Ten 1970s Songs That You Never Get Tired Of

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We all have them—those magical songs that transport us back to a time when innocence ruled, and our biggest concerns were finding a girlfriend or boyfriend and holding on to them before they broke up with us. This will undoubtedly be one of the most personal lists we’ve ever created, and anyone who wants to join in and share their picks will likely have very different choices from everyone else. That’s the beauty of music: we all have our favorites, we all have those special songs, and ultimately, it comes down to personal choice.

One of the goals behind these articles is always to introduce people to music they may not know or to remind them of great songs they might have forgotten, while offering a little background about them along the way. I hope this article takes you back to a time when you weren’t worried about mortgage payments, car payments, student loans, dentist bills, and all the other responsibilities that come with being an adult.

# 10 – “Out in the Country” – Three Dog Night

Few songs capture a yearning for peace and simplicity quite like “Out in the Country” by Three Dog Night. Released in 1970 on their album It Ain’t Easy, the song was penned by renowned songwriter Paul Williams and Roger Nichols, who were celebrated for their evocative compositions. The track was recorded at Wally Heider Studios in Hollywood, California, under the skilled production of Richard Podolor, whose crisp, layered production style became synonymous with Three Dog Night’s signature sound. Featuring Danny Hutton on lead vocals, the song showcases the collective talents of the band, including Jimmy Greenspoon on keyboards, Michael Allsup on guitar, Joe Schermie on bass, Floyd Sneed on drums, and backing vocals by Chuck Negron and Cory Wells.

Read More: Top 10 Three Dog Night Deep Tracks

# 9 – “Driving Wheel” – Foghat

Foghat’s “Driving Wheel,” a standout track from their 1976 album Night Shift, captures the raw energy and blues-rock grit that defined the band during the height of their career. Recorded at the revered Bearsville Studios in Woodstock, New York, the album was produced by Dan Hartman, known for his ability to meld blues authenticity with radio-friendly rock polish. The song features Lonesome Dave Peverett on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, Rod Price delivering fiery slide guitar work, Tony Stevens anchoring the bassline, and Roger Earl’s dynamic drumming driving the rhythm. Together, the band crafted a powerful anthem that showcases their trademark mix of electrified blues and high-octane rock.

# 8 – “Mainstreet” – Bob Seger & the Silver Bullet Band

Few songs capture the bittersweet ache of nostalgia quite like Bob Seger’s “Mainstreet,” a tender exploration of memory and longing. Featured on his 1976 album Night Moves, the song was recorded at the iconic Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in Alabama, where Seger enlisted the legendary Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section. Pete Carr’s shimmering guitar work, Roger Hawkins’ understated drumming, David Hood’s warm bassline, and Barry Beckett’s soulful organ create an atmosphere that perfectly complements Seger’s reflective lyrics. The production, handled by Seger alongside Jack Richardson, delivers a sound that feels both intimate and timeless. “Mainstreet” reached number twenty-four on the Billboard Hot 100;

Read More: Our Ten Favorite Bob Seger Albums

# 7 – Lose Again – Linda Ronstadt

Linda Ronstadt’s “Lose Again” serves as a masterclass in the art of emotional storytelling through music. Opening her 1976 album Hasten Down the Wind, the song showcases the seamless collaboration between Ronstadt and songwriter Karla Bonoff, who penned the heartfelt ballad. The track was recorded at The Sound Factory in Los Angeles, under the production of Peter Asher, whose meticulous guidance shaped the song’s lush yet vulnerable arrangement.

# 6 – The Pretender – Jackson Browne

Jackson Browne’s “The Pretender” is a poignant exploration of compromise, ambition, and the quiet struggles of modern life. The title track from Browne’s 1976 album The Pretender, the song was recorded at The Sound Factory in Los Angeles, with producer Jon Landau. Known for his thoughtful lyricism, Browne delivers a deeply introspective narrative set to a melancholic yet powerful arrangement.

# 5 – And You And I – Yes

“And You and I” is a breathtaking centerpiece of progressive rock brilliance from Yes, featured on their iconic 1972 album Close to the Edge. Recorded at Advision Studios in London and produced by the band alongside Eddie Offord, the song showcases the virtuosic musicianship and expansive compositional style that defined Yes during their creative peak. Clocking in at just over ten minutes, the track is divided into four movements, blending intricate instrumental passages with poetic lyrics.

Read More: Top 10 Yes Songs

# 4 – The Ocean – Led Zeppelin

“The Ocean” has always been one of my favorite Led Zeppelin songs. In fact, it’s from one of my favorite Led Zeppelin albums called Houses of the Holy. However, just about every Led Zeppelin album is my favorite. There has always been something about this lick that I’ve never gotten tired of. I was so happy when they released the live version on The Song Remains the Same remaster.

# 3 – Backstreets – Bruce Springsteen

“Backstreets” is one of Bruce Springsteen’s most emotionally powerful tracks, appearing on his landmark 1975 album Born to Run. Recorded at The Record Plant in New York City and produced by Springsteen, Jon Landau, and Mike Appel, the song showcases the deep narrative storytelling and cinematic sound that define Born to Run. Springsteen’s lyrics, paired with Roy Bittan’s haunting piano lines and the E Street Band’s sweeping instrumentation, make “Backstreets” a heart-wrenching exploration of friendship, betrayal, and loss.

Read More: Top 10 Bruce Springsteen Hits

# 2 – Captain Fantastic And The Brown Dirt Cowboy – Elton John

“Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy” is the title track of Elton John’s 1975 concept album Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy. This autobiographical song, penned by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, chronicles their early struggles as a songwriting duo before achieving global fame. The track was recorded at Caribou Ranch in Nederland, Colorado, and produced by Gus Dudgeon, a longtime collaborator known for crafting the lush, dynamic soundscapes that defined John’s 1970s output. The lineup for this recording features Elton John on piano and vocals, Davey Johnstone on guitar, Dee Murray on bass, Nigel Olsson on drums, and Ray Cooper on percussion. As the opening song on an album that debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, it set the stage for a record that remains a touchstone of 1970s rock.

# 1 – Crazy On You – Heart

“Crazy on You,” the closing entry on this list, epitomizes the fiery spirit of 1970s rock. This song, from Heart’s 1976 debut album Dreamboat Annie, introduced the world to the Wilson sisters’ groundbreaking fusion of folk and hard rock. Written by Ann and Nancy Wilson, the track was recorded at Can-Base Studios in Vancouver, British Columbia, and produced by Mike Flicker, whose attention to detail helped craft the band’s dynamic, genre-defying sound. The personnel includes Ann Wilson on lead vocals and flute, Nancy Wilson on acoustic guitar, Roger Fisher on electric guitar, Steve Fossen on bass, and Michael Derosier on drums. Lines like “Let me go crazy on you” never lose their thrill, no matter how many times I have heard it.

Read More: 10 Most Rocking Heart Songs