Sixteen brilliant songs from the 1970s that need to be hits again

Everybody has a favorite decade behind us as far as music and songs released then that we love the most. It could be the thing of the youth or anything else that ties us, and it could easily be said that each decade in music has songs that were big, not so big, or no hit at all but songs that have elements that make them quite timeless. Songs that deserve to be revived right now and would still have that something that will make us move, grove, reminisce, or simply enjoy.

In that, the seventies are no exception. Actually, it seems that the 1970s are currently a decade in vogue, with songs that might have been somewhere in the back of our minds but surely need to be hits again.

Here are 16 of the songs from the seventies that need to be hits again, or for the first time, for that matter.

These songs from the 1970s should be hits again now

Pacific Gas and Electric: “Are You Ready?” (1970)

This swift combination of R&B and rock had a solid play at its time, as it reached number 14 in the charts, as well as number 49 on the R&B charts. It picked up all the right formula elements of both genres and the backing vocals by The Blackberries were like cherries on top of a cake.

Lindisfarne: “Meet Me On The Corner” (1971)

This British folk-rock group had quite a following back home at the time, and this, possibly their best song, reached number 5 on the British charts but did not do much elsewhere. It is certainly among those songs that need a full revival with its breezy melody and vocals.

T Rex: “Telegram Sam” (1972)

Back in the seventies, Marc Bolan, a one-time folkie who turned into a full-fledged rocker, had quite a few big hits, and this one was one of his number one. Yet, his other big hits seem to have more exposure these days, and this one certainly deserves a revival of its own.

Bill Withers: “Use Me” (1972)

Withers was one of those artists that just appeared out of nowhere - from installing toilets in Boeing airplanes to big hits and number ones. While everybody remembers his “Ain’t No Sunshine,” this swinging R&B number with its pumping organ somehow undeservedly fell into the shadows,

Nick Drake: “Pink Moon” (1972)

While he was still around, Nick Drake released only three official albums and a handful of singles, including this one, that practically made no impact at the time. As decades passed, Drake’s artistry grew in stature that it truly deserved, and this song shows why.

Little Feat: “Willin’” (1972)

Little Feat were always the masters of roots-tinged rock that included elements of everything, but at their prime they were a thing of cults, with big fans among critics and other musicians. They had two versions of this one on their first and second album, the latter being the ultimate one, and covered by so many others.

Don McLean: “Vincent” (1972)

After making a name for himself with the epic “American Pie,” his second single inspired by the paintings of Vincent Van Gogh, was a brilliant ballad that somehow remained in the shadow of McLean’s biggest hit. A perfect ballad to say the least.

Todd Rundgren – “Hello It’s Me” (1972)

Rundgren was always a multi-genre artist who could play anything at any time with excellence throughout, and this Motown-inspired R&B tune was one of his biggest singles, reaching #2 at the time. Rundgren’s production and arranging skills shine throughout, but so does the excellent melody.

Cockney Rebel: “Sebastian” (1973)

This was the first ever release by the late Steve Harley and his Cockney Rebel back in 1973. And out of nowhere, this Bowie-inspired song hit number one on British charts and all over Europe, proving that a full-on baroque pop still had its merits when done right.

Jackson Browne: “These Days” (1973)

Browne wrote this one when he was at the tender age of 16, and it was covered by quite a few artists, even before he released it himself in 1973. It still amazes me to this day and makes you wonder how somebody can come up with such a song as a teenager.

Big Star: “September Gurls” (1974)

While late great Alex Chilton had a huge hit with “The Letter” while he was still with The Box Tops, and his follow-up project Big Star is now considered a progenitor of power pop, he and the band, garnered a fierce cult following at the time, but never had full-fledged hits the deserved. This song should definitely been a big hit. Maybe it can do that now.

Richard and Linda Thompson: "I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight" (1974)

Thompson, another folk-rock legend, has a deserved stature to this day but was never big on singles and hits. This song, recorded with his then-wife Linda from the album of the same name, got closest to a hit but never made it as it should have.

Flamin’ Groovies: “Shake Some Action” (1976)

A question could be asked here - how does a great song that combines all the best elements of garage rock and power pop only reach number number 142 in the charts? This San Francisco band, to this day, remains the thing of music cults, but should surely have made it at the time.

Elvis Costello - “Red Shoes” (1977)

Back in 1977, punk was in full swing, but Elvis Costello had already thought about how to move on. This song from his debut album is considered as one of the prime movers of what was to become new wave, Costello combining the energy of punk with quite a nifty melody and lyrics.

XTC: "Making Plans For Nigel" (1979)

At this time, XTC was also moving away from the straight-ahead punk of their early albums and singles into a more melody-oriented territory, with this Colin Moulding song showing what a great single should sound like.

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