Four songs from the 1970s that are terrifically underrated

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As a music enthusiast who grew up during the 1970s, I have always been fascinated by the hidden gems that lay buried beneath the surface of an era filled with iconic tunes and legendary artists. These four songs may not be as well-known as their more famous counterparts, but they are certainly worth revisiting or discovering for the first time.

1970s abounded with fantastic tunes, and truthfully, there were just too many to keep track of for most listeners. However, this could be advantageous as it allows for the joy of rediscovering a song or album that may have slipped one’s memory. It’s like unearthing a long-forgotten Christmas gift you’ve already opened.

1. The songs you’re about to hear were created by musicians famous for more popular hits. While these tracks did garner some attention, they were eclipsed by their better-known counterparts. Nonetheless, I encourage you to give them another listen and appreciate their unique charm.

1. You may recognize all the artists, possibly even their songs. However, some of them might require reacquaintance.

Four songs from the 1970s that are terrifically underrated

David Bowie – “Black Country Rock” (1970)

Before David Bowie reached his full, distinctive self, he made several albums that had more misses than hits compared to albums like Hunky Dory. Among these early works, The Man Who Sold the World was the third one, and it contained some great songs including the title track and “The Width of a Circle.” However, it’s the song “Black Country Rock” that stood out as the best among them.

I was taken by surprise when the melody for this song came together during our extended recording session for the album. The lyrics hadn’t been penned down until the very last moments, with Bowie relying on a temporary title to refer to the track. This spontaneity added an element of surprise and transformed what could have been just another blues-rock number into something more flamboyant and captivatingly glamorous.

Actually, you’ll find that Bowie bears a strong resemblance to Marc Bolan of T. Rex in his final verse – this similarity was deliberate and fitting.

The Police – “Walking on the Moon” (1979)

I’ve heard the tale that one night, Sting found himself in an inebriated state. In his stupor, the phrase “Walking around the room” popped into his mind. The following morning, with a sense of mischief and a desire to make things sillier, as the artist tells it, he decided to alter those very words. Initially, the track took on a more straightforward rock rhythm. But fortunately, the band recognized the potential in changing the pace and transformed it into a slower-tempo reggae beat instead.

1. The key element that brings the song to life is the subtle shift in rhythm during the chorus and the clever chord progression. The verses seem quite rigid, but they set up the lively chorus that revitalizes a track in dire need of it. Interestingly, despite having lyrics about falling in love, the tune itself only truly captures one’s heart when the chorus arrives.

AC/DC – “Whole Lotta Rosie” (1977)

To AC/DC aficionados, this song isn’t underappreciated; it’s among their most cherished tunes for the initiated. Yet, it’s possible to be deeply loved and still undervalued by the larger public. This exhilarating number falls into that category.

As a seasoned music lover with decades of experience under my belt, I’ve come across countless tracks that leave a lasting impression. But few compare to this one unique gem I discovered a while back. This song is unlike anything I’ve heard before – a thrilling fusion of punk, blues, and metal. From the very first note, it grabs you by the collar and refuses to let go.

1. Originally, Bon Scott, the late vocalist, encountered a sex worker following one of their performances. This woman claimed to have slept with 28 well-known individuals that very month, hinting at Scott as her potential 29th conquest. The character was inspired by a real person named Rose-Maree Garcia, who tragically passed away at the age of 22.

Talking Heads – “Life During Wartime” (1979)

The Talking Heads had a unique ability to blend various music genres while preserving their original influences. For instance, they transformed 1970s funk into an sound distinctively their own, which was reminiscent of David Bowie’s “D.J.” music.

The song’s tone is quite gloomy, as David Byrne penned the lyrics based on his experiences in Alphabet City, New York during the 1970s. This area was marked by apathy and violence, making life there akin to living in a war zone.

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2024-07-30 13:30