10 Painfully Repetitive ’70s Rock Songs

The 1970s produced many memorable rock songs, but some became known for their repetitive nature. Here are ten tracks from that era that, despite their popularity, are often noted for their repetitive elements.

1. “Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin'” by Journey (1979)

Journey’s “Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin'” is a song about heartbreak and betrayal. The track is famous for its extended “na-na-na” section, which repeats for a significant portion of the song. While this repetition emphasizes the singer’s pain, some listeners find it excessive. Despite this, the song remains a staple of classic rock radio.

2. “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy?” by Rod Stewart (1978)

Rod Stewart’s disco-influenced hit “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy?” features a catchy chorus that repeats the title question multiple times. The song’s repetitive nature contributed to its dance-floor appeal, but also led to criticism from rock purists. Nevertheless, it became one of Stewart’s most successful singles.

3. “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” by Blue Öyster Cult (1976)

“(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” by Blue Öyster Cult is known for its haunting melody and repetitive chorus. The phrase “Don’t fear the reaper” is repeated throughout the song, reinforcing its theme of accepting mortality. While some appreciate its hypnotic quality, others find the repetition monotonous.

4. “Takin’ Care of Business” by Bachman-Turner Overdrive (1973)

Bachman-Turner Overdrive’s “Takin’ Care of Business” is an anthem celebrating the working man’s life. The chorus repeats the phrase “Takin’ care of business” numerous times, making it both memorable and, to some, overly repetitive. Despite this, it remains a popular classic rock song.

5. “Rock and Roll All Nite” by Kiss (1975)

Kiss’s “Rock and Roll All Nite” became an anthem for the band’s party-loving image. The chorus, repeating the desire to “rock and roll all night and party every day,” is a central feature of the song. While it captures the band’s ethos, some listeners find the repetition tiresome.

6. “Hey Hey, My My (Into the Black)” by Neil Young (1979)

Neil Young’s “Hey Hey, My My (Into the Black)” is notable for its repetitive structure and lyrics. The song’s chorus repeats the line “Hey hey, my my,” contributing to its hypnotic feel. This repetition underscores the song’s themes of rock and roll’s enduring nature, but can be monotonous to some listeners.

7. “Cocaine” by Eric Clapton (1977)

Eric Clapton’s “Cocaine,” written by J.J. Cale, features a chorus that repeatedly states “She don’t lie, she don’t lie, she don’t lie, cocaine.” The song’s repetitive nature mirrors its subject matter, but has led to criticism for its lack of lyrical variety. Despite this, it remains one of Clapton’s most well-known tracks.

8. “I Want You to Want Me” by Cheap Trick (1977)

Cheap Trick’s “I Want You to Want Me” is built around a simple, repeating chorus. The song’s straightforward lyrics and repetitive structure contributed to its commercial success, but also drew criticism for being overly simplistic. Nevertheless, it became one of the band’s signature songs.

9. “Hot Blooded” by Foreigner (1978)

Foreigner’s “Hot Blooded” features a chorus that repeats the phrase “hot blooded” multiple times. The song’s repetitive nature emphasizes its themes of passion and desire, but some listeners find it lacking in lyrical depth. Despite this, it remains a popular rock track from the late ’70s.

10. “We Will Rock You” by Queen (1977)

Queen’s “We Will Rock You” is known for its stomping beat and repetitive lyrics. The song’s chorus, repeating the title phrase, is designed for audience participation. While effective in live settings, some listeners find the studio version overly repetitive. Nonetheless, it remains one of Queen’s most iconic songs.