[Golden Age of Rock] Debut Songs by Western Rock Bands of the 1970s
The rock scene of the ’70s was a golden era in which guitar riffs and psychedelic sounds evolved, vastly expanding the possibilities of music.
It was a tumultuous time that saw the birth of new genres one after another, including hard rock, progressive rock, and glam rock.
So, with what debut tracks did the bands that etched their names into the world’s rock history in that brilliant decade take their first steps? Here, we present a selection of debut songs that fired up rock fans of the time and remain as vibrant as ever today.
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[Golden Age of Rock] Debut Songs by 1970s Western Rock Bands (11–20)
White RiotThe Clush
The Clash are a defining force of late-’70s London punk, beloved alongside the Sex Pistols as an iconic band of the era.
Their debut single, released in March 1977—before they went on to fuse diverse styles like reggae and dub—condenses the era’s urgency into just under two minutes of brilliance.
Over a blistering, hard-hitting tempo, the charismatic Joe Strummer’s punk-infused vocals deliver a searing critique of social apathy and a powerful call to take action.
The track appears on the UK edition of the album The Clash, and you can also see it performed in the film Rude Boy.
If you listen to it when you’re feeling dissatisfied with society or eager to change the status quo, it’s sure to give you a strong push forward.
You’ll be amazed by the depth of its message—it’s far more than merely rebellious music.
The Silent SunGenesis
Included on the 1969 album From Genesis to Revelation.
A five-piece rock band from the UK formed in 1967.
This is their debut single, and although the melody line is fairly pop, the overall feel of the track carries a certain weight.
The Court of the Crimson KingKing Crimson
Included on the 1969 album “The Court of the Crimson King.” An eight-member rock band from London formed in 1968.
They are a leading presence in the progressive rock genre.
Their career, including periods of hiatus, spans 50 years and has had a wide-ranging influence on the scene.
From their debut single, their progressive rock approach was in full force.
Keep Yourself AliveQueen
Known in Japan by the title “Honō no Rock ’n’ Roll,” Queen’s debut single released in 1973 is “Keep Yourself Alive.” Written and composed by Brian May, it has a glamorous yet hard rock feel, with plenty of spotlight moments for each member—like May’s instantly recognizable guitar and Roger Taylor’s drum solo.
Listening back now, it’s clear that Queen’s signature style was already fully present at this stage.
Still, at the time the song drew mixed reviews and failed to achieve commercial success—one of those quirks that makes music history so interesting.
Anarchy In The U.KSEX PISTOLS
Included on the 1977 album “Never Mind the Bollocks, Here’s the Sex Pistols.” This is their debut single, and as the founders of London punk, their names will likely be recorded in history.
The song, rough to the extreme and charging forward on pure anger and impulse, is one that anyone who listens to Western music has probably heard at least once.
Make ItAerosmith
Included on the 1973 album “Aerosmith.” A five-piece rock band from Boston formed in 1970.
This is the first single from their debut album, and the band has remained at the forefront since the 1970s.
The edgy guitar sound and powerful vocals, characteristic of a hard rock band, really give it a great flavor.
[Golden Age of Rock] Debut Songs by 1970s Western Rock Bands (21–30)
Don’t Want to Say GoodbyeRaspberries
Formed around Eric Carmen—who would later score massive solo hits like “All by Myself”—the Raspberries were the band that laid the foundation for power pop.
Preceding their debut album Raspberries, their debut single, released in February 1972, is a beautiful piano ballad reminiscent of Paul McCartney.
The song powerfully conveys the protagonist’s heartrending inability to say “goodbye” at a parting, through a sweet melody and a dramatic arrangement.
However, perhaps due to its nearly five-minute length, it was shunned by radio at the time and peaked at only No.
86 on the U.S.
charts.
Even so, it remains a hidden gem that still shines today, standing by anyone nursing a bittersweet heart.