3 Underrated ’70s Hits That Deserve More Love

The 1970s were a great time for music. The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Led Zeppelin, and Elton John were just a few of the bands with singles that are still popular today. But with so many wonderful songs topping the charts, it’s easy for some to get lost in the crowd. The major names always get the most attention, but several lesser-known singles from the 1970s truly deserve more recognition. These three songs could have gone unnoticed, but they are definitely worth listening to again.

Steve Miller Band’s “The Joker”
You undoubtedly know Steve Miller Band’s “The Joker” by heart, but it doesn’t always get the recognition it deserves. It was a huge hit in 1973, spending a week at the top of the Billboard Hot 100, but it sometimes gets lost in the shuffle of other rock anthems from the decade. When you think about hits from the 1970s, “Stairway to Heaven” and “The Chain” spring to mind first. “The Joker” often gets lost in the mix.

That doesn’t make it any less special, though. “The Joker” is a song that gets stuck in your mind because it has a catchy hook, quirky lyrics (“I’m a joker, I’m a smoker, I’m a midnight toker”), and a laid-back feel. It perfectly captures the musical atmosphere of the 1970s, and although it doesn’t always get the attention it deserves, it’s one of the best songs from that era.

Wings’ “Let ’Em In”
In the 1970s rock scene, Paul McCartney and Wings stood out a bit differently. They weren’t like most rock bands, and their sound was more experimental and laid-back than many hits of the period. That’s probably why people don’t pay much attention to “Let ’Em In,” their 1976 smash. It hit No. 1 on the Easy Listening chart and No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, but it isn’t always included in lists of “must-hear” songs from the ’70s.

“Let ’Em In” is beautiful because it is simple and unique. The song features a variety of sounds and textures, from smooth, jazzy trumpets to McCartney’s easy vocals. It’s a little strange, a little soulful, and full of creative talent. This song isn’t as loud or spectacular as some others, but it’s one of the most fascinating and well-crafted songs of the decade.

Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together”
When people think of classic rock from the 1970s—Led Zeppelin, The Eagles, Pink Floyd—there’s much more to the decade than just rock music. “Let’s Stay Together” by Al Green, released in 1972, is one of the best R&B songs ever, but it doesn’t always get the respect it deserves. The song hit number one on both the Billboard Hot 100 and the R&B charts, yet when people talk about ’70s music, the rock stars of the era often overshadow this soulful masterpiece.

Al Green’s voice is what makes “Let’s Stay Together” so beautiful. It’s smooth, soulful, and undeniably powerful. The rhythm of the song is timeless, and the lyrics about love and commitment really resonate. This track remains one of the most famous and enduring songs of the ’70s, even if it sometimes gets lost in the rock-heavy narratives of the time.

There was a lot of great music in the 1970s. The big names typically get all the attention, but many incredible songs don’t get enough respect. You might not think of “The Joker,” “Let ’Em In,” or “Let’s Stay Together” right away when you think of the decade, but they are some of the most unique and lasting successes from that time. Give these songs a listen the next time you dive into ’70s music—they just might surprise you in the best way.