Twenty one brilliant songs turning 50 years old this year

As a child of the ’70s, I can vividly remember the impact these songs had on me and my peers. Each one took us on a musical journey, transporting us to different emotions and experiences.

In 1974, opinions about the quality of the music released then were significantly varied. Some people believe it was a dismal year for pop, while others hold the opinion that it was exceptionally vibrant.

Well, it seems like every year has its unique musical offerings, with specific albums and tunes that continue to provide enjoyment when played. So, if we’re trying to pinpoint which years are particularly musically significant, it’s often a matter of finding the ones where many outstanding releases were made.

Looking back, these 21 songs could effortlessly fit into a playlist from 1974, the 1970s in general, and several of them would undoubtedly appear on an exceptional collection of timeless classics.

21 amazing songs turning 50 years old in 2024

January

Paul McCartney and Wings – “Band on the Run”

In 1973, Paul McCartney launched what might be his finest solo album, bearing the same name. However, instead of kicking off the new year with its release, he chose to debut the title track first. This song was a unique blend of pop and progressive rock, showcasing a style that was distinctly his own.

February

David Bowie – “Rebel Rebel”

Upon the release of David Bowie’s “Diamond Dogs” album, it garnered a mix of opinions. One potential explanation might be that the anticipation built by its predecessor single was incredibly high, possibly setting expectations so lofty that they could not be met. To this day, it remains one of Bowie’s timeless classics.

March

Gordon Lightfoot – “Sundown”

By then, pop/rock singer-songwriters were predominantly viewed as album artists, and the singles they produced often didn’t gain much popularity. However, this late, great Canadian artist had an uncanny ability to create hit singles, one of which truly soared high, for all the right reasons.

Joni Mitchell – “Help Me”

Through her “Court and Spark” album, which provided the basis for this track, Joni Mitchell seamlessly merged jazz structures with her enduring pop melodies. This song served as an exceptional fusion of both styles.

Stevie Wonder – “Don’t You Worry ‘bout a Thing”

Without a doubt, Stevie Wonder’s album “Innervisions” is often considered his masterpiece among critics and fans alike, standing tall as one of the timeless classics in modern pop, rock, soul, and R&B genres. The song you’re referring to, being the third single from this album, truly highlights the versatility of Wonder’s talents across all musical styles presented on this remarkable LP.

April

Sparks – “This Town Ain’t Big Enough for the Both of Us”

Prior to achieving their breakthrough, the Mael brothers had released two albums with minimal impact. However, it was the unique song structure by Ron and the persistent keyboard melody, along with Russell’s distinctively high-pitched vocals in this fantastic track, that catapulted this single as well as the album “Kimono My House” to success.

Steely Dan – “Rikki Don’t Lose That Number”

Even though Steely Dan was already a fully developed band with their debut album, they truly hit their stride with their third album, “Pretzel Logic.” This record showcases some of their finest music, both before and after it, and this particular song, chosen as a single, is not just an excellent introduction to the album but also serves as a great entry point into Steely Dan’s overall body of work.

June

Ace – “How Long”

One of the British bands from the 1970s, known for their sophisticated pop/rock sound, was Ace. They were not immediately popular but gained appreciation over time in the mid-1970s. Their debut single, released as part of their first album, created a stir in Britain during that period, and its quality and longevity reached a high point recently, around the COVID-19 pandemic.

July

Neil Young – “Ambulance Blues”

In 1974, this song was too lengthy to be a single hit, yet it stands out as the most powerful track from Young’s “On the Beach” album, which is considered among his finest works and undoubtedly one of the timeless classic albums, featuring some of Young’s most potent lyrics.

Eric Clapton – “I Shot The Sheriff”

Before Bob Marley achieved widespread fame, Eric Clapton covered one of Marley’s most popular songs. Although the cover didn’t stray far from the original, it managed to capture the attention of a larger audience and boosted Clapton’s own success as well.

Average White Band – “Pick Up The Pieces’

Prior to this particular track and the record it hailed from, this Scottish group had been considered a promising pub rock band, a genre predominantly popular in Britain during that period. However, they opted to incorporate R&B and funk into their music, and this instrumental tune not only became their defining work but symbolized a shift in musical trends.

August

Big Star – “September Gurls”

Despite Alex Chilton’s exceptional talent and Big Star’s significant impact on power pop and rock, their genius wasn’t fully acknowledged during their time, even though they produced songs of extraordinary quality like this one. Half a century later, the luster of this song remains undiminished.

Leonard Cohen – “Chelsea Hotel #2”

Initially, ‘New Skin for the Old Ceremony’ was where Cohen debuted this particular song on his fourth album. Over time, the tune developed its own identity, often with Cohen sharing during concerts that it served as a tribute to Janis Joplin. Regardless, Cohen shone at his peak in terms of both musical and lyrical prowess with this composition.

September

Jackson Browne – “Late For The Sky”

At the point when this song and the album sharing its name were released, Browne was arguably at the zenith of his songwriting abilities. He stood out as one of the most talented singer-songwriters not just during that era, but beyond it as well. This particular song might represent the pinnacle of his musical career.

John Lennon – “Whatever Gets You Through The Night”

For numerous reviewers, John Lennon’s “Walls and Bridges” record was often seen as a collection of disparate tracks. However, there was no question about this particular song – it was the lead single from the album. This tune showcased the finest aspects of Lennon’s songwriting, illuminating them for everyone to appreciate.

October

Bob Marley – “No Woman, No Cry”

It’s challenging to determine which rendition of this timeless piece I prefer: the studio version off the Natty Dread album, or the live one from the 1975 Live! album. However, the original version is undeniably classic and true to its essence in every way.

Al Green – “Take me to the River”

Green consistently maintained the spiritual foundation of gospel music and skillfully blended it with traditional soul, resulting in a timeless classic that has inspired numerous cover versions, such as the one by the Talking Heads.

November

Ohio Players – “Fire”

These musicians are so gifted that they can create outstanding funk or deep soul tunes, even if awakened in the dead of night. This funky track, hailing from what is arguably their most successful album, serves as evidence of this talent.

Kraftwerk – “Autobahn”

In the release of this particular album, and with the title sharing its name, Kraftwerk had already gained significant experience under their belts. However, it was during this period that their music truly found its distinctive identity, solidifying their status as one of, if not the most impactful electronic bands to emerge.

Labelle – “Lady Marmalade”

In the thick of the glamorous period, Patty Labelle, Nona Hendryx, and Sarah Dash sported eye-catching ensembles for this particular song, but what truly transformed it into the hit it promised to be was not just their striking outfits, but rather the exceptional caliber of the songs and the trio’s powerful vocal delivery.

Electric Light Orchestra – “Can’t Get It Out of My Head”

By then, Jeff Lynne and ELO were reducing the orchestral aspect in their chamber pop style, but the exceptional songwriting of Lynne and the band’s ability to capture that “Beatles” ambiance remained strong, leading to its success as expected.

2024-08-27 13:00