25 Best Songs From 1974

1974 was a great year for music, and produced many songs that have stood the test of time. With hits from famous musicians like ABBA, Elton John, The Jackson 5s and more, here are the best songs from 1974.

1. “Waterloo” by ABBA

Song Year: 1974

Swedish group ABBA changed the course of their career when they released the song “Waterloo” on their second studio album of the same name. This song about love being like the famous Napolean battle in Waterloo, peaked at number one on global weekly music charts and brought ABBA into the limelight for the first time.

2. “Come and Get Your Love” by Redbone

Song Year: 1974

“Come and Get Your Love” by Redbone is one of the best songs from 1f974 from their album Wovoka. This hit song peaked at number five on US Billboard weekly music charts, making Redbone the first Native American band to hit the top five spot. It later went on to be featured in the popular Marvel film Guardians Of The Galaxy and got a whole set of new fans.

If you want to see it live, here you go:

3. “Annie's Song” by John Denver

Song Year: 1974

If you’re looking for a beautiful love song from 1974, listen to “Annie’s Song” by John Denver from his album Back Home Again. This romantic John Denver song is about his deep love for his wife and peaked at number one on global music charts upon its release in 1974.

4. “Hooked on a Feeling” by Blue Swede

Song Year: 1974

Another song featured in Guardians Of The Galaxy. “Hooked on a Feeling” is an excellent song from the early 1970s by Blue Swede. Originally performed by B. J. Thomas, Blue Swede released their cover of this love song in 1974. Blue Swede sings about the sensation of new love and how it’s one of the best feelings.

5. “Then Came You” by Dionne Warwick and The Spinners

Song Year: 1974

Dionne Warwick and The Spinners released one of the best songs from 1974, “Then Came You.” Play this popular 1974 soul and pop song to get people dancing. Upon its release, this feel-good dance tune peaked at number one on the music charts and remains a fantastic dance song.

6. “The Loco-Motion” by Grand Funk Railroad

Song Year: 1974

“The Loco-Motion” is one of the best dance songs that can boast a top spot in the music charts for three consecutive decades. Grand Funk Railroad released its version in 1974, marking the second decade as a hit dance song for clubs and parties.

7. “Bennie and the Jets” by Elton John

Song Year: 1974

“Bennie and the Jets” is one of the best songs from 1974. It’s easily recognizable within the first few moments of Elton John hitting the keys of his piano. Listeners cannot help but sing this hit song’s dramatic chorus from John’s seventh studio album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.

8. “Band on the Run” by Paul McCartney and Wings

Song Year: 1973

“Band on the Run” is one of the best songs from 1974 by Paul McCartney and Wings. This hit song is a single from the album Band on the Run and boasts a memorable chorus that everyone can sing along to. Paul McCartney and Wings share the story of a band that breaks free from prison and is MIA.

9. “Sundown” by Gordon Lightfoot

Song Year: 1974

Canadian folk singer Gordon Lightfoot released the popular song “Sundown” in 1974, which is Lightfoot’s only number-one Hot 100 song. This fan-favorite tune sings about infidelity, with Lightfoot calling out the name Sundown to stop him from trying to sleep with his lover.

10. “Dancing Machine” by The Jackson 5

Song Year: 1974

The Jackson 5 released “Dancing Machine” as the first track on their ninth studio album G.I.T.: Get It Together. Not only was this song a hit in 1974, but the song also popularized the robot dance move. This dance song, showing off Michael Jackson’s iconic vocals, peaked at number one on the 1974 US Billboard Hot Soul Singles weekly charts.

11. “The Streak” by Ray Stevens

Song Year: 1974

“The Streak” by Ray Stevens is a comedic song from his album Boogity Boogity about the popular craze of streaking naked in public places as a prank. Listeners will laugh as the country song is interrupted by breaking news stories of different streaking occurrences.

12. “Until You Come Back to Me (That's What I'm Gonna Do)” by Aretha Franklin

Song Year: 1973

Aretha Franklin released her hit song “Until You Come Back to Me (That's What I'm Gonna Do)” in 1973, but it peaked at number one on weekly music charts and got plenty of radio play in 1974. This love ballad with Aretha Franklin’s breathtaking vocals shares the longing of a woman missing a man who dumped her.