Introducing the 70s: Tracing the Dawn of a New Age for Music

The 1970s was a decade of musical innovation and progressiveness, bridging the rebellious 60s and the relatively happy/feel-good songs from the 80s. Early hard rock and psychedelic music from the 60s paved the way so that the 70s could be defined as conjunction where there were so many new genres and styles of music, marking a new era in the industry. Moreover, during the 60s and early 70s, racial qualms and aggression from political agendas were high, restricting public thought and opinion. The music created in such an environment transcended the definition of pop culture. It gave the people of the generation a voice against the indifferences they were facing, Progressive Rock being the greatest outcome. The famous Disco Movement is yet another such idea to emerge from the decade when people frustrated from wars in the previous decade took refuge in dance clubs for a relaxing time. Hip-hop and Rap, the largest genres in today’s contemporary music, also emerged during the 70s.

Time to Look at the Trendy Genres and Bands of the 70s

Progressive Rock, outlined by a combination of the rock music genre with another genre such as opera or classical, is one of the most popular music to have emerged from the 1970s. This hybrid genre came along ‘concept albums’ – a particular direction/theme is followed throughout the album or series of albums. Individual artists, bands were more unconstrained and started experimenting with their music, resulting in longer and powerful songs. Bands like Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd, known for their rebellious and profound songs, are a product of the 70s and are considered some of the biggest musical groups.

• Led Zepplin, a British rock band, had a special and mesmerizing musical sense, with Robert Plant (lead singer) having a unique vocal pattern. They also mixed and matched different genres to establish their singular style. Their untitled fourth studio album, commonly known as Led Zepplin IV, was released in November 1971 by Atlantic Records and became their highest selling record. The album also features the band’s signature song, Stairway to Heaven, which sends us deep messages about solidarity, equality, and the need to be in harmony with nature. Some other popular songs from the album are:

1. Black Dog
2. Rock and Roll
3. The Battle of Evermore
4. Misty Mountain Hop
5. When the Levee Breaks

• Another British rock band, Pink Floyd, is considered the best when it comes to experimenting with music, mixing different genres, and ultimately producing deep irreplicable musical tracks. Their music is famous for the philosophical metaphors, rich lyrical quality, and the variety of instruments used to evoke moral responsibilities amongst the listeners. Their eleventh studio album, The Wall, released in November 1979 by Harvest and Columbia Records, was a psychedelic album that probed into the metaphorical world of solitude and seclusion. The album followed a certain direction with repeating patterns and themes, which fascinated and hypnotized the listeners. It went on to become their highest selling record of all time. Some other noteworthy tracks from The Wall are:

1. In the Flesh?
2. Another Brick in the Wall, Parts 1, 2 and 3
3. Mother
4. Comfortably Numb
5. Is There Anybody Out There?

Next in line is Punk Rock, a famous ‘rock n roll’ style that emerged from the decade, which is a continuation of the 60s musical legacy with more heavy beats and upbeat guitar riffs. The main idea was to motivate the public concerning their moral responsibilities with such heavier music style.

• The Ramones, considered to be the first punk band, consisted of family members who created heavy and powerful songs. The song I Wanna be Sedated sends a clear message about the injustice in society, and the only way to survive through all this is if one is sedated throughout the experience. The song sent a shockwave of rebellion amongst the public. It didn’t take long for the track to become a generational anthem.
• The Sex Pistols was another popular punk rock band from the 1970s. Although their fame was short lived, they released two hit albums, God Save the Queen and Never Mind the Bollocks, which moved the masses with their musical quality and fortified the group as one the best punk bands of the era.

Summing Up

Disco music dominated the era. It was the ultimate definition of music from the 70s. Sparkling costumes during live performances, shiny disco lights, funky musical patterns were all part of the disco elements. Everything was complimentary to this unique style of music. It did not take long to commercialize this style of music, and today it is one of the largest genres in contemporary music. The first-ever disco song, The Hustle by Van McCoy, had a large influence on the people and the fashion of the generation. The track went on to become the definitive disco track. Stayin’ Alive, the blockbuster song by the super hit band: The Bee Gees, also defined the disco era and ultimately positioned itself as a solid pop-culture landmark.