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Grab your bell-bottoms and dust off the record player! Join us as we count down our picks for the songs that best defined the groovy decade of the '70s! Our countdown includes iconic tracks like "Stayin' Alive" by the Bee Gees, "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen, "Hotel California" by Eagles, "Stairway to Heaven" by Led Zeppelin, and more! Which '70s banger is your all-time favorite?
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00:06Welcome to WatchMojo, and today, we'll be counting down our picks for those 70s songs
00:12that best define that decade's vibe and aesthetic.
00:1820.
00:20Let's Stay Together Al Green Smooth, soulful, and completely timeless, Al
00:26Green's signature hit, set the high bar for 1970s R&B.
00:31So in love with you, whatever you want to do.
00:39Produced by Willie Mitchell and High Records, the track blends silky brass, a laid-back groove,
00:44and Green's effortless falsetto.
00:46It became his first number one single on the Billboard Hot 100, and remains an enduring
00:51anthem of romance and commitment.
00:57The song's warm, organic production captured a softer, more intimate side of the early
01:02decade's musical landscape.
01:04By bridging the gap between classic soul and the emerging smooth grooves of the era,
01:09Green created an undeniable masterpiece that continues to soundtrack love stories
01:14across generations.
01:2219.
01:25EZ Commodores Written and sung by Lionel Richie, this soft-rock
01:29and soul hybrid perfectly encapsulates the laid-back, mellow vibes that dominated mid-70s
01:34radio.
01:39EZ tells the story of a man walking away from a toxic relationship, trading heartbreak for
01:45sweet liberation.
01:46Richie's tender vocal delivery paired with an instantly recognizable electric piano motif
01:51and a surprisingly soaring guitar solo by Thomas McCleary gave the track its unique crossover
01:57appeal.
02:05It proved that breakups didn't always need to be explosive tragedies.
02:10Sometimes, they could be as breezy and comforting as a Sunday morning.
02:14The track remains a quintessential chill-out anthem of the entire decade.
02:2718.
02:28La Freak, Chic Born out of frustration after the band was denied entry into Studio 54 on New
02:35Year's Eve, Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards turned rejection into pure disco gold.
02:43Have your shirt about the new dance place Driven by Rodgers' precise, rhythmic guitar work and
02:50Edwards' hypnotic bass line, La Freak became the ultimate dancefloor equalizer.
02:55It topped the charts worldwide and became Atlantic Records' biggest-selling single of all time
03:00up to that point.
03:01All that pressure
03:03Clots you down
03:04Pass your head
03:06Spin it all around
03:08Beyond its infectious, ahhh, Freak Out chorus, the track represented the peak of the late 70s
03:15disco boom, celebrating nightlife, inclusivity, and rhythmic perfection.
03:19It remains a masterclass in funk guitar and irresistible dance pop.
03:3217.
03:33Heart of Glass, Blondie
03:35Blondie boldly bridged the gap between New York's gritty punk scene and the shiny world
03:41of disco with this groundbreaking track.
03:43What did I know that it was a gasp?
03:48Soon it turned out about Heart of Glass
03:51Featuring Debbie Harry's cool, detached vocals over a sleek, synth-driven rhythm, Heart of Glass
03:56was initially criticized by punk purists as a sellout move.
04:00However, its irresistible beat and innovative mix of genres propelled the band to international
04:05stardom.
04:06Lost inside
04:08Adonable confusion
04:10And I cannot hide
04:12Producer Mike Chapman worked relentlessly to refine the song's hypnotic electronic pulse,
04:18crafting a track that felt futuristic yet firmly rooted in late 70s club culture.
04:23It redefined the possibilities of New Wave, and remains a sparkling high watermark of late decade pop.
04:37Are you a disco apologist?
04:40Want to learn more about 1970s music or culture?
04:43Scan the QR code to check out WatchMojo's 24-7 livestream to deep dive into… well… everything, really.
04:50And I'm sure you will find many ways to have a good time
04:5616. Layla
04:59Derek and the Dominoes
05:00Driven by Eric Clapton's unrequited love for George Harrison's wife Patti Boyd,
05:06Layla is one of rock history's most powerful raw confessions.
05:17The song is famously split into two distinct halves. A fiery
05:22blues rock guitar duel between Clapton and Dwayne Allman, followed by a serene
05:26piano-led outro composed by drummer Jim Gordon. That dual structure creates a dramatic emotional
05:31narrative, moving from agonizing desperation to peaceful resolution.
05:36Please don't say, I'll never find you. I don't know my life's in pain.
05:42Kicking off the 70s with incredible guitar virtuosity,
05:47Layla defined the era's leaning toward heavy, blues-infused rock,
05:51while proving that rock musicians could construct orchestral-level drama
05:55out of personal heartbreak and sheer musical talent.
05:58Layla
06:05Number 15. American Pie
06:08Don McClain. A sprawling eight-and-a-half-minute epic,
06:13Don McClain's American Pie captured a deep sense of cultural loss at the dawn of the decade.
06:18I can still remember how that music used to make me smile.
06:24Mourning the 1959 death of Buddy Holly, the day the music died, the song uses cryptic poetic
06:30allegories to chart the turbulent shift from the innocent 1950s to the disillusionment of the late
06:3760s and early 1970s.
06:39I find this American Pie, drove my Chevy to the levee, but the levee was dry.
06:45Despite its long runtime and complex lyrical imagery, its sing-along chorus made it a massive commercial hit.
06:52McClain crafted a haunting cultural eulogy that double functions as a rock history lesson,
06:58cementing its place as a cornerstone of American songwriting.
07:07Number 14. Baba O'Reilly
07:11The Who. Opening with a synthesizer loop that felt decades ahead of its time,
07:15Pete Townsend created an electrifying anthem for disillusioned youth.
07:19Here in the fields, I fall for my fields.
07:26Often miscaptioned as Teenage Wasteland,
07:29the track merges avant-garde electronic experimentation with stadium-shattering hard rock.
07:34Roger Daltrey's powerhouse vocals and Keith Moon's explosive drumming
07:38build toward a legendary, high-energy violin solo that brings the song to a chaotic climax.
07:46Teenage Wasteland
07:52Townsend wrote it reflecting on the aftermath of Woodstock and the hangover of 60s idealism.
07:58Baba O'Reilly set the sonic template for arena rock throughout the 1970s,
08:02proving that synthesizers and heavy electric guitars could coexist magnificently.
08:12Number 13. Born to Run
08:15Bruce Springsteen
08:16Desperate, cinematic, and bursting with energy,
08:20Born to Run was Bruce Springsteen's make-or-break shot at stardom.
08:24In the day we sweated out on the streets of a runaway American dream
08:31Wall of sound production, soaring sax solos from Clarence Clemens,
08:35and lyrics depicting working-class youth longing to escape their dead-end town made it an instant
08:41classic. Springsteen captured the blue-collar anxieties and romantic escapism of mid-70s America
08:47with unmatched intensity. It wasn't just a song, it was a grand declaration of freedom played at
09:00maximum volume. The track turned the boss into an American icon and provided a
09:05generation of dreamers with the ultimate highway soundtrack for driving fast into the unknown.
09:17Number 12. I Will Survive
09:20Gloria Gaynor
09:29Originally released as a B-side, Gloria Gaynor's I Will Survive quickly transformed into the
09:34ultimate anthem of personal empowerment and resilience.
09:42Set against a driving disco beat and dramatic string arrangements, Gaynor's fierce, commanding vocals
09:48to turn heartbreak into a triumphant declaration of independence. Released during the height of the
09:54disco era, the song resonated deeply across communities, becoming a rallying cry for anyone
10:00overcoming adversity. Its universal message and irresistible dancefloor energy ensured it outlasted
10:06the disco backlash, earning a Grammy for Best Disco Recording and remaining an immortal pop culture
10:12touchstone for over four decades. Number 11. Tiny Dancer
10:21Elton John
10:22Capturing the sun-drenched, free-spirited vibe of early 1970s California,
10:28Tiny Dancer is a masterclass in song structure and slow-burning build.
10:32Blue jean baby
10:38Featuring Bernie Taupin's vivid lyrics and Elton John's sweeping piano melodies,
10:43the track takes listeners on a melodic journey before hitting its triumphant arena-sized chorus.
10:54Though not an immediate chart-topping hit upon its release,
10:57It's cinematic quality and lush string arrangements by Paul Buckmaster allowed it to age like a fine wine.
11:04Decades later, solidified by iconic film moments, it stands as one of Elton John's most beloved tracks
11:10and a defining folk-pop ballad of the entire decade.
11:21While we're all for adding these 70s bops to your playlist, it's hard to feel more transported
11:26than when watching them come to life in the form of an iconic needle drop. Though we can recall a
11:31film or TV scene tied to just about every song on this list, two rise above the rest, Tiny Dancer
11:38in Almost Famous, and Bohemian Rhapsody in Wayne's World. But which one reigns supreme? Let's
11:44see what the team thinks.
11:45I think we'll go with a little Bohemian Rhapsody, gentlemen. Good call.
11:52Hello and welcome to Simply the Best, the show where we debate the pop culture subjects we're
11:57most passionate about, but you choose the winner. I'm your moderator, Rebecca Brayton. Today's topic,
12:02Tiny Dancer vs. Bohemian Rhapsody. Which 70s rock song inspired the better movie scene?
12:08Our debaters are Shayna on Team Tiny Dancer vs. Matt on Team Bohemian Rhapsody. Each debater
12:14will have 30 seconds to make their case, followed by a 10 second rebuttal. Once that's done,
12:18we leave the decision to you. So now I welcome our speakers into the arena. We flipped a coin,
12:24which Matt won, and he has chosen to speak last. So Shayna, your 30 seconds starts now.
12:29Okay. So the Bohemian Rhapsody scene is fun and yeah, it's iconic and it reflects what pretty much
12:36all of us do when we get in the car and hear that song. But Tiny Dancer in Almost Famous
12:40takes Elton
12:41John's equally great song and uses it to platform these poignant character moments. The wistful mood
12:46of Tiny Dancer gives us a sense of the mental states of everyone on screen. And when they all join
12:51together
12:51to sing, it shows us these people who still want to connect despite all their issues. It's not just a
12:56nice
12:56needle drop. It actively deepens our emotional understanding of the characters in the story,
13:00and that's why it sticks with you afterwards. Music heightens your emotions and Almost Famous
13:04uses that to make real connections between the audience and the movie.
13:21Matt, tell us about Bohemian Rhapsody.
13:24Here's the thing. Bohemian Rhapsody and Wayne's World had a symbiotic relationship.
13:29Mike Myers straight up refused to film this scene unless Paramount agreed to let him use this
13:34particular song. His instinct was right, and the success of Wayne's World launched Bohemian Rhapsody
13:38up to number two on the Billboard singles chart 17 years after its initial release. In short,
13:43you can't have one without the other. But beyond that, all those carefully constructed overdubs means
13:48that Bohemian Rhapsody will inspire a headbanging group singalong whenever you hear it.
13:52All it took was a crazy bunch of guys from Aurora, Illinois to show us how it's done. And in
13:58doing so,
13:58they created a movie scene for the ages.
14:02Beelzebub has a devil put aside for me, for me, for me.
14:14Can't argue with that. Shayna, try.
14:19I can't argue with that, and it's that Tiny Dancer's gonna give you all kinds of feelings,
14:23and none of them are a neck injury. I think that's worth something.
14:27Matt, you get the last word.
14:30You really think that- are you really gonna tell me that this scene is better than Bohemian Rhapsody?
14:34Chah! Right!
14:36I love it. I love it. I don't know how to choose, honestly. Who made the better case for you?
14:41Let us
14:41know in the comments which side of the debate you land on, and help me make a decision because I
14:45have
14:45no idea. And while you're at it, let us know what other topics you would like to see us argue
14:49about.
14:50See ya!
14:51Well, you heard Rebecca. Let us know which musical moment you prefer in the comments.
14:56Now, let's see which other 70s hits made our list. No spoilers, but this next song might get you up
15:03and
15:03dancing. 10. YMCA Village People
15:07Unapologetically fun, theatrical, and infectious, YMCA brought disco and camp culture straight into
15:15the mainstream. Built on brassy horns, a driving bass line, and catchy vocal hooks, the track became
15:28a global phenomenon and an instant party staple. While celebrating urban community centers,
15:34it subtly paid homage to underground gay culture, all while tricking wedding guests worldwide into
15:40doing hand-shaped choreography. Produced by Jacques Morali, the song proved the sheer populist power
15:50of disco at its late 70s peak. Love it or hate it, YMCA is an unforgettable pop culture juggernaut that
15:57defined the era's lighter, joyous spirit.
16:059. Piano Man
16:08Billy Joel Drawn from Billy Joel's real-life experiences gigging at an L.A.
16:14lounge under the alias Bill Martin, Piano Man is a brilliant character study of mid-30s
16:19streamers and late-night regulars. With its signature harmonica intro,
16:31waltzing piano keys, and vivid storytelling, Joel turns a dive bar into a grand stage for shared human
16:37loneliness. The track didn't just launch Joel's career, it created a universal sing-along anthem
16:51for anyone seeking comfort in a song at the end of a long week. It defined the 70s singer-songwriter
16:57boom with warmth, melancholy, and unmatched lyrical charm.
17:01Well, we're all in the mood for a melody, and you've got us feeling all right.
17:098. September
17:11Earth, Wind & Fire From the very first guitar riff and
17:15hornburst, September delivers pure, unadulterated joy.
17:199. Piano Man
17:25Driven by Maryse White's uplifting vocals, Philip Bailey's soaring falsetto, and Al McKay's iconic
17:31rhythm guitar line, the track is a flawless fusion of funk, disco, soul, and pop. Its famous
17:39refrain proves that catchy feeling often trumps complex lyrics.
17:4410. Piano Man
17:48Released late in the decade, the song captured earth, wind, and fire at the absolute summit of
17:53their creative power. It remains one of the most irresistible dance tracks ever recorded,
17:58guaranteed to lift your spirits and get any crowd moving.
18:057. Go Your Own Way
18:08Fleetwood Mac
18:15Written by Lindsey Buckingham amid his painful breakup with bandmate Stevie Nicks,
18:20Go Your Own Way turned internal band turmoil into soft rock perfection.
18:247. Piano Man
18:31Driven by aggressive acoustic strumming, thunderous drumming from Mick Fleetwood, and bitter,
18:37searing lyrics, the song showcased the raw, tense energy that fueled the legendary Rumors album.
18:427. Piano Man
18:52Interestingly, while Buckingham took a sharp, confrontationally rock approach here,
18:57Nicks brought a contrasting perspective to the album with tracks like Dreams.
19:067. Piano Man
19:07That dynamic tension defined Fleetwood Mac's signature sound, resulting in an undeniable
19:12hit that remains a gold standard for breakup anthems.
19:167. Piano Man
19:25Built around one of the nastiest, most recognizable clavinet riffs in music history, Superstition
19:32signaled Stevie Wonder's full artistic independence.
19:358. Piano Man
19:36Very superstitious
19:40Writing's on the wall
19:42Taking complete control of his sound, Wonder played almost every instrument on the track,
19:48blending funk, rock, and soul into a sonic powerhouse. His lyrics warn against belief in
19:54Unknown Foolish Things, while the explosive brass section drives the groove home.
19:599. Piano Man
19:59When you believe in things that you don't understand, then you suffer.
20:06The track earned Wonder two Grammy Awards and showcased a genius hitting his absolute peak in
20:11the 1970s. It revolutionized funk music forever, remaining a permanent fixture on dance floors and
20:18radio stations worldwide.
20:245. Hotel California
20:27Eagles
20:28With its surreal, haunting melody and iconic twin guitar solo, Hotel California captured the dark,
20:35exhausted underside of the 1970s American dream.
20:38On a dark desert highway, cool wind in my hair
20:44Written as an allegory for Southern California's excess, decadence, and music industry traps,
20:51the song tells the tale of a traveler checking into a mysterious resort from which he can
20:56never leave.
21:03Don Henley's weary lead vocals and the intricate guitar trade-offs between Joe Walsh and Don Felder
21:09turned the track into an instant classic.
21:11Welcome to the Hotel California
21:18It defined the mid-decade shift toward polished, narrative-driven West Coast rock with unforgettable,
21:26dark sophistication.
21:28You can check out anytime you like, but you can never leave
21:51The lyrical content of many ABBA songs have been dissected by fans in
21:56different ways retroactively, including hits like Knowing Me, Knowing You, Waterloo, and Dancing
22:02Queen.
22:03So, is this latter hit about the euphoria of youth and the magic of the dance floor?
22:15Sure, but it could also temper that nostalgia with a bittersweet sensibility.
22:19This idea that those glory days are long gone, and now reside solely in the memories of an older,
22:26perhaps forgotten generation.
22:33These emotional layers remain an example of why ABBA's music continues to live on for so many people today.
22:443. Bohemian Rhapsody
22:48Queen
22:48Freddie Mercury's magnum opus defied every rule in the music industry handbook.
22:59Blending a ballad intro, an operatic midsection, heavy hard rock, and a gentle guitar outro,
23:05the six-minute epic was deemed too long and bizarre for radio.
23:15Instead, it became a global sensation and revolutionized music videos forever.
23:20Queen's theatrical grandeur, groundbreaking vocal layering, and Brian May's blistering guitar riffs
23:26proved that rock could be as ambitious as an opera. Bohemian Rhapsody didn't just define the decade's penchant for
23:32theatrical excess. It redefined what a popular rock song could actually be.
23:422. Stairway to Heaven
23:45Led Zeppelin
23:48Widely regarded as the ultimate rock epic, Stairway to Heaven builds masterfully from a quiet,
23:53acoustic folk intro into a thunderous hard rock climax.
24:04Jimmy Page's iconic guitar progression, Robert Plant's mystical lyrics, and John Bonham's
24:10eventual explosive drum entry created an unforgettable musical journey.
24:15If there's a bustle in your headroom, don't be a lawman
24:20Though never officially released as a commercial single,
24:24it became the most requested song on FM radio throughout the decade.
24:28If I first called you to join him
24:31It perfectly encapsulated the 1970s rock movement. Ambitious, blues-infused, mythical, and larger-than-life.
24:39It's closing guitar solo remains the gold standard for guitarists across generations.
24:48Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
24:52Kung Fu Fighting by Carl Douglas
24:54A kitschy novelty hit for a kitschy decade
25:03Baker Street by Jerry Rafferty
25:05Rick Sanchez approves, and so do we.
25:09But you're crying, you're crying now
25:13Smoke on the Water by Deep Purple
25:17A guitar riff for the ages
25:19Smoke on the Water
25:23A fire on the skies
25:26Bad Girls by Donna Summer
25:29Boston's queen of disco
25:31You're bad girl, you're bad girl
25:34You're such a dirty bad girl
25:36Maggie Mae by Rod Stewart
25:38A different kind of love song
25:41You led me away from home
25:44Cause you didn't wanna be alone
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26:16Number one
26:17Stayin' alive
26:18Bee Gees
26:20Nothing defines the 1970s quite like the swaggering strut of the Bee Gees
26:25Well, you can't tell by the way I used my walk
26:29I'm a woman's man
26:30No time to talk
26:31Driven by Robin, Maurice, and Barry Gibbs' unmistakable falsettos
26:35And a rock-solid hypnotic drum beat
26:38Stayin' Alive became the ultimate pulse of the disco era
26:41Anchoring the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack
26:44The track captured both the glamour and urban anxiety of the late 70s
26:54Other Bee Gees' bangers like Night Fever may have also ruled the pop disco airwaves
26:59But this track also dominated clubs on a global scale
27:03With its iconic music video and culture-shifting impact
27:07It takes our top spot as the ultimate defining song of the decade
27:15Did you live through the 70s?
27:17Or wish you did?
27:19Let us know in the comments