Top 10 Best Bands of the 1970s

1. Led Zeppelin

   

   Led Zeppelin was an English hard rock band formed in London in 1968 as the New Yardbirds. The group consisted of Robert Plant (vocals), Jimmy Page (guitar), John Paul Jones (bass, keyboard), and John Bonham (drums). The band was largely the brainchild of Jimmy Page, who even financed their first tour... read more

   Lots of great bands in the '70s, but the best (and one of the all-time best) was Led Zeppelin. They marked the start of arena rock and rock artists earning a lot of money from touring. Led Zep I and II were released in the late '60s. However, III, the untitled fourth album, Houses of the Holy, and Physical Graffiti were all from the '70s. These were amazing records. Presence and In Through the Out Door were very good as well, with songs like Achilles Last Stand that really shine.

   They are still played on regular (non-classic) rock stations today. That's how good and influential they were.

   Just from a '70s perspective, I would then rank it: Stones, Pink Floyd, Eagles, and Queen.

   But Zep were the biggest and best.

2. Queen

   

   Queen is an English rock band formed in London in 1970. The original lineup was Freddie Mercury (lead vocals, piano), Brian May (guitar, vocals), Roger Taylor (drums, vocals), and John Deacon (bass guitar). Before Queen, May and Taylor had played together in a band named Smile. Freddie Mercury, a fan... read more

   Seriously? Heart and ABBA above Queen? Led Zeppelin I can understand, but seriously? Before you vote for any other band, go look up "Bohemian Rhapsody" on iTunes or YouTube or something. Freddie wrote that in a single night. Also, hear that amazing guitar solo? That was Brian May on his first try, and he built his own guitar from bits and bobs he found around England.

   Now go listen to "Another One Bites the Dust." Hear that amazing bass and drumming? The drummer did that while he was drunk. I kid you not, go look it up. Roger Taylor always had two shots of "the strongest stuff I could get sent to me in 45 minutes" before each studio recording and live performance. As for John Deacon, the bass player, his awesome playing speaks for itself. Their Live Aid concert was the best in music history. I think enough has been said.

3. Pink Floyd

   

   Pink Floyd are an English progressive rock band formed in 1965 in London, England. They gained international acclaim with their innovative, conceptual music blending progressive rock and psychedelia. The classic lineup included Syd Barrett (vocals and guitar), David Gilmour (vocals and guitar), Nick... read more

   Pink Floyd released their best work during the 1970s. With "Dark Side of the Moon," they created an album that not only sold millions but also provided listeners with a story and a sense of realism about the modern world. Other bands at the time were writing pop songs that were radio-friendly but lacked lasting meaning, nearly 40 years later. In comparison, Led Zeppelin doesn't even come close to Pink Floyd. I'm a fan of all music, but Floyd sets the standard. Every song they produced has something for everyone and a meaningful message.

   I'm not sure I would say Pink Floyd is my favorite band, as I tend to change my opinion at times, but I can without a doubt state that they have the strongest, most down-to-earth, brilliant, and honest lyrics I have ever heard. Their music is so impactful, it made me rethink my life and life in general.

   Songs like Welcome to the Machine even made me feel sort of depressed at times.

   With a combination of brilliant lyrics, chill to badass beats, and just about the greatest songs, you can't go wrong with Pink Floyd. It definitely has my vote.

   -Anonymous. (I hope)

4. Black Sabbath

   

   Black Sabbath were a heavy metal band formed in Birmingham, England, in 1968 by guitarist and songwriter Tony Iommi, singer John "Ozzy" Osbourne, bassist and main lyricist Geezer Butler, and drummer Bill Ward. Their self-titled debut album received mixed reviews, but they quickly gained a strong following... read more

   Black Sabbath is one of the bands that started metal. I love them! They have such a unique style and are definitely one of the greatest bands that ever lived.

   They are awesome. Ozzy still is really awesome. Go Ozzy! All of his songs, especially Blizzard of Oz.

   One great band to see at the age of 12! Third row, Kansas City, KS, 1971. They were amazing.

5. Rush

   

   Rush is a Canadian progressive rock band that was formed in 1968. The band's most iconic lineup consisted of guitarist Alex Lifeson, bassist and vocalist Geddy Lee, and drummer Neil Peart, who joined in 1974. Following Peart's death from brain cancer on January 7, 2020, Lee and Lifeson announced in October... read more

   Rush totally shreds. They sent Mercury Records an ultimatum after their first album, saying, "It's our music, and we play it our way." They are very prolific and instrumental in their influence on modern progressive music.

   I was 11 years old, and the album was the very first record I bought at Shoppers Drug Mart at the plaza. I rushed home to listen to it on headphones, and the rest is history.

   Why is ABBA above Rush? This is how little the general public knows about Rush. Oh well, more for us!

6. ABBA

   

   ABBA were a Swedish pop group formed in Stockholm in 1972. The group consists of Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad.

   ABBA became one of the most commercially successful acts in the history of popular music, particularly during the 1970s and early 1980s.

   ABBA is without a doubt the best music group ever, with a sound that is completely unique. I have heard every song they have played or sung in English, as well as a few in Swedish and Spanish. I have not yet come across a song by them that is not in its own way enjoyable. Their music has a strange quality, due to their Swedish accents and interesting style of choice.

   Their melodies are pleasant, extremely catchy and, at first listen, seem simple. However, trying to sing almost any one of their songs will bring to light how complicated they really are. The ranges that the singers have with their voices are incredible, and yet they make it sound so easy. They also manage very well three different voices, usually at the same time, which gives the music a depth and complexity without the use of a lot of instruments.

   I was born in 1996, so I never did get to follow their career or see them in concert, which is my dream. I learned about them only when the movie Mamma Mia! came out. It is amazing how much better ABBA is than modern popular music.

7. The Who

   

   The Who is an English rock band formed in London, England, in 1964. The most recognizable lineup consisted of Roger Daltrey (lead vocals), Pete Townshend (guitar), John Entwistle (bass guitar), and Keith Moon (drums). They are best known for their live performances and hit songs "Baba O'Riley," "My Generation... read more

   The Who should be #1. The '70s was their best decade. Releasing songs like Baba O'Riley, Bargain, Behind Blue Eyes, Won't Get Fooled Again, The Real Me, The Punk and The Godfather, 5:15, Sea and Sand, Love Reign O'er Me, The Seeker, Long Like Rock, Slip Kid, Dreaming from the Waist, Squeeze Box, Who Are You, Bell Boy, Doctor Jimmy, and the albums Who's Next, and Quadrophenia, makes them the greatest band ever.

   My band started playing their songs when they had two albums out in the US. Once I saw them live, it was all over. Each of them was so awesome in their own unique, individual ways. When they rocked so hard together, there was nothing left to ask for.

8. Aerosmith

   

   Aerosmith is an American rock band formed in Boston in 1970. The group consists of Steven Tyler (vocals), Joe Perry (guitar), Tom Hamilton (bass), Joey Kramer (drums), and Brad Whitford (guitar).

   Their style, rooted in blues-based hard rock, also incorporates elements of pop rock, heavy metal... read more

   Number 1 by far. No band has rocked the '70s and made a comeback with classics such as Permanent Vacation, Pump, and Get a Grip quite like Aerosmith. They've had the most successful comeback of any band in history, even outselling their '70s classics. They remain the best performing band of all time and are even better live now than in the '70s. This is easy when you have Steven Tyler, the greatest frontman of all time, along with Joe Perry's snarling guitar and Brad Whitford's rhythm guitar. Not to mention the most underrated bassist and a head-banging drummer. It's been a treat to enjoy their music since my first concert in 1974.

   They are another favorite of mine. Aerosmith is a legend, and for a good reason. They have so many great hits. I love them. Aerosmith rocks.

9. The Rolling Stones

   

   The Rolling Stones are an English rock band formed in London in 1962. The first settled line-up consisted of Brian Jones (guitar, harmonica), Ian Stewart (piano), Mick Jagger (lead vocals, harmonica), Keith Richards (guitar), Bill Wyman (bass), and Charlie Watts (drums).... read more

   The Rolling Stones had an awesome decade in the '70s, delivering some of their strongest work. Following the release of the fantastic albums "Sticky Fingers" and "Exile on Main Street," they produced three underrated albums: "Goats Head Soup," "It's Only Rock and Roll," and "Black and Blue," before releasing the equally impressive "Some Girls." It is unclear why they are ranked so low on this list. Typically, lists like these may not align with personal preferences, such as placing the Jackson 5 in the top 5, while other fantastic bands like the Stones rank lower. Bands like The Who, Deep Purple, and Fleetwood Mac should also rank differently.

10. Heart

    

    Heart is an American rock band that first found success in Canada before breaking through in the United States and internationally. Formed in the 1970s, the band is fronted by sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson. Heart is known for hits like Barracuda, Magic Man, and Alone.

    The original Heart lineup produced three and a half albums of mind-blowing quality: "Dreamboat Annie," "Little Queen," and "Dog & Butterfly" are all very impressive works. "Magazine" would have been too, if it had been completed, hence the "half." Ann Wilson is a phenomenal singer who outshines everyone else. Heart has had an impressively long career, and some of their recent albums stand up to the quality of their early work: "Jupiter's Darling," "Red Velvet Car," and "Fanatic" are all excellent works.

    You are definitely not the only Heart fan left. I just saw them in concert, sold out, standing room only, and they rocked the house. I love Heart, and there are a lot more people who agree. Heart is one of the greatest groups to ever set foot on a stage. Heart rules.

The Newcomers
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    Gasolin'

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    Sly and the Family Stone

    

    Sly and the Family Stone was an American band formed in San Francisco. Active from 1967 to 1983, the group was instrumental in the development of funk, soul, rock, and psychedelic music. The band is known for hits like Everyday People and Dance to the Music.

The Contenders

13. AC/DC

    

    AC/DC is an Australian hard rock band founded in November 1973 by brothers Malcolm and Angus Young. Bon Scott was the lead singer until his death in 1980 from alcohol poisoning. He was succeeded by Brian Johnson.

    The band is known for its blues-influenced rock sound and enduring hits such as Highway... read more

    The '70s AC/DC was AC/DC at its finest. There's nothing wrong with the Brian Johnson era of AC/DC. It's just that it was never as good as it was with Bon Scott fronting the band. The vocals ranged from silly and playful to the most hard-rocking, powerful vocals imaginable, and every riff written by Angus and Malcolm Young was an instant classic. "Riff Raff," "Sin City," "Let There Be Rock," "TNT," "The Jack," and everything off of "Highway to Hell" have classic guitar riffs. Not to mention "Whole Lotta Rosie," which has the most recognizable guitar riff of all time. Even if people don't know the name of the song straight away, they have heard these riffs and start rocking out.

14. The Allman Brothers Band

    

    The Allman Brothers Band was an American rock band formed in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1969 by brothers Duane Allman and Gregg Allman, along with Dickey Betts, Berry Oakley, Butch Trucks, and Jai Johanny "Jaimoe" Johanson. They are known for pioneering Southern rock and blending blues, jazz, and country... read more

    I saw the Allman Brothers, Pure Prairie League, the Outlaws (I think) among others at Legend Valley in Ohio back in 1978. It was the first concert at this outdoor venue. Oh man! It was like Woodstock. We even had the rain. I was with two other people. We had a large cooler full of beer and some food, two blankets, sunscreen, a couple of chairs, and some other stuff. We got in really early because we camped out the night before just across the street. It had rained in the night, and everyone had their cars all stuck in the mud along with their tents too! We did have some smarts about us. We got to the campgrounds early the day before, so we had our pick of spots. We pitched our tent on a hill.

    The next morning, when most people were having lots of trouble trying to get themselves unstuck, my boyfriend had a brand new 4x4, which pulled others out in a jiffy. Then, we were within the first 40-50 people in line for breakfast at the restaurant conveniently located about 20 yards from the entrance to Legend Valley. So we ate and quickly got in line for the concert. Now, it was about 7:00 am. The gate opened around 8:00, I think? But we were within the first 100 people through the gate. And there ended up being (wild guessing it) about 30,000 or more. Since we were so early and pretty much had our pick of spots, we befriended these two guys who had a cooler full of "Harry Buffalo" and some food, and they had a large sheet of heavy plastic. They stopped us and said, "Hey, you guys wanna join us?" We were happy to meet them. They were really cool! I had never been to anything quite like this.... read more

15. Deep Purple

    

    Deep Purple is an English rock band formed in Hertford in 1968. They are regarded as pioneers of heavy metal and modern hard rock, although their musical style has changed over the years. They originally played progressive rock, but shifted to a heavier sound around 1970.... read more

    From 1970 to 1974, nobody could touch Deep Purple's incredible speed, power, and mastery of instruments. Blackmore's whammy bar cranking-ripping Stratocaster and Lord's distorted Hammond Organ exchanges were legendary. Ian Gillan or David Coverdale's vocals were stellar. Ian Paice's drumming was incredible. For those four years as a teenager, they were my #1 go-to band.

    Deep Purple was one of the greatest rock bands in the 1970s. Although they didn't last as long together as Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath, their music was and always will be memorable. Everyone knows Smoke on the Water's guitar riff, and, my god, Highway Star is one of the best car songs of all time!

16. The Eagles

    

    The Eagles are an American rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1971 by Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Bernie Leadon, and Randy Meisner.

    The band achieved major success in the 1970s with hits like Hotel California, Take It Easy, and Desperado. They broke up in 1980 but reunited in 1994 for the Hell Freezes... read more

    The Eagles, along with Fleetwood Mac, are underrated on this list. They both had a very original sound and were incredibly gifted musicians who not only wrote musically gifted songs but also had one top ten hit after another in the '70s. Moreover, their music is timeless and cherished by many. A quick look on YouTube will show you their continuing popularity today. Both bands should be within the top ten.

    The Eagles' music just has a way of staying relevant in a way the vast majority of bands can't. The fact that the Eagles made it big in multiple genres is a testament to their incredible talent in both writing and performing. They are a very underappreciated band.

17. Kiss

    

    Kiss, often stylized as KISS, was an American rock band formed in New York City in 1973. The original members were Paul Stanley (vocals, rhythm guitar), Gene Simmons (vocals, bass guitar), Ace Frehley (lead guitar, vocals), and Peter Criss (drums, vocals). Known for their face paint and elaborate stage... read more

    Disagree. KISS is number one. Some people prefer bands that only release a few albums and then call it quits. KISS upset a lot of people because they were louder, more successful, and have outlasted everyone they upset. Every band in the business has had lineup changes, but somehow people act like KISS committed a major offense because they replaced a drunk and a junkie with skilled musicians who appreciate what they have.

    KISS is the absolute best at showmanship. They were the first band to:

    A. Make the color black an official rock and roll color to wear.

    B. Perform with fake blood and extreme pyrotechnics.

    C. Pioneer glam metal.

    D. Bring performance in makeup and costumes to the extreme level.

    E. Merchandise everything to the extreme.

    F. Retain merchandising rights to themselves when they first signed onto a record label.

18. Jackson 5

    

    The Jackson 5, also known as the Jackson Five and later The Jacksons, are an American family music group. The group was formed in 1964 by the three eldest brothers, Jackie, Tito, and Jermaine. Their younger brothers, Marlon and Michael, joined shortly afterward to complete the lineup.

    The Jacksons were the greatest band to ever grace the stage with the perfection of dance, vocal, style, and fashion. Jermaine, Jackie, Tito, Marlon, and Michael became icons before they became adults. They were the first group to have all four of their releases hit number 1 in their debut year and became a global success.

    They should be in the top ten, at least!

19. The Moody Blues

    

    The Moody Blues were an English rock band known for their influence on art rock and progressive rock. They began by playing rhythm and blues, but their second album, Days of Future Passed, released in 1967, merged rock with orchestral music. The band remained active for many years and was inducted into... read more

    There is not now, nor will there ever be, another band with the Moody Blues' unique qualities of progressive songwriting and playing. Not to say the other bands listed weren't great, but the Moody Blues and their sound occupy a genre almost all their own. They create music that provides energy, solace, inspiration, or whatever is needed for almost any life experience.

    Not to mention their overall extraordinary musicianship and the fact that, 45 years on, they are still playing and playing well. Justin Hayward still has that magnificent, irreplaceable, instantly recognizable voice that has been like a faraway friend accompanying so many of us on our journeys in life.

20. Van Halen

    

    Van Halen was an American hard rock band formed in Pasadena, California, in 1972. From 1974 until 1985, the band's lineup consisted of guitarist Eddie Van Halen, vocalist David Lee Roth, drummer Alex Van Halen, and bassist Michael Anthony.... read more

    Eddie was one of the best guitar players in the world when he was only 23 years old.

21. Blue Oyster Cult

    

    Blue Öyster Cult is an American rock band from Long Island, New York, known for blending hard rock and heavy metal with science fiction and occult themes. Their most successful songs include "(Don't Fear) The Reaper," "Godzilla," and "Burnin' for You." The band has maintained a cult following since the... read more

    Blue Oyster Cult is such a great band. They deserve top 15. Godzilla and Don't Fear the Reaper are phenomenal. The Spectres album is so awesome.

    Very underrated. They did Burnin' for You and Don't Fear the Reaper.

22. Fleetwood Mac

    

    Fleetwood Mac is a British-American rock band formed in July 1967 in London. The band has sold more than 100 million records worldwide, making them one of the best-selling music acts of all time. Their 1977 album Rumours is one of the best-selling albums ever, with over 40 million copies sold globally... read more

    One thing that's notable about the band is its lineup changes, both before and after their peak years. The Peter Green/Danny Kirwan/Bob Welch eras are a few examples, symbolizing the band's shift from blues rock to pop rock. I think a few of my favorite albums from those eras are probably "Then Play On", "Future Games", "Bare Trees", and "Mystery To Me" (even though the last one was recorded during a turbulent time in the band's history, before the "Fake Mac" scandal and lawsuit). These albums perfectly encapsulated these changing times.

    The albums' eerie-sounding folk rock/soft rock tunes are just a joy to listen to. They are almost akin to what bands like Poco and Firefall had to offer, I might say.

23. The Beatles

    

    The Beatles were an English rock band formed in Liverpool in 1960. The group comprised John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. They are regarded as the most influential band of all time and were integral to the development of the 1960s counterculture and the recognition of popular... read more

    They barely existed in the 1970s, but they did give us the brilliant - and underrated - Let It Be album, so they deserve to be on this list. One sub-standard album by them is still better than most other bands could even dream of.

    They only existed in the '70s for a few months before breaking up, and of course, most of their work was in the '60s, but they are without a doubt the Greatest Of All Time.

    Without this band, it's probable that hardly any of the other bands on this list would have achieved what they achieved.

24. The Doors

    

    The Doors were an American rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1965, comprising vocalist Jim Morrison, keyboardist Ray Manzarek, guitarist Robby Krieger, and drummer John Densmore. They were among the most influential and occasionally controversial rock acts of the 1960s, largely due to Morrison's poetic... read more

    Morrison Hotel and L.A. Woman. Although The Doors really are mainly a '60s band, these two albums (from 1970 and 1971, respectively) are the greatest with blues rock and jazz rock influence. For that alone, and for their lasting influence in rock history, The Doors deserve higher positioning.

    I loved the music then and still love it more. This was the year I needed to hear fantastic, meaningful, rebellious, fun music, and it was a great time to be a teenager, yeah! Will the music world play a tribute to Jim Morrison?

25. Bruce Springsteen and The E-Street Band

    

    By far the most talented all-around musician, singer, songwriter, and performer to come along in the last 40 years. And he still commands an audience of thousands! I wish Freddie Mercury from Queen were still around to prove me wrong. I believe he would have come close!

    Best live act: quantity coupled with quality, and always new songs. What more could one want?

26. The Monkees

    

    The Monkees were an American rock and pop band originally active between 1966 and 1971, with reunion albums and tours in the decades that followed. The band was formed for a television series of the same name and included members Micky Dolenz, Michael Nesmith, Peter Tork, and Davy Jones. They are known... read more

    They are my favorite group of all time!

27. Alice Cooper

    

    Alice Cooper is an American rock band formed in Phoenix, Arizona in 1964. The band consisted of lead singer Vince Furnier, Glen Buxton, Michael Bruce, Dennis Dunaway, and Neal Smith.

    Alice Cooper was by far a better live and record band than most on this list. ABBA? Foreigner? Wings? Cutting edge WAS Alice Cooper. Babes, you are way out of touch. Just ask musicians. They'll put Cooper toward the top of this weak list. Are you judging 'Pop' or creative, loud, and live performance? Forget popularity. Judge by greatness. At least top 15. ABBA? Wow.

    Alice Cooper should be at least in the top ten, maybe top five. He's an amazing singer and showman, truly a legend. He's also a very influential figure in the music industry. He needs to be way higher up.