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Rock Singles in the 1970s

Rock 'n' roll evolved from blues in the late 1940s and has been evolving since. By the 1970s, genres such as soft rock, pop rock, acid rock, glam rock, folk rock, funk and hipster emerged. Some of these morphed into genres of heavy metal, hard rock, rap and alternative. Hundreds of singles were released in the '70s, and lists can be compiled in numerous ways.
  1. "Your Song" by Elton John

    • This was actually written in 1967 with Bernie Taupin. Elton John didn't get it released until 1970. This knighted British artist is a singer, composer and pianist whose music falls under the genres of glam rock, soft rock and pop rock.

    "American Pie" by Don McLean

    • This No. 1 hit released in 1971 is partly autobiographical. But it also can be viewed as a synopsis of rock 'n roll history and a tribute to changing times in America. This song is so timeless that Madonna recorded a cover of it, released as a single, in 2000.

    "Take It Easy" by the Eagles

    • This rock band from Los Angeles was one of the most successful music groups of the 1970s, with numerous Grammy and American Music awards along with six albums and five singles that made it to No. 1. "Take It Easy" was the group's debut single in 1972.

    "A Horse With No Name" by America

    • This soft rock group formed in England is made up of three sons of American servicemen and English mothers. Written by lead singer Dewey Bunnell, "A Horse With No Name" was released in 1972 and quickly became a hit.

    "Taxi" by Harry Chapin

    • This American singer-songwriter of the folk rock genre released this debut hit single in 1972. He is considered influential for his storytelling style of songwriting.

    "Born to Run" by Bruce Springsteen

    • Springsteen came on the music scene in 1973, but this song released in '75 can be considered an anthem to the generation and rock 'n' roll music. His music alternates between rock and folk.

    "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen

    • British rock group Queen released this single in 1975. Written by Freddie Mercury, it's still one of the band's most popular songs. Queen's music was inspired by many artistic areas that are clear in the operatic quality of "Bohemian Rhapsody." The group's music is considered inspirational to later heavy metal.

    Worthy Mentions

    • "Layla" by Derek and the Dominos in 1970: Blues rock with a great example of virtuoso guitar. "Spirit in the Sky" by Norman Greenbaum in 1970: Psychedelic rock, a one-hit wonder that sold over 2 million copies. "Baba O'Riley" by The Who in 1971: Hard rock, single only released in UK.

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