31 Best Songs From 1977

If you grew up in the late 1970s, chances are you've heard plenty of great hits spanning many different genres.

If you're looking for something nostalgic yet catchy to add to your playlist, consider checking out our favorites on this list of the best songs from 1977.

“Best of My Love” by The Emotions

Song Year: 1977

Starting off our list of good music from 1977 is The Emotions' Grammy-Winning hit, “Best of My Love.” The song has an upbeat sound, emphasized by its steady bassline, string and horn accompaniment, and lyrics about how love makes a person feel the best.

“Best of My Love” sold over a million copies in the United States and topped Billboard's Hot 100 and Hot Soul Singles charts. In 1978, it won an American Music Award for “Favorite Soul/R&B Song.”

“You Make Loving Fun” by Fleetwood Mac

Song Year: 1977

Another one of the best songs from 1977, perfect for listening to on a quiet night, is Fleetwood Mac's “You Make Loving Fun.” Written and sung by Christine McVie, this song's lyrics reflect the feeling of finding new love when a previous one falls apart.

This single was a featured track on the group's album, Rumours. It ranked ninth on Billboard’s Hot 100 Chart, 45th on the UK Singles Chart, and 28th on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary Chart.

“Brick House” by The Commodores

Song Year: 1977

You can't talk about good music from 1977 without acknowledging the rise of mainstream funk music in the 1970s. The Commodores' hit “Brick House” showcases signature funk sounds with its rhythmic sound and upbeat tempo. The song's lyrics describe an attractive woman with a strong build.

This song ranked fifth on Billboard's Hot 100 Chart and 32nd on the UK Singles Chart. It's the perfect song to play at a lively dance party and get into the rhythm with your friends.

“The Name of the Game” by ABBA

Song Year: 1977

Featured on ABBA's fifth studio album, ABBA: The Album, “The Name of the Game,” has a slower sound than some of the other popular hits of the year, but it showcases the group's vocals excellently with minimal musical accompaniment. Many believe the lyrics tell the story of someone seeing a therapist.

Besides topping the UK Singles Chart and ranking 12th on Billboard's Hot 100 Chart, it ranked within the Top Ten of several international charts in Sweden, Belgium, and Switzerland.

“Barracuda” by Heart

Song Year: 1977

Heart's “Barracuda” is a classic rock song we can't leave out on this list of the best songs from 1977. From Ann Wilson's rough vocals to the iconic guitar riff, you can feel the rage in its lyrics. The inspiration behind this song stems from the group's negative experience with the record industry, comparing them to the titular predatory fish.

Initially released on the album Little Queen, this hard rock hit ranked 11th on Billboard's Hot 100 Chart.

“Baby Come Back” by Player

Song Year: 1977

Songs about wanting your love back are bound to be big hits no matter the decade, and Player's “Baby Come Back” is no exception. Several of the song's lyrics reference hiding the pain of missing someone through a false smile and wishing to make amends with them.

This single, featured on the group's debut album, Player, topped Billboard's Hot 100 Chart and RPM's Top Singles Chart.

“Sheep” by Pink Floyd

Song Year: 1977

Pink Floyd's “Sheep” has plenty of symbolism in its lyrics, equating the term as a metaphor for people following the beliefs of people interested in taking advantage of them, regardless of the consequences. The song's bassline draws your attention as sheep bleat in the distance during the song's first minute and a half.

This song was featured on Pink Floyd's album, Animals, which ranked within the Top Five of several international album charts, including the Billboard 200 Chart and the UK Albums Chart.

“Scenes from an Italian Restaurant” by Billy Joel

Song Year: 1977

“Scenes from an Italian Restaurant” is an excellent 1977 song embodying how times change as we move away from youth through the imagery of meeting up with old schoolmates at a restaurant. The lyrics describing two high school sweethearts getting married and their relationship falling apart might resonate with people who thought things were simpler years ago.

Music-wise, it incorporates rock and jazz sounds that blend perfectly as each minute passes into the next.

“Yes Sir, I Can Boogie” by Baccara

Song Year: 1977

If you're looking for good music from 1977 with an upbeat and melodic sound, consider listening to Baccara's debut single, “Yes, Sir, I Can Boogie.” The vocals blend well with its euro disco sound. The lyrics have a hypnotic vibe, beckoning you to stay and dance.

It topped several European charts following its release, including the UK Singles Chart and the Eurochart Hot 100 Singles Chart.

“We Are The Champions” by Queen

Song Year: 1977

Earning its reputation as a go-to victory anthem, Queen's “We Are the Champions” is one iconic hit we can't skip on this list of the best songs from 1977. The piano and guitar accompaniment give the piece a solemn and triumphant blend that isn't glaring.

The song's lyrics reflect how overcoming mistakes and obstacles can lead anyone to victory, such as Freddie Mercury's rise to stardom. It sold over two million copies in the United States and ranked second on the UK Singles Chart.

“Got To Give It Up” by Marvin Gaye

Song Year: 1977

“Got To Give It Up” tells the story of a man visiting a dance club and, despite feeling nervous, gains the confidence to dance with others in public, paralleling Marvin Gaye's instances of stage fright. The upbeat disco sound makes it the perfect song for anyone to break out of their shell and find their dancing feet.

This song topped several weekly charts in the United States, including Billboard's Hot 100 Chart and the Hot Soul Singles Chart.