11 Rock Songs From the 70s: Decoding Classics

Hey there, fellow music enthusiasts! It’s TBone here from Level Tunes, your go-to DJ and die-hard music fan.

Today, I’m absolutely stoked to dive into a treasure trove of rock music from the spectacular 70s – a decade that revolutionized the music world. Why am I handpicking these 11 rock songs, you ask?

Well, each of these tracks isn’t just a song; they’re a journey through the heart and soul of a decade that was all about bold sounds and even bolder statements.

Whether you’re a fellow DJ looking to spice up your setlist, or a music lover seeking to relive or discover the raw power of 70s rock, this list is your golden ticket. So, buckle up and let’s embark on this rockin’ ride through time!

Here are the rock songs from the 70s that you can check out:

List Of Rock Songs From the 70s

Rock songs from the 70s in a list format:

Led Zeppelin – “Stairway to Heaven”

Album: Led Zeppelin IV
Year: 1971
Label: Atlantic Records
“Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin is more than just a song; it’s an epic journey. Released in 1971 as part of their fourth album, it showcases the band’s ability to blend folk and hard rock. The track progresses from a gentle, acoustic beginning to a powerful, electrifying climax, symbolizing a spiritual quest. It’s a testament to the genius of Jimmy Page’s guitar skills and Robert Plant’s mesmerizing vocals. This song is on my list for its timeless appeal and its representation of the era’s innovative spirit.

Pink Floyd – “Comfortably Numb”

Album: The Wall
Year: 1979
Label: Harvest and Columbia Records
“Comfortably Numb” is a hauntingly beautiful piece from Pink Floyd’s 1979 album, “The Wall.” Known for its two distinct solos by David Gilmour and the deep, reflective lyrics by Roger Waters, the song paints a vivid picture of isolation and detachment. It’s a cornerstone of rock music, showcasing Pink Floyd’s talent for creating atmospheric soundscapes. This song makes my list for its emotional depth and the way it encapsulates the mood of a generation feeling lost in the changing tides of time.

Queen – “Bohemian Rhapsody”

Album: A Night at the Opera
Year: 1975
Label: EMI and Elektra Records
“Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen is a groundbreaking song from their 1975 album, “A Night at the Opera.” This six-minute suite, penned by Freddie Mercury, defies traditional song structure, blending rock, ballad, opera, and hard rock. The song’s dramatic shifts in style and Mercury’s extraordinary vocal range make it an unforgettable track. It’s a celebration of musical experimentation and Queen’s fearless approach to music, earning its spot on my list for its boldness and ingenuity.

The Rolling Stones – “Angie”

Album: Goats Head Soup
Year: 1973
Label: Rolling Stones Records
The Rolling Stones’ “Angie,” from their 1973 album “Goats Head Soup,” is a poignant ballad unlike many of their other hits. Mick Jagger’s emotive vocals, coupled with Keith Richards’ gentle guitar riffs, create a tender and heartfelt song. Its introspective lyrics, rumored to be about various women in the band’s life, reflect a more vulnerable side of the Stones. I chose this song for its ability to show a different, more sensitive facet of one of rock’s most iconic bands.

Fleetwood Mac – “Go Your Own Way”

Album: Rumours
Year: 1977
Label: Warner Bros. Records
“Go Your Own Way” is a standout track from Fleetwood Mac’s critically acclaimed 1977 album, “Rumours.” Written by Lindsey Buckingham, it’s a raw and candid expression of the emotional turmoil within the band, particularly his relationship with Stevie Nicks. The song combines catchy, upbeat music with bitter, poignant lyrics, showcasing the band’s exceptional talent in transforming personal struggles into musical gold. I’ve included it for its timeless melody and as a shining example of turning heartache into a universally loved rock anthem.

David Bowie – “Heroes”

Album: “Heroes”
Year: 1977
Label: RCA Records
David Bowie’s “Heroes,” from his 1977 album of the same name, is a song that captures the spirit of hope and resilience. Inspired by a couple kissing near the Berlin Wall, Bowie, along with Brian Eno’s innovative production, creates a soundscape that’s both anthemic and intimate. The song has become synonymous with overcoming adversity, characterized by Bowie’s passionate vocal performance and Robert Fripp’s distinctive guitar work. I’ve selected it for its inspirational message and its status as one of Bowie’s most powerful and enduring works.

The Eagles – “Hotel California”

Album: Hotel California
Year: 1976
Label: Asylum Records
“Hotel California” is the title track from The Eagles’ 1976 album and one of the most recognizable songs in rock history. This enigmatic song, written by Don Felder, Don Henley, and Glenn Frey, weaves a surreal narrative, often interpreted as a metaphor for the hedonism and disillusionment of the era. Its distinctive guitar solo and Henley’s haunting vocals make it a masterpiece of storytelling. This track is on my list for its intricate musicianship and its ability to transport listeners to a different, almost mystical, world.

Bruce Springsteen – “Born to Run”

Album: Born to Run
Year: 1975
Label: Columbia Records
Bruce Springsteen’s “Born to Run” is a high-energy anthem from his 1975 album of the same name. This song is all about the freedom and escape of youth, with Springsteen’s raw, passionate delivery and poetic lyrics painting a vivid picture of American life. It’s a celebration of hope and dreams, backed by the powerful E Street Band. I’ve included it for its infectious energy and as a symbol of the boundless spirit that rock music can embody.

Black Sabbath – “Paranoid”

Album: Paranoid
Year: 1970
Label: Vertigo Records
Black Sabbath’s “Paranoid,” from their 1970 album, is a cornerstone of heavy metal. This fast-paced track, featuring Ozzy Osbourne’s iconic vocals and Tony Iommi’s masterful riffs, is a raw expression of angst and frustration. Its dark, brooding tone set the standard for the genre and showcased Black Sabbath’s musical prowess. I chose “Paranoid” for its groundbreaking impact on rock music and its embodiment of the heavier, darker side of the 70s rock scene.

Elton John – “Rocket Man”

Album: Honky Château
Year: 1972
Label: DJM and Uni Records
Elton John’s “Rocket Man” is a melancholic yet beautiful track from his 1972 album, “Honky Château.” The song, with lyrics by Bernie Taupin, tells the story of an astronaut leaving his family, a metaphor for the alienation and loneliness of modern life. Elton’s piano skills and unique vocal style bring this introspective tale to life. It’s a testament to his ability to blend pop and rock with profound storytelling. “Rocket Man” makes my list for its emotional depth and its lasting influence on both rock and pop music.

Aerosmith – “Dream On”

Album: Aerosmith
Year: 1973
Label: Columbia Records
“Dream On” is the standout ballad from Aerosmith’s 1973 debut album. Steven Tyler’s powerful vocals, ranging from a whisper to a scream, alongside Joe Perry’s soulful guitar playing, create a timeless track about dreaming and aspiring for more. It’s a song that resonates with the ambitions and hopes of many. I’ve included “Dream On” for its inspirational message and its showcase of Aerosmith’s raw, emotive power as a rock band.

Fun Facts: Rock Songs From the 70s

Led Zeppelin – “Stairway to Heaven”

• Hidden Messages: There’s a long-standing myth that when played backward, “Stairway to Heaven” contains satanic messages. This has been a topic of debate and fascination among fans.
• No Single Release: Despite being one of the most popular rock songs of all time, “Stairway to Heaven” was never released as a single in the US, as Led Zeppelin wanted to promote album sales.

Pink Floyd – “Comfortably Numb”

• Inspired by Illness: The song was inspired by Roger Waters’ experience when he was injected with tranquilizers for hepatitis by a doctor before a show.
• Guitar Solo Acclaim: David Gilmour’s two guitar solos in “Comfortably Numb” are often ranked among the greatest guitar solos in rock history.

Queen – “Bohemian Rhapsody”

• Revolutionary Video: The music video for “Bohemian Rhapsody” is considered one of the first true music videos ever made, setting a precedent for the format.
• Operatic Section: The operatic section of the song took about three weeks to record and involved 180 separate overdubs.

The Rolling Stones – “Angie”

• Name Origins: The true inspiration for the song’s name “Angie” remains a mystery. It has been rumored to refer to various women, including David Bowie’s first wife, Angela, and actress Angie Dickinson.
• A Softer Side: “Angie” marked a departure from the band’s typical hard rock style, showcasing their versatility.

Fleetwood Mac – “Go Your Own Way”

• Personal Turmoil: The song was written by Lindsey Buckingham and was a direct message to Stevie Nicks as their romantic relationship was falling apart.
• Band Tensions: The recording of the song (and the album “Rumours”) occurred during a period of intense personal conflicts within the band, which ironically contributed to the album’s success.

David Bowie – “Heroes”

• Berlin Influence: Recorded in West Berlin, the song was influenced by the city’s division. The studio was just next to the Berlin Wall, and Bowie could see East German guards from the window.
• Innovative Production: The song’s unique sound was achieved through innovative microphone placement techniques by producer Tony Visconti, creating a layered vocal effect.

The Eagles – “Hotel California”

• Multiple Interpretations: “Hotel California” has been subject to various interpretations, including as a metaphor for hedonism, a commentary on the music industry, or even about a real hotel.
• Guitar Solo: The song’s extended guitar solo is one of the most iconic and celebrated in rock music, often featuring in ‘best guitar solos’ lists.

Bruce Springsteen – “Born to Run”

• Making of a Star: “Born to Run” was Bruce Springsteen’s make-or-break effort, which ultimately catapulted him to stardom.
• Detailed Production: Springsteen spent six months just on the production of the song, obsessing over every detail to create the perfect sound.

Black Sabbath – “Paranoid”

• Last-Minute Addition: “Paranoid” was written and recorded in a hurry at the last minute to fill album space. It became one of the band’s biggest hits.
• Misinterpreted Meaning: Despite its title, the song “Paranoid” doesn’t deal with paranoia but is a description of depression, a condition Ozzy Osbourne was unfamiliar with at the time.

Elton John – “Rocket Man”

• Sci-Fi Inspiration: The song was inspired by Ray Bradbury’s short story “The Rocket Man” from his collection “The Illustrated Man.”
• Cultural Impact: “Rocket Man” has been covered and referenced in numerous cultural contexts, including a famous cover by astronaut Chris Hadfield aboard the International Space Station.

Aerosmith – “Dream On”

• Early Creation: Steven Tyler wrote the lyrics of “Dream On” when he was just 17, but it wasn’t recorded until much later.
• Band Signature: “Dream On” was Aerosmith’s first major hit and remains one of their most popular songs, often serving as the closing number in their live performances.

And there you have it, folks! A whirlwind tour through the realm of 70s rock, exploring some of the decade’s most iconic tunes. Each song is a story, a legacy, a piece of history that continues to resonate. Keep rocking to the timeless beats of the 70s!

Thanks for reading.

TBone