Sonya Alexander
I Believe In Love – Kenny Loggins
20 June 2017
This song is the epitome of effervescence. During the late 60s, 70s and 80s, Kenny Loggins went through many incarnations, from country rock to super pop. But, no song defines him better than this lively tune that wasn’t one of his biggest hits, but certainly exemplifies the eternal optimism evident in most of his songs.
Beginnings – Chicago
20 June 2017
The band Chicago, originally Chicago Transit Authority, is known for its heavenly horn section and scintillating harmonies. While this song was originally released in 1969, it wasn’t until it was re-released in 1971 that it became a chart-topper. It perfectly captures the moving rhythm of a city on a balmy summer day.
Hello It’s Me – Todd Rundgren
20 June 2017
This song is the quintessential 70s pop song. Sweet, breezy, but with potent lyrics. Like a lot of 70s songs, it’s happy with a touch of melancholy. Released in 1972, it was Todd Rundgren’s first original song and proved to be a chart-topper for him, hitting #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart. It’s now considered a staple of the pop rock genre.
Love’s Theme – The Love Unlimited Orchestra
20 June 2017
This song is so heavenly. The love maestro himself, Barry White, fronted the Love Unlimited Orchestra, and definitely gave this song his own flair, classical with a tinge of disco. In the 70s, many groups had lush instrumentation: Chicago, ELO, Earth, Wind and Fire. This song, however, was one of the few purely orchestral arrangements to make it to number one on Billboard’s Hot 100 and deservedly so.
Dancing in the Moonlight – King Harvest
16 June 2017
To me, this song captures the essence of the seventies. It’s whimsical, magical, ethereal, groovy, light/dark, cold/warm. The Wurlitzer electric piano that’s used throughout the song gives it a jovial, yet melancholy feel. The song sounds like a carnival rag dipped in teardrops.