Musically, the 70s was a very diverse time. There are certain songs from this period that just stand out as being huge, as opposed to others. Here are some songs I imagine 70s teenagers would’ve loved, and still probably remember today.
“You’re So Vain” by Carly Simon
If I were a teen girl in the 70s, this would definitely be my go-to. “You’re So Vain” is the quintessential ex-boyfriend call-out anthem, even almost fifty years after it first came out. Carly Simon wrote this one about more than one man, so it’s not entirely clear who all the lines are about. However, she confirmed that actor Warren Beatty helped inspire the second verse.
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You had me several years ago
When I was still quite naive
Well, you said that we made such a pretty pair
And that you would never leave
But you gave away the things you loved
And one of them was me.
“September” by Earth, Wind, & Fire
The late 70s ushered in an era of disco music, which I can only imagine would have been beyond fun to listen to on the dance floor. “September” was one of the era’s most popular songs and has since given the ninth month of the year increased popularity.
“Dream On” by Aerosmith
Even though there’s not that many words to memorize in “Dream On”, I’m fairly certain that this song made an impact back in its day. Even I know the words, and I didn’t go to high school in 1976. Technically, “Dream On” first came out in 1973, but it wasn’t until its re-release about three years later that it became a power anthem staple. Fun fact, Steven Tyler actually wrote it when he was only about seventeen or eighteen, so I have no doubt that its message would’ve related to teenagers of this era as well.
“Rhiannon” by Fleetwood Mac
The 70s were the decade Fleetwood Mac took over mainstream music and made every teenage girl under the sun interested in the witchy aesthetic. “Rhiannon” was one of the band’s early hits with Stevie Nicks, and it not only captivated audiences but also showcased Nicks’ ability to perform live and make a stage her own. For me, this one would’ve been on repeat.
Photo by: Richard E. Aaron/Redferns
More The List
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July 1967, California Beach Boys L-R: Wilson, Al Jardine, Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Dennis Wilson -
UNITED STATES – JANUARY 01: USA Photo of Paul RODGERS and BAD COMPANY and Boz BURRELL and Mick RALPHS, Boz Burrell, Simon Kirke (back), Paul Rodgers, Mick Ralphs (Photo by Fin Costello/Redferns) -
John Lennon, Beatles associate Alexis Mardas (aka Magic Alex), Paul McCartney, and John's driver Les Anthony at London Airport, 11 May 1968. John and Paul were bound for New York to launch the Beatles company Apple. (Photo by Mirrorpix via Getty Images) -
George Strait recorded one of the best dad country songs -
LONDON, ENGLAND – CIRCA 1965: British Rock Group "The Rolling Stones" perform on a TV Show in London, England circa 1965. Left to right: : Bill Wyman, Brian Jones, Mick Jagger, Charlie Watts, Keith Richards. (Photo by Cyrus Andrews/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images) -
American guitarist Jeff 'Skunk' Baxter, playing a Fender electric guitar, performs live in concert with his band, American rock band The Doobie Brothers, circa 1975. The band's drummer, Keith Knudsen, is seen in the background. (Photo by Richard E. Aaron/Redferns/Getty Images) -
Frankie Goes To Hollywood, performing in Washington during their US tour, 8th November 1984. (Photo by Mike Maloney/Mirrorpix/Getty Images)
