The 1970s were the golden age of Western rock! Recommended classics and hit songs
Western music of the 1970s, which began with the symbolic event that signaled the end of the 1960s—the breakup of The Beatles—saw a wide variety of genres flourish alongside traditional rock, including hard rock, progressive rock, and glam rock, with many stadium bands achieving record-breaking hits.
As a counter-movement, punk rock emerged, making it undeniable that this was a pivotal era in rock history.
In this feature, we present a lineup centered on classic, definitive numbers—masterpieces and hit songs that colored the golden age of Western rock in the ’70s.
It’s a recommended guide for young music fans who are interested in ’70s Western rock but aren’t sure where to start listening!
- [A Collection of Classics] Nostalgic 70s Western Hit Songs
- Classic and hit Western pop songs from the 1970s
- [Masterpiece Selection] A Compilation of Classic Western Rock Songs
- The Greatest American Rock Band [All Time Best]
- Great Western rock classics and hit songs of the '60s
- Love songs in Western music that were hits in the 1970s. World-famous classics and popular tracks.
- [70s Western Music] Timeless Masterpieces and Popular Songs by Female Singers
- [Classic Hits of the 70s] A Compilation of Western Songs Used in Commercials
- A collection of nostalgic hit songs and classics from the 70s
- Legendary Western rock masterpieces and hit songs of the 80s
- [1970s] Classic and hit songs of Japanese rock that blazed through the dawn era
- Recommended Western music bands for men in their 60s
- [2026] Masterpieces of Blues Rock: Recommended Albums You Should Listen to at Least Once
The 1970s were the golden age of Western rock! Recommended classics and hit songs (51–60)
Baba O’RileyThe Who
This is a song by The Who, regarded alongside The Beatles and The Rolling Stones as one of the three great British rock bands.
It’s included on the 1971 album “Who’s Next.” At the time, its cutting-edge use of synthesizers shocked many music fans.
The powerful vocals and the message of “let’s keep moving forward!” give you strength to live.
Marquee MoonTelevision
The guitar’s mysterious tone is addictive.
It’s a song by Television, a band from New York, USA.
It’s the title track from their 1977 album Marquee Moon.
Their distinctive musical style earned them strong support and a place among popular bands.
Even now, it has a timeless appeal that doesn’t feel dated.
My SharonaThe Knack
Isn’t it a familiar song? It’s a track by The Knack, a rock band from Los Angeles, USA.
It was released in 1979.
In Japan, it’s widely loved as a commercial jingle, TV program background music, and a tune used by comedians in their routines.
It’s a youthful love song that expresses feelings for someone special.
We Are the ChampionsQueen
This is one of the signature songs by Queen, the legendary British band that dominated the rock scene in the 1970s.
Released in November 1977, it broke into the top 10 on charts around the world.
As a stadium-shaking anthem, it’s still widely used at sports events today.
Freddie Mercury’s overwhelming vocal power and the crowd-participation lyrics are especially compelling.
It’s the perfect track for moments when you want to savor victory, feel a sense of achievement, or motivate yourself.
It’s also a great recommendation for those just getting into Queen’s music.
I’mamanJobriath
Emerging with massive promotion, America’s tragic genius Jobriath.
Featured on his 1973 debut album “Jobriath” and released as a single the following year in 1974, this song is emblematic of his very presence.
The dazzling piano and theatrical sound meld into one, and the way he boldly sings of his identity is nothing short of breathtaking.
His performance on the TV show The Midnight Special, paired with glittering costumes, left an indelible impression on viewers.
It really drives home the preciousness of staying true to oneself.
If you ever want to immerse yourself in the fleeting brilliance and fervor of ’70s glam rock, this is a must-listen.