The 70s are full of feel-good music. Here are some pop songs from the decade that will instantly put you into a better mood upon listening to them.
“Dancing Queen” by ABBA
In 1976, ABBA‘s “Dancing Queen” was an international hit. It topped the charts in countries like the US, UK, Australia, Canada, Ireland, Spain, Portugal and Norway.
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“When the recording was done, Bjorn [Ulvaeus] and Benny [Andersson] understood that they had created something special,” said Jan Gradvall, who wrote The Book Of ABBA: Melancholy Undercover. “They went home late that night, ready to play it for their respective partners.”
Upon hearing the song, group member Anni-Frid Lyngstad apparently cried. Agnetha Fältskog was asleep when her husband came home, so he played it for her sister repeatedly.
“ABC” by The Jackson 5
While there are far too many classic Jackson 5 hits to name, this one in particular stands out. This song compares learning the alphabet to young romance, which isn’t something most people would think to put to song. However, the Jackson 5 pull it off with ease. I guess it really is as easy as ABC, in fact!
“September” by Earth, Wind & Fire
Oh come on, everybody can get down to “September”. This song is so culturally significant; according to bass player Verdine White, the infamous “21st night of September” is practically a national holiday.
“People now are getting married on September 21st,” he told Songfacts. “The stock market goes up on September 21st. Every kid I know now that is in their 20s, they always thank me because they were born on September 21st.”
“Crocodile Rock” by Elton John
While you might be a little more familiar with Elton John’s heavy hitters like “Tiny Dancer” and “Your Song”, “Crocodile Rock” was actually the singer’s first No. 1. The song references 50s hits like “Rock Around The Clock”. It has even been a track that, despite its fun nature, is not something that lyricist Bernie Taupin would choose to listen to, or so he told Esquire. You have to admit, though, out of all the songs in John’s discography, this one is certainly memorable and danceable too.
Photo by: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
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View of members of the Rock and Pop group Queen as they pose with a Gold record (for sales of their self-titled, debut album), London, England, September 8, 1976. Pictured are, from left, John Deacon, Freddy Mercury (born Farrokh Bulsara, 1946 – 1991), Roger Taylor, and Brian May. (Photo by TPLP/Getty Images) -
UNSPECIFIED – CIRCA 1970: Photo of Pink Floyd Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images -
SALT LAKE CITY – JUNE 16: Rock and roll band "The Beach Boys" pose for a portrait in front a run down pier on June 16, 1968 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (L-R) Mike Love, Bruce Johnston, Dennis Wilson, Al Jardine, Carl Wilson. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images) -
Promotional studio portrait of The Beatles, Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison and Ringo Starr, 1963 -
NEW YORK – 1965: L-R: David Ruffin, Melvin Franklin, Paul Williams, Otis Williams and Eddie Kendricks of the R&B group "The Temptations" pose for a portrait in 1965 in New York City, New York. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images) -
UNITED KINGDOM – DEC 02: ROYAL ALBERT HALL Photo of Kiki DEE and Elton JOHN, Elton John and Kiki Dee performing on stage (Photo by Gus Stewart/Redferns) -
John Denver had a major hit song in 1974 -
Pop duo Darrell "Dash" Crofts (R) and Jim Seals Of Seals and Crofts pose for a portrait circa 1975. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)