Top 100 Songs of The 70s

Introduction

This tutorial explores the diverse music landscape of the 1970s, highlighting key genres, influential artists, and notable trends. By understanding the music of this decade, you can appreciate its impact on modern music and discover classic tracks that shaped the era.

Step 1: Discover the Rise of Disco

• Understand the Genre: Disco emerged as one of the most popular genres in the mid to late 70s, characterized by its upbeat tempo and dance-oriented sound.
• Key Artists: Familiarize yourself with iconic disco artists like the Bee Gees, Donna Summer, and Chic. Their tracks often topped the charts and defined the disco era.
• Listen to Notable Songs: Explore songs like "Stayin' Alive" by the Bee Gees and "I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor to get a taste of the disco sound.

Step 2: Explore the Popularity of Rock Music

• Rock Subgenres: Rock music was incredibly diverse in the 70s, with subgenres such as glam rock, punk rock, and hard rock gaining prominence.
• Notable Bands: Discover bands like Queen, The Ramones, and Led Zeppelin. Each brought unique sounds and styles that influenced future generations.
• Key Tracks: Consider listening to "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen and “Blitzkrieg Bop” by The Ramones for a glimpse into the rock scene of the decade.

Step 3: Understand the Influence of Funk and Soul

• Characteristics: Funk music is known for its rhythmic groove and strong bass lines, while soul focuses on emotional vocal delivery and lyrical depth.
• Key Artists: Artists like James Brown, Earth, Wind & Fire, and Aretha Franklin were pivotal in these genres.
• Must-Listen Songs: Check out "Superstition" by Stevie Wonder and "Respect" by Aretha Franklin to appreciate the soulful sound.

Step 4: Recognize the Growth of Reggae

• Cultural Impact: Reggae, popularized by artists like Bob Marley, brought attention to social issues and showcased a unique sound characterized by offbeat rhythms.
• Essential Tracks: Listen to "No Woman, No Cry" by Bob Marley and "Pressure Drop" by Toots and the Maytals to understand reggae's influence.

Step 5: Delve into the World of Jazz and Electronic Music

• Jazz Trends: Jazz fusion and smooth jazz gained traction, blending traditional jazz with other genres like rock and funk.
• Key Figures: Artists such as Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock were notable contributors to this movement.
• Electronic Music: The 70s also saw the beginnings of electronic music, with the development of synthesizers leading to the creation of synthpop.
• Recommended Listening: Explore "Chameleon" by Herbie Hancock and "Oxygene" by Jean-Michel Jarre for a taste of this innovative sound.

Conclusion

The 1970s was a transformative decade for music, witnessing the rise of various genres that still resonate today. From disco to rock, funk to reggae, and the birth of electronic music, each genre contributed to a rich musical landscape. To further explore this era, create a playlist featuring key tracks mentioned and dive into the artists who shaped the decade. Enjoy your musical journey!