Five brilliant 1970s songs that blew your mind when you first heard them

As a music enthusiast who grew up in the 70s, I can certainly relate to your nostalgic journey through time with these iconic songs. The first one that caught my attention was “Music” by John Miles. This song took me back to my teenage years when I would spend hours lost in the rich tapestry of sounds it weaves together. The way it effortlessly blends rock, pop, and even a touch of prog rock is simply captivating. It’s a testament to John Miles’ underrated talent that he could create such a timeless masterpiece.

Many songs, even well-known ones, might not immediately impress you upon first listening. However, as you listen to them repeatedly, their beauty and unique aspects become more apparent. This is wonderful because it means listeners have the opportunity to uncover new elements with each playback.

In today’s world, it’s become more challenging for me to truly immerse myself in the music like I used to. With constant distractions from my phone and juggling multiple tasks, my focus often wavers, making it harder to appreciate the nuances of what I hear.

Certain tunes appear to possess an unmistakable quality that grabs your attention right off the bat. They seem almost to yell out to you when first played, and their unique sonic signature captivates both your ear and mind, compelling you to listen closely. These songs stand out because they embody something special, making them instantly memorable and attention-grabbing.

Five brilliant 1970s songs you love from the start

In a newer context, it’s undeniably crucial, but it’s also been an essential aspect in the past. For instance, fresh tracks during the ’70s had to stand out among popular bands and their new releases. They were essentially competing for the attention of some legendary bands from that era. Here are five remarkable songs from the ’70s that excelled in this competition:

“Ca plane pour moi” – Plastic Bertrand

1977 saw me discovering a song that taught me a valuable lesson: Simplicity can be just as powerful as complexity. Its catchy melody, memorable chorus, and straightforward lyrics were all it took to leave an indelible mark. What’s more, this tune, being in another language, served as a testament to the universal language of music itself.

If the lyrics are in French, it might be a disadvantage for those who don’t understand the language. However, the use of French adds to the song’s charm and style, even if you can’t comprehend the words. This song, sung by Belgian artist Plastic Bertrand, also known as Roger Jouret, was initially written as a humorous take on punk music, imitating the genre, but its unique sound and energy surpasses many it was intended to mock.

The track kicks off with an energetic punk-influenced guitar riff, fast and forceful. Bertrand’s rhythmic and abrupt vocal delivery seems like he’s literally spitting out the lyrics. Indeed, it has a punk vibe! Instantly, we’re captivated, and the tune begins to play in our minds non-stop.

Playing just three simple chords along with an accelerated version of the classic twelve-bar blues structure had everyone eager to dance. The popular move at the time was pogoing, and the song “Ca plane pour moi” was initially meant to be the B side to a track named “Pogo-Pogo”. However, it was smartly switched to the A side just before release. What a wise choice! This tune is full of energy and it continues to make you jump when you listen to it today.

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“Do anything you wanna do” – Eddie And The Hot Rods

In this track, the boundaries between upbeat pub rock and punk music became somewhat indistinct. Both genres originated from dynamic live performances featuring powerful guitar riffs. While they had distinct characteristics, there was a noticeable overlap. Initially, Eddie And The Hot Rods performed at the Marquee Club in London, with the Sex Pistols serving as their opening act. It’s no wonder that those early shows were chaotic, given the Pistols’ tendency to wreck the stage.

1977 saw “Do anything you feel like doing” holding its own amidst the punk scene. It emerged as an anthem, boasting a unique sound while maintaining its rock and roll roots. The track starts off with a powerful guitar riff, followed by strong, rebellious vocals. From the get-go, listeners are hooked, and the song proceeds to deliver almost four minutes of fantastic music.

The band openly acknowledged borrowing a distinctive guitar tone from Bruce Springsteen in their recording. To achieve this, they used two guitars, slightly altered one of them, and combined them to create a sound resembling a 12-string. It’s a clever technique, and the guitars add depth to the song, pulling you into the rhythm. This was one of Steve Lillywhite’s initial productions; he later worked with U2 and others. His touch added a refreshing quality to the record. Remarkably, the song sounds equally impressive during live performances.

“Ballpark Incident” – Wizzard

After leaving The Electric Light Orchestra, Roy Wood moved on to form his new band, Wizzard. Notably, he had previously founded the Move. Their debut single “Ballpark Incident” isn’t often highlighted today, but it was relatively unnoticed even when it was released, with the song failing to make it onto their first album, titled “Wizzard Brew.”

The performance was heavily influenced by glam rock, featuring vivid makeup, extravagant attire, and playful stage antics. However, this doesn’t guarantee a fantastic album. “Ballpark Incident” is an exception to that rule. From the get-go, it delivers a superb melody through its bar room boogie style. The artist had a penchant for experimenting with different instruments and sounds, and this track showcases guitar, saxophone, keyboards, and more. It has a nostalgic feel of 1950s rock and roll combined with the early ELO and Move tones.

I remember being hooked by it when it first appeared on BBC Top Of The Pops. I had to go and buy the single. I couldn’t stop playing it. To the extent that I started to wonder if there was some form of subliminal messaging within it!

The solution might be due to limited other tracks available at that time and the exceptional quality of the song itself. Upon purchasing it, I’d like to draw attention to the B-side track, “The Carlsberg Special (Pianos Demolished Phone 021 373 4472)”. While not the greatest tune, its title is simply remarkable!

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“Music” – John Miles

As a gaming enthusiast diving into my favorite tunes, let me start by shouting out an all-time classic track. It’s mind-blowing how John Miles, despite his undeniable talent, didn’t receive the lasting fame as a solo artist that he truly deserved. Yet, within the music world, he was highly respected and collaborated with some of the biggest names in the industry.

In Tina Turner’s touring group, Miles was a frequent member. Additionally, he contributed to an album by Jimmy Page and several records of The Alan Parsons Project. The song “Music,” which became Miles’ greatest hit, was produced by Alan Parsons. Although Parson’s production may have added a hint of progressive rock to the track, it was Miles who received the writing credits. In 1977, he even won an Ivor Novello Award for “Music.”

Originally appearing on the 1976 album “Rebel,” the song titled “Music” is truly captivating with its intricate twists and turns. The melody begins softly with a delicate piano introduction and a gentle voice leading the way. However, it doesn’t take long before an impressive guitar riff takes center stage, boosting the tempo. As if that wasn’t enough, a striking lead guitar solo soars, only to return later to the original piano and vocal combination. By this point, my attention is completely drawn in by the song’s stunning range of sounds.

A nearly symphonic, grand orchestral melody dominates for a brief moment, evoking the soundtrack of a movie. Then, the guitars resurface, reintroducing a fast-paced beat, leading the song towards an impressive climax. Miles’ exceptional vocals, combined with the clever and catchy composition, make this song captivating throughout. Indeed, it’s a brilliant and unforgettable piece of music.

“Hold back the night” – Graham Parker And The Rumour

In the 1970s, Graham Parker and his band, The Rumour, were another group that originated from London within the pub rock scene. While they were sometimes compared to Elvis Costello, it’s important to note that they emerged before him. Their sound, at times, had a more R&B influence instead of mimicking Costello. As this song demonstrates, their unique style is evident.

Originally made famous by Philadelphia’s disco and soul group The Trammps, “Hold Back the Night” was unexpectedly covered by Graham Parker, known for his gritty rock style that borders on punk. Some might find this cover surprising, but it’s well-executed. I’m usually not a fan of covers, especially of popular songs, as they seldom improve upon the original. However, this is one of the rare instances where the cover surpasses the original. At first listen, it may remind you of the original, but soon, its distinct sound sets it apart.

In a similar vein to the original, Parker’s rendition kicks off with a grittier guitar tone. Moreover, compared to The Trammps’ version, his voice carries a less polished quality. However, what stands out in this performance is Parker’s passionate vocal style, which takes center stage.

As a lifelong music enthusiast, I must say that this song is a true gem! I’ve heard my fair share of tracks over the years, but this one stands out as something special. The energy and vitality it exudes are palpable, even through speakers.

2024-08-06 13:01