If you love classic rock, you probably love the following four songs from the genre that were released in 1975. I know I certainly do. Sometimes, a musician is just so talented that their songs still manage to sound amazing decades later. Let’s revisit some classics from the genre, shall we?
“I’m Not In Love” by 10cc
If you follow what I write for American Songwriter, you probably aren’t surprised to see this song on this particular list. I absolutely adore “I’m Not In Love” by 10cc, and I think it’s one of the best soft rock songs of the decade, not just the year 1975.
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This prog-pop gem was quite the hit that year, too, making it all the way to the top of the UK Singles chart and No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Those harmonies just never go out of style, do they?
“At Seventeen” by Janis Ian
A somewhat underrated soft rock song by a somewhat underrated musician, “At Seventeen” by Janis Ian has stood the test of time quite beautifully. If you ever felt like a social outcast, either during your school days or even as an adult, this song might just be a balm for your soul. Ian found some serious success with this anthemic pop tune, making it all the way to No. 3 on the Hot 100 and No. 1 on several other charts in the US and Canada. Ian also earned several Grammy nominations and one win for “At Seventeen”.
“Fame” by David Bowie
David Bowie released so much good music in the 1970s. Most would say that decade was his era. I’m a big fan of the song “Fame” from Young Americans, and I know I’m not alone in that opinion. This funky rock jam was beloved by listeners globally in 1975, and the song made it to No. 17 on the UK Singles chart and topped the Hot 100 chart that year.
“Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen
Are there any classic rock songs from 1975 that are more memorable and enduring than “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen? This band set the standard for both progressive rock and anthemic rock operas with this absolutely incredible tune. No matter your age, or even if you were alive in 1975, you know every word to this song and can’t help but belt them out when it comes on the radio. An absolute classic for the ages.
Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
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UNITED KINGDOM – JANUARY 01: HAMMERSMITH ODEON Photo of Bill WITHERS, 231-233 (Photo by Fin Costello/Redferns) -
UNSPECIFIED – CIRCA 1970: Photo of Dottie West Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images -
LOS ANGELES – FEBRUARY 7: Vicki Lawrence, CBS television actress and singer. February 7, 1973. (Photo by CBS via Getty Images) -
Paul Revere & The Raiders Perform American pop group Paul Revere & the Raiders perform in matching outfits, probably on a television studio set, mid 1960s. The band includes Mark Lindsay (third left) as the vocalist and Paul Revere (right) on keyboards. (Photo by Authenticated News/Getty Images) -
LOS ANGELES – MARCH 10: Singer and band leader Brian Wilson of the rock and roll group 'The Beach Boys' goofs around during a portrait session at Pacific Ocean Park on March 10, 1966 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Earl Leaf/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images) -
Reba McEntire performs at San Jose Arena on November 23, 1994 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images)
