2025 is a milestone year for the music industry with some of the biggest hits celebrating their 50th anniversary this year. These tracks, released in the year 1975, have withstood the test of time, dominating the charts and influencing countless bands and artists that have followed in their footsteps.
The 1970s were a dominant era in the music industry. We saw the rise of disco, the evolution of heavy metal, and the expansion of the rock and roll genres. By 1975, bands such as Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Queen, and Fleetwood Mac were dominating the charts, capturing the ears of music critics and fans worldwide.
Not only were these songs a success on the charts and in the music industry, but they have also had a monumental impact on pop culture and captured the essence of one of the golden eras of music.
Here is a list of the top ten songs that were released half a century ago in 1975.
The best songs turning 50 in 2025
No. 10 - "Rhinestone Cowboy" - Glen Campbell
Originally released in 1974 by Larry Weiss, “Rhinestone Cowboy" achieved minor success as a single before Glen Campbell made the song his own a year later. His cover of the song became one of his most popular hits alongside “Wichita Lineman” and “Southern Nights." Campbell’s version delivers a solid blend of country and pop that helped lay the foundation of both genres for years to come.
No. 9 - "Crazy On You" - Heart
“Crazy On You” starts as a soft acoustic piece before transforming into a fast-paced rocker that features excellent lead vocals from Ann Wilson and electric guitar work from Nancy Wilson and company. This combination of electric and acoustic guitar was a rarity at this time period, especially for a band headlined by two women.
While Heart has had a lot of moving parts and lineup changes, the Wilson sisters have kept the train rolling, and songs such as “Crazy On You,” “Barracuda,” and “Alone” are big reasons why they are so popular even after all these years.
No. 8 - "Rock And Roll All Nite" - Kiss
Arguably one of Kiss’s best and most recognizable songs, “Rock And Roll All Nite” became a staple in the band's live concerts for decades. The song’s upbeat tempo, combined with a breakdown led by Peter Criss and Gene Simmons, creates a rock and roll anthem that has stood the test of time.
No. 7 - "T.N.T" - AC/DC
There is a saying that goes, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” and this is especially true for AC/DC. Over the past 50 years, the band has created an iconic sound that has never wavered from its original form. First released internationally in the band’s hometown of Australia in 1975, “T.N.T” is a gritty, raw, hard-rocking track that helped pave the way for this AC/DC sound we have come to know and love.
No. 6 - "Philadelphia Freedom" - Elton John
There is a common misconception among fans that “Philadelphia Freedom” was written as a tribute to the city of Philadelphia and the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. This is not the case as Elton John wrote the track as a favor to Billie Jean King who was a member of the “Philadelphia Freedoms” tennis team.
The timing of the release, however, was unfortunate as by the time the song was put out, the “Freedoms” ceased operations in Philadelphia and moved to Boston. Despite being written for the team, “Philadelphia Freedom” has become a big hit that is often played at patriotic events and celebrations in the City of Brotherly Love and beyond.
No. 5 - "Rhiannon" - Fleetwood Mac
In 1974, Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham joined Fleetwood Mac, helping elevate the band to new heights that they had never seen before. Less than a year later, the group released their self-titled tenth studio album, which was the first in a series of highly successful albums that reached number one on the charts across the world.
Written about a Welch witch, “Rhiannon” has gained a cult following from fans over the years and is often considered among the band’s best works, and rightfully so.
No. 4 - "December 1963 (Oh What A Night)" - The Four Seasons
“December 1963” was a unique song for the Four Seasons as it featured Gerry Polci and Don Ciccone sharing lead vocals alongside legendary frontman Frankie Valli. The trio’s vocals are paired with a unique blend of disco and early 60s rock and roll, which creates a fun and vibrant song that is perfect for the winter season and beyond.
No. 3 - "Wish You Were Here" - Pink Floyd
Known for their long, complex, experimental rock tracks, Pink Floyd toned it down a bit with “Wish You Were Here.” The song features a simple acoustic arrangement that sounds more reminiscent of a soft, country rock song rather than the music we came to know and love from the band. David Gilmour shines on lead acoustic guitar and vocals, and the result is one of Pink Floyd’s most unique yet impressive compositions.
No. 2 - "Kashmir" - Led Zeppelin
Just four years after Led Zeppelin unleashed the moving progressive rock epic “Stairway to Heaven,” the band captured that same energy and magic with “Kashmir,". Released on the Physical Graffiti album, Kashmir is an upbeat track with multiple tempo changes.
The song features the classic lineup of Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones, and John Bonham firing on all cylinders. The haunting, moving intro sets the scene for a high-quality track that ranks among Led Zeppelin’s best, which is impressive given their deep discography.
No. 1 - "Bohemian Rhapsody" - Queen
During a time when punk rock was making waves in the United States, Queen achieved the rare feat of releasing a long progressive rock track with mainstream success with “Bohemian Rhapsody." One of the most iconic and complex compositions of all time, “Bohemian Rhapsody,” combines elements of rock and opera to create a bombastic track that is beloved by people of all generations.
The song features various tempo changes, an opera section, a brilliantly executed guitar solo, and a chugging hard rock outro that will leave you wanting more. With the monumental release of “Bohemian Rhapsody," Queen changed the landscape of music history and created one of the most popular songs of all time and the best song from the year 1975.