7 killer teen anthems from the 1970s

Have you ever read “The Great Gatsby” during your high school years? While I’m pretty sure I should have, there was this time when The Who visited town and, well, teenage life took over. So, let me make amends to F. Scott Fitzgerald by sharing one of his renowned quotes…

A sign of superior intellect is the capacity to consider conflicting thoughts simultaneously without becoming incapacitated.

In musical terms, each new generation resembles and yet sets itself apart from previous ones. This concept resonates with me, similar to how Paul Simon expressed it in the 70s when he sang, “every generation gets a turn on the pop charts, but each star has their unique flavor.

Teen anthems from the 1970s that should not be missed

In the 1970s, when I was a teenager, my favorite topic to discuss is teen anthems of that era. Just like how my generation (and this might be the last time I mention The Who today), wasn’t the pioneer in having our own anthems. Rock and roll was actually a creative expression primarily aimed at the youth. Starting from “Rock Around the Clock” and “School Days,” popular music has consistently targeted younger generations throughout modern history.

However, children from the ’70s carried distinctive past experiences that set their music apart. The pioneers of early rock and roll, such as Chuck Berry, Brian Wilson, and John Lennon, matured in a period preceding the rise of rock and roll. Their musical roots were deeply embedded in genres that came before rock and roll. These artists found inspiration, defied, and revolutionized these earlier music styles.

In the ’70s, teens like us weren’t exposed to a variety of genres; instead, rock & roll was all we knew. Elvis was the older music that we recognized, and if we sought to challenge our elder siblings, it meant going against the Beatles and Zeppelin. Our teenage rebellion significantly influenced how we perceived and listened to pop music during our turbulent adolescence.

In the airwaves of AM radio and on 45 records, music catering to younger audiences was prevalent. This music was catchy, repetitive, and designed for dancing. The vocalists typically had high pitches, and the drums played a significant role, making it easier to dance. Bands such as the Jackson Five and the Partridge Family enjoyed a series of chart-topping hits. However, I wouldn’t classify their work as anthemic.

The radio and 45 records played music made for young fans. It was easy to listen to and dance to, with high-pitched singers and prominent drums. Bands like the Jackson Five and Partridge Family had many hits, but I wouldn’t call their songs anthems.

Instead of having a song that’s about charming your favorite girl, the anthem arises when you decide to skip school and accompany her to a rock concert on a Tuesday night. The anthem emerges when you express your independence in a bold manner. The anthem surfaces when you blend the characteristics of bubblegum pop – the beats, the infectious choruses, the soaring harmonies – with a strong spirit.

Here are seven powerful tunes from the 1970s, some of which were chart-toppers, while others didn’t quite make it. Each one deserved to be a hit.

“School’s Out” by Alice Cooper (1972)

Previously, Cooper had made a significant impact with his song “I’m Eighteen,” but “School’s Out” surpassed it. The skilled performer, who played a key role in introducing theatricality and glamour to American popular culture, subtly moved away from the restless sadness of “I’m Eighteen” towards a more assertive, forward-leaning rebellion that resonated with every student on the last day of school.

Hearing him scare your parents added an extra layer of enjoyment to the song. In the USA, “Cooper’s Only Top Ten Hit” was his most successful single, while it reached number one in the U.K.

As a student eagerly anticipating a break, no more school supplies, no more classroom lessons – and certainly no more stern looks from the teachers! Summer is here, along with autumn, and who knows if we’ll ever return to these halls again.

“Smokin’ in the Boy’s Room” by Brownsville Station (1973)

In a laid-back, bluesy rhythm, the tune starts and transitions into a vivid depiction of a school day. Unlike Alice Cooper’s broad observation about schools, Cub Koda and his companions narrated a particular tale – one that can be found within the title. This song was their unique chart-topper in the USA, reaching as high as the top five in early 1974.

10 years down the line, Motley Crue would come out with a chart-topping cover version of a popular song. A simple way to distinguish between someone born at the tail end of the Baby Boomer generation and an early Gen Xer is by asking whether they recognize this tune as belonging to Brownsville Station or Motley Crue.

Teacher, please don’t overwhelm me with all the regulations – Everyone is aware that smoking is forbidden within our educational environment.

“Teenage Rampage” by Sweet (1974)

One essential fashion statement came from the collaboration between the band Sweet, producer Phil Wainman, and songwriters Mark Chapman and Nicky Chinn. From the initial teenage shout of “Give us Sweet” to the electrifying chorus, the pounding drums to the guitar fills that add flavor without slowing things down with a lengthy solo, it’s one of the defining songs of 1970s UK music.

In England, it peaked at second place, but it charted within the top 10 across Europe and Oceania. It didn’t achieve success in the United States, though.

As a teenager, I can’t help but embrace this wild gaming spree – Flip over to the next chapter of my wild gaming spree – Hey there, let me take it easy for a bit…

“Another School Day” by Hello (1976)

Greetings! It seems you’ve arrived a bit past the peak moment. The glam era started to lose its shine in the latter half of the ’70s, as punk with a harder edge took over some of its territory. Unfortunately, it was inevitable. Bob Bradbury was still in his teenage years when his band first released singles at the start of the ’70s. They managed two top ten hits with “Tell Him” and “New York Groove” in ’74 and ’75, but by the time they recorded their most iconic teenage anthem, Bradbury was 20 and the glam era was evolving. Nonetheless, it remains a fantastic tune for youngsters everywhere.

I can switch up my hairstyle, my outfit, even stow away my beloved blue suede shoes – whether it’s a casual look or something more formal, I’m still that passionate fan of rock ‘n’ roll with an underlying melancholy heart.

“Love Comes in Spurts” by Richard Hell & the Voidoids (1977)

Some punk rock enthusiasts transformed glam’s flamboyant style into a grittier form, making it edgier. The red (rouge) of glam was replaced with bruises. The guitars became sharper and more aggressive. On his groundbreaking “Blank Generation” album, Richard Hell perfected the teen punk anthem. While “Love Comes in Spurts” was slightly less direct than what the Buzzcocks were producing in the UK at the time, you could substitute the Buzzcocks’ “Orgasm Addict” for this entry if you prefer a more explicit comparison.

Overwhelmed by passion, an entirely unique feeling took hold of me at the age of 14.5. It wasn’t something to be laughed off – love doesn’t always bring joy. Instead, it surges suddenly and unfortunately, it can cause pain.

“Teenage Kicks” by the Undertones (1978)

In simpler terms, The Undertones from Northern Ireland, who grew up listening to glam music (even incorporating handclaps into “Teenage Kicks”), combined it with the raw energy of punk rock’s guitar sound. Essentially, they were pioneering pop-punk. Their style was catchy yet gritty, and “Teenage Kicks” marked the beginning of a series of hits in the UK during the early ’80s.

I wanna hold her, wanna hold her tight – Get teenage kicks right through the night.

“If the Kids are United” by Sham 69 (1978)

As we close out the ’70s, I found myself at Oi! – a pulsating symbol of youthful defiance that was deeply ingrained within the heart of the UK punk movement. The Sex Pistols might have voiced the discontent of many youngsters, but their songs were chaotic and rebellious to the core. However, Sham 69 turned the narrative around and managed to secure a top ten chart position in the UK with their music.

At long last, here’s my take – Today, I find myself with words to share, a moment that feels right for expression. Life, a precious gift, is meant to seize and savor, so let us all seize it, let us all savor it. If we stand united, there’s nothing we can’t divide!

After a few years, I enrolled in college and found myself drawn to the music of U2. I recall also reading ‘The Great Gatsby’ around that time. My days as a teenager filled with anthems had come to an end.

2025-03-27 13:00