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Our Top 200 pop songs of the 1970s present many pop songs that crossed the boundaries of rock, pop, and soul, but all were very popular. One must remember what the word pop has always meant. Pop songs are defined by their own word…..popular. However, over time, the meaning has shifted towards songs that were not too heavy, not too country, or extreme in any way. This could cause issues in defining pop songs, such as whether one would rate a song like “Born To Run” or “Black Dog” as pop. Probably not. Yet there are Springsteen and Led Zeppelin songs that we believe could sneak in as pop, and they have been placed on this list. At least on this list, we tried to exclude songs that we thought didn’t fit the pop song category, even if they were very popular in mainstream culture. It can be a tricky line to walk. However, we could put those songs on plenty of top rock song lists.
There were thousands of great pop songs released in the 1970s, so listing only 200 is definitely way too short of a list. Yet it does make it more fun. Of course, there will be plenty missing, but in the end, these are the first 200 that came to mind or at least the first 200 that continue to stand out in our memories which is what pop music is all about. Our top 200 pop songs list is just a reminder of so many of the great pop songs that we grew up with in the 1970s. It should bring back a lot of memories. This list is in somewhat random order……
# 200 – Fool If You Think It’s Over – Chris Rea
# 199 – Music – John Miles
# 198 – I Will Not Be Your Kind – Garland Jefferies
# 197 – Angel Baby – Toby Beau
# 196 – Lotta Love – Nicolette Larson
# 195 – Thunder Island – Jay Ferguson
# 194 – My Life – Billy Joel
# 193 – 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover – Paul Simon
# 192 – Ol 55 – Tom Waits
# 191 – The Cover of the Rolling Stone – Dr. Hook & The Medicine Show
# 190 – Bad Blood – Neil Sedaka
# 189 – It Never Rains in Southern California – Albert Hammond
# 188 – Telephone Line – Electric Light Orchestra
# 187 – Sundown – Gordon Lightfoot
# 186 – Night Fever – Bee Gees
# 185 – Best Of My Love – The Emotions
# 184 – Playground in My Mind – Clint Holmes
# 183 – For All We Know – The Carpenters
# 182 – Baby Come Back – Player
# 181 – Sad Eyes – Robert John
# 180 – Just Don’t Want to Be Lonely – The Main Ingredient
# 179 – Stumblin’ In – Suzi Quatro & Chris Norman
# 178 – Right Place Wrong Time – Dr. John
# 177 – I Honestly Love You – Olivia Newton-John
# 176 – Nothing From Nothing – Billy Preston
# 175 – You Make Me Feel Like Dancing – Leo Sayer
# 174 – Angie – The Rolling Stones
# 173 – Good Times – Chic
# 172 – Feeling Stronger Every Day – Chicago
# 171 – Silly Love Songs – Paul McCartney & Wings
# 170 – Listen To The Music – The Doobie Brothers
# 169 – Fly Like an Eagle – Steve Miller Band
# 168 – Mandy – Barry Manilow
# 167 – Beach Baby – The First Class
# 166 – Make It With You – Bread
# 165 – I’ll Have to Say I Love You in a Song – Jim Croce
# 164 – Mr. Bojangles – Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
# 163 – Moonlight Feels Right – Starbuck
# 162 – It Don’t Come Easy – Ringo Star
# 161 – Amie –Pure Prairie League
# 160 – We Gotta Get You A Woman – Todd Rundgren
# 159 – Oh Girl – The Chi-Lites
# 158 -I’ll Be There – The Jackson Five
# 157 – Suite Judy Blue Eyes – Crosby, Stills & Nash
# 156 – Get Down – Gilbert O’Sullivan
# 155 – Listen To What The Man Said – Paul McCartney & Wings
# 154 – Billy Don’t Be a Hero – Bo Donaldson and The Heywoods’
# 153 – Heart Of Gold – Neil Young
# 152 – The Candy Man – Sammy Davis Jr.
# 151 – Dark Lady – Cher
# 150 – My Little Town – Simon & Garfunkel
# 149 – I Want You to Want Me – Cheap Trick
# 148 – Oh Very Young – Cat Stevens
# 147 – My Eyes Adored You – Frankie Valli
# 146 – The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin’ Groovy) – Simon & Garfunkel
# 145 -Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves – Cher
# 144 -Sometimes When We Touch – Dan Hill
# 143 – We Will Rock You/We Are the Champions – Queen
# 142 – Dancing Queen –ABBA
# 141 – Taking Care Of Business – Bachman-Turner Overdrive
# 140 – Tumbling Dice – The Rolling Stones
# 139 – Chick-A-Boom (Don’t Ya Jes’ Love It) – Daddy Dewdrop
# 138 – Everything I Own – Bread
# 137 – Photograph – Ringo Starr
# 136 – Hello It’s Me – Todd Rundgren
# 135 – I Shot the Sheriff – Eric Clapton
# 134 – Saturday in the Park – Chicago
# 133 -Me and Bobby McGee – Janis Joplin
# 132 – Margaritaville – Jimmy Buffet
# 131 – Peaceful Easy Feeling – Eagles
# 130 – One – Three Dog Night
# 129 – Help Me – Joni Mitchell
# 128 – Rikki Don’t Lose That Number – Steely Dan
# 127 – Little Willy – Sweet
# 126 – Brown Sugar – The Rolling Stones
# 125 – Have You Never Been Mellow – Olivia Newton-John
# 124 –Take Me Home, Country Roads – John Denver
# 123 – Rainy Days and Mondays – The Carpenters
# 122 – I Will Survive – Gloria Gaynor
# 121 – Dream Weaver – Gary Wright
# 120 – Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree – Tony Orland0 & Dawn
# 119 – Go Your Own Way – Fleetwood Mac
# 118 – The Joker – Steve Miller Band
# 117 – Diamond Girl – Seals & Crofts
# 116 – Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress – The Hollies
# 115 – Smokin’ in the Boys Room – Brownsville Station
# 114 – I’d Really Love To See You Tonight – England Dan & John Ford Coley
# 113 – Let’s Stay Together – Al Green
# 112 – The Night Chicago Died – Paper Lace
# 111 – Tonight’s the Night (Gonna Be Alright) – Rod Stewart
# 110 – Killing Me Softly with His Song – Roberta Flack
# 109 – Wild Horses – The Rolling Stones
# 108 – We’ve Only Just Begun – The Carpenters
# 107 – Miss You – The Rolling Stones
# 106 – The Lion Sleeps Tonight – Robert John
# 105 – Turn The Beat Around – Vickie Sue Robinson
# 104 – The Logical Song – Supertramp
# 103 – The Locomotion – Grand Funk
# 102 – Brand New Key – Melanie
# 101 – Biggest Part Of Me – Ambrosia
# 100 – Me and Mrs. Jones – Billy Paul
# 99 – In the Summertime – Mungo Jerry
# 98 – Magic Man – Heart
# 97 – Take The Money And Run – Steve Miller Band
# 96 – The Air That I Breathe – The Hollies
# 95 – They Long to Be) Close to You – The Carpenters
# 94 – You Haven’t Done Nothing – Stevie Wonder
# 93 – Color My World – Chicago
# 92 – Operator – Jim Croce
# 91 – Hooked on a Feeling – Blue Suede
# 90 – Mother And Child Reunion – Paul Simon
# 89 – Dancing in the Moonlight – King Harvest
# 88 – One Way Or Another – Blondie
# 87 – Jungle Boogie – Kool & The Gang
# 86 – Magnet and Steel – Walter Egan
# 85 – Captain Fantastic And The Brown Dirt Cowboy – Elton John
# 84 – Superstition – Stevie Wonder
# 83 – Mr. Blue Sky – Electric Light Orchestra
# 82 – Ain’t No Sunshine – Bill Withers
# 81 -Fox On The Run – Sweet
# 80 – Do Ya – Electric Light Orchestra
# 79 – It’s Too Late – Carole King
# 78 – You Are the Sunshine of My Life – Stevie Wonder
# 77 – Love Machine – The Miracles
# 76 – My Love – Paul McCartney & Wings
# 75 – By the Time I Get to Phoenix – Glen Campbell
# 74 – Kodachrome – Paul Simon
# 73 – What a Fool Believes – The Doobie Brothers
# 72 – Play That Funky Music – Wild Cherry
# 71 – Hotel California – Eagles
# 70 – Lean On Me – Bill Withers
# 69 – Love Will Keep Us Together – Captain & Tennille
# 68 – Shadow Dancing – Andy Gibb
# 67 – Maggie May – Rod Stewart
# 66 – Seasons in the Sun – Terry Jacks
# 65 – Still Crazy After All These Years – Paul Simon
# 64 – Midnight at the Oasis – Maria Muldaur
# 63 – Bad Girls – Donna Summer
# 62 – Evil Woman – Electric Light Orchestra
# 61 – Take It Easy – Eagles
# 60 – Do It Again – Steely Dan
# 59 – Doctor My Eyes – Jackson Browne
# 58 – ABC – The Jackson Five
# 57 – Sara Smile – Hall & Oates
# 56 – How Much I Feel – Ambrosia
# 55 – American Tune – Paul Simon
# 54 – Someone Saved My Life Tonight – Elton John
# 53 – Dreams – Fleetwood Mac
# 52 – Don’t Rock The Boat – The Hues Corporation
# 51 – Alone Again Naturally – Gilbert O’Sullivan
# 50 – A Horse With No Name – America
# 49 – Me and Julio Down By The School Yard – Paul Simon
# 48 – Tin Man – America
# 47 – Piano Man – Billy Joel
# 46 – Daniel – Elton John
# 45 – Let’s Get It On – Marvin Gaye
# 44 – Laughter In The Rain – Neil Sedaka
# 43 – Copacabana (At the Copa) – Barry Manilow
# 42 – Reeling In The Years – Steely Dan
# 41 – Changes – David Bowie
# 40 – Levon – Elton John
# 39 – Thank You – Led Zeppelin
# 38 – Prove It All Night – Bruce Springsteen
# 37 – We’re an American Band – Grand Funk
# 36 – You Got A Friend – Carole King
# 35 – Candle In The Wind – Elton John
# 34 – Brother Louie – Stories
# 33 – I Think I Love You – David Cassidy
# 32 – Bad, Bad Leroy Brown – Jim Croce
# 31 -The Long And Winding Road – The Beatles
# 30 – Lonely People – America
# 29 – Rihannon – Fleetwood Mac
# 28 – More Than A Feeling – Boston
# 27 – My Sharona – The Knack
# 26 – Rocket Man – Elton John
THE TOP 25
# 25 – My Sweet Lord – George Harrison
The song “My Sweet Lord” was released on November 23, 1970, as the lead single from George Harrison’s triple album, All Things Must Pass. It became a monumental success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and the UK Singles Chart, making Harrison the first Beatle to achieve a number-one single as a solo artist.
The album All Things Must Pass was released on November 27, 1970, and peaked at number one on both the Billboard 200 and UK Albums Chart. Produced by George Harrison and Phil Spector, the song features Harrison on vocals and guitar, Billy Preston on keyboards, Ringo Starr on drums, and Eric Clapton on guitar, alongside contributions from other notable musicians such as Klaus Voormann on bass.
“My Sweet Lord” is renowned for its spiritual theme, blending elements of gospel with Indian devotional music. The song won critical acclaim and a Grammy nomination, though it later became the subject of a high-profile plagiarism lawsuit due to its similarity to The Chiffons’ “He’s So Fine.” Despite the controversy, the track remains one of Harrison’s most celebrated works, solidifying his legacy as a solo artist.
# 24 – Joy To The World – Three Dog Night
“Joy to the World” was released in February 1971 as the lead single from Three Dog Night’s fourth studio album, Naturally. The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart for six weeks and was certified gold by the RIAA for over one million sales. It also reached number one on the Cash Box chart and became one of the biggest hits of 1971.
The album Naturally was released on November 18, 1970, and peaked at number 14 on the Billboard 200. The track was produced by Richard Podolor and features Chuck Negron on lead vocals, with Michael Allsup (guitar), Joe Schermie (bass), Floyd Sneed (drums), and Jimmy Greenspoon (keyboards). Backing vocals were provided by Danny Hutton and Cory Wells, completing the band’s signature harmony-driven sound.
Written by Hoyt Axton, the song’s catchy and quirky lyrics, especially the iconic opening line “Jeremiah was a bullfrog,” contributed to its wide appeal. “Joy to the World” remains one of Three Dog Night’s most enduring and celebrated tracks.
# 23 – Drift Away – Dobie Gray
The song “Drift Away” was released on February 23, 1973, as the lead single from Dobie Gray’s fifth studio album, Drift Away. It became Gray’s most successful hit, reaching number five on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 19 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart in the United States.
The album Drift Away was released in 1973 and peaked at number 64 on the Billboard 200. Produced by Mentor Williams, who also wrote the song, the recording features Gray on lead vocals with instrumental backing by The Memphis Boys, a group of session musicians from American Sound Studio.
“Drift Away” is celebrated for its soulful lyrics and smooth melody, earning a gold certification from the RIAA for over one million copies sold. The song remains a timeless classic, frequently covered by other artists, and is a staple of 1970s soft rock and soul music.
# 22 – Sir Duke –Stevie Wonder
The song “Sir Duke” was released on March 22, 1977, as the second single from Stevie Wonder’s eighteenth studio album, Songs in the Key of Life. It became a major commercial success, reaching number one on both the Billboard Hot 100 and the Billboard R&B Singles Chart in the United States. It also charted at number two on the UK Singles Chart.
The album Songs in the Key of Life was released on September 28, 1976, and achieved critical and commercial acclaim, topping the Billboard 200 for 13 non-consecutive weeks and earning Stevie Wonder the Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 1977. Produced, written, and arranged by Wonder, the song features his lead vocals and instrumentation, including keyboards and synthesizers, alongside session musicians such as Nathan Watts on bass and Raymond Pounds on drums.
“Sir Duke” is a tribute to jazz legend Duke Ellington and celebrates the joy and influence of music itself. Its upbeat melody and intricate horn arrangement contributed to its enduring popularity and solidified Wonder’s reputation as one of the most innovative artists of his era.
# 21 – Bennie And The Jets – Elton John
The song “Bennie and the Jets” was released on February 4, 1974, as a single from Elton John’s seventh studio album, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. It became a major hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and number 15 on the UK Singles Chart.
The album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road was released on October 5, 1973, and achieved significant commercial success, topping the Billboard 200 and UK Albums Chart. Produced by Gus Dudgeon, the recording features Elton John on piano and vocals, Davey Johnstone on guitar, Dee Murray on bass, and Nigel Olsson on drums.
“Bennie and the Jets” received widespread acclaim for its satirical lyrics, written by Bernie Taupin, and its innovative production, including live audience sound effects. The song remains one of Elton John’s most popular tracks and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2022.
# 20 – Rhinestone Cowboy – Glen Campbell
The song “Rhinestone Cowboy” was released on May 26, 1975, as the lead single from Glen Campbell’s twenty-eighth studio album, Rhinestone Cowboy. It became one of Campbell’s signature songs, reaching number one on both the Billboard Hot 100 and the Billboard Country Singles Chart in the United States, as well as number four on the UK Singles Chart.
The album Rhinestone Cowboy was released on August 1975 and peaked at number one on the Billboard Country Albums Chart and number 12 on the Billboard 200. Produced by Dennis Lambert and Brian Potter, the track features Campbell on lead vocals and guitar, with contributions from session musicians known as The Wrecking Crew.
“Rhinestone Cowboy” earned Campbell two Grammy nominations in 1976 and won the Country Music Association Award for Single of the Year. Its crossover success cemented Campbell’s place as a leading figure in both pop and country music during the 1970s.
# 19 – Ziggy Stardust – David Bowie
The song “Ziggy Stardust” was released on June 16, 1972, as part of David Bowie’s fifth studio album, The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars. While not released as a single, it became one of Bowie’s most iconic tracks, central to the concept album’s narrative about the rise and fall of the titular alien rock star.
The album The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars peaked at number five on the UK Albums Chart and number 75 on the Billboard 200 in the United States. Produced by David Bowie and Ken Scott, the track features Bowie on lead vocals and acoustic guitar, Mick Ronson on electric guitar and backing vocals, Trevor Bolder on bass, and Mick Woodmansey on drums.
“Ziggy Stardust” is celebrated for its distinctive riff, courtesy of Mick Ronson, and its storytelling lyrics that define the Ziggy Stardust persona. The song and album played a significant role in establishing Bowie as a groundbreaking artist and cultural icon of the 1970s. In 2017, the album was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
# 18 – Your Song – Elton John
The song “Your Song” was released on October 26, 1970, as the second single from Elton John’s self-titled second studio album, Elton John. It became Elton John’s first major hit, reaching number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and number seven on the UK Singles Chart.
The album Elton John was released on April 10, 1970, and peaked at number four on the Billboard 200 in the United States and number five on the UK Albums Chart. Produced by Gus Dudgeon, the recording features Elton John on piano and lead vocals, with lyrics by Bernie Taupin. Supporting musicians include Caleb Quaye on guitar, Dee Murray on bass, and Nigel Olsson on drums, with orchestral arrangements by Paul Buckmaster.
“Your Song” has been recognized as one of Elton John’s most enduring classics and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998. The song’s timeless appeal and critical acclaim helped establish John and Taupin as one of the most successful songwriting duos in music history.
# 17 – Imagine – John Lennon
The song “Imagine” was released as the title track and lead single from John Lennon’s second solo studio album, Imagine, on October 11, 1971, in the United States and in 1975 in the UK. It became one of Lennon’s most iconic songs, reaching number three on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. and topping the UK Singles Chart following Lennon’s death in 1980.
The album Imagine was released on September 9, 1971, and peaked at number one on both the Billboard 200 in the United States and the UK Albums Chart. Produced by John Lennon, Yoko Ono, and Phil Spector, the song features Lennon on vocals and piano, Klaus Voormann on bass, Alan White on drums, and orchestration by The Flux Fiddlers.
“Imagine” has been widely celebrated as a universal anthem of peace and hope. It received the Grammy Hall of Fame Award in 1999 and was inducted into the National Recording Registry in 2017. The song remains one of the most influential compositions in popular music history.
# 16 – Without You – Harry Nilsson
The song “Without You” was released on October 11, 1971, as a single from Harry Nilsson’s seventh studio album, Nilsson Schmilsson. It became his most commercially successful track, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for four weeks in February 1972. It also topped charts in the UK, Canada, and several other countries.
The album Nilsson Schmilsson was released on November 1, 1971, and peaked at number three on the Billboard 200. Produced by Richard Perry, the recording features Harry Nilsson on lead vocals, with contributions from Klaus Voormann on bass, Jim Keltner on drums, and Gary Wright on keyboards.
Originally written and recorded by Pete Ham and Tom Evans of Badfinger, Nilsson’s rendition of “Without You” earned him the Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance in 1973. The song’s haunting vocal delivery and orchestral arrangement helped solidify its place as one of the most iconic ballads of the 1970s.
# 15 – Your No Good – Linda Ronstadt
The song “You’re No Good” was released as a single on September 6, 1974, from Linda Ronstadt’s fifth studio album, Heart Like a Wheel. It became her first number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100, reaching the top spot on February 15, 1975, and also peaked at number one on the Canadian RPM Top Singles chart.
The album Heart Like a Wheel was released on November 4, 1974, and peaked at number one on the Billboard 200, earning a Grammy Award nomination for Album of the Year. Produced by Peter Asher, the track features Ronstadt on lead vocals, Andrew Gold on guitars, keyboards, and backing vocals, Kenny Edwards on bass, and Russ Kunkel on drums.
“You’re No Good” is a reinterpretation of the 1963 Betty Everett hit, and Ronstadt’s powerful vocal performance and the song’s polished production helped establish her as a leading voice in rock and country music during the 1970s.
# 14 – December 1963 (Oh, What a Night) – The Four Seasons
The song “December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night)” was released on December 1, 1975, as a single from The Four Seasons’ album Who Loves You. It became a major commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in March 1976, where it stayed for three weeks. The song also topped the UK Singles Chart and peaked at number one on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart.
The album Who Loves You was released on August 20, 1975, and marked a significant comeback for The Four Seasons, peaking at number 38 on the Billboard 200. Produced by Bob Gaudio, the track features lead vocals by drummer Gerry Polci, with Frankie Valli and Don Ciccone providing additional vocals. Bob Gaudio co-wrote the song with Judy Parker.
“December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night)” remains one of The Four Seasons’ most enduring hits, celebrated for its infectious groove and nostalgic lyrics. The song has since been re-released in remixed forms and continues to be a staple of oldies and disco playlists.
# 13 – Tiny Dancer – Elton John
The song “Tiny Dancer” was released on February 7, 1972, as a single from Elton John’s fourth studio album, Madman Across the Water. While the song initially charted modestly, peaking at number 41 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, it later gained widespread acclaim and became one of Elton John’s most beloved tracks.
The album Madman Across the Water was released on November 5, 1971, and peaked at number eight on the Billboard 200. Produced by Gus Dudgeon, the track features Elton John on piano and lead vocals, with Bernie Taupin writing the lyrics. The recording also includes Davey Johnstone on acoustic guitar, Dee Murray on bass, Nigel Olsson on drums, and orchestral arrangements by Paul Buckmaster.
Over the years, “Tiny Dancer” has been celebrated for its lush instrumentation and vivid storytelling, with Taupin’s lyrics portraying scenes of life in California. The song’s resurgence in popularity, partly due to its iconic inclusion in the 2000 film Almost Famous, has solidified its status as a timeless classic in Elton John’s catalog.
# 12 – Sister Golden Hair – America
The song “Sister Golden Hair” was released on March 19, 1975, as the lead single from America’s fifth studio album, Hearts. It became the band’s second number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100, topping the chart for one week in June 1975.
The album Hearts was released on March 19, 1975, and peaked at number four on the Billboard 200. Produced by George Martin, the song featured Gerry Beckley on lead vocals and acoustic guitar, Dewey Bunnell on backing vocals, and Dan Peek on additional guitar and backing vocals. The track also included contributions from session drummer Hal Blaine.
“Sister Golden Hair” showcases America’s signature blend of soft rock and folk influences, with Beckley citing inspiration from the works of Jackson Browne and The Beatles’ Abbey Road. The song’s commercial success solidified America’s standing as one of the prominent soft rock bands of the 1970s.
# 11 – You’re So Vain – Carly Simon
The song “You’re So Vain” was released on November 8, 1972, as the lead single from Carly Simon’s third studio album, No Secrets. It became a massive hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in January 1973, where it remained for three weeks. The song also reached number one on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart and peaked at number three on the UK Singles Chart.
The album No Secrets was released on November 28, 1972, and peaked at number one on the Billboard 200. Produced by Richard Perry, the song featured Simon on lead vocals and Mick Jagger on uncredited backing vocals, alongside session musicians including Klaus Voormann (bass), Jim Gordon (drums), and Lowell George (slide guitar).
“You’re So Vain” earned three Grammy nominations in 1974, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year. It remains one of Simon’s most iconic tracks, celebrated for its enigmatic lyrics and catchy melody, as well as its enduring mystery over the subject’s identity.
# 10 – Bridge Over Troubled Water – Simon & Garfunkel
The song “Bridge Over Troubled Water” was released on January 26, 1970, as the lead single from Simon & Garfunkel’s fifth and final studio album, Bridge Over Troubled Water. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, staying at the top for six weeks, and also topped charts in the UK, Canada, and several other countries.
The album Bridge Over Troubled Water was released on January 26, 1970, and became a massive commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard 200 and the UK Albums Chart. The song and album earned six Grammy Awards in 1971, including Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Album of the Year.
Written by Paul Simon and produced by Roy Halee, the song features Art Garfunkel’s lead vocals and Larry Knechtel on piano. Recorded in late 1969 at Columbia Studios in New York, the track is widely regarded as one of the duo’s most iconic works, celebrated for its powerful lyrics, sweeping melody, and emotional depth.
# 9 – Staying Alive – The Bee Gees
The song “Stayin’ Alive” was released on December 13, 1977, as the second single from the soundtrack album for Saturday Night Fever. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in February 1978, where it remained for four weeks. It also charted at number four in the UK Singles Chart and achieved top ten placements in numerous other countries.
The Saturday Night Fever soundtrack was released on November 15, 1977, and became one of the best-selling albums of all time, reaching number one on the Billboard 200 and winning the Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 1979. The song was written by Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb, with production by Albhy Galuten, Karl Richardson, and The Bee Gees themselves.
“Stayin’ Alive” features Barry Gibb’s signature falsetto vocals, with Maurice Gibb on bass and Robin Gibb contributing backing vocals. The track’s iconic drumbeat was achieved by looping a segment of the drum track from the Bee Gees’ earlier song, “Night Fever.” The song’s enduring appeal has made it a cultural touchstone, recognized as one of the most iconic disco anthems of all time.
# 8 – Lowdown – Boz Scaggs
The song “Lowdown” was released in June 1976 as a single from Boz Scaggs’s seventh studio album, Silk Degrees. It became Scaggs’s most successful single, reaching number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and number five on the Billboard R&B chart. The track also earned Scaggs a Grammy Award for Best R&B Song in 1977.
The album Silk Degrees was released on February 18, 1976, and reached number two on the Billboard 200. Produced by Joe Wissert, the track featured Scaggs on lead vocals, with contributions from session musicians including David Paich (keyboards), Jeff Porcaro (drums), and David Hungate (bass), who later formed the band Toto.
“Lowdown” was certified gold by the RIAA and became a defining song of the late 1970s, blending pop, funk, and R&B elements into a smooth and polished sound that remains iconic.
# 7 – American Pie – Don Mclean
The song “American Pie” was released on October 24, 1971, as the lead single from Don McLean’s second studio album, American Pie. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in January 1972, where it remained for four weeks, and peaked at number two on the UK Singles Chart.
The album American Pie was released on October 24, 1971, and peaked at number one on the Billboard 200 chart. The song was written and produced by Don McLean and recorded at The Record Plant in New York City in May 1971. Musicians featured on the track include Don McLean on vocals and guitar, Paul Griffin on piano, Ray Colcord on keyboards, and Rob Rothstein on bass.
“American Pie” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2002 and is widely recognized as a cultural and musical milestone, with its cryptic lyrics reflecting significant events in American history and music.
# 6 – I’m Not In Love – 10cc
The song “I’m Not In Love” was released on May 23, 1975, as the second single from 10cc’s third studio album, The Original Soundtrack. It reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and topped the UK Singles Chart for two weeks in July 1975.
Written by band members Eric Stewart and Graham Gouldman, the song was produced by 10cc and recorded at Strawberry Studios in Stockport, England. The track features Eric Stewart on lead vocals and keyboards, Graham Gouldman on bass, Kevin Godley on drums and backing vocals, and Lol Creme on backing vocals and additional instrumentation.
Known for its innovative production, “I’m Not In Love” utilized a multi-track tape loop system to create its signature ethereal choral effect. The song earned widespread acclaim and remains one of 10cc’s most iconic tracks, frequently cited as a landmark in pop production techniques.
# 5 – Sweet Caroline – Neil Diamond
The song “Sweet Caroline” was released as a single on May 28, 1969. It peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number three on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart in the United States.
The song was written and produced by Neil Diamond and recorded at American Sound Studio in Memphis, Tennessee. It was later included on his 1969 album Brother Love’s Travelling Salvation Show.
“Sweet Caroline” has been certified platinum by the RIAA for over one million sales in the U.S. and has become a cultural anthem, widely associated with sporting events and public singalongs. The track’s enduring popularity was solidified when it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2019.
# 4 – Let It Be – The Beatles
The song “Let It Be” was released on March 6, 1970, as the lead single from The Beatles’ twelfth and final studio album, Let It Be. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and peaked at number two on the UK Singles Chart.
The album Let It Be was released on May 8, 1970, and reached number one on both the Billboard 200 in the United States and the UK Albums Chart. The song and album were produced by Phil Spector, with George Martin credited as a co-producer.
The recording features Paul McCartney on lead vocals and piano, John Lennon on bass, George Harrison on lead guitar, Ringo Starr on drums, and additional orchestration and backing vocals arranged by Spector. The song won the Academy Award for Best Original Song Score in 1971 as part of the Let It Be film soundtrack and remains one of The Beatles’ most iconic ballads.
# 3 – Goodbye Yellow Brick Road – Elton John
The song “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” was released on October 19, 1973, as the second single from Elton John’s seventh studio album, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. It reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and number six on the UK Singles Chart.
The album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road was released on October 5, 1973, and achieved widespread commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard 200 in the United States and the UK Albums Chart. It has been certified eight times platinum by the RIAA in the U.S. and is regarded as one of Elton John’s most iconic works.
The song was written by Elton John (music) and Bernie Taupin (lyrics), with production by Gus Dudgeon. Musicians on the track included Elton John on piano and vocals, Davey Johnstone on guitar, Dee Murray on bass, and Nigel Olsson on drums. The album received critical acclaim and was nominated for Album of the Year at the 1974 Grammy Awards.
# 2 – Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl) – Looking Glass
The song “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl)” was released in May 1972 as a single from Looking Glass’s self-titled debut album, Looking Glass. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart on August 26, 1972, and remained at the top for one week.
The track was written by Looking Glass’s lead guitarist and vocalist Elliot Lurie and produced by Mike Gershman and Bob Liftin. The album Looking Glass peaked at number 113 on the Billboard 200 chart.
The song became the band’s most successful hit and has remained a staple of 1970s pop rock. The single achieved gold certification by the RIAA for sales exceeding one million copies in the United States.
# 1 – Band On The Run – Paul McCartney & Wings
The song “Band on the Run” was released as a single on April 8, 1974, in the United States and reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, where it stayed for one week. In the UK, it peaked at number three on the UK Singles Chart. The song also reached the top 10 in several other countries, including Canada and Australia.
The track is from the album Band on the Run, released on December 5, 1973, which reached number one on both the Billboard 200 in the United States and the UK Albums Chart. The album earned McCartney and Wings the Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo, Group or Chorus in 1975 and was certified triple platinum by the RIAA in the U.S.
The song was written and produced by Paul McCartney, who also performed lead vocals, bass, keyboards, drums, and guitars. Linda McCartney contributed backing vocals and keyboards, and Denny Laine provided additional guitars and backing vocals. The recording sessions took place at EMI’s studio in Lagos, Nigeria, during August and September 1973.
Updated November 16, 2024
Top 200 Pop Songs Of The 1970s article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2024
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I live here in Australia, my favorite music decade is the ’70s and I swear that I have never heard at leat 20% of these songs.
Well that’s why we do articles like these, it’s for people like you …..check out the ones you don’t know….you may find you actually do know them, just not the titles
Punk? The most amazing songs of the seventies you ignored.
It’s a POP Songs list.
Reviewing the list, I recall all but three, and those three are in the first five of this article.
As the Author suggests, I may recognize them as well, if I go onto You Tube and check them out.
Guess I spent much of my ‘formative years” listing to AM radio, and watching the Midnight Special, although I was also a FM deep-cut enthusiast, during that era.
Thanks for recalling all these pop gems from those years.