While the 1960s were rich with folk ballads and classic rock numbers, the decade of the 1970s brought on new offerings. From harder rock tunes to the rise of disco to the increased presence of funk and soul, the era was a veritable Garden of Eden when it came to possibilities. But which songs from the time period were best to sing along to? We’re glad you asked!
Her below, we wanted to explore three tunes from the era that are almost impossible not to belt out when they come on. They’re just that fun. Indeed, these are three of the best songs from the 1970s to sing along to.
[RELATED: Behind the Song: Heart’s Ann Wilson Looks Back on “Magic Man”]
“Superstition” by Stevie Wonder from Talking Book (1972)
As lively and recognizable and essential a song that has ever been released in American pop music history, this track, which tells its listeners (and singers) to investigate the things they believe in or else, is a masterpiece by the Motown singer Stevie Wonder. Few have been as influential to the world of music as Wonder has over his life and if you’re looking for an example why, this is a prime choice. Not only is the song a perfect composition, it is one that many love to belt out in the shower or on stage during karaoke. But Wonder did it best and on the No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 offering, he sings,
Very superstitious,
Writing’s on the wall,
Very superstitious,
Ladders bout’ to fall,
Thirteen month old baby,
Broke the lookin’ glass
Seven years of bad luck,
The good things in your past
When you believe in things
That you don’t understand,
Then you suffer,
Superstition aint the way
“I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor from Love Tracks (1978)
Perhaps the ultimate lip-sync song. From the very opening: First I was afraid, I was petrified! And then the beat comes in, the constant snare drum, the staccato guitars, the disco feel. And we haven’t even gotten to the sublime chorus: I will survive! As long as I know how to love I know I’ll be alive! There is so much emotion and passion in the song that it seems to just summon the same out of you, from your toes to your gut to your open, singing mouth. It’s a magic trick as much as any song can be. And on the track, which earned Gaynor a Grammy Award and a a Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 spot, she sings of survival, offering,
At first I was afraid, I was petrified
Thinking I could live without you by my side
And after spending nights
Thinking how you did me wrong
I grew strong
And I learned how to get along
Now you’re back
From outer space
And I find you here
With that sad look upon your face
I should’ve changed that stupid lock
Or made you leave your key
If I’d’ve known for a second
You’d be back to bother me
“Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen from A Night at the Opera (1975)
The harmonies that begin this song, the ones that are so inviting, were not actually sung by the entire band. Rather they were performed and tracked by lead singer Freddie Mercury on his own—that’s just how talented the man is. Still, his talent is our gain, as this classic, classic, classic rock song has become such a popular one to sing along to. From the lush choruses to the vulnerable solo voice admitting mistakes to his mother. On the track, Mercury belts,
Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy?
Caught in a landslide, no escape from reality
Open your eyes, look up to the skies and see
I’m just a poor boy, I need no sympathy
Because I’m easy come, easy go
Little high, little low
Any way the wind blows doesn’t really matter to me, to me
Mama, just killed a man
Put a gun against his head, pulled my trigger, now he’s dead
Mama, life had just begun
But now I’ve gone and thrown it all away
Mama, ooh, didn’t mean to make you cry
If I’m not back again this time tomorrow
Carry on, carry on as if nothing really matters
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Photo by Andre Csillag/Shutterstock
Local News
