Ten Great Pop Songs of 1971

Many of the artists listed here went on to have other pop singles and promising careers.

1. James Taylor has had a lasting career with other hits like Fire And Rain, Handyman, and Mockingbird, a collaboration with former wife, Carly Simon.

You've Got A Friend - James Taylor
From the album, Mud Slime Slim and the Blue Horizon.
lyric - '...you just call out my name, and you know where ever I am, I'll come running...'

2. Don McLean had hits like Vincent, Dreidel, and he wrote a top hit made famous by Perry Como, And I Love You So.

American Pie - Don McLean
American anthem.
lyric - '...did you write the book of love, and do you have faith in God above...'

3. Neil Diamond has been a top selling artist since the 1960's with hits like Sweet Caroline, Heartlight, and a duet with Barbra Streisand, You Don't Bring Me Flowers.

I Am, I Said - Neil Diamond
Classic Neil Diamond song.
lyric - '...I am I said, to no one there, and no one heard at all, not even the chair...

4. The Bee Gees had hits in the 60's, 70's, and 80's. The Brothers Gibb are probably best known for their contribution to the hit movie, Saturday Night Fever, with their smash, Staying Alive.

How Can You Mend A Broken Heart - Bee Gees
For some reason, I always relate this song to a rainy day.
lyric - '...How can you stop the sun from shining, what makes the world go around...'

5. John Denver enjoyed most of his success in the 70's with songs like Rocky Mountain High, and Thank God I'm A Country Boy.

Take Me Home, Country Roads - John Denver
Ah, the summer time. Driving along a country road, surrounded by mountains, hearing this song.
lyric - '...almost heaven, West Virginia, Blue Ridge mountains, Shenandoah River...'

6. John Lennon, of Beatles fame, also enjoyed a solo career with top selling songs like Mind Games, Merry Christmas (The War Is Over), and Whatever Gets You Through The Night.

Imagine - John Lennon
A Utopian fantasy, where peace and love reign, a brotherhood of man.
lyric - '...you may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one, I hope someday you'll join us, and the world will live as one...'

7. The Rolling Stones have also enjoyed a long career with hits from the past forty years. Songs like Angie, It's Only Rock And Roll, and Wild Horses are still played on Classic Rock radio on a steady basis.

Brown Sugar - The Rolling Stones
A number one song. From the album, Sticky Fingers.
lyric - '...brown sugar, how come you taste so good...'

8. Three Dog Night had many top selling singles in the 70's like Never Been To Spain, Black And White, and One.
Carole King had success in the 70's with hits like So Far Away, Jazzman, and I Feel The Earth Move.

Joy To The World - Three Dog Night
Not the Christmas song.
lyric - '...Jeremiah was a bullfrog, he was a good friend of mine...'

9. Theme From Shaft - Isaac Hayes
Just funkin' around.
lyric - '...they say that cat Shaft is a bad motherf (shut your mouth), but I'm talking 'bout Shaft...'

10. It's Too Late - Carole King
A number one song from the album, Tapestry.
lyric - '...it's too late baby, now it's too late, though we really did try to make it...'

Many brilliant tunes graced the airwaves of AM radio in 1971. These tunes should grace your Ipod or MP3 player.
Another list will soon be added since there are so many great songs from this year.

Listen up!