Maybe the 1970s had too many great songs, although some may have had too much respect. The decade certainly covered a wide range of genres. Right through from rock, glam or heavy or somewhere in between. Many folky-style pop tunes continued from the heady later years in the 1960s. Or perhaps from punk and new wave when that broke through in the latter half of the 1970s. Plus disco, soul, RnB, and much more all played in our ears.
With so much to listen to and, of course, all the new music and styles since then, it’s no wonder that some great songs have dropped off our radar. They’ve not been on as many playlists or airwaves, turntables, or the like in recent years. But they deserve to be heard, without a doubt.
There are many such songs from the 1970s that fit this description. I cut my initial list back to this short version of just five. If you know them well they still deserve hearing again. If you don’t recognize them, then definitely look them up for a listen; you won’t regret it.
Five excellent 1970s songs we all need to hear
Jonathan Richman & The Modern Lovers - “Roadrunner”
It’s always worth a revisit to the sounds of Jonathan Richman. “Roadrunner,” in conjunction with The Modern Lovers is pretty much a signature tune. He wrote this back in 1970 or so but it took until 1974 for it to come out as a single. Being familiar with the song meant the studio time to lay it down was pretty short. It’s been said it took a one-off under four minute run through of the song, 30 minutes to add background vocals, and an hour and a half to mix it. Pretty slick in production terms.
It’s a simple tune with a great hook and easy lyrics, all making a fresh, bright sound. Richman has said it was derived from a Velvet Underground song he liked, “Sister Ray.” There is a touch of Lou Reed and that classic band about it, no bad thing in my book.
Kursaal Flyers - “Little Does She Know”
Here’s a great sound some of you may not know. It was a one-hit wonder for the Kursaals back in 1976 as a single, although they did release several great albums too. They were formed in Southend a couple of years earlier and took their name from a fun train used to promote a local amusement hall.
Working with the renowned Mike Batt, at a still early point in his career, he made a great sound for this song. It was a lush, full, throw everything at its production. Strings, horns, a big drum, and percussion backing, it was all there. Add in the looping, lyrical vocals and it’s a fine mid-1970s song.
Climax Blues Band - “Couldn’t Get It Right”
This was a UK blues band that, for a while, added Chicago to their band name for added US emphasis but it was dropped to avoid confusion with the band Chicago. This was their big hit in 1976 and as is sometimes the case, it’s one that was written quickly and simply.
The song has a great funky rhythm and blends in a disco-style sound. The simple story behind it is about touring in the US and searching for a hotel bed after a gig. Although that sounds less than funky, the song works well. It’s another 1970s song that you may have heard more via TV programs or video games than perhaps radio or music streaming. Still worth hearing though.
Sniff n’ The Tears - “Driver‘s Seat”
Sniff n’ The Tears, is an oddly named band with a somewhat unusual song title from 1978. It was later said to represent post-breakup emotions and thoughts, rather than an empty car seat. Maybe that's true, perhaps it was justifying what they had created.
There’s a simple beat to the song and a catchy rhythm. Doubled-up acoustic guitars and an excellent studio production make this all sound great. Then there are vocals from Paul Roberts, which remind me a little of Al Stewart in terms of a distinctive style. Although it was their only hit single, you may have heard it via TV and film soundtracks like Boogie Nights or Miami Vice. A great, cool tune.
Mink De Ville - “Spanish Stroll”
This is an absolute favorite of mine. It came out in 1977 from Mink De Ville and fitted in superbly with the emergence of punk and new wave. But it was a classy, well-written, and structured song rather than a punk guitar thrash.
Have a listen to the song. The neat guitar intro catches your attention, then smooth backing vocals soften it nicely. The lead vocals from the great Willy De Ville have a snarl to them that keeps you hooked. A Latin or Spanish flavor comes from the spoken break section by bass player Rubén Sigüenza. “Spanish Stroll” is a brilliant song and not heard often enough.