Before the internet, radio stations played songs that introduced people to singers, songwriters, and bands. Once you heard artists and unloved songs from the ’70s that you couldn’t get enough of, you purchased albums, 8-track cartridges, 45s, or cassettes at the local record store. That’s how lesser-known artists got their break. You borrowed music or swapped with friends to gain the most exposure to different bands and singers. Services like Napster, Spotify, and YouTube were unimaginable to people in that era.
Every type of music you could imagine provided children, teens, and adults with songs they related to, could dance to, or sing along to. Music united people, but it was just as easy to focus on one style of music and similar artists. Music during the ’70s had a lot of hidden gems.
For my list of 35 unloved songs from the ’70s that are secretly bangers, I’m going through the thousands in my LP collection and using Spotify to fill in gaps where I didn’t own the album. Because my husband grew up in the ’60s and ’70s, and I was a ’70s and ’80s kid, we have a comprehensive collection that covers many tastes.
I chose songs that deserved more attention than they received. Some are bands few have heard of, while others are more mainstream. I’ve tried to cover a range of genres and sorted them in alphabetical order by song name. (Find more ’70s artists to check out in “14 Underappreciated Musical Duos That Deserve More Recognition.”)
‘At Last I Am Free’
- Year: 1978
- Artist: CHIC
- Album: “C’est Chic”
My first ’70s musical gem is a slow song from Nile Rogers’ band that’s known for its disco beats and harmonies. The harmonies and solos are gorgeous, and the rhythm is ideal for slow dancing.
‘Black Country Rock’
- Year: 1970
- Artist: David Bowie
- Album: “The Man Who Sold the World”
Tapping into a bit more of a country rhythm than usual, the late artist’s vocals and musical flare shine through on this danceable tune.
‘Café’
- Year: 1972
- Artist: Malo
- Album: “Malo”
Close your eyes and focus on the solo drums, then the guitar, the bass, the horns, and finally, the full percussion section. Try not to move your hips as you do. Santana got a lot of attention in the 1970s, while this band was largely ignored and shouldn’t have been.
‘Can’t Stop Myself Loving You’
- Year: 1974
- Artist: William Shakespeare
- Album: “Vanda and Young: The Official Songbook”
I find myself drawn to this song because it has the bubblegum feel that was popular with early 1970s music. Its beat is catchy and makes you want to get up and move.
‘Crazy’
- Year: 1978
- Artist: Valerie Carter
- Album: “Wild Child”
Few have heard of her, but she deserves more attention than she received. If you like Linda Ronstadt and Nicolette Larson, you’ll want to listen to “Crazy.” The singer worked with well-known ’70s musicians like Jackson Browne, Don Henley, and James Taylor.
‘Dancing Madly Backwards (On a Sea of Air)’
- Year: 1972
- Artist: Captain Beyond
- Album: “Captain Beyond”
While you may not recognize the band’s name, the members included Johnny Winter, the lead singer from Deep Purple, and the guitarist and bassist from Iron Butterfly. The song seamlessly captures both bands’ sounds and melds them.
‘Dancing the Night Away’
- Year: 1979
- Artist: Crystal Gayle
- Album: “Miss the Mississippi”
I didn’t want to leave country music out of my choices for the ‘70s hidden musical gems. Gayle’s soothing voice caught my attention as a kid, and this song paired that voice with music you could dance to.
‘Destitute and Losin”
- Year: 1974
- Artist: Grand Funk Railroad
- Album: “Shinin’ On”
Talk about drum solos. The drums kick off in a big way before leading into a soulful song where the lead singer and guitar sing back and forth in ways that bring B.B. King to mind.
‘The Devil in Mrs. Jones’
- Year: 1976
- Artist: Jerry Butler
- Album: “Love’s on the Menu”
Over the years, he’s released over 30 albums. He also worked with Curtis Mayfield in The Impressions. His song’s bass riffs complement his soulful voice, making it a favorite of mine.
‘Disco Nights (Rock Freak)’
- Year: 1979
- Artist: GQ
- Album: “Disco Nights”
Any list of unloved songs from the ‘70s has to include disco. This Bronx band’s harmonies and disco beats provide one of the best disco songs I know.
‘Dissatisfied’
- Year: 1973
- Artist: Fleetwood Mac
- Album: “Penguin”
Everyone has heard of this band, but few know this song. Christine McVie was always my favorite singer of the band, and this song made it on my list of ‘70s bangers as it starts very rhythmically before Mick Fleetwood kicks in with the drums and McVie’s melodic voice starts up.
‘Glass of Champagne’
- Year: 1974
- Artist: Sailor
- Album: “Sailor”
Many feel this song helped inspire ’80s bands like Squeeze and Madness. It’s a touch of punk, a bit of pop, and a lot of fun with a catchy beat.
‘Got My Mind Made Up (You Can Get It Girl)’
- Year: 1978
- Artist: Instant Funk
- Album: “Instant Funk”
Play this song and you’ll have the chorus down in very little time. It’s catchy, the bass lines get your toes tapping, and it’s so much fun to listen to.
‘I Dig You’
- Year: 1977
- Artist: Demis Roussos
- Album: “The Demis Roussos Magic”
This Egyptian-Greek singer released a disco song that many overlooked. It’s a shame, as his voice is just as appealing as the use of instrumentals in a genre known as Schlager music.
‘I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend’
- Year: 1979
- Artist: The Rubinoos
- Album: “Back to the Drawing Board”
This heavier pop song hooks you with the drums, guitar, and powerful melodies. I’ve always found it odd that they didn’t do as well here given the popularity of The Beach Boys.
‘I’m On E’
- Year: 1978
- Artist: Blondie
- Album: “Plastic Letters”
Debbie Harry has to appear on a list of ’70s hidden gems. Although her band had plenty of hits, the songs that never got much attention were even better. These songs perfectly captured her vocals and punk inspiration.
‘Introduction’
- Year: 1973
- Artist: WITCH
- Album: “Introduction”
Categorized as Zambian psychedelic rock and R&B, this ’70s hidden gem is one I think everyone should listen to. Jagari Chanda talks rather than fully sings, and his voice blends perfectly with the keyboards, guitar, and drums, creating a mesmerizing experience.
‘It’s Not Cricket’
- Year: 1979
- Artist: Squeeze
- Album: “Cool For Cats”
The band had several hits in the 1980s, but they started in the ‘70s and released this banger. It’s fast-paced and hilarious if you listen to the lyrics.
‘Journey’
- Year: 1973
- Artist: Duncan Browne
- Album: “Duncan Browne”
The Beatles’ influence on singer-songwriters in the ’70s is very apparent in this soothing song. The guitar pairs well with Brown’s vocals. While the song was moderately successful in the United Kingdom, Browne never caught on in the U.S.
‘Juke Box Jive’
- Year: 1975
- Artist: The Rubettes
- Album: “We Can Do It”
With “Happy Days” and “Sha-Na-Na” topping popular TV shows in the 1970s, it’s surprising that this song didn’t get more attention. It’s a perfect sock-hop song with a catchy beat and lyrics.
‘Lay Down’
- Year: 1973
- Artist: The Strawbs
- Album: “Bursting at the Seam”
It’s hard to tell that The Strawberry Hill Boys originally played bluegrass before their name change and the release of their rock album. While the lyrics tend to get stuck in my head, the progressions from verses to the chorus put this on my list of secret ’70s bangers.
‘Let’s Keep It That Way’
- Year: 1978
- Artist: Anne Murray
- Album: “Let’s Keep It That Way”
This song is very nostalgic, as my mom loved to sing to it while she cooked meals. Murray’s huskier voice is easily recognizable and the melodies are always catchy. This one leans a little more towards her country side.
‘Mama Let Him Play’
- Year: 1978
- Artist: Jerry Doucette
- Album: “Mama Let Him Play”
While this song charted in Canada, it didn’t go very high. It didn’t chart at all in the U.S., so many have never heard of it. It’s a classic rock song with fun guitar riffs, solos, and appealing harmonies.
‘Milk Cow Blues’
- Year: 1977
- Artist: Aerosmith
- Album: “Draw the Line”
People know this Boston band, but this song never gained the attention it deserved. This was a cover of a 1934 Kokomo Arnold song. The Kinks, Willie Nelson, and many others have covered it. It’s such a fun song to dance to with the changes in pacing and heavy bass lines.
‘The Next Big Thing’
- Year: 1975
- Artist: The Dictators
- Album: “Go Girl Crazy”
The build-up in this punk song is fabulous, and it explodes into rhythmic guitar riffs. The harmonies are equally appealing as they tell their story of becoming the biggest celebrity there is. When I hear The Struts sing, I wonder if this band influenced them.
‘Out of Control’
- Year: 1973
- Artist: Eagles
- Album: “Desperado”
While this band has had so many hits, many of their lesser-known songs are just as good. Guitar sets the stage for a classic rock song that’s easy to dance to.
‘Patricia the Stripper’
- Year: 1975
- Artist: Chris de Burgh
- Album: “Spanish Train and Other Stories”
I first heard this memorable song in high school when “Lady in Red” entered the charts. The burlesque feel of this one makes it a favorite that few have heard of. It’s the first song that came to mind for unloved songs from the ’70s.
‘The Rapper’
- Year: 1970
- Artist: The Jaggerz
- Album: “We Went to Different Schools Together”
If you like Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR), give this song a try. It has that rockabilly flair and even charted, yet few people have heard of the band.
‘September Gurls’
- Year: 1974
- Artist: Big Star
- Album: “Radio City”
Every time I listen to this song, The Beatles come to mind. The guitars stand out but play well to the lead singer’s almost mournful vocals. It’s such a good song that The Bangles covered it on their album “Different Light.”
‘The Six Teens’
- Year: 1974
- Artist: Sweet
- Album: “Desolation Boulevard”
People know this band, especially if they’ve seen “Wayne’s World” and watched the much-debated cover that actress Tia Carrere sang in the movie. This unloved song from the ’70s is even better. There are some fantastic notes to try to hit as you sing along.
‘Take Yo Praise’
- Year: 1975
- Artist: Camille Yarbrough
- Album: “The Iron Pot Cooker”
Several years ago, I played through the game “Firewatch,” and the ending game credits played an Etta James song that quickly topped my playlist. This song has the same sultry voice and style but pairs Yarbrough’s voice with the funky music her band plays in the background.
‘That’s Me’
- Year: 1976
- Artist: ABBA
- Album: “Arrival”
ABBA has a large following, but most people can only name a handful of their songs. This hidden gem from the ’70s starts strong as a disco song and dives right into the singers’ gorgeous harmonies.
‘Turn Around’
- Year: 1979
- Artist: Harlequin
- Album: “Victim of a Song”
None of this ’70s Canadian rock band’s songs did well in the U.S. With bands like Loverboy and Rush gaining a strong following, I’m surprised this song never got the attention it deserved. It’s one of the unloved songs from the ’70s that I recommend you put on and turn up the volume.
‘We’re Here for a Good Time (Not a Long Time)’
- Year: 1977
- Artist: Trooper
- Album: “Knock ‘Em Dead Kid”
Despite being a big success in Canada, the band never reached the same levels in the U.S. “Raise a Little Hell” was the only song that charted in the U.S., and it didn’t break the top 50. This one is even better as the drums, guitars, and harmonica get your toes tapping.
‘Whiskey in the Jar’
- Year: 1972
- Artist: Thin Lizzy
- Album: “Shades of a Blue Orphanage”
While this was a cover of The Dubliner’s ’60s song, it deserved more attention than it received. This version was a guitar-laden, gravel-voiced take on the Irish folk song that’s last on my list of unloved songs from the ’70s. It’s catchy and has you singing along. It set the stage for modern bands like the Dropkick Murphys, Flogging Molly, and The Pogues.
Those are the ’70s songs I feel deserve more attention than they get. Check out “The Most Popular Music Artists of the 1970s” to see what teens and adults loved.