10 Classic Rock Songs That Instantly Takes You Back To 1973

1973 was a monumental year for classic rock, with bands and artists releasing some of their most influential work. From the gritty sounds to the epic guitar solos, this year shaped the future of rock music in unforgettable ways. Here are some of the standout tracks from that iconic year.

Personality Crisis by New York Dolls
“Personality Crisis,” the opening track of New York Dolls’ debut album, is a wild mix of rhythm ’n’ blues infused with glam rock chaos. David Johansen’s powerful vocals deliver a hilarious, out-of-control energy, turning the song into a fun, rebellious anthem. With lyrics like “Personality crisis, you got it while it was hot / But now what you have is frustration and heartache,” the song perfectly captures the Dolls’ signature blend of humor and angst, making it an iconic piece of glam punk history.

Tattoo’d Lady by Rory Gallagher
“Tattoo’d Lady” reflects Rory Gallagher’s love for life on the road, a theme he often explored in his music. This blues-rock track from his solo career is filled with energy and emotion, drawing a parallel between Gallagher’s journey as a musician and the traveling artists he sings about. Gallagher’s soulful guitar work and passionate delivery made this song stand out, demonstrating why he was one of the most respected blues-rock artists of his time, even if stardom eluded him.

Smoke on the Water by Deep Purple
This track by Deep Purple is more than just a song; it’s a rock anthem defined by one of the most recognizable guitar riffs in history. Ritchie Blackmore’s iconic riff helped Deep Purple’s story of a fire during a Frank Zappa concert become one of the most legendary moments in rock. The song proves that some riffs define a track and entire bands, making Deep Purple a cornerstone of classic rock.

Search & Destroy by Iggy Pop & The Stooges
From The Stooges’ Raw Power album, this aggressive track set the foundation for punk and garage rock. After recording wilder, more chaotic tracks than their previous works, the band handed over production duties to David Bowie, who remixed the record. Despite its moderate success at the time, “Search & Destroy” went on to influence countless punk bands with its ferocious energy and rebellious spirit.

Funeral For a Friend / Love Lies Bleeding by Elton John
Elton John’s “Funeral For a Friend / Love Lies Bleeding” is a 10-minute epic that showcases his versatility as an artist. The track starts with a progressive rock instrumental, highlighting John’s ability to blend multiple genres. The second half transitions into a classic Elton John rock song, complete with his signature piano riffs and emotional vocals. This dual-track masterpiece is one of the highlights from his landmark album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.

Ramblin’ Man by The Allman Brothers Band
The Allman Brothers Band’s “Ramblin’ Man” is a perfect example of Southern rock at its finest. With Duane Allman’s tragic death, the band distributed leadership responsibilities, and Dickey Betts stepped up to deliver this timeless classic. The song’s upbeat melody and heartfelt lyrics, along with Betts’ vocals, create a tune that still resonates today as a tribute to the band’s resilience and Southern roots.

Gimme Danger by Iggy Pop & The Stooges
Another standout from The Stooges’ Raw Power album, this track offers a haunting and dark contrast to the chaotic “Search & Destroy.” With its slow-building intensity, the song shows Iggy Pop’s raw, emotional delivery and James Williamson’s sharp guitar work. The Stooges managed to create something truly groundbreaking with just a few albums, and “Gimme Danger” is another addition that depicts their influence on punk and alternative rock.

Free Bird by Lynyrd Skynyrd
This song is undeniably Lynyrd Skynyrd’s magnum opus, famous for its soaring guitar solo that lasts for minutes, becoming a signature part of the band’s live performances. The song begins as a tender ballad but builds into a high-energy jam, embodying the spirit of Southern rock. Despite the band’s association with Southern culture, “Free Bird” transcends regional boundaries, earning a place in the pantheon of great rock anthems.

Baby’s On Fire by Brian Eno
“Baby’s On Fire” is a chaotic and distorted piece of glam rock from Brian Eno’s debut album Here Come the Warm Jets. Known for its surreal lyrics and bizarre atmosphere, the track also features a blistering three-minute guitar solo by Robert Fripp. The solo dissects the song from start to finish, creating an intense and unsettling experience, typical of Eno’s experimental approach to music.

Krautrock by Faust
“Krautrock” by Faust is a monumental 12-minute suite that represents the essence of the avant-garde movement emerging from Germany in the late ’60s. As a key example of what became known as Krautrock, Faust’s experimental and electronic response to British and American psychedelia set them apart from their contemporaries. Though the term “Krautrock” was initially coined with a dismissive tone by the British press, Faust embraced the genre, creating some of the most innovative music of their time.