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!
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The 1970s were the golden era of Western rock! Recommended masterpieces and hit songs (’71–’80)
All Right NowFree
Shining as a monument of 70s rock, this is Free’s signature masterpiece.
With its catchy riff and passionate vocals, the song captures the allure of spontaneous romance while celebrating a free spirit and the joy of living.
Released in June 1970, it reached No.
2 in the UK and No.
4 in the US.
Included on the album Fire and Water, it became a massive hit.
In 1991, it was featured in a chewing gum commercial and re-entered the charts, becoming a track beloved across generations.
It’s perfect for listening to while driving or at parties.
Packed with everything that makes Free so compelling, this is a must-hear for any rock fan.
JailbreakTHIN LIZZY
It’s a song by Thin Lizzy, the rock band also known as “heroes of Ireland.” It’s a classic rock number with cool guitar phrases.
The lyrics are full of words that speak for the youth.
It’s the title track from their 1976 album.
LaylaEric Clapton
A signature work by Eric Clapton, the British guitarist, expressing the pain and passion of unrequited love through a grand melody.
Released in November 1970 under the name Derek and the Dominos, the piece was inspired by a 12th-century Persian love story.
It portrays his secret feelings for his best friend’s wife with a powerful guitar riff.
In 1992, the acoustic version won a Grammy Award.
It was also used memorably in the film Goodfellas, and it continues to move people as a universal tale of love.
On a night when you want to look back on the bittersweet memories of youth, why not listen quietly?
The Best of My LoveThe Eagles
This Eagles masterpiece weaves a bittersweet love story into a beautiful melody.
While offering the deepest feelings to a beloved, it delicately portrays a man and woman who struggle to truly connect.
The gentle resonance of acoustic guitars and warm harmonies envelop the listener with a tender, heartwarming softness.
Included on the album On the Border, released in March 1974, and issued as a single the following year, the song became the band’s first number-one hit in the United States.
Its refined musicianship, interlacing elements of country rock, has continued to influence countless artists.
It’s a perfect track for reminiscing about someone special or for those in the midst of a wavering romance.
In conclusion
As the saying goes, “Study the old to understand the new,” and precisely because we’re in the 2020s, there’s so much to discover by engaging with the wonderful music born in the ’70s.
Whether you remember that era well or you’re a younger music fan who’s not even very familiar with CDs, let alone vinyl, I hope you enjoy this article.
If you find a band or artist you like, be sure to dive deeper!