Man a household name. This simple tune is rich with sincere admiration, romantic notions, and just enough humor to keep it from taking itself too seriously – just the way love should be. Elton John and his writing partner Bernie Taupin only needed minutes to craft this classic after the then-19 year old Taupin penned the lyrics over that morning’s breakfast. “Your Song” was entered into the Grammy Hall of fame in 1998 and is one of Elton’s most performed concert tracks.

Although first released a year prior by the song’s writer Albert Hammond, thisslow-tempo number didn’t make a splash until it was recorded by Leo Sayer – and it has been synonymous with the singer and timid, awkward dances ever since. A #1 hit for Leo and sure to get even the worst of dancers on the floor, the song has been covered by artists as varied as Rod Stewart, Cliff Richard, Celine Dion, and even Roger Whittaker.

Coming from a time when moustaches were a fact of life and sailors played only the pointiest of guitars, this song has endured as an FM radio and dancehall champion throughout the decades. Written by Dennis DeYoung as a gift to his wife, the soft rocker almost wasn’t released as the singer and keyboardist initially felt it was too personal. After persuasion by the band, “Babe” became a massive hit and remains Styx’s sole #1 hit in the United States.

With its themes of unconditional and dedicated love, this soulful track has been a wedding classic since it was first released. After being presented with the music, Al Green wrote the song’s lyrics in just five minutes but it then took producers two days of arguing to get the singer to agree to record it. Producers, we thank you. To create the proper mood for the song, Green’s producer felt an audience was required for the studio recording and enlisted a group of street winos to do the job. Winos, we envy you.

Even before Neverland and puberty, Michael Jackson was a hit maker. Crafted for the group by the Motown songsmiths known as The Corporation, this loving ballad proved that the Jacksons could handle songs heavier than the bubblegum pop they were then known for. “I’ll Be There” gave the 5 their fourth straight number #1 smash - and although it’s notably more slow dance than moonwalk - the song was a regular fixture on every MJ tour until the singer’s death in 2009.

While “Stayin’ Alive” may be catchier, not everyone can dance like John Travolta. Actually, no one can dance like Travolta. Included on the massive “Saturday Night Fever” soundtrack, this shoe-shuffling ditty hit #1, stayed in the top 10 for 17 weeks and charted for 33 weeks in total, and that ain’t bad. The song was actually written for a female singer but when the film’s producer Robert Stigwood demanded the brothers Gibb do it, the bearded Barry and his high falsetto voice stepped up and nailed it.

First recorded for his self-titled solo album, this track really gained legs when it became part of the live phenomenon that was Frampton Comes Alive. Number 12 on the Billboard charts, 4th on our list, and tops in our hearts, this acoustic and Rhodes electric piano-driven love ballad is guaranteed to sway hips in Legion Halls, school gyms and stadiums alike. Owing to its slow and laidback feel, “Baby, I Love Your Way” was later deftly reworked as a reggae number by Big Mountain that actually outperformed the original.

One of two ultra-famous songs written by Slowhand about the former Mrs. George Harrison, Pattie Boyd, this one finds EC at his tender-est and sincerest. True to the nature of the lyrics, Clapton actually wrote this while patiently waiting for Pattie Boyd to doll herself up for a party. Long a prom and wedding staple as well as a favorite of guys with blonde girlfriends everywhere, “Wonderful Tonight” was a top 20 Billboard Hot 100 single, while a live version earned the musician top 40 status in the UK 14 years later.

Choose your partner wisely for this one, ‘cause you’re going to be with them for awhile. “Stairway” is many things to many people, but its suitability to soundtrack a teenage tango cannot be denied. Its slow building first half is ideal for shy hip-holding, its solo is take-a-chance-and-spin-your-partner approved, while its amped up second half is your chance to comfortably rock out ... or bail and sneak way into the darkness.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
- “Let’s Get It On” (1973)
- Marvin Gaye
- “Into the Mystic” (1970)
Van Morrison
- “Day After Day” (1971)
Badfinger
- “Wild Horses” (1971)
The Rolling Stones
- “Hopelessly Devoted to You” (1978)
Olivia Newton-John

Written by the unlikely combo of Beach Boy drummer Dennis Wilson, Bruce Fisher, and gospel singer Billy Preston, this track gained new life when it was slowed down and treated to Cocker’s powerful vocals. Due to its simple melody, even simpler lyrics, and ready emotion, this one is perfect for slow, gentle dancing. Hitting #5 on the Hot 100, this would be the Sheffield Soul Shouter’s highest charting tune until the release of another slow dance favorite, “Up Where We Belong” in 1982.

Do you agree with our list? What’s your favorite ‘70s slow dance song? For more groovy Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.