Most influential rock songs of the 70s

An anthem of escape and youthful ambition, known for its powerful narrative, driving rhythm, and Wall of Sound production. It's a defining song for Springsteen and heartland rock, embodying pure catharsis and the pursuit of freedom, influencing countless artists.

An iconic hard rock anthem with a powerful, driving riff and Bon Scott's distinctive vocals. It's a definitive AC/DC track and a staple of hard rock, known for its rebellious spirit and enduring energy.

A two-part song, with a powerful guitar riff by Eric Clapton and a piano outro by Jim Gordon, driven by themes of unrequited love. Its raw emotion and dual-part structure, especially the iconic guitar and piano sections, make it a timeless blues-rock classic.

A powerful and atmospheric song, co-written with Brian Eno, known for its soaring vocals and themes of hope against adversity. It's often regarded as one of Bowie's defining songs and a masterpiece, showcasing his artistic evolution and influence on art rock.

A short, sharp, and influential heavy metal track with a driving riff and dark lyrics. It's a foundational song for heavy metal, showcasing Black Sabbath's pioneering sound and enduring impact on the genre.

Known for its distinctive bassline, powerful group vocals, and a dramatic build-up, reflecting the band's internal tensions. A standout track from the iconic 'Rumours' album, it remains a beloved classic rock staple, celebrated for its unique sound and emotional depth.

Featured on 'The Wall' album, this song is celebrated for its atmospheric soundscapes and David Gilmour's legendary guitar solos. It's considered an emotional heart of Pink Floyd's discography, with its themes of isolation and numbness still resonating, and Gilmour's solos are consistently ranked among the best.

An iconic opening track from 'Who's Next,' it features a distinctive synthesizer arpeggio, powerful vocals, and an energetic instrumental outro. It's considered one of The Who's best songs, evolving their sound from the 60s and influencing progressive and arena rock.

A groundbreaking rock opera, this song defies conventional structure, blending balladry, operatic passages, and hard rock. Its innovative composition and Freddie Mercury's vocal performance continue to inspire and captivate, making it a cultural landmark.

A Southern rock epic known for its extended guitar solos and powerful, emotional delivery. It's a definitive Southern rock anthem, celebrated for its instrumental prowess and enduring popularity.

Instantly recognizable for its iconic guitar riff, this song tells the true story of a fire at a casino in Montreux, Switzerland. Its simple yet powerful riff is one of the most famous in rock history, making it a foundational track for hard rock and heavy metal guitarists.

This epic track is renowned for its intricate structure, gradually building from acoustic folk to hard rock, and features one of rock's most iconic guitar solos. It remains a quintessential classic rock song, frequently cited in 'greatest songs of all time' lists, and its influence on progressive rock and balladry is undeniable.

This song is famous for its enigmatic lyrics, intricate guitar work, and extended outro solo, exploring themes of excess and disillusionment. It's one of the decade's greatest rock guitar epics and remains highly popular, showcasing the Eagles' blend of rock and country influences.

A monumental track blending hard rock with orchestral and Middle Eastern influences, creating a grand, epic sound. It's a testament to Led Zeppelin's experimental side and their ability to create expansive, heavy rock, influencing generations of bands.

A raw and poetic punk rock anthem, reimagining Van Morrison's original with a fierce, spoken-word opening and powerful delivery. It's a seminal track in the punk movement, establishing Patti Smith as a formidable and influential artist who blended poetry with rock.

A funky hard rock track with a memorable guitar riff and rap-like vocal delivery, later famously remade with Run-DMC. It's a classic example of Aerosmith's blend of hard rock and funk, and its later collaboration cemented its status as a genre-bridging influential song.

A quintessential American rock song with jangling guitars, a driving rhythm, and Petty's distinctive vocals. It helped define a new American rock sound, blending influences from The Byrds with a punk edge, and remains a beloved classic.

A powerful rock ballad showcasing Steven Tyler's vocal range and a dramatic, orchestral arrangement. It's one of Aerosmith's signature songs, demonstrating their versatility and influencing countless rock ballads.

A catchy, narrative-driven song with a distinctive guitar sound, exploring themes of gender identity. It was a groundbreaking song for its lyrical content and remains a beloved, influential track for its storytelling and musicality.