I am a child of the 70s. I turned 12 in 1970 and grew into an adult during this time frame. Most everyone enjoys the music of the particular era in which they came of age, but there is something unique about the 1970s that is not true for any other decade regarding music. During this dispensation in time, artists had their own unique sounds and the music was so great that much of it is sampled by today's singers. There was easy listening, slow dance music, rock, pop, R&B, soul, country, bubble gum, the beginning of rap, and disco. When you heard a few bars of a recording, you knew immediately who was singing. The 70s was also the decade of singers and their bands doing live shows with full bands. There was no lip-synching or entertainers on stage without a band and back up singers. The versatile recording styles of the 1970s are one of a kind and probably will not ever be repeated. The following are 12 songs that I chose which prove what I am saying about versatility.
One of my favorite country songs is 1971’s Coal miner’s daughter by Loretta Lynn. This recording has the flavor of what is referred to as real country music, that comes from the depths of the soul. Her voice is definately like no other. During the 70’s you knew which category an artist was in and there was no blending of genres.
There were a few copy cats, however, such as The Sugar Hill Gang, whose Rapper’s Delight used the music from Chic’s Good Times. I enjoy Sugar Hill's rap arrangement which added a little flavor to the beat.
The mellow sound of Bread singing Baby I'm a want you from 1970 was so inviting and relaxing. This hit tune is still easy to listen to.
Parliament/ Funkadelic really brought the Funk in 1979 and Flashlight lets you know it. This is my all-time favorite song by this group. It really makes you want to get up and dance.
Lionel Richie and the Commodores showed us how to be Easy, like Sunday morning. 1977. This is another tune that people liked to slow dance to or listen to on a long drive.
Bachman Turner Overdrive taught us how to be self employed and work at nothing all day by Taking Care of Business, in1973. The beat gets you from the intro right through to the end. I recently listened to this and sang along while driving and other drivers were looking at me as if I were nuts. This is a great tune to get your mind off of the turmoil in the world and sing yourself happy for a few minutes.
The Captain and Tennile had a number one hit with Love will keep us together in 1975. The Captain really could play that piano and they were a great duo. Sadly love did not keep them together and by the time Darrel Dragon died a few years back, he and Toni Tennile were divorced.
Kool and the gang had a hit with a funky tune in 1973 titled Funky Stuff. This song was popular at dance parties and the Soul Train gang seemed to love it as well.
The Osmonds took us Down by the lazy river in 1972 with this mi of rock and soul. This group had so much energy I don't know how anyone could sit still while this song is playing. This talented could sing, dance and play instruments.
Earth, Wind and Fire had a harmony that has not been captured by any other group. Their 1974 hit That’s the way of the World truly captures the unique blend of their voices. To this day, this song puts me in a peaceful mood when I hear it.
The Eagles Hotel California from 1976 was considered by many as the best guitar solo of all time. I agree. This haunting melody and the cryptic wording has mesmerized listeners for 44 years.
Wild Cherry had a hit with a great dance song with Play that Funky Music. It has been a favorite of mine since it came out in 1976. The beat, the lead singer's voice, and the lyrics blend together for fun music.
These are but 12 of many hundreds of songs from the 70s that I had to choose from. I am thankful to have been a part of such a special decade that was so diverse when it came to musical recordings.