Sonya Alexander
A Horse with No Name – America
11 July 2018
Some songs are so quintessentially 70s, the essence of peace and love and a laid back, southern California vibe are in the DNA of their record grooves. “A Horse with No Name” by America is one of these songs…
Move On Up – Curtis Mayfield
3 July 2018
There were many civil rights oriented songs during the 60s and 70s. Songs that promoted liberation through protest and personal freedom. One of the vanguards of using music as social commentary, particularly for African Americans, was Curtis Mayfield…
I’ll Be Around – The Spinners
26 June 2018
Detroit natives The Spinners had a slew of hits in the 60s and 70s. The smooth R&B group was comprised of lead singer Bobby Smith, Billy Henderson, Henry Fambrough, Pervis Jackson and George Dixon. Though they started out with Motown, once they got over to Atlantic Records, they had a more cosmopolitan, spirited sound compared to their previous Northern Soul sound…
One Of These Nights – Eagles
19 June 2018
The Eagles was one of the primary groups that defined the sound of the 70s. The pristine harmonies and sleepy country rock sound captured the attitude and desires of a generation. “One Of These Nights” was their second hit and was the title track from the album that was released in 1975.
Wooden Ships by Crosby, Stills & Nash
13 June 2018
“Wooden Ships” by Crosby, Stills & Nash came out in 1969, which was at the crest of the Vietnam War and the cusp of a new decade. It would be one of their biggest hits. The melody is fluid and beautiful, but the words are powerful and scary as they address nuclear annihilation…
I Just Want to Be Your Everything – Andy Gibb
23 May 2018
The Bee Gees were at the heart of the disco movement in the 70s and was comprised of brothers Barry, Maurice and Robin. However, the youngest Gibb brother, Andy, had his own time in the blazing hot spotlight as a teen heartthrob and disco king…
How Much I Feel – Ambrosia
16 May 2018
Southern California soft rock band Ambrosia had five singles that were hits, which were enough to emblazon them in the tapestry of 70s pop culture fabric forever. One of their best is “How Much I Feel,” which was a single released from their Life Beyond L.A. album in the summer of ’78 and this sultry tune definitely made it hotter.
Sunshine on My Shoulders – John Denver
8 May 2018
Some love songs capture a moment, others capture eternity. John Denver’s simple and tender “Sunshine on My Shoulders” is full of so much sincerity and warmth, one can practically feel the sunshine on one’s shoulders when listening to it…
Sundown – Gordon Lightfoot
24 April 2018
Canadian singer/songwriter Gordon Lightfoot is a folk legend. He helped carve the popular folk-rock sound of the 60s and 70s, forming a poetry-based music with potent cultural and sociopolitical significance. Among his numerous hits, “Sundown” is one of his most laid-back reflections about a no-good girlfriend.
Have You Ever Seen The Rain – Creedance Clearwater Revival
17 April 2018
CCR (Creedence Clearwater Revival) was only together a short time compared to other rock groups, but during that time period, they wrote songs that defined the revolutionary 60s and the transitioning 70s. One of their hits, “Have You Ever Seen the Rain,” from their 1970 album Pendulum is full of pain, reflection and wisdom…
No Tell Lover – Chicago
9 April 2018
“No Tell Lover” is probably Chicago’s most underrated song. The understated use of horns, the subtly sexy lyrics, Peter Cetera and Donnie Dacus’ pitch perfect vocals and the indefinable feeling of contentment is a musical concoction that is indelible ear candy.
Listen To What The Man Said – Wings
3 April 2018
Paul McCartney was an integral part of the hitmaking machine that was The Beatles. His musical career post-Beatles was just as successful. Sir Paul and his band Wings soared to phenomenal pop music heights in the 70s and 80s…