1970. The sixties were over and the new decade would bring about many changes. After a decade of cultural change with the Civil Rights Movement, war in Southeast Asia, and the Moon landing, America was ready to start the new decade in a brand new direction. Woodstock was over, the Beatles were breaking apart, and popular music ruled the airwaves on AM radio.
Three minutes or less of guitar, drums, and heartfelt harmonies could change the world. Where were you in 1970? Chances are if you were alive, you were listening to some great rock n roll on your transistor radio while you were at the beach, or just grooving (or trucking) down the big city streets.
Here is my list and descriptions of ten great rock songs of 1970.
1. Oye Como Va – Santana
First covered by Tito Puente in the early 1960’s, Carlos Santana and his band electrified the song with strong rhythm, dynamite vocals, and all lyrics sung in Spanish, making this song a top forty hit on AM radio. Santana’s other hits include Evil Ways, Black Magic Woman, and Europa.
Lyric: ‘…oye com ova mi ritmo, bueno pa gosar mulata…’
2.Let It Be – The Beatles
Released as a single from the album of the same name, Let It Be was another number one song worldwide by The Beatles. Written by McCartney – Lennon, the song was produced by George Martin and was played years later by Paul McCartney at Wembley Stadium in London, 1985 for the Live Aid Concert. The Beatles had many great hits including Love Me Do, Help, and Penny Lane.
Lyric: ‘…when I find myself in times of trouble, mother Mary comes to me, speaking words of wisdom, let it be…’
3. My Sweet Lord – George Harrison
Released as a single from All Things Must Pass, George Harrison’s tribute to spirituality was number one in both Britain and the U.S. George had other solo hits in his career like Give Me Love, I’ve Got My Mind Set On You, and What Is Life.
Lyric: ‘…I really want to know you, I really want to go with you…’
4. Woodstock – Matthews Southern Comfort
Written by Joni Mitchell of a concert that she did not attend, this song reached Top 40 status by an unknown band, and was also recorded by Crosby Stills, and Nash, and by Mitchell herself.
Lyric: ‘…I’m going on down to Yasgur’s farm, I’m going to join in a rock n roll band…’
5. Teach Your Children – Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young
Written by Graham Nash, this song was on the CSNY album, Déjà Vu. The brilliant harmonies in the song are accompanied by Jerry Garcia of The Grateful Dead on pedal steel guitar. Crosby, Stills, and Nash still perform concerts after forming in the summer of 1969.
Lyric: ‘…so just look at them and sigh, and know they love you…’
6. American Woman – The Guess Who
This great single by Canadian band, The Guess Who features great guitar riffs, powerful singing by vocalist Burton Cummings, and was later a hit for American rocker, Lenny Kravitz. The Guess Who had other 70’s hits like No Time, Clap For The Wolfman, and No Sugar Tonight.
Lyric: ‘…colored lights can hypnotize, sparkle someone else’s eyes…’
7. Get Ready – Rare Earth
Originally performed by The Temptations a few years earlier, this Smokey Robinson song was a big hit for an all white rock band on the Motown label. Rare Earth also covered another Temptations song, (I Know) I’m Losing You.
Lyric: ‘…so fiddley dee, fiddley dee dum, look out baby ’cause here I come…’
8. Spill The Wine – Eric Burdon and War
The former lead singer of The Animals teamed up with California R &B; band War, to release this poetic, funky dream tune in the spring of 1970. War would go on to have more hits like The World Is A Ghetto, Lowrider, and Why Can’t We Be Friends, later in the 70’s.
Lyric: ‘…the fact that me an overfed long haired leaping gnome, should be the star of a Hollywood movie…’
9. Love The One You’re With – Stephen Stills
Recorded by Stephen Stills with back up vocals by Graham Nash, David Crosby, and Rita Coolidge , and John Sebastian. This top 40 hit exemplified the new modern scene of the young people of America. Stills had other hit songs with Buffalo Springfield, CSNY in the 1960’s and 70’s.
10. I’m Your Captain (Closer To Home) – Grand Funk Railroad
The first hit for Grand Funk was written by Mark Farner and has become a classic rock favorite on FM radio stations around the world. Other hits by Grand Funk include Some Kind Of Wonderful, The Locomotion, and We’re An American Band.
Lyric: ‘…everybody, listen to me, and return me, my ship, I’m your captain…’
The music of 1970 is still heard on many radio stations throughout the land, as the songwriting and musicianship were of the highest standard. Download the songs on your Ipod or MP3 player. Break out the vinyl if you have to, and listen to some of the finest music ever recorded.
Peace!
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