Sounds of the 70's
Published on 10 June 2020
That classic 70's sound. There’s nothing quite like it.
The 70's sure did have something for everyone. From disco to soft rock, to funk and punk!
Relive the magic of the Seventies with us as we take a trip down memory lane and explore all the amazing sounds of the decade. Whether you remember then or weren't even alive yet, the 1970s was a really interesting decade for the industry. From disco balls to glam rockers, these tracks will sure get you movin’ and groovin’
Ready, here we go!
Fleetwood Mac - Go Your Own Way
Go Your Own Way was a message from Lindsay Buckingam to Stevie Nicks, written during a break up between the two band members. In what must have been difficult circumstances, they got it together to this very personal song that would speak to many generations to come. The epic guitar solo in this track was not of usual character for Fleetwood Mac, however, it truly was a sonic representation of heartbreak and heaviness.
Stevie Wonder - Superstition
One thing that we love about music from the 70s, is that it was a decade that was full of funk and that was thanks to Mr Wonder. Are you superstitious? You could put up an umbrella indoor or have a black cat walk across your path as you walk under a ladder on Friday 13th, but as long as this song is on the radio - you know everything would be fine. Released in 1974, the rhythm in this song moves through your body and is true to make you want to get up and groove to the beat.
Pink Floyd - Another Brick in the Wall Part Two
In the UK, this record was the last number one of the 70s, so it just makes the cut for our list! The record suggests that the educational system is the reasons for reclusive behaviour in children and in later life. The track is extremely atmospheric and the catchy “we don’t need no education” mantra is considered a grammatical mistake, which just makes this track all the more epic!
John Lennon - Imagine
It really is amazing how music and lyrics can go beyond the speakers and offer more than words and instruments, and John Lennon’s 1971 masterpiece Imagine, is a real example of this. This record has truly stood the test of time, and can be seen in today’s culture as a reference of hope. This song often makes us think about life, as it paints a picture of no divisions, just peace.
Queen - Bohemian Rhapsody
Hands up if this is your go-to karaoke song… Yup us too! We’ll admit that there has been many a time where we have butchered this song, but it’s just too damn good. Released in 1975, this record is seriously a masterpiece and always redefines what we previously thought about music everytime we listen to it. It’s rock, it’s opera and it’s sheer ambition is brilliant
Led Zeppelin - Stairway To Heaven
Being a guitar store, we do hear this track day in and day out in our stores, however, when it comes down to it, Stairway to Heaven is a serious masterpiece from the 70s. And, at over eight minutes long, it really is all-out awesome record. Legend has it, that Robert Plant was actually reading Lord of the Rings while writing its parent album, and its influence is clear!
Joni Mitchell - Big Yellow Taxi
Joni is an extremely original and authentic artist, and her record Big Yellow Taxi that was released in the early months of the decade is one of her most recognisable tunes. This environmental anthem highlighted the anguish felt about the planet and has been covered and recorded my many artists over the year, including Bob Dylan and Counting Crows. Joni herself has even recorded it three times, with the second live version of the song released in 1974 being a bigger hit than the original.
Sex Pistols - God Save The Queen
It’s time for mohawks and mayhem, it’s time to get punk! We really did say that the 70s had a little something for everyone.
David Bowie - Heroes
We can be heroes, just for one day. The 70s was the decade that made David Bowie a Superstar. Written by Bowies with Brian Eno, this all-purpose air-punching anthem is one that we still hear used more often than not, especially in slow-motion sporting montages. Legend has it that Bowie apparently stood at the back of the recording room to get that distant yet powerful shout just right in the song’s final section.
T. Rex - Get It On
To be honest, there is really more to T. Rex than Bang A Gong, but this classic Marc Bolan riff always gets us going! Glam rock, the occasional glissando and an infectious grove, T. Rex saved 70s Rock from being boring and, well, beige. They brought fun, injected so much colour on to the music scene and some down right killer riffs.
