The 1970s was a magical time for songwriting and musical evolution. And rock songwriters today continue to look back to that decade for inspiration. Let’s dive into just a handful of amazing rock songs from the 1970s that continue to serve as inspiration and influence for countless modern-day songwriters.
“Mr. Blue Sky” by Jeff Lynne/ELO (1977)
Jeff Lynne really took symphonic rock in the 1970s and turned it into something special. This particular epic song was written and recorded by Jeff Lynne through Electric Light Orchestra. “Mr. Blue Sky” serves as the final track of the “Concerto For A Rainy Day” suite via the legendary double album Out Of The Blue. It’s likely ELO’s most famous and well-known song today, and for good reason. It’s a gorgeous song, one that Lynne wrote after locking himself in a Swiss chalet for a month. “Mr. Blue Sky” was a No. 6 hit on the UK Singles chart and No. 35 hit on the Billboard Hot 100.
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“I’m Not In Love” by 10cc (1975)
Outside of lyrics, songwriters often need to find inspiration for their musicality, instrumentation, and recording techniques. Well, they often need to look no further than 10cc’s soft rock prog-pop masterpiece, “I’m Not In Love”. This is really an incredible piece of work, one that is composed almost entirely of multi-tracked vocals. The layers in this song are really a marvel of songwriting and composition. Fans certainly agreed back in the day, as “I’m Not In Love” peaked at No. 2 on the Hot 100 and No. 1 on the UK Singles chart.
“Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac (1977)
Here’s a classic among songs no one could ever forget, including aspiring songwriters who are looking back to the 1970s for inspiration. Honestly, the entirety of Rumours could have made it to this list. The entirety of that record is a songwriting delight, packed with equally quality contributions from each of the band’s members. “Dreams”, though, is one that most people can’t forget. It’s one of Stevie Nicks’ finest songs and a great example of how to take one’s personal baggage and turn it into a marketable storyline. Unsurprisingly, “Dreams” was a No. 1 hit on the Hot 100 in 1977.
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Vancouver-based. Chilliwack – from left; Brain MacLeod; Ab Bryant; Skip Layton; Bill Henderson and Jamie Bowers – were described as taking rock 'n' roll where it's goig back in the San Francisco rock explosion of 1967. but they fizzled because they didn't tour to push record sales. They aren't making that mistake again. -
Maurice Gibb, Robin Gibb, Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees in New York City, New York (Photo by Bobby Bank/WireImage) -
Rock music legend Janis Joplin performs at the free Woodstock Music and Art Fair. The festival took place on Max Yasgur's dairy farm, which he rented to event organizers for $75,000. About 450,000 people attended the three day concert, which turned into chaos due to the crowds, heavy rains, and traffic jams. It is nonetheless romantically remembered as a symbol of the liberal spirit of the hippie generation. (Photo by Henry Diltz/Corbis via Getty Images) -
ATLANTIC CITY, NJ – AUGUST 30: Daryl Hall of Hall & Oates performs in concert at Etess Arena on August 30, 2019 in Atlantic City, New Jersey. (Photo by Donald Kravitz/Getty Images) -
LOS ANGELES – MAY 1999: (EDITORS NOTE: THIS IMAGE WAS CREATED USING COLOR INFRARED FILM) American rock band Smash Mouth (L – R) drummer Kevin Coleman, vocalist Steven Harwell, guitarist Greg Camp and bassist Paul De Lisle pose for a May 1999 portrait in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Bob Berg/Getty Images) -
Left to right: Doug Clifford, Tom Fogerty, John Fogerty and Stu Cook of American rock group, Creedence Clearwater Revival, in New York City, 1970. (Photo by PoPsie Randolph/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images) -
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CIRCA 1967: Members of the rock band "Youngbloods" pose for a circa 1967 portrait. Original members include Jesse Colin Young, Lowell "Banana" Levinger, Jerry Corbitt and Joe Bauer. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)