The 1970s was a decade of seismic shifts in music. From the experimental sounds of progressive rock and the emergence of punk to the glamor of disco and introspective singer-songwriters, the decade was a melting pot of styles. Certain songs transcended genres to become cultural touchstones, shaping not just the sound of the ‘70s but the course of popular music itself. Here’s a look at ten songs that defined the era, each one reflecting a unique facet of the decade’s musical landscape.

1. “Wuthering Heights” – Kate Bush (1978)

Kate Bush’s “Wuthering Heights“ is a perfect example of how the ‘70s allowed eccentric, visionary artists to shine. Bush was just 19 when she released her debut single, a haunting reimagining of Emily Brontë’s novel through her own ethereal lens. With her high-pitched, almost ghostly voice and the song’s dramatic instrumentation, “Wuthering Heights” was an art-pop masterpiece that broke the mold of traditional rock and pop. Its success on the UK charts showcased Bush’s unique blend of theatricality and emotional depth, pushing the boundaries of what pop music could express.

2. “Life on Mars?” – David Bowie (1971)

David Bowie epitomized the innovation and experimentation of the ‘70s, and “Life on Mars?” stands as one of his greatest creations. A sweeping glam rock ballad with orchestral flourishes, it tells a surreal, disjointed tale of a young girl disillusioned with her life. The track’s lyrics are a mixture of absurd imagery and existential longing, perfectly capturing the spirit of the decade—where society’s rapid changes left many feeling adrift. Bowie’s performance is as emotional as it is cryptic, and its iconic status has only grown over time, cementing “Life on Mars?” as one of the most ambitious and enigmatic songs of the era.

3. “Stairway to Heaven” – Led Zeppelin (1971)

If there’s one song that is synonymous with rock music in the 1970s, it’s “Stairway to Heaven.” Led Zeppelin’s eight-minute epic is a journey through different musical landscapes, starting with a haunting, folk-inspired acoustic intro and building to a thunderous, hard rock climax. Its mystical lyrics, often interpreted as an allegory for spiritual enlightenment, combined with Jimmy Page’s guitar mastery and Robert Plant’s vocal intensity, made “Stairway to Heaven” a defining anthem of the decade. Despite never being released as a single, it became one of the most requested radio songs of all time and a staple of rock history, embodying the excess, ambition, and artistry of the ‘70s.

4. “Stayin’ Alive” – Bee Gees (1977)

Disco fever reached its peak in the late ’70s, and the Bee Gees’ “Stayin’ Alive” became its anthem. With its signature groove, falsetto harmonies, and swaggering beat, the song captured the vibrant pulse of the disco scene, particularly through its association with the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack. More than just a dance track, “Stayin’ Alive” offered a reflection of urban life, with lyrics that spoke to resilience and survival in a challenging world. Its infectious rhythm made it a global phenomenon, forever linking the Bee Gees to the era of shimmering dance floors and nightlife decadence.

5. “Hotel California” – Eagles (1976)

“Hotel California” is more than just a song—it’s a narrative wrapped in an unforgettable melody. Eagles’ soft rock classic paints a vivid picture of excess, disillusionment, and entrapment, themes that resonated in a decade where the American Dream was increasingly questioned. With its dual guitar solo, mysterious lyrics, and Don Henley’s smooth vocals, “Hotel California” became an anthem for those grappling with the darker side of fame, fortune, and freedom. Its legacy as a defining piece of ‘70s rock is indisputable, offering both a critique and celebration of California’s sun-soaked allure.

6. “Bohemian Rhapsody” – Queen (1975)

Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” remains one of the most innovative and audacious songs of all time. Spanning rock, opera, and balladry, the song defied conventions with its structure and genre-hopping style. Freddie Mercury’s soaring vocals and the song’s campy, theatrical nature turned what could have been a novelty into a lasting masterpiece. “Bohemian Rhapsody” was groundbreaking in its scope and execution, challenging the boundaries of what a rock song could achieve, while also demonstrating Queen’s unrivaled ability to mix drama with technical musicianship. Its lasting popularity is a testament to its originality and impact.

7. “Superstition” – Stevie Wonder (1972)

Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition” is a groove-laden masterpiece that blends funk, soul, and pop in a way that only Wonder could. Built around a sharp, percussive clavinet riff, “Superstition” became one of the definitive songs of the decade. Wonder’s message about the dangers of believing in superstition is delivered with infectious energy, making it both a radio favorite and a message of caution. This track exemplifies the mastery with which Stevie Wonder crafted his 1970s output—politically aware yet accessible, musically complex yet irresistibly danceable.

8. “Imagine” – John Lennon (1971)

Few songs carry as much weight as John Lennon’s “Imagine.” Its simple, piano-driven melody and heartfelt lyrics offer a vision of world peace, making it an anthem for idealists and dreamers. Released in the wake of the countercultural ‘60s, “Imagine” took on a life of its own as the ultimate call for unity in a fractured world. Though its utopian message has been criticized for its simplicity, the song’s hopeful vision resonated deeply with a generation weary of war and division. Lennon’s voice, raw and earnest, makes “Imagine” a timeless plea for a better world.

9. “Anarchy in the U.K.” – Sex Pistols (1976)

As the ‘70s came to a close, punk rock erupted as a response to the bloated excesses of mainstream music. The Sex Pistols’ “Anarchy in the U.K.” was the battle cry of this movement, dripping with anger, rebellion, and raw energy. With snarling vocals, distorted guitars, and a message that sought to tear down the status quo, the song was a shock to the system. “Anarchy in the U.K.” embodied the disillusionment and fury felt by a younger generation fed up with political and social stagnation, making it a defining track in the history of punk and a symbol of rebellion.

10. “Dancing Queen” – ABBA (1976)

On the opposite end of punk’s rebellion stood ABBA’s perfect pop craftsmanship, and “Dancing Queen” reigns as their most beloved song. With its lush production, irresistible melody, and feel-good lyrics, “Dancing Queen” captured the joyous spirit of the disco era. ABBA’s ability to fuse pop accessibility with emotional depth made the track a global hit, transcending language barriers and securing their place as one of the biggest acts of the decade. It’s a song that celebrates freedom and fun on the dance floor, a glittering anthem of the ‘70s.