The year 1970 is the continuation of the previous decade’s transformative journey. It was the dawn of a new decade in music, that blends the innovative spirit of the 1960s. Simply put, it was a year of both reflection and reinvention as established singers and musicians pushed the boundaries beyond genres. Meanwhile, a significant number of emerging artists made their voices heard by their authentic voices. The top 100 songs of 1970, communicate a musical landscape filled with diverse styles, heart-touching music, and genius creativity.
Like the ’60s, 1970 billboard hits include soul-stirring R&Bballads, electrifying rock music, and heartfelt storytelling that transcended the entertainment into a cultural force. During this soul-full musical period, legendary groups like The Beatles continued their legacy setting new records. Moreover, some newcomersmade their position in that year if not among the list of the greatest songs from 1970. It was truly a great time for the fusion of country and pop music that would the next generations to come.
A Powerful Era Dominated by Legendary Artists
The top chart of 1970 is not an ordinary list of songs, they are by legendary artists who have had an unparalleled influence on the entire music industry for decades. Simon & Garfunkel was one of the groups that dominated the list of the top 100 songs of 1970 with their timeless classic “Bridge Over Troubled Water”. The Beatles is another force that released their iconic song “Let It Be,” along with a few other songs that made the list of the 70’s billboard hits. Meanwhile, The Jackson 5’s 4 songs made the top chart of 1970, the highest by any band that year. These artists showcased their masterful harmonies and heartfelt lyrics with vibrant musical creativity.
Among the top emerging artists in the 1970s, Elton John entered the scene and began the journey of stardom with “Your Song,”. That is a tender ballad that would become one of the signature pieces still inspiring artists and the audience. Led Zeppelin rocked the world with “Immigrant Song,”, However, we wouldn’t see them make the list of top 100 songs of 1970. When it comes to soulful sides, Stevie Wonder showed their magic to the forefront.
We saw the rise of female artists through the top 100 songs of 1960 , and it was not any different in 1970. Diana Ross’s powerful rendition gave us the idea of the influence of female voices. Aretha Franklin also left a lasting legacy with her passionate performance in the 70s.
The Top Trends Among the Top 100 Songs of 1970
1970 holds a perfect balance of musical trends and the world has witnessed them all among the 100 best songs of the 1970s. However, the most notable trend is the cultural shifts of the time. It was the golden era of Rock music, and it was at its peak. From the bluesy swagger to the progressive experimentation, from country to R&Bballads, this year was full of transcending sounds. Hard rock and heavy metal also began to gain traction. If you see the list of the top 100 songs of 1970, you will see that clearly.
It was also a year when introspective singer-songwriters broke out. James Taylor and Carole King’s contributions hinted at a new era of personal, poetic storytelling. Crossover Hits were also trending with the blend of Country and pop that continued to create appeal to broader audiences and gained a place in 70’s billboard hits.
Explore the list oftop 100 songs of 1970—It is a year where music was more cultural revolution than entertainment!
The List of Top 100 Songs of 1970
- Bridge Over Troubled Water by Simon & Garfunkel (Bridge Over Troubled Water)
- (They Long to Be) Close to You by The Carpenters (Close to You)
- American Woman by The Guess Who (American Woman)
- Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head by B.J. Thomas (Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head)
- War by Edwin Starr (War & Peace)
- Ain’t No Mountain High Enough by Diana Ross (Diana Ross)
- I’ll Be There by The Jackson 5 (Third Album)
- Get Ready by Rare Earth (Ecology)
- Let It Be by The Beatles (Let It Be)
- Band of Gold by Freda Payne (Band of Gold)
- Mama Told Me (Not to Come) by Three Dog Night (It Ain’t Easy)
- Everything Is Beautiful by Ray Stevens (Everything Is Beautiful)
- Make It with You by Bread (On the Waters)
- Hitchin’ a Ride by Vanity Fare (Hitchin’ a Ride)
- ABC by The Jackson 5 (ABC)
- The Love You Save by The Jackson 5 (ABC)
- Cracklin’ Rosie by Neil Diamond (Tap Root Manuscript)
- Candida by Dawn (Candida)
- Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin) by Sly & the Family Stone (Greatest Hits)
- Spill the Wine by Eric Burdon & War (Eric Burdon Declares “War”)
- O-o-h Child by Five Stairsteps (Stairsteps)
- Spirit in the Sky by Norman Greenbaum (Spirit in the Sky)
- Lay Down (Candles in the Rain) by Melanie (Candles in the Rain)
- Ball of Confusion (That’s What the World Is Today) by The Temptations (Greatest Hits II)
- Love on a Two-Way Street by The Moments (Not on Any Album)
- Which Way You Goin’ Billy? by The Poppy Family (Which Way You Goin’ Billy?)
- All Right Now by Free (Fire and Water)
- I Want You Back by The Jackson 5 (Diana Ross Presents The Jackson 5)
- Julie, Do Ya Love Me by Bobby Sherman (With Love, Bobby)
- Green-Eyed Lady by Sugarloaf (Sugarloaf)
- Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours by Stevie Wonder (Signed, Sealed & Delivered)
- Ride Captain Ride by Blues Image (Open)
- Venus by Shocking Blue (Scorpio’s Dance)
- Instant Karma! by John Lennon (Non-Album Single)
- Patches by Clarence Carter (Patches)
- Lookin’ out My Back Door by Creedence Clearwater Revival (Cosmo’s Factory)
- Rainy Night in Georgia by Brook Benton (Songs I Love to Sing)
- Something’s Burning by Kenny Rogers & The First Edition (Something’s Burning)
- Give Me Just a Little More Time by Chairmen of the Board (Chairmen of the Board)
- Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes) by Edison Lighthouse (Non-Album Single)
- The Long and Winding Road by The Beatles (Let It Be)
- Snowbird by Anne Murray (Snowbird)
- Reflections of My Life by Marmalade (Reflections of the Marmalade)
- Hey There Lonely Girl by Eddie Holman (I Love You)
- The Rapper by The Jaggerz (We Went to Different Schools Together)
- He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother by The Hollies (Hollies Sing Hollies)
- Tighter, Tighter by Alive N Kickin’ (Tighter, Tighter)
- Come and Get It by Badfinger (Magic Christian Music)
- Cecilia by Simon & Garfunkel (Bridge Over Troubled Water)
- Love Land by Charles Wright & the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band (Express Yourself)
- Turn Back the Hands of Time by Tyrone Davis (Turn Back the Hands of Time)
- Lola by The Kinks (Lola Versus Powerman and the Moneygoround, Part One)
- In the Summertime by Mungo Jerry (Mungo Jerry)
- Indiana Wants Me by R. Dean Taylor (I Think, Therefore I Am)
- (I Know) I’m Losing You by Rare Earth (Ecology)
- Easy Come, Easy Go by Bobby Sherman (With Love, Bobby)
- Express Yourself by Charles Wright & the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band (Express Yourself)
- Still Water (Love) by The Four Tops (Still Waters Run Deep)
- Make Me Smile by Chicago (Chicago II)
- The House of the Rising Sun by Frijid Pink (Frijid Pink)
- 25 or 6 to 4 by Chicago (Chicago II)
- My Baby Loves Lovin’ by White Plains (White Plains)
- Love or Let Me Be Lonely by The Friends of Distinction (Real Friends)
- United We Stand by The Brotherhood of Man (United We Stand)
- We’ve Only Just Begun by The Carpenters (Close to You)
- Arizona by Mark Lindsay (Arizona)
- Fire and Rain by James Taylor (Sweet Baby James)
- Groovy Situation by Gene Chandler (Groovy Situation)
- Evil Ways by Santana (Santana)
- No Time by The Guess Who (American Woman)
- Didn’t I (Blow Your Mind This Time) by The Delfonics (The Delfonics)
- The Wonder of You by Elvis Presley (On Stage)
- Up Around the Bend by Creedence Clearwater Revival (Cosmo’s Factory)
- (If You Let Me Make Love to You Then) Why Can’t I Touch You? by Ronnie Dyson ((If You Let Me Make Love to You Then) Why Can’t I Touch You?)
- I Just Can’t Help Believing by B.J. Thomas (Everybody’s Out of Town)
- It’s a Shame by The Spinners (2nd Time Around)
- For the Love of Him by Bobbi Martin (For the Love of Him)
- Mississippi Queen by Mountain (Climbing!)
- I Want to Take You Higher by Ike & Tina Turner (Come Together)
- The Letter by Joe Cocker (Mad Dogs & Englishmen)
- Ma Belle Amie by Tee-Set (Ma Belle Amie)
- The Bells by The Originals (Portrait of the Originals)
- Yellow River by Christie (Yellow River)
- Somebody’s Been Sleeping by 100 Proof (Aged in Soul) (Somebody’s Been Sleeping in My Bed)
- Vehicle by The Ides of March (Vehicle)
- Gimme Dat Ding by The Pipkins (Gimme Dat Ding)
- Lay a Little Lovin’ on Me by Robin McNamara (Lay a Little Lovin’ on Me)
- Up the Ladder to the Roof by The Supremes (Right On)
- Travelin’ Band by Creedence Clearwater Revival (Cosmo’s Factory)
- Come Saturday Morning by The Sandpipers (Come Saturday Morning)
- Psychedelic Shack by The Temptations (Psychedelic Shack)
- Without Love (There Is Nothing) by Tom Jones (Tom)
- Are You Ready? by Pacific Gas & Electric (Are You Ready?)
- Woodstock by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young (Déjà Vu)
- I’ll Never Fall in Love Again by Dionne Warwick (I’ll Never Fall in Love Again)
- Look What They’ve Done to My Song Ma by The New Seekers (Look What They’ve Done to My Song Ma)
- Walk a Mile in My Shoes by Joe South (Don’t It Make You Want to Go Home?)
- The Thrill Is Gone by B.B. King (Completely Well)
- It’s Only Make Believe by Glen Campbell (It’s Only Make Believe)
- Call Me by Aretha Franklin (This Girl’s in Love with You)