There is a certain energy that comes from the music of the 1970s. 

Maybe it’s because the artists of these years were trailblazers for future music or because the concepts, songwriting, or themes feel more unique than anything else. 

While the songs discuss concepts like love and yearning, there is a difference in the heartache attached to them. Whether because of the simple production of real instruments or acoustics, I feel they have more of a hopeful undertone than today’s love songs. 

This decade saw many different genres, including folk, rock, soul, and more, making this an exciting time in music.

If you are not familiar with the music of the ‘70s and want an intro, I have compiled a list of 5 crucial artists, songs, and bands to listen to to get you started.

Rumours by Fleetwood Mac

This is one of the most iconic albums of all time and a perfect place to start if you want to get into ‘70s music. Released in 1977, this album is full of heartfelt messages of love and heartache that ring true throughout this record. Three of the 12 tracks have more than 1 billion streams on Spotify alone, which is a testament to the timelessness of Rumours. 

Led Zeppelin IV by Led Zeppelin 

When you think of rock and roll, Led Zeppelin is a prominent group that comes to mind. This album is a front-to-back rock blueprint, with Black Dog opening it up, Stairway to Heaven, and Going to California. Rock artists of this time knew how to deliver great upbeat knockouts to heartfelt, introspective guitar and piano hits. (Lol. Can you tell Almost Famous is my favourite movie yet?) 

Deja Vu by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young

This album was a trailblazer for this time’s folk rock singer-songwriter genre. When Crosby, Stills and Nash added Neil Young to the group in the early ‘70s, they released this album and stayed a group for many albums following. “Our House” is a very sweet song with minimal instruments and beautiful harmonies from all group members. There is even an early demo of this song, with folk singer-songwriter icon Joni Mitchell.  If you like the folk sound from this time, I would recommend exploring Joni Mitchell’s catalogue and greatest hits. 

Ziggy Stardust by David Bowie

You can’t talk about ’70s music without mentioning Bowie. All of his records are iconic parts of ’70s music, but Ziggy Stardust is an excellent place to start with his discography because it explores how eclectic he was as an artist. This album features rock classics and ballads, showing his skill as a songwriter. 

Talking Book by Stevie Wonder

Like Bowie, and to be honest, all the artists on this list, Stevie Wonder is super eclectic in his songs. Stevie’s songs are innovative and unique, mixing rock elements with soul and jazz. I chose Talking Book as the album to mention because it has some of his most well-known songs, like “Superstition” and “You Are The Sunshine of My Life,” which highlight his distinctive sound. 

I also have to mention The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Doors, and Marvin Gaye because they were crucial to Rock and Roll and Jazz in the 1970s and 1960s. 

I hope you gained a new album to add to your list to listen to if you haven’t already or learned a little bit about the 1970s and some of the amazing music that came out during that time. 

Xx

Sadie