Introduction to 70s Rock Music
The 1970s was a pivotal and groundbreaking decade that shaped the evolution of rock music. Coming off the idealistic 1960s era of flower power and hippie culture, the music of the 70s marked a grittier transition into a new decade. The raw energy and experimentation of the time ushered in innovative new sounds, genres and larger-than-life rock stars.
Socially and politically, the 70s was a volatile period filled with tensions over issues like the Vietnam War, civil rights, women’s liberation, and Watergate. This climate of dissent and anti-establishment attitudes was reflected in the angst-fueled lyrics and aggressive musicianship of 70s rock. The decade also saw the rise of the counterculture and drug experimentation, which influenced the emergence of psychedelic, progressive and early metal subgenres.
The 1970s took rock into bold new frontiers. Progressive rock groups like Pink Floyd and Yes pushed the boundaries of instrumentation and song structure. Hard rock and early metal bands like Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith and Black Sabbath defined the blueprint for heavy, guitar-driven rock. Glam rock acts like David Bowie and Queen brought theatricality and androgyny into the mainstream. The punk explosion in the late 70s railed against the excesses of traditional rock with a raw, DIY ethos.
From the extended jams of psychedelic and prog rock to the catchy pop hooks of AM radio staples, the 70s birthed some of the most diverse, creative and memorable rock music ever made. The decade still stands as a high point in the evolution of rock, producing countless hits and legendary albums that continue to inspire artists and fans today. The 70s took rock to the stadiums, cementing it as the defining soundtrack for a generation.
Top 10 Iconic 70s Rock Songs
The 1970s produced some of the most memorable and influential rock songs that still resonate with music fans today. Here’s a look at 10 of the most iconic rock hits of the decade:
"Stairway to Heaven" by Led Zeppelin (1971)
Widely considered one of the greatest rock songs ever written, "Stairway to Heaven" first appeared on Led Zeppelin’s untitled fourth studio album. The 8-minute epic starts as an acoustic ballad before building into an intense hard rock crescendo. Fun fact: Robert Plant wrote the cryptic lyrics in one sitting at Headley Grange.
"Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen (1975)
The grandiose "Bohemian Rhapsody" combines elements of rock, opera, and theater for a thrilling sonic experience. Queen’s Freddie Mercury wrote the song which chronicles a young man’s descent into nihilism. The operatic section took over 180 vocal overdubs to create the choral effect.
"Born to Run" by Bruce Springsteen (1975)
The title track from Springsteen’s breakout third album, "Born to Run" encapsulates the rocker’s signature style of heartland rock with blue-collar storytelling. Its wall of sound production took over 6 months to perfect in the studio. The song helped propel Springsteen to rock stardom.
"Free Bird" by Lynyrd Skynyrd (1973)
This Southern rock anthem closes with one of the most iconic guitar solos in rock history from late Skynyrd guitarist Allen Collins. The song is dedicated to the late Duane Allman and refers to the freedom of being on the road. It remains a staple of classic rock radio.
"Hotel California" by Eagles (1976)
The ominous title track from the Eagles’ blockbuster album has inspired endless interpretations over its cryptic lyrics on hedonism and excess. Don Felder’s melodic guitar work alongside Don Henley and Glenn Frey’s lyrics epitomize the California soft rock sound.
"Sweet Home Alabama" by Lynyrd Skynyrd (1974)
Released as a response to criticism of the South, "Sweet Home Alabama" meshes Southern pride with great rock hooks. From Ronnie Van Zant’s unforgettable vocals to the twin guitar attack, it encapsulates the Skynyrd sound. The song references Neil Young in a dig at his criticism of racism in the South.
"Baba O’Riley" by The Who (1971)
The synthesizer-heavy opener to The Who’s Who’s Next serves as a teenage anthem. Roger Daltrey’s powerful vocals, Pete Townshend’s brilliant songwriting, and Keith Moon’s energetic drums make this a quintessential Who song. Fun fact: The title mixes the names of gurus Meher Baba and Terry Riley.
"Layla" by Derek and the Dominos (1970)
Co-written by Eric Clapton and Jim Gordon, "Layla" was inspired by Clapton’s unrequited love for George Harrison’s wife. The piano coda was composed separately then added to the blues rock song. The iconic guitar riff still electrifies decades later.
"(Don’t Fear) The Reaper" by Blue Oyster Cult (1976)
The band’s most famous song blends elements of classic rock with psychedelic touches. Buck Dharma’s haunting guitar riff and lyrics focused on the inevitability of death struck a chord with listeners. Dharma wrote the song after a dream about Romeo and Juliet.
"Heartbreaker" by Led Zeppelin (1969)
Driven by Jimmy Page’s bluesy riff, this Led Zeppelin classic from their debut album captures their heavy, groove-oriented sound. Robert Plant’s wailing vocals, John Bonham’s drums, and a guitar solo from Page come together seamlessly. It’s a prime early example of Zeppelin’s mastery.
This diverse mix of huge classic rock hits showcases the breadth of 70s rock. From the theatricality of Queen to the Southern rock of Skynyrd to The Who’s use of synthesizers, these songs demonstrate the era’s creative spirit and enduring influence.
Greatest 70s Rock Bands and Artists
The 1970s produced some of the most legendary and influential rock bands in music history. Here’s a spotlight on 8 iconic groups that defined the 70s rock sound:
Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin rose to become one of the biggest rock bands ever, melding blues rock, folk, and heavy metal. Their songs like "Stairway to Heaven" and "Whole Lotta Love" became anthems, while albums like IV and Houses of the Holy were mega-sellers. Zeppelin was known for their hard-partying lifestyle and controversies like allegations of occult themes in their music. But their artistic legacy is undeniable.
Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd emerged from the 1960s psychedelic scene to become prog rock pioneers. Albums like The Dark Side of the Moon and Wish You Were Here took listeners on mind-bending sonic journeys. Their avant-garde concepts, experiemental sounds, and Floyd’s dramatic live shows made them one of the most ambitious bands of the decade.
Queen
The glam rock stylings and theatricality of Queen produced rock anthems like "We Will Rock You" and "Bohemian Rhapsody." Freddie Mercury’s jaw-dropping vocals and Brian May’s epic guitar solos powered their rise. Despite being criticized as over-the-top, Queen’s fusion of rock with opera and theater made them true visionaries.
Aerosmith
Aerosmith brought raunchy, bluesy hard rock into the mainstream with hits like "Walk This Way" and "Sweet Emotion." Frontman Steven Tyler’s flamboyant persona and Joe Perry’s fiery guitar riffs fueled their success. Aerosmith lived the sex, drugs and rock n’ roll lifestyle to excess – Tyler even nicknamed them "the Toxic Twins." But their catalog of 70s classics earned them the title "The Greatest American Rock Band."
Eagles
The Eagles embodied the laid-back California sound with mellow country rock hits like "Take It Easy" and "Peaceful Easy Feeling." Songs like "Hotel California" later showed their knack for brooding, lyrical storytelling. Their Greatest Hits 1971–1975 became the best-selling US album ever. Before their messy breakup, the Eagles proved to be the quintessential American rock band.
Fleetwood Mac
Fleetwood Mac evolved from a British blues band into 70s pop rock superstars. The arrival of Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks brought creative tension and personal drama, inspiring Rumours – one of the best-selling albums ever. Nicks’ mystical style and Buckingham’s sophisticated pop sensibilities powered hits like "Dreams" and "Go Your Own Way."
The Who
Led by Pete Townshend’s songwriting, The Who pushed rock to new heights with concept albums like Tommy and Quadrophenia. Keith Moon’s manic drumming and Roger Daltrey’s primal vocals fueled classics like "Baba O’Riley" and "Won’t Get Fooled Again." Despite tragedies like Moon’s death, The Who’s bold ambition and explosive live shows cemented their legacy.
Kiss
Kiss brought bombast and spectacle to rock with their face paint, costumes and pyrotechnics. Their platform shoes, makeup and exaggerated personas like "Starchild" and "Demon" made them the face of glam metal. Songs like "Rock and Roll All Nite" and "Detroit Rock City" became teen anthems. Decried as style over substance, Kiss’ influence on rock theatrics can’t be denied.
This lineup of diverse 70s rock heavyweights showcases the myriad of sounds and styles that blossomed in the decade. Their artistic triumphs made them household names whose music still rocks today.
Key Rock Subgenres of the 70s
The 1970s saw the emergence and growth of several new subgenres that expanded the sonic palette of rock music. While mainstream and classic rock continued to dominate the airwaves, niche sounds that catered to more specific tastes also flourished. Here’s an overview of some of the most notable rock offshoots that gained traction in the 70s.
Glam Rock
Glam rock was a flashy, flamboyant style of rock that focused heavily on the visual presentation and outfits of artists. Pioneered by Marc Bolan and T. Rex, glam rock also included bands like David Bowie, Queen, Sweet, Slade and Mott the Hoople. The emphasis was on catchy pop songwriting, guitar-driven rock anthems, and outlandish costumes and personas. Key albums included T. Rex’s Electric Warrior, Bowie’s The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars, and Queen’s Sheer Heart Attack.
Progressive Rock
Also known as prog rock, this genre was characterized by experimental compositions, complex time signatures, conceptual lyrics, and elements of classical, jazz and psychedelic rock. Pioneering prog bands included Pink Floyd, Genesis, Yes, King Crimson, Emerson Lake & Palmer, and Rush. Notable concept albums included Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon and The Who’s Quadrophenia. The intricate musicianship of prog rock broke new ground, though it was sometimes criticized for pretentiousness.
Hard Rock
Hard rock emerged as a heavier, more aggressive offspring of blues and psychedelic rock. Pioneered by bands like Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, and Black Sabbath, the hard rock sound was built on distorted, driving guitar riffs, prominent bass, emphatic drumming, and forceful vocals. Key albums included Led Zeppelin IV, Deep Purple’s Machine Head, and Black Sabbath’s Paranoid. Hard rock laid the blueprint for later heavy metal.
Early Heavy Metal
Building on the hard rock foundation, heavy metal coalesced into its own subgenre during the 70s. Bands like Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, and Motorhead pushed metal into darker, more sinister territory. The emphasis was on scorching guitar solos, operatic vocals, epic song lengths, and morbid lyrical themes. Judas Priest’s Sad Wings of Destiny and Motörhead’s Overkill were early metal standouts. The seeds for 80s metal were planted in the 70s.
70s Rock Fashion and Culture
Rock music and fashion went hand in hand during the 1970s, influencing entire generations of young people. The free-spirited styles were a reflection of the anti-establishment ethos of the era.
Long, flowing hair was the quintessential look for both men and women in the 70s rock scene. Shaggy locks and bangs were hallmarks of rock icons like Robert Plant, Stevie Nicks, and Jim Morrison. For many, growing one’s hair long was both a fashion statement and form of rebellion against conservative norms.
Oversized bell bottoms and flared jeans were wildly popular fashion staples. Tight, slim fitting pants gave way to billowing silhouettes. Platform shoes helped accentuate the dramatic bell bottom look. Printed shirts, vests, and jackets with psychedelic or nature motifs further embraced the hippie roots of 70s style.
Makeup took on a glamorous, theatrical edge in the 70s, especially with the rise of glam rock. Male musicians wore flashy makeup with vibrant colors, while women adorned themselves with shimmery eyeshadows and glossy lipsticks. Face glitter, bold eyeliner, and blue or green eyeshadow encapsulated the otherworldly aesthetic.
Accessories like fringe suede vests, big silver belt buckles, and stacks of beaded necklaces or bracelets added the perfect finishing touches. These non-traditional styles allowed young people to express their individuality and break away from the rigid social order of years past. 70s rock fashion captured a sense of freedom that still inspires people today.
Legacy and Influence of 70s Rock
The innovative sounds and artistic spirit of 1970s rock music cast a long shadow, directly shaping the future of rock and roll for decades to come. From heavy metal to alternative rock, many of today’s most popular music genres trace their roots back to the experimental heyday of 70s rock.
The raw, distortion-heavy sounds of bands like Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin provided the blueprint for nearly every metal band that followed. Thrash metal pioneers like Metallica and Slayer specifically cited 70s hard rock acts as primary influences. Classic heavy metal bands absorbed the theatrics and mysticism of 70s rock icons.
Progressive rock groups like Pink Floyd, Rush, and Yes took rock into complex, conceptual territory that opened the doors for future progressive artists. Their melding of rock with jazz, classical, and experimental styles inspired new fusions. Progressive metal bands like Dream Theater adopted the technical proficiency and elaborate song structures of 70s prog.
Mainstream rock in the 80s, 90s, and beyond continued to draw inspiration from legendary 70s bands like Aerosmith, Queen, and The Who. Bon Jovi, Van Halen, Guns N’ Roses and more carried the torch of larger-than-life rock into new eras. Grunge bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Alice in Chains fused 70s hard rock swagger with punk influences.
Today, the popularity of 70s rock remains stronger than ever. Classic rock radio stations continue to draw huge audiences, keeping the music alive. New generations of fans discover the 70s rock catalog thanks to streaming and music documentaries. Major festivals consistently book legacy 70s rock acts as headliners. The soundtrack of the 70s provides the foundation for the rock music enjoyed around the world today.
70s Rock Playlists and Listening Guide
No journey through the world of 70s rock is complete without an epic playlist packed with all the classics. Here are some of the must-have tracks that capture the spirit and diversity of the era:
Beyond just the radio hits, 70s rock is filled with lesser-known gems waiting to be discovered by intrepid listeners. Here are some tips for going deeper:
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Explore full albums instead of just singles. Often the best material is buried as deep cuts. Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon or Led Zeppelin IV are essential front-to-back listens.
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Dive into the catalogs of pioneering but underrated bands like Bad Company, The James Gang, and Foghat.
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Check out playlists focused on specific subgenres like New Wave, Krautrock, and Power Pop to uncover hidden treasures.
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Search by year – curated playlists like "Best 70s Rock Songs of 1977" unearth forgotten one-hit wonders.
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Let your favorite 70s rock hits radio station play in the background and discover new-to-you tracks.
The 70s rock universe is vast, so there’s always more to explore. Here are some playlists, stations, and channels worth checking out on your continuing 70s rock n’ roll odyssey:
- Ultimate Classic Rock Workout – Spotify
- 1970s Rock Anthems – iHeartRadio
- 70s Rock Hits – YouTube Music Channel
- 100 Greatest 70s Rock Albums – Albumism
Wherever your 70s rock journey takes you next, may you always feel the freedom of an open highway, wind in your hair, and a killer guitar riff propelling you forward. Rock on!
Where to Listen and Learn More
The 70s rock catalog is so vast, it can be overwhelming to figure out where to start. Here are some recommendations for the best radio, online, and IRL resources to help you dive deeper:
Radio
- SiriusXM Classic Vinyl (Ch. 26) – All 70s rock, all the time. From Zeppelin to Bowie, they’ve got you covered.
- FM classic rock radio – Check your local listings for a station that plays a healthy dose of 70s rock hits and deep cuts.
- Pandora 70s Rock Radio – Create a free Pandora station seeded with your favorite 70s bands. Sit back as it serves up similar tunes.
YouTube & Podcasts
- Ultimate Classic Rock – YouTube channel and website covering all things related to 70s and beyond.
- Rolling Stone Music Now – Weekly podcast often focused on 70s rock history and artist interviews.
- Alison Ellwood History of Classic Rock – Video podcast series by a rock documentarian.
Online Forums & Groups
- Reddit r/classicrock – Subreddit of over 200k members discussing and sharing 70s rock.
- Steve Hoffman Music Forums – Passionate forums debating hi-fi recordings of classic rock.
- Classic Rock Albums Facebook Group – 33k members sharing stories and pics of their vinyl collections.
Books & Documentaries
- Detroit Rock City by Steve Miller – Oral history of the Michigan rock scene in the 60s and 70s.
- Hotel California by Barney Hoskyns – Deep dive into the SoCal music of the 70s.
- BBC Classic Albums documentaries – Episodes on Zeppelin IV, Who’s Next and more.
Live Events & Exhibits
- Classic rock tribute concerts – Local and national shows playing the hits live.
- Rock & Roll Hall of Fame – Cleveland museum with 70s rock history exhibits.
- Concerts in the Park – Many towns host "70s Night" shows in summer.
The 70s rock community is still going strong decades later. Join the party by connecting with other fans online or in-person at events celebrating this magical era of music.
Conclusion
The 1970s was truly a golden era for rock music that shaped the sounds of the future. Over the course of the decade, rock expanded into thrilling new territories, with artists constantly pushing the boundaries of experimentation. From the operatic grandeur of progressive rock, to the snarling aggression of early metal, to the androgynous theatricality of glam rock, the 70s gave rise to some of the most diverse and innovative genres in music history. At the same time, classic rock was also reaching its creative zenith, with bands like Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and The Who crafting albums that became the cornerstones of the genre.
While certain styles like disco and pop may have also flourished in the 70s, rock undoubtedly dominated the musical landscape. It not only provided the soundtrack to an entire generation, but also gave voice to the anti-establishment attitudes and social movements bubbling under the surface. Even today, 70s rock continues to enthrall millions of fans worldwide. The timeless songs and iconic albums keep drawing in younger listeners, proving that the music has a truly magical quality that transcends eras. As the legendary Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin once said, "Rock and roll will never die. There will always be a need for that wild, loud, sexy, crazy thing." When we listen back to the rock music of the 70s, we can still feel that wild spirit stirring in our souls.
Greatest 70s Rock Bands and Artists
The 1970s gave rise to some of the most iconic and influential rock bands and solo artists in music history. From heavyweights who carried over their success from the 60s to fresh new acts that would shape the sound of rock for decades to come, the 70s were filled with legendary talent.
Led Zeppelin
No list of great 70s rock bands is complete without Led Zeppelin. Formed in 1968, Led Zeppelin took the world by storm in the 70s with their explosive mix of blues, folk, rock, and mystical imagery. Powered by the wailing guitar licks of Jimmy Page and the banshee vocals of Robert Plant, Zeppelin unleashed all-time rock classics like "Stairway to Heaven," "Whole Lotta Love," and "Kashmir." They became known for their hard-partying lifestyle and broke attendance records across America.
Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd emerged from the late 60s psychedelic scene to become masters of progressive and experimental rock. Albums like The Dark Side of the Moon and Wish You Were Here established them at the forefront of prog rock with their extended song structures, philosophical lyrics, and incorporation of synthesizers. Songs like "Money" and "Comfortably Numb" showcased their sonic innovations. Pink Floyd’s ethereal soundscapes and dynamic live shows made them critical and commercial successes.
Queen
The glam rock stylings and theatricality of Queen captured the dazzling energy of the 70s. Led by the iconic Freddie Mercury, Queen crafted rock anthems like "Bohemian Rhapsody," "We Will Rock You," and "We Are the Champions." Their flair for the dramatic, from Mercury’s voice to their lavish costumes, mesmerized audiences globally. Queen incorporated diverse genres like opera, disco, and heavy metal into their bombastic sound. Their legacy as 70s legends lives on today.
The Eagles
The Eagles brought a smooth California sound to 70s rock with mellow country and folk influences. Their easygoing harmonies on hits like "Take It Easy," "Hotel California," and "Desperado" defined laidback 70s cool. Albums like Their Greatest Hits (1971–1975) became among the best-selling in history. The Eagles’ blend of rock, pop, and country resulted in widespread crossover success. Their lush arrangements and tight musicianship helped cement their reputation as one of the decade’s finest bands.