Four terrifically underrated songs from the 1970s that deserve more attention

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As a child of the ’70s, I can confidently say that the musical landscape of this decade was nothing short of breathtaking. From the glittery disco beats to the raw punk energy, there was a little something for everyone. And while some artists shone bright like Elton John and David Bowie, others remained hidden gems, their talent undervalued yet undeniable.

1970s music was quite diverse, wasn’t it? Although some songs were overly sweet, others stood out as real classics. To put it another way, there was an abundance of variety in the tunes from that era.

Back then, we had a mix of genres like disco (not really my thing) and punk, along with everything in between. Remarkable artists who would eventually become timeless classics emerged during that period as well. Among them were Elton John and David Bowie, both of whom have a track on the list provided below.

Among those listed, only a couple of the artists managed to achieve significant success. The pun was intentional there, I hope you caught it.

Four underrated gems from the 1970s

Big Star – “September Gurls”

One way to rephrase the given text in a natural and easy-to-read manner could be: Big Star was a band that, despite not achieving the level of success they deserved, significantly impacted many bands that followed them. Originating in Memphis during the early 1970s, their music drew inspiration from groups like the Beatles and the Byrds, but developed a sound distinctively Southern. Their ability to excel at various types of rock might have unintentionally limited their popularity.

The song ‘September Gurls’ has a power pop vibe, yet it differs from what one might expect from the 1980s. It’s not heavily produced and instead, it’s finely crafted to perfection. You’ll find yourself humming its catchy tune for quite some time.

David Bowie – “Be My Wife”

One of the simpler tunes on Low, both musically and lyrically, has direct words that stand out from many of Bowie’s 1970s songs. Whether he genuinely feels what he’s expressing isn’t clear, but it’s immaterial. The problem lies in the title, which sounds overly cheerful and affectionate.

The lyrics are different, however. They are just a play on different themes, even though there are only two verses. What makes this song great is that it never stops moving forward, propelled by a fantastic rhythm and driving guitar. It’s pure fun. (The words will get stuck in your head, however.)

Richard and Linda Thompson – “Dimming of the Day”

If you have ever wondered about the best song ever written about unrequited love, look no further. This is it. There is a hint that the narrator has spent time with the person they adore but that they have been spurned. Yet, they still long for the person even as they see the person on the street with someone else.

It’s profoundly moving, with a complex beauty about it. The original showcases Linda’s powerful voice alongside Richard’s perfectly timed strumming on an acoustic guitar. Though the melody is straightforward, the performance is far from ordinary.

Elton John – “Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters”

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but acknowledge Bernie Taupin’s role in John’s success, and rightfully so. However, it seems to me that he often doesn’t receive the recognition he deserves, and perhaps never will. The magic of their collaboration is vividly showcased in this song, where Bernie’s evocative descriptions of a New York City scene perfectly harmonize with John’s uncanny knack for crafting a melody that effortlessly strikes an emotional chord, yet remains unparalleled.

As a fan, I find the chorus gradually releasing an emotional release within me. It seems like just a collection of words and professions, but it transports me as if I’m wandering through the bustling streets of New York, living out a compelling narrative. It’s stunningly beautiful, yet oddly unsettling – exactly how Taupin intended it to be.

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2024-10-01 13:00