Sonya Alexander
Who Loves You – Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons
8 August 2017
In 1975, Jersey boy Frankie Valli had a new lineup for his band the Four Seasons and they hit the scene with the visceral album Who Loves You, which contained this chart-topping single of the same name. It’s a smooth, no-filter blending of pop, soul and disco that touches the mind as much as the spirit.
Ventura Highway – America
1 August 2017
There can’t be a more aptly named band than America. This folk rock band’s sound is steeped in Americana, evoking memories of driving along the coast, vast open sky and a limitless horizon. Oddly enough, though, band founder Dewey Bunnell is British and Americans Dan Peek and Gerry Beckley were in England when the trio formed the band in 1970.
My Sweet Lord – George Harrison
24 July 2017
George Harrison was known as the quiet Beatle. They say still waters run deep and that certainly was the case for this introspective songwriter.
Breezin’ – George Benson
18 July 2017
Most people don’t know that soul singer Bobby Womack composed the luscious “Breezin’,” made popular by singer-songwriter/guitarist George Benson.
Rocky Mountain High – John Denver
11 July 2017
During the 70s, country rock reached an apex of popularity. The Eagles, Glen Campbell and James Taylor were some of the performers who delivered it to the masses on a gold plate filled with homespun lyrics, precise acoustic guitar work and authentic singing. Another notable contributor to this genre was singer/songwriter John Denver.
Silly Love Songs – Wings
4 July 2017
After leaving one of the most popular bands of all time, Sir Paul McCartney segued smoothly into a solo career, releasing some of the most popular pop rock confections of the 70s. With his soulmate Linda on the keyboards, Paul and his band managed to have 14 number one singles in the U.S…
Harmony – Elton John
27 June 2017
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road has got to be one of the best albums not only of the 70s but of all time. Released in 1974, it followed the path of many albums during that time and was an “experience.” Also, the album cover tells a story in itself, it has captivating imagery and gorgeous colors…
Couldn’t Get it Right – Climax Blues Band
20 June 2017
This song is a bonafide stride through the heart of the 70s, cowbell and all. Released in 1976, it hit #3 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. According to band member Derek Holt, the song is “about being on the road in America.” It definitely is redolent of wind-in-the-hair, open road, and blasting the eight-track while cruising in a convertible.
Strange Magic – Electric Light Orchestra
20 June 2017
Initially released on Electric Light Orchestra’s 1975 album Face the Music, it’s just as ethereal as most of their tunes, which indeed have a strange magic. This song seems a tandem fit for ELO’s other hit, “Evil Woman,” which is on the same album. Both address the mysteries of love and the possibility of it going awry.
Dreams – Fleetwood Mac
20 June 2017
Stevie Nicks’ raspy vocals and the wafting rhythms of this iconic song give it a dreamlike quality. This band started out as a blues band in the 60s, then when Nicks and Buckingham joined them, the blending of sounds brought about a whole new animal, one that captured the sound of the 70s, and this song is a perfect combination of those elements.
Afternoon Delight – Starland Vocal Band
20 June 2017
This song hit #1 on US charts in 1976 and won the Starland Vocal Band a couple of Grammys. It’s not hard to see why. It has that soft country rock sound that became popular in the early 70s. Two of the originators of the band, Bill Danoff and Taffy Nivert, had written for John Denver, so they let their country rock roots shine through in “Afternoon Delight.”
Summer Breeze – Seals & Crofts
20 June 2017
You can almost feel the warm summer breeze caressing your face when this song plays. Such 70s pop rock goodness. As refreshing as a cold class of lemonade when the heat’s hitting about 95 degrees. Seals & Crofts had a number of hits in the 70s, but nothing beats this summertime anthem.