10 Best 1970s Rock And Roll Love Songs

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The 1970s was a decade filled with syrupy love songs, but this list aims to steer clear of all that fluff. Instead, it showcases rock and roll love songs with an edge, tracks that have a bite, songs that aren’t always wrapped up with happy endings, rainbows, or those viral Dubai Chocolate bars (if you know what I mean). Of course, some of these tracks are genuinely beautiful, full of meaning, hope, and moments to cherish. Others, however, lean into the bittersweetness of love, the heartbreak, the “I’ll never love again” feeling that many of us remember from our first breakups as teenagers in the 1970s.

These aren’t strictly breakup songs, though some carry a touch of that sentiment. At their core, they’re love songs—sometimes joyous, sometimes aching, but always brimming with emotional depth. Ultimately, this list is about celebrating great music. We’ve also tried to make it diverse, reflecting the many flavors of 1970s rock and roll. Whether progressive, pop rock, soft rock, or jazz rock, these songs all share a distinctive vibe that captures the spirit of my favorite decade in music. What would your picks be?

# 10 – You Took The Words Right Out Of My Mouth – Meat Loaf

“You Took the Words Right Out of My Mouth,” the opening track on Meat Loaf’s iconic 1977 album Bat Out of Hell, is a theatrical rock anthem that encapsulates the larger-than-life collaboration between Meat Loaf and songwriter Jim Steinman. Recorded at Bearsville Studios in Woodstock, New York, the track was produced by Todd Rundgren, who also contributed his signature guitar work. The lineup included Roy Bittan on piano and Max Weinberg on drums, both of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band, alongside Edgar Winter on saxophone and Kasim Sulton on bass. This fusion of talent created a lush, bombastic soundscape that defined the album’s grandiose style.

Read More: Top 10 Meat Loaf Songs

# 9 – Home Tonight – Aerosmith

“Home Tonight,” the poignant closing track on Aerosmith’s 1976 album Rocks, offers a tender counterpoint to the raw power and grit that define much of the record. Written by lead singer Steven Tyler and produced by Jack Douglas, the song was recorded at The Record Plant in New York City. Rocks is celebrated as one of Aerosmith’s most influential albums, solidifying their status as rock legends. In “Home Tonight,” the band displays its versatility, blending heartfelt emotion with its signature sound to create a ballad that stands as a hidden gem in its catalog.

# 8 – Amie – Pure Prairie League

“Amie,” the defining hit by Pure Prairie League, is a cornerstone of 1970s country-rock, blending heartfelt lyrics with warm, acoustic instrumentation. Written by Craig Fuller, the song was initially recorded for the band’s 1972 album Bustin’ Out, which was produced by Bob Ringe and recorded at RCA Studios in Toronto, Canada. Although not immediately recognized as a chart success, “Amie” gained traction through FM radio airplay and eventually reached number 27 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1975 after its re-release as a single. Its enduring appeal cemented Pure Prairie League’s place as pioneers in the country-rock movement.

Read More: Top 10 Pure Prairie League Songs

# 7 – Your Song – Elton John

“Your Song,” one of Elton John’s most cherished ballads, is a timeless love song that captures the simplicity and sincerity of heartfelt emotion. Written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, the track was recorded in January 1970 at Trident Studios in London. Produced by Gus Dudgeon, “Your Song” features Elton’s delicate piano work and tender vocal delivery, supported by Caleb Quaye on guitar, Dee Murray on bass, and Nigel Olsson on drums. This track, featured on John’s self-titled second studio album, became his breakthrough hit, reaching number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 and number seven on the UK Singles Chart.

# 6 – Crazy On You – Heart

“Crazy on You,” the explosive debut single by Heart, is a fiery declaration of passion and individuality that cemented the band’s place in 1970s rock history. Featured on their 1976 album Dreamboat Annie, the song was recorded at Can-Base Studios and Mushroom Studios in Vancouver, British Columbia, with production by Mike Flicker. The track showcases Ann Wilson’s powerful vocal range and Nancy Wilson’s dynamic acoustic guitar introduction, which seamlessly transitions into a high-energy rock anthem. Supported by Howard Leese on guitar and keyboards, Steve Fossen on bass, and Michael Derosier on drums, “Crazy on You” captures the raw intensity of Heart’s early sound.

Read More: 10 Essential Heart Songs

# 5 – When You Dance I Can Really Love – Neil Young

“When You Dance I Can Really Love” by Neil Young is a heartfelt rock ballad from his 1970 album After the Gold Rush, a record widely celebrated for its raw emotion and poetic lyricism. Recorded at Young’s home studio in Topanga Canyon, California, and produced by Young and David Briggs, the song features the distinctive backing of Crazy Horse. The lineup includes Ralph Molina on drums, Billy Talbot on bass, Danny Whitten on guitar, and Jack Nitzsche on piano, complementing Young’s expressive guitar and unmistakable vocal delivery.

Read More: Top 10 Neil Young Songs

# 4 – She’s The One – Bruce Springsteen

“She’s the One,” a fiery anthem of desire and heartbreak from Bruce Springsteen’s 1975 masterpiece Born to Run, exemplifies the raw energy and emotional depth that define the album. Recorded at 914 Sound Studios in Blauvelt, New York, and produced by Springsteen, Jon Landau, and Mike Appel, the song features the dynamic interplay of the E Street Band. Clarence Clemons’ soulful saxophone, Roy Bittan’s evocative piano, and Max Weinberg’s pounding drums create a relentless rhythm, while Springsteen’s harmonica and impassioned vocals take center stage.

# 3 – I Want You Around – The Ramones

“I Want You Around” by The Ramones is a charmingly raw love song, blending punk’s unfiltered simplicity with an endearing vulnerability. Featured on the 1979 soundtrack for the cult film Rock ‘n’ Roll High School, the track showcases the band’s ability to channel heartfelt emotion without abandoning their signature sound. Produced by Ed Stasium and Phil Spector, the song reflects a slightly more polished edge compared to The Ramones’ earlier recordings, without losing the energy that defined their punk ethos.

# 2 – Feel Like Makin’ Love – Bad Company

“Feel Like Makin’ Love,” a sultry and powerful ballad by Bad Company, captures the raw emotion and intensity of romantic longing. Released in 1975 as part of their album Straight Shooter, the song was recorded at Clearwell Castle in Gloucestershire, England, and produced by the band along with longtime collaborator Ron Nevison. The song was written by Paul Rodgers and Mick Ralphs. As a single, “Feel Like Makin’ Love” reached number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100.

# 1 – Since I’ve Been Loving You – Led Zeppelin

“Since I’ve Been Loving You,” the closing song on this list of the 10 Best 1970s Rock and Roll Love Songs, stands as a towering achievement in the pantheon of blues-inspired rock. Featured on Led Zeppelin’s 1970 album Led Zeppelin III, this emotionally raw ballad was recorded at Island Studios in London and produced by Jimmy Page. The song’s meticulous craftsmanship reflects the band’s unparalleled musicianship, with Page’s searing guitar work, Robert Plant’s impassioned vocals, John Paul Jones’ intricate organ lines, and John Bonham’s restrained yet powerful drumming creating a sonic experience that is both intimate and epic.