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 age of Western rock! Recommended classics and hit songs (31–40)
StarlessKing Crimson
Its dramatic song structure and poetic lyrics seize the listener’s heart.
It’s a track by the English progressive band King Crimson, included on the 1974 album Red.
Listening to this song will give you a sense of King Crimson’s musical identity.
It’s an epic piece running over 12 minutes.
Because the NightPatti Smith Group
Formed around Patti Smith, known as the “Queen of Punk,” the Patti Smith Group recorded “Because the Night” on their 1978 album Easter.
The song is also well-known for covers by famous artists.
When it comes to female-fronted rock from that era, this is the one.
Love GunKISS
A sound that epitomizes hard rock.
It’s a song by the American rock band KISS.
It’s the lead track from their 1977 album Love Gun.
The intro phrase that imitates the sound of a machine gun firing is really cool.
The Boys Are Back In TownTHIN LIZZY
Known as the “Heroes of Ireland” and enjoying peak popularity in the 1970s, Thin Lizzy released this signature masterpiece in 1976! The Boys Are Back in Town—also known in Japan under the title “Yatsura wa Machi e”—was the lead single from their 1976 album Jailbreak, which sold two million copies worldwide and marked the band’s breakthrough in the United States.
It became a hit, reaching No.
8 on the UK charts and No.
12 in the US.
Written by Phil Lynott, the song features his dapper yet world-weary vocals tinged with melancholy, his melodically rich bass lines, an exhilarating back-and-forth of supremely tuneful guitar riffs from two Les Pauls, and dynamic, tempo-shifting drums that anchor the ensemble.
The result is a deceptively simple song with depth and enduring appeal—one of the great tracks of ’70s hard rock, beloved by countless listeners.
Packed with melodies that particularly resonate with Japanese fans, it’s a highly recommended killer tune even for those who don’t typically listen to hard rock!
American GirlTom Petty And The Heartbreakers
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers are the ones who created a masterpiece that can be called a symbol of American rock.
This work, which tells the story of an American girl pursuing youth and freedom, truly stands as a monument to ’70s rock.
Released in November 1976 as a track on the album “Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers,” it didn’t become a major hit at first, but was later reappraised and came to be loved by many fans.
Its use in the film “The Silence of the Lambs” also drew attention, boosting its universality and recognition.
It’s a perfect song for anyone who wants to chase their dreams or reminisce about their youth.