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90 Best '70s Songs to Get You Movin' and Groovin'

You'll be belting out "Boogie Wonderland" like no one can hear you!

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70s songs
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Ahh, the 1970s—what a time to be alive. But even if you weren't movin' and groovin' during the decade (and sporting the fun clothing that now makes for some great '70s Halloween costumes), anyone can appreciate the amazing movies and music of the era.

In the '70s, singers like Diana Ross, Paul McCartney, and Olivia Newton-John quickly gained popularity as solo artists while beloved groups like the Bee Gees and The Temptations dominated the airwaves together. While these artists produced very different sounds, they all have one thing in common: They created some of the best '70s songs of all time.

Regardless of what type of music you prefer, you'll appreciate the hits on this list. They totally defined the decade, after all! The moment you press play, these iconic '70s songs will transport you back to an era filled with bell-bottoms, hot pants, and platform shoes. You'll know the words to so many songs on this list, like "American Pie" and "Dancing Queen." Many of these works reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100 at one point or another, proving their widespread popularity and forever solidifying their place in music history.

This playlist is great for reliving your glory days or for throwing a fun dance party at home. When you're done, check out some '80s songs to keep the party going!

1

"If I Can't Have You" by Yvonne Elliman

"If I Can't Have You" by Yvonne Elliman
Credit: AMAZON

The melody, instruments, and lyrics of Yvonne's hit showcase what the '70s sound was all about.

2

"Baba O'Riley" by The Who

"Baba O'Riley" by The Who
Credit: AMAZON

It may have been released in 1971 but this iconic track has stood the test of time to be featured in plenty of movies and TV shows over the years.

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3

"Boogie Wonderland" by Earth, Wind & Fire

"Boogie Wonderland" by Earth, Wind & Fire
Credit: AMAZON

Earth, Wind & Fire capped off the '70s with this funky hit that still transports us to a boogie wonderland every time we hear it!

4

"Move On Up" by Curtis Mayfield

"Move On Up" by Curtis Mayfield
Credit: AMAZON

You're going to dance to this one. There's no point in even trying to hold yourself back!

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5

"Mr. Blue Sky" by Electric Light Orchestra

"Mr. Blue Sky" by Electric Light Orchestra
Credit: AMAZON

Play this song whenever you need a little pick-me-up. It'll turn all your gray skies blue!

6

"Caravan" by Van Morrison

"Caravan" by Van  Morrison
Credit: AMAZON

Van Morrison's beautiful tribute to "turning up the radio" has been sampled by many other artists across the decades but no one does it quite like Van the Man.

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7

"Midnight Train to Georgia" by Gladys Knight

"Midnight Train to Georgia" by Gladys Knight
Credit: AMAZON

This list wouldn't be complete without the one and only Gladys Knight. And no other song shows off her talent for storytelling like "Midnight Train to Georgia."

8

"London Calling" by The Clash

"London Calling" by The Clash
Credit: AMAZON

Punk rock started in the 70s, and The Clash were key players in the genre. "London Calling" is one of their classics that you might recognize.

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9

"Jolene" by Dolly Parton

"Jolene" by Dolly Parton
Credit: AMAZON

One of Dolly's greatest hits was actually inspired by a real person—a bank teller who the singer says flirted with her husband, Carl Dean. After more than 50 years of marriage, Dolly has joked that there are no more hard feelings—but the song will live on forever!

10

"What's Going On" by Marvin Gaye

"What's Going On" by Marvin Gaye
Credit: AMAZON

Marvin Gaye advocated for peace with this very personal track that is considered one of the greatest songs of all time.

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11

"Tiny Dancer" by Elton John

"Tiny Dancer" by Elton John
Credit: AMAZON

Just call us "blue jean babies," because Elton John officially made it a compliment after coming out with this irresistible (unofficial) anthem for the '70s.

12

"Superstition" by Stevie Wonder

"Superstition" by Stevie Wonder
Credit: AMAZON

Stevie Wonder sure knows how to make a hit. There's no stopping the groove the second this one starts playing.

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13

"Imagine" by John Lennon

"Imagine" by John Lennon
Credit: AMAZON

Rolling Stone once described this song as John Lennon's "greatest musical gift to the world." And considering all of the many, many musical gifts he gave us, that's saying a lot!

14

"Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen

"Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen
Credit: AMAZON

If you know only one song on this list, it's this one. It's a classic that can be played at any get-together, no matter the occasion. And it's almost impossible to not belt out the chorus!

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15

"Best of My Love" by The Emotions

"Best of My Love" by The Emotions
Credit: AMAZON

This upbeat love song is a forever classic. Play it during a dance party with your loved one(s)!

16

"Bridge Over Troubled Water" by Simon and Garfunkel

"Bridge Over Troubled Water" by Simon and Garfunkel

This tune is one of Simon and Garfunkel's most critically acclaimed and commercially successful songs. With such a calming sound, it's easy to see why.

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17

"Let It Be" by the Beatles

"Let It Be" by the Beatles

The Beatles had countless number-one hits in the early '70s, but "Let It Be" will always remain a fan favorite.

18

"American Woman" by The Guess Who

"American Woman" by The Guess Who

The controversial lyrics have long been a matter of debate, often suspected to be an attack on U.S. politics. But, according to the lead singer of The Guess Who, it was just his way of saying he preferred Canadian women!

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19

"(They Long To Be) Close To You" by the Carpenters

"(They Long To Be) Close To You" by the Carpenters

The sweet love song perfectly captures the butterflies that come with a new romance.

20

"Raindrops Keep Fallin´ on My Head" by B.J. Thomas

"Raindrops Keep Fallin´ on My Head" by B.J. Thomas

It's impossible not to bop your head along to this beloved 1970s hit.

Headshot of Kelly O'Sullivan
Kelly O'Sullivan
Senior Editor
Kelly O’Sullivan is the senior editor for The Pioneer Woman and manages the website’s social channels, in addition to overseeing content strategy and news.
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