4 Rock Classics From the 1970s That Topped the Pop Charts

Sometimes, a rock song is just so good that it manages to chart on mainstream pop charts. That was the case for the following rock tunes from the 1970s that managed to chart high everywhere, including the pop charts. Let’s take a walk down memory lane, shall we?

1. “Me And Bobby McGee” by Janis Joplin

This Janis Joplin hit was actually written by Kris Kristofferson. However, Joplin’s posthumously-released version of the song from 1971 ended up becoming one of her signature tunes. And it outshone virtually every other version. Surprisingly, given Joplin’s icon status in 1970s music, “Me And Bobby McGee” is still her only no. 1 single on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The tune also did well on the US Cash Box Top 100 chart.

2. “Angie” by The Rolling Stones

“Angie” by The Rolling Stones was released way back in 1973. It’s one of the band’s softer rock ballads with a bit of glam style. It was a bona fide hit nonetheless when it was first released. Not only did the song do well on the Adult Contemporary charts, but it topped the Hot 100 and Cash Box Top 100 charts in the US.

3. “Sundown” by Gordon Lightfoot

“Sundown” by Gordon Lightfoot was a smash hit for the musician in 1974. A classic folk-leaning country rock tune, “Sundown” hit no. 13 on the Hot Country Songs chart and no. 1 on the Easy Listening chart in the US. It also hit no. 11 on the Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart. It was one of a few Lightfoot tunes to become a crossover hit, making it all the way to no. 1 on the Hot 100 chart.

4. “Hotel California” by Eagles

Out of all the rock songs from the 1970s that topped the pop charts on this list, the 1977 hit “Hotel California” by Eagles is probably the most recognizable of the bunch. This is one of the most legendary rock tunes of the 1970s, and it was a massive crossover hit for the country rock band. Not only did “Hotel California” do well on the Adult Contemporary and Hot Rock & Alternative Songs charts in the US, but it also hit no. 1 on the Hot 100. And it’s still an iconic tune today.

Photo via the Estate Of Keith Morris/Redferns/Getty Images

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