Need some killer rock songs from the year 1970? These turn-of-the-decade hits were all the rage back in the day, and yet, so few people know of them today.
While I can’t read anyone’s mind, I feel like the following three songs have been more or less forgotten by mainstream audiences. Maybe you’ll recognize a song or two from this list and prove me wrong!
Videos by American Songwriter
“Oh! Sweet Nuthin’” by The Velvet Underground
This Velvet Underground track does not get as much love as it deserves. A standout released from the band’s famed album Loaded, “Oh! Sweet Nuthin’” closes out the record with a bang, and it’s a fine little rock tune with a proto-punk edge to it. Fun fact: Drummer Billy Yule plays percussion on this song, along with “Lonesome Cowboy Bill”.
“Look What They’ve Done To My Song Ma” by The New Seekers
How about a little bit of underrated pop rock? “Look What They’ve Done To My Song Ma” by The New Seekers was quite a hit among rock songs in the year 1970. This song is a cover (or a reimagining) of a folk tune by Melanie Safka titled “What Have They Done To My Song Ma”.
The New Seekers’ version definitely leans more toward pop than rock. However, it’s a hit worth mentioning that made it to the Top 40 of the Hot 100 upon its release. In fact, “Look What They’ve Done To My Song Ma” would be the band’s first major hit across the board. It was the song that led to a successful career that lasted well into the late 1970s. Though, I have to say, I’m a fan of the original song. You can’t beat Melanie Safka’s pipes!
“Somebody’s Been Sleeping” by 100 Proof (Aged In Soul)
This soul-meets-rock tune from 1970 is a classic, and I’m surprised that so few people recognize it today. “Somebody’s Been Sleeping” by 100 Proof (Aged In Soul) is one of the finest rock songs to come out of 1970. And it’s not surprising at all that this song became a No. 8 hit in 1970 on the US pop charts. Sadly, 100 Proof (Aged In Soul) would be considered a one-hit wonder today, as none of their follow-up singles saw as much success. This funk-soul group called it quits in 1973.
Photo via YouTube / The Ed Sullivan Show
More The List
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From left to right, Gary Moore, Phil Lynott (1949 – 1986) and Brian Downey of Irish rock band Thin Lizzy in London, 1973. (Photo by Michael Putland/Getty Images) -
LONDON – MAY 19: (L-R) English musician, singer, songwriter and guitarist George Harrison (1943-2001), English musician, singer and drummer Ringo Starr, English singer, songwriter and guitarist John Lennon (1940-1980), and English singer, songwriter and bassist Paul McCartney of the Beatles attend a press party at the home of manager Brian Epstein supporting the release of Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, May 19, 1967 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Jeff Hochberg/Getty Images) -
The Beatles rehearse at the ABC Theatre, Blackpool for the group's bill-topping appearance on ABC TV's Blackpool Night Out, 1 August 1965. Left to right: George Harrison, Paul McCartney, John Lennon, and Ringo Starr. (Photo by Daily Mirror/Daily Mirror/Mirrorpix via Getty Images) -
The pop group 'Pilot' pictured here beside the famous supersonic airliner Concorde at RAF Fairford near Bristol January 1975. (Photo Daily Mirror/Mirrorpix/Getty Images) -
UNSPECIFIED – CIRCA 1980: Photo of Dead Kennedys (Photo by Anne Fishbein/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images) -
Photo by Larry Hulst/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images -
CANADA – OCTOBER 13: It was a family affair at Massey Hall Saturday night when Kris Kristofferson and his wife Rita Coolidge brought on a deluge of applause from the 2;716 people in the audience. Peter Goddard says everyone felt a part of the process. (Photo by Ron Bull/Toronto Star via Getty Images)
