Ten 70s Songs That May Remind You Of Your First Love

Feature Photo: Bruce Alan Bennett-Shutterstock.com

In composing a song list like this, the goal is to make it as universal as possible while covering an entire decade of music in just ten songs. Of course, that can be quite challenging. Additionally, as a rock and roll site, we aim to focus primarily on rock songs. However, as a history site, we are also keenly aware that many of our readers are in their 50s, 60s, and 70s and were either kids or teenagers during that decade. For many of us, our first love may have occurred at 15 or 16 years old, or perhaps younger or older. The commonality is that it happened in the 70s.

Was it the early 70s, mid-70s, or late 70s? We tried to cover the entire decade. These are songs I remember hearing as a teenager in the 70s that many of my friends, both male and female, would often mention in conversations about their girlfriends or boyfriends and how those songs made them feel. If we’re lucky, we hit on a song that resonates with you or someone you knew. In the end, we hope these songs bring back good memories, because that’s what this site is really all about. Of course, not all these songs are happy songs because, as we all know too well, those first loves didn’t always end so well.

# 10 – Just You And Me – Chicago

Released in 1973 as part of Chicago’s double album Chicago VI, “Just You ‘n’ Me” stands out as a tender ballad that resonates with the emotions of first love. Written by Chicago’s trombonist James Pankow, the song was inspired by an argument with his future wife, encapsulating a heartfelt plea for reconciliation and intimacy. The track was recorded at Caribou Ranch in Colorado under the production of James William Guercio, who worked closely with the band during their most iconic era. The song peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100.

# 8 – I’d Really Love to See You Tonight -England Dan & John Ford Coley

Released in 1976, “I’d Really Love to See You Tonight” is a soft rock classic that defined the breezy, heartfelt sound of the mid-1970s. Written by Parker McGee, the song became a breakout hit for England Dan & John Ford Coley, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and number one on the Easy Listening chart. Featured on the album Nights Are Forever, it quickly became a signature track for the duo and a staple of the era’s soft rock movement.

# 8 – Sometimes When We Touch – Dan Hill

Released in 1977, “Sometimes When We Touch” catapulted Canadian singer-songwriter Dan Hill into international stardom. The song, co-written by Hill and Barry Mann, reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and number one on the Adult Contemporary chart. Known for its raw emotional vulnerability, the track remains one of the most enduring love ballads of the 1970s, featured on Hill’s album Longer Fuse.

Read More: Top 10 Dan Hill Songs

# 7 – I Go Crazy – Paul Davis

Released in 1977, “I Go Crazy” by Paul Davis is a timeless ballad that captures the yearning and heartbreak of unrequited love. This classic track became Davis’s biggest hit, spending an impressive 40 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, peaking at number seven. It was featured on his Singer of Songs – Teller of Tales album, solidifying his place in the soft rock and pop genre of the 1970s.

Read More: Top 10 Paul Davis Songs

# 6 – I’ll Have to Say I Love You in a Song – Jim Croce

Few songs can capture the bittersweet essence of love and longing quite like “I’ll Have to Say I Love You in a Song” by Jim Croce. Released as part of his 1974 posthumous album I Got a Name, the track is a heartfelt expression of affection and apology, written for his wife Ingrid during a difficult time in their relationship. Its timeless simplicity and sincerity have made it one of Croce’s most cherished works, resonating with listeners for decades.

Read More: Top 10 Jim Croce Songs

# 5 – Ooh Baby Baby – Linda Ronstadt

Few interpretations of classic songs manage to both honor the original and make it undeniably their own, but Linda Ronstadt achieved this with her stunning rendition of Smokey Robinson’s “Ooo Baby Baby.” Released in 1978 on her Living in the USA album, Ronstadt’s take brought a new depth of emotional vulnerability to the iconic track. Her soaring, heartfelt vocals captured the essence of unspoken sorrow, reimagining the classic Motown ballad within the framework of her signature pop-rock sensibilities.

The song was not released as a single but became one of the standout moments on an album that peaked at number one on the Billboard 200, cementing her place as one of the most versatile and accomplished artists of the 1970s.

# 4 – We’re All Alone – Boz Scaggs

Boz Scaggs introduced the world to the poignant beauty of “We’re All Alone” on his 1976 album Silk Degrees. A cornerstone of his discography, the song exemplifies Scaggs’ ability to craft emotionally resonant ballads with intricate melodies and evocative lyrics. While it was later covered by Rita Coolidge to great acclaim, Scaggs’ original version remains a stunning showcase of his distinctive voice and songwriting.

Read More: Top 10 Boz Scaggs Songs

# 3 – Make It With You – Bread

In 1970, Bread captivated audiences with their hit single “Make It with You,” a song that defined the soft rock era with its tender melody and heartfelt lyrics. Featured on the album On the Waters, this track became the band’s first and only song to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100, cementing Bread’s reputation as masters of emotionally rich, melodically lush ballads.

# 2 – You And Me – Alice Cooper

Alice Cooper took a surprising turn with his tender ballad “You and Me,” released in 1977 as a single from his album Lace and Whiskey. Known for his theatrical hard rock persona, Cooper stepped into a more subdued and introspective role with this song, showcasing his versatility as an artist. The track reached number nine on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming one of Cooper’s highest-charting singles and a favorite among fans who appreciated his softer side.

Read More: Top 10 Alice Cooper Songs

# 1 – Magic Man – Heart

Heart’s 1975 classic “Magic Man,” from their debut album Dreamboat Annie, is a song that captured the sensuality and mystique of romance while also carrying a deeply personal story. Written by Ann and Nancy Wilson, the track’s mesmerizing blend of ethereal keyboards, fiery guitars, and Ann Wilson’s sultry vocals gave it an irresistible allure. While Heart was known for their rock music, “Magic Man” introduced the band as storytellers of the complexities of love and desire. Its presence on this list celebrates the magnetic connection between couples who found enchantment in its hypnotic rhythm and provocative lyrics. The track reached number nine on the Billboard Hot 100.

Read More: 10 Essential Heart Songs