Category: 1970s

Philly Soul foreshadows Disco, one-hit wonders and random comebacks abound, and streaking spawns the biggest Novelty hit since the ’50s in a year with 36 #1’s. Learn more on Chartcrush 1974!

Somber hymns rule in a turbulent year, the last Beatles hits chart, The Jackson 5, Partridge Family and Carpenters debut and Kent State fuels big protest hits. Learn more on Chartcrush 1970!

Disco peaks, then collapses after Rock fans riot in Chicago, New Wave breaks out with “My Sharona” and Pop is a mostly Disco-free grab bag heading into the 80s. Learn more on Chartcrush 1979!

The Beatles have split and Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin are dead, but Singer-Songwriters soothe frayed nerves as militant activism and protest go mainstream. Learn more on Chartcrush 1971!

Elton John can do no wrong but big chart acts move in bold directions and Disco dancing emerges as a preferred escape from economic hardship and ’70s “malaise.” Learn more on Chartcrush 1975!

The Red/Blue political divide arrives and the tension manifests in Glam Rock, nostalgia and escapism. Black artists rule the top ten in the lead-up to Wattstax. Learn more on Chartcrush 1972!

Peak Disco with The Bee Gees and Andy Gibb dominating, two blockbuster movie soundtracks, Lionel Richie’s first #1 Pop-Soul-AC crossover hit and Yacht Rock! Learn more on Chartcrush 1978!

Disco crests with Disco novelty hits and Pop veterans jumping on the bandwagon, while Soft Rockers and Balladeers continue charting massive chart hits. Learn more on Chartcrush 1976!

Things are unraveling but music is a sanctuary, in the car on 8-tracks or at home on headphones, as Rock and Soul expand horizons on albums like never before. Learn more on Chartcrush 1973!