25 Best Songs From 1974

13. “You Make Me Feel Brand New” by The Stylistics

Song Year: 1974

Add some soul to your 1974 playlist with the hit song “You Make Me Feel Brand New” by The Stylistics. Slow and soulful, this love song from the album Let's Put It Altogether is just one example of good music from 1974.

14. “The Night Chicago Died” by Paper Lace

Song Year: 1974

The English band Paper Lace had a busy time at the top of the charts in 1974 with their hit song “The Night Chicago Died” alongside other top tunes. This popular jam from 1974 sings about a shoot-out between Chicago police and gangers of the notorious Al Capone.

15. “Dark Lady” by Cher

Song Year: 1974

“Dark Lady” is a single from Cher’s 11th studio album of the same name that showed off her dark witchy side in the music and lyrics. This chart-topping song was a big hit upon its release in 1974. Cher saw this pop tune rise to number one on the US Billboard Top 100 weekly music charts.

16. “Takin’ Care of Business” by Bachman-Turner Overdrive

Song Year: 1974

Bachman-Turner Overdrive, or BTO for short, released the hit song “Takin’ Care of Business” in January of 1974 as a single for their album Bachman–Turner Overdrive II. This well-known song by the Canadian rock band BTO is a classic rock tune that TV shows and movies often feature in their soundtracks.

17. “Wild Thing” by Fancy

Song Year: 1974

In 1974 the English pop group Fancy made a cover of the famous song “Wild Thing,” originally performed by the Troggs in 1966. Fancy’s sexy rendition of the song “Wild Thing” from their album of the same name features breathy vocals and sexual guitar strokes.

18. “The Way We Were” by Barbara Streisand

Song Year: 1973

Barbara Streisand released one of her most famous songs, “The Way We Were,” in 1973. However, it peaked at the number one spot on the music charts throughout 1974, making “The Way We Were” by Barbara Streisand the number-one song on the US Billboard music charts for 1974.

19. “Love's Theme” by The Love Unlimited Orchestra

Song Year: 1974

It’s not often that a purely instrumental song peaks at number one, but “Love’s Theme” by The Love Unlimited orchestra did in 1974. Barry White wrote the instrumentals to this orchestral single featured on the albums Rhapsody in White by The Love Unlimited Orchestra and Under the Influence of… Love Unlimited by the vocal group Love Unlimited.  

20. “One Hell of a Woman” by Mac Davis

Song Year: 1974

Mac Davis took the eleventh spot on the US Billboard Top 100 list with the 1974 song “One Hell of a Woman.” Mac Davis sings about an incredible woman with irresistible qualities who wants to spend the night with him. This country pop song is from the album Stop and Smell the Roses.

21. “Spiders and Snakes” by Jim Stafford

Song Year: 1974

“Spiders and Snakes” is a chart-topping single from Jim Stafford’s self-titled debut album. This fantastic country song from 1974 has a lively beat and is perfect for adding to a dance playlist. In this song, Jim Stafford shares the lyrical story about his failed attempts at romance with a childhood friend.

22. “Sideshow” by Blue Magic

Song Year: 1974

Blue Magic released the popular song “Sideshow” in 1974 on the album Blue Magic. With a smooth rhythm and ethereal sound, it’s no surprise that “Sideshow” peaked at number one on the US Billboard R&B weekly music charts. This meaningful song by Blue Magic is about feeling like a sideshow freak.

23. “Billy Don't Be a Hero” by Bo Donaldson and The Heywoods

Song Year: 1974

“Billy Don't Be a Hero” was released as a successful hit song twice in 1974 by the UK pop/rock band Paper Lace and then again by the American pop group Bo Donaldson and The Heywoods.

The version of “Billy Don't Be a Hero” by Bo Donaldson, and The Heywoods peaked at number one on Canadian and American weekly music charts. Meanwhile, Paper Lace’s version peaked at number one in Australia, the UK, and Ireland, making it one of the best songs of 1974 for listeners worldwide.

24. “Beach Baby” by The First Class

Song Year: 1974

“Beach Baby” by The First Class is another example of good music from 1974. This classic hit sings about young love and summer days of holding hands on the beach. Unfortunately, the song has a sad ending where love is cut short by life’s changes after high school.

25. “The Air That I Breathe” by The Hollies

Song Year: 1974

Everyone will sing along to the chorus of “The Air That I Breathe” by The Hollies when it plays on the speakers. This slow jam is one of the best songs from 1974 that talks about how all someone needs is love and oxygen to get by. “The Air That I Breathe” by The Hollies peaked at number six on the 1974 US Billboard Hot 100 weekly music charts.

Top Songs From 1974, Final Thoughts

As you can see, there is a lot of good music from 1974 to choose from. That’s why we’ve curated this list of the best songs from 1974, with inspiring songs that topped the charts and made a mark on music history.