33 Best Songs From 1976
Contents
“Livin’ Thing” by Electric Light Orchestra
Song Year: 1976
Electric Light Orchestra, or ELO, produced some wild and funky music in their time. Because of their commitment to their style over pop music themes, they didn’t have the most hits.
“Livin’ Thing” is an incredible example of ELO’s legacy. It was so uncool originally that it became cool 30 years after its release. It wasn’t super popular in 1976 but is recognized today as one of the band’s best songs.
“Rich Girl” by Hall & Oates
Song Year: 1976
Hall & Oates have an interesting way of complaining about the women in their life. Usually, they criticize the woman in one way or another through music.
“Rich Girl” is about a woman who is too good for them. She’s so used to fancy things that she can’t seem to stand an average man.
Whether she was actually that uppity or the guys were just jealous is hard to tell.
“Gonna Fly Now” by Bill Conti
Song Year: 1976
“Gonna Fly Now” became one of the most popular theme songs of the 1970s after it appeared in Sylvester Stallone’s hit movie Rocky.
The movie is about a down-and-out boxer who wants one chance to go the distance with the best of the best.
Bill Conti’s composition plays throughout the film, making the audience believe that the underdog hero might have a chance.
“Back in the Saddle” by Aerosmith
Song Year: 1976
Aerosmith had an enormous impact on the world of rock and roll. With the signature lead vocals of Steven Perry, Aerosmith constantly tested the boundaries of musicality.
“Back In the Saddle” is the perfect anthem for anyone down on their luck. If you need to get motivated and return to your former glory, try blasting this song for a few minutes.
“Tom Traubert’s Blues” by Tom Waits
Song Year: 1976
It’s hard to imagine that anyone has a more raspy, haunting, or heartbreaking sound than Tom Waits. He has a unique, deep gravelly voice that sounds like many decades of cigarettes.
His most heart-wrenching song is probably “Tom Traubert’s Blues,” the sad story of a man dealing with the consequences of his bad decisions.
“Somebody Somewhere (Don’t Know What He’s Missin’ Tonight)” by Loretta Lynn
Song Year: 1976
The 1970s was a great decade for country music and rock and roll. Artists like Loretta Lynn put out hits that won awards and made fans happy.
“Somebody Somewhere” is the sort of classic country song that most people think of when they think of country music.
A man treats his woman poorly, and she schemes to get back at him. But ultimately, the listeners know she would be happy just to take him back.
“December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night)” by The Four Seasons
Song Year: 1976
“December, 1963” is a fun, peppy, upbeat dancing tune from Frankie Vallie and The Four Seasons.
It’s all about the most memorable night in the singer’s life.
With tight harmonies, fantastic falsettos, and a style that harkens back to the 1950s, it’s the perfect song for a house party or a wedding reception.
“50 Ways To Leave Your Lover” by Paul Simon
Song Year: 1976
If you need a creative way to get out of a bad relationship, Paul Simon has plenty of options. It’s not clear if he’s tried all of them or not since some of them are a little ridiculous.
“50 Ways to Leave Your Lover” is a classic Paul Simon song with complex lyrics, interesting instrumentation, and that timeless theme of lost love.
“Take It to the Limit” by Eagles
Song Year: 1976
The Eagles rose to fame in the 1970s. With hits like “Take It to the Limit,” they became one of the most popular bands in American music.
They’re still lauded as musical pioneers, inspiring other artists to test boundaries and try new things.
“Golden Years” by David Bowie
Song Year: 1976
David Bowie was known for weird, slightly psychedelic songs and the different, wild personas he would take on throughout his music career.
When he was just David Bowie, he produced songs like “Golden Years,” off the album Station to Station that fans absolutely loved. Great for dancing or for singing along in the car, “Golden Years” is quintessential 1970s rock and roll.
“Love So Right” by Bee Gees
Song Year: 1976
The Bee Gees came all the way from Australia to make their impact on the world of disco, groove, and funky music. They had perfect harmonies, great dancing songs, and touching ballads.
“Love So Right” shows the softer side of the Bee Gees. They sing about the sadness of realizing that your love life wasn’t as good as you believed.
Top Songs From 1976, Final Thoughts
These are some of the best songs from 1976.
Many musicians produced good music in 1976. Artists were putting out hit after hit, from the Bee Gees to the Eagles. Most of these bands’ success would continue throughout the rest of the 1970s.
What are your favorite songs from 1976? Did we miss any? Let us know what you think in the comments below!
