Eleven Great Pop Songs of 1975

1975. The decade of the 1970's was almost half over. President Gerald Ford did nothing for rising inflation except create the slogan WIN (Whip Inflation Now). It didn't work. The Vietnam War was over and soldiers had at long last, returned back to the States.
Popular tunes could now be heard on the FM (frequency modulation) band, and the age of disco music and punk rock were about to begin. In the meantime, light and puffy songs were played on the radio, while all of America was planning for the Bicentennial celebration.

Here is a list of eleven great popular songs, with sample lyric and commentary from 1975.

Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds - Elton John

Elton had a number one hit in 1975 with this great pop song written by Lennon and McCartney. Elton also performed the song Pinball Wizard in the movie, Tommy. Other Elton John songs include Island Girl, Philadelphia Freedom, Tiny Dancer, and Candle in the Wind.

Lyric: '...picture yourself on a boat on a river with tangerine trees and marmalade skies...'

Have You Never Been Mellow - Olivia Newton John

A number one song in America for this attractive Australian singing star. Olivia later appeared in the movie Grease, as Sandy. Olivia's other top hits include Physical, If You Love Me Let Me Know, Magic, Please Mister Please, and Hopelessly Devoted To You.

Lyric: '...have you never been mellow, have you never tried...'

Black Water - The Doobie Brothers

From the album, What Were Once Vices Are Now Habits, The Doobies smoked up a number one song with this tune featuring brilliant harmonies. Other Doobie Brothers songs include China Grove, Long Train Runnin', It Keeps You Runnin', Listen to the Music, and Minute By Minute.

Lyric: '...I wanna hear some funky Dixieland pretty mama come and take me by the hand...'

One of These Nights - The Eagles

The title track from the album of the same name, The Eagles soared to number one with this classic country rock tune. Headed by master singers and songwriters, Glenn Frey, and Don Henley, The Eagles roosted at the top of the charts with flocks of hits in the '70's. Other Eagles songs include Best of My Love, Take It Easy, New Kid In Town, Witchy Woman, Tequila Sunrise, and Take It Easy.

Lyric: '...comin' right behind you, swear I'm gonna find you, catch baby one of these nights...'

Fame - David Bowie

Formerly known as Ziggy Stardust, Bowie re-invented himself in the mid 1970's as The Great White Duke, dabbling in R & B, as well as, funky rock and roll. This song was written by Bowie, brilliant guitarist Carlos Alomar, and John Lennon. Other hit tunes by Bowie include Golden Years, Space Oddity, Heroes, Rebel Rebel, and Changes.

Lyric: '...fame, makes a man take things over, fame, lets him loose hard to swallow...'

Born To Run - Bruce Springsteen

The breakout song from the album with the breakout title, Born To Run, was an exciting four minute song that taught America more in one song, than they ever learned in school.

The album catapulted Bruce in to instant stardom, and he performs the song in concert regularly to this day. Other fantastic hits by The Boss include Dancing in the Dark, Hungry Heart, I'm On Fire, Brilliant Disguise, Cover Me, and Girls in Their Summer Clothes.

Lyric: '...but I gotta know how it feels, baby I want to know if love is wild, baby I want to know if love is real, can you show me...'

I'm Not In Love - 10cc

This eclectic British band had a big smash on both sides of the Atlantic with this hit featuring a 256 voice choir. 10cc had other great songs in the 70's including Dreadlock Holiday, I'm Mandy Fly Me, I Wanna Rule the World, The Things We Do For Love, and Life is a Minestrone.

Lyric: '...I keep your picture upon the wall, it hides a nasty stain that's lyin' there...'

Miracles - Jefferson Starship

The band formerly known as Jefferson Airplane, and later, just Starship, had a big radio hit with Miracles from the album, Red Octopus. Other big hits for the band include, Jane, Count on Me, White Rabbit, and Somebody to Love.

Lyric: '...you ripple like a river when I touch you, when I pluck your body so fine...'

How Long - Ace

The band Ace was led by singer Paul Carrack, later, a lead singer for the bands Squeeze, and Mike and the Mechanics. Paul's other hits include Tempted (with Squeeze), Silent Running, and The Living Years (Mike and the Mechanics), and I Need You (solo).

Lyrics: '...oh your friends with their fancy persuasion, don't admit that's it's part of a scheme...'

#9 Dream - John Lennon

The lyrics of this top radio tune, came in a dream to ex Beatle John Lennon. The song is essentially about Lennon's obsession with the number 9. The song peaked at number nine on the charts. Other Lennon hits include Imagine, Whatever Gets You Through the Night, Stand By Me, Mind Games, and Instant Karma.

lyric: '...somebody call out my name (John), as it started to rain, two spirits dancing so strange...'

Listen to What the Man Said - Paul McCartney

Just as John Lennon and other Beatles were enjoying success at the top of the pops, so was Paul McCartney along with his 70's band Wings. Paul mixed the rock up as only Paul can do with a straight pop chorus and enough hooks to go fishing for a month.

Other hits by Paul, Linda and band include Venus and Mars, Band on the Run, Too Many People, Helen Wheels, Jet, and Junior's Farm.
lyric: '... love is fine for all we know, for all we know our love will grow, that's what the man said...'

A great year for pop music. I hope you like all the selections that I've listed. You can find any and all songs on web services like iTunes, Rhapsody, and others, to download on to your MP3 player or iPod.
Enjoy the great music of 1975. Peace!

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