The year 1975 unfolded like any typical year, yet as it progressed, it became clear that popular music was evolving into a new and exciting direction. By the end of the year, the musical landscape had changed significantly from its beginnings, reflecting a mix of established icons and emerging talents. The Top 40 Songs of 1975 list showcases not just the enduring hits but also highlights the rise of new genres and influences that would shape the music scene throughout the latter part of the decade.
Throughout this vibrant year, artists were eager to explore innovative ways of expressing their creativity. Whether through the incorporation of world music rhythms, the use of synthesizers, or the emergence of entirely new genres like disco, 1975 served as a pivotal link between the decade’s start and its eventual conclusion. The music of this year was rich with experimentation and transformation, setting the stage for future musical revolutions.
40. Electric Light Orchestra, “Evil Woman” (From Face the Music)
As Electric Light Orchestra was finalizing their fifth album, Face the Music, frontman Jeff Lynne faced a crucial moment when he realized there was no standout single. In a moment of inspiration, he crafted “Evil Woman,” seamlessly blending pop, R&B, and art rock into one of the band’s most infectious tracks. Remarkably, Lynne wrote the song in under 30 minutes, and it quickly became a chart-topping success, soaring into the Top 10 in both the U.S. and U.K. This hit not only solidified their place in the music scene but also paved the way for greater commercial triumphs as the decade progressed.
39. Eagles, “Take It to the Limit” (From One of These Nights)
“Take It to the Limit” emerged as a double-edged sword for Eagles cofounder Randy Meisner. Co-written with bandmates Don Henley and Glenn Frey, Meisner took the lead on this track, marking his first significant hit. The song, much like its predecessors from the band’s fourth album, broke into the Top 5. However, the constant demand for him to perform it live eventually wore him down, leading to his decision to leave the band after refusing to sing it on stage anymore.
38. War, “Low Rider” (From Why Can’t We Be Friends?)
<p"Low Rider" stands out as one of the most beloved tracks by Long Beach's Latin pop rock ensemble, War. Since its release in 1975, the song has experienced a resurgence in popularity, finding its way into commercials, movies, and television shows. It perfectly encapsulates the laid-back, cruising culture depicted in its lyrics. With this track, War achieved their sixth Top 10 hit, continuing the mellow vibes established with "Low Rider" through subsequent releases like the 1976 hit "Summer."
37. Lynyrd Skynyrd, “Saturday Night Special” (From Nuthin’ Fancy)
The opening track of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s third album, this song serves as a poignant commentary against gun violence, despite its title’s implications. With lyrics like “Handguns are made for killin’ / They ain’t no good for nothin’ else,” Ronnie Van Zant delivers a powerful message wrapped in the band’s signature Southern rock sound. This track marked a rare chart appearance for the band as they only hit the Top 30 once more before tragedy struck in 1977, claiming the lives of Van Zant and other members.
36. America, “Sister Golden Hair” (From Hearts)
Inspired by the songwriting style of Jackson Browne, America?s Gerry Beckley took a stab at creating a song reminiscent of the Los Angeles sound. The result was “Sister Golden Hair,” which became the band’s second and final No. 1 hit, following their debut with “Horse With No Name.” Produced by the legendary George Martin, this track stands out as one of the few hits he produced outside of his work with The Beatles, showcasing America’s unique blend of soft rock and catchy melodies.
35. Simon and Garfunkel, “My Little Town” (From Still Crazy After All These Years and Breakaway)
After their split in 1970, Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel embarked on solo careers that took them in diverse directions, only reuniting briefly for a political benefit concert in 1972. While crafting his 1975 album Still Crazy After All These Years, Simon composed “My Little Town” with Garfunkel in mind. This heartfelt track served as a new entry in the Simon & Garfunkel discography, and it was simultaneously released on Garfunkel’s second solo project, Breakaway, showcasing their enduring musical connection.
READ MORE: Top 35 Hard Rock Albums of the ’70s
34. The Band, “Acadian Driftwood” (From Northern Lights ? Southern Cross)
Following a successful tour with Bob Dylan in 1974, The Band began working on their sixth studio album, Northern Lights – Southern Cross. This album marked their first collection of original material since 1971?s Cahoots, and the revitalized group delivered some of their most compelling performances of the decade. One standout track, “Acadian Driftwood,” is a nearly seven-minute exploration of the displacement of Acadians in North America penned by Robbie Robertson, showcasing the band’s remarkable storytelling abilities.
33. Bob Dylan, “Idiot Wind” (From Blood on the Tracks)
Bob Dylan faced significant personal and professional challenges when he began working on his 15th album. Fresh off a lengthy tour with The Band, he was grappling with the turmoil of his nine-year marriage to Sara Lownds. The album, Blood on the Tracks, delves into his introspective journey, with “Idiot Wind” serving as a biting critique of a faltering relationship, reflecting the emotional depth and complexity of his songwriting during this turbulent period.
32. Black Sabbath, “Symptom of the Universe” (From Sabotage)
The standout track on Black Sabbath’s album Sabotage emerged from a jam session among the band members while they were crafting their sixth studio effort. This six-and-a-half-minute song has since been recognized as a significant influence on the thrash metal genre that blossomed in the following decade. Ozzy Osbourne, particularly fond of this track, continued to perform it during his solo career after departing from the band at the end of the ’70s, cementing its legacy in rock history.
31. Led Zeppelin, “Ten Years Gone” (From Physical Graffiti)
Originally conceived as an instrumental track featuring an intricate arrangement of over a dozen guitar parts by Jimmy Page, “Ten Years Gone” evolved into a full band effort when Robert Plant infused it with poignant lyrics reflecting on a past relationship. The seven-minute song gained even more depth during live performances, where its subtle power was amplified, making it a cherished favorite among Led Zeppelin fans and band members alike.
30. Bob Dylan, “Hurricane” (From Desire)
Released as a single in November 1975 and later featured on Dylan’s 1976 album Desire, “Hurricane” marked a return to the singer-songwriter’s lengthy narrative style, reminiscent of his earlier works like “The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll.” This eight-and-a-half-minute song tells the compelling story of boxer Rubin “Hurricane” Carter, who was falsely accused of a triple murder in 1966. Dylan’s poetic embellishments highlight the injustices faced by Carter, whose conviction was ultimately overturned in 1985.
29. Jonathan Richman & the Modern Lovers, “Roadrunner” (From The Modern Lovers)
Often confused with various other tracks sharing similar names, Jonathan Richman’s “Roadrunner” was recorded in 1972 but found its place on The Modern Lovers’ debut album in 1976. Drawing inspiration from the Velvet Underground, this catchy tune celebrated the joy of radio and the open road. Its influence reverberated through the music industry, even being quoted in Elvis Costello’s “Radio Radio,” further cementing its status as a classic.
28. Neil Young & Crazy Horse, “Cortez the Killer” (From Zuma)
In “Cortez the Killer,” Neil Young & Crazy Horse crafted an epic narrative that delves into the life of the 16th-century Spanish explorer known for his controversial methods of colonization. This track serves as the centerpiece of the album Zuma, showcasing Young’s signature sound characterized by extended guitar solos that blend structured melodies with improvisational flair. The song has become a long-time favorite among fans, embodying the raw energy and emotion of Young’s artistry.
27. Paul McCartney and Wings, “Listen to What the Man Said” (From Venus and Mars)
By the time Wings released their fourth album, the band had solidified its identity, moving beyond Paul McCartney’s Beatles past. With “Listen to What the Man Said,” the first single from Venus and Mars, Wings embraced the essence of ’70s pop music, and the track quickly ascended to No. 1, signaling the beginning of a new era for McCartney and his band. This song marked a significant milestone in their journey, showcasing their growth and evolution as artists.
26. Ted Nugent, “Stranglehold” (From Ted Nugent)
Ted Nugent transitioned from being the lead guitarist of the Amboy Dukes to a successful solo career with the release of his self-titled album in 1975. The eight-and-a-half-minute track “Stranglehold” features vocals from Derek St. Holmes, but it is Nugent’s electrifying guitar solos that steal the spotlight. This iconic performance has remained timeless over the decades, showcasing Nugent’s impressive skills and leaving a lasting impact on rock music.
25. Foghat, “Slow Ride” (From Fool for the City)
During a jam session for their fifth album, Fool for the City, the band Foghat was testing out their new bass player when bassist Nick Jameson stumbled upon the infectious riff that drives “Slow Ride.” The band quickly crafted a complete song around this spontaneous moment, and the resulting eight-plus-minute track propelled them into the Top 40 for the first time. The album also became their highest-charting release, achieving platinum status in the U.S.
24. David Bowie, “Young Americans” (From Young Americans)
In 1975, David Bowie reinvented himself as a blue-eyed soul artist, moving away from his Ziggy Stardust persona. Partially recorded in Philadelphia to capture the authentic Philly soul sound, the album Young Americans featured contributions from a diverse array of artists, including Luther Vandross in one of his earliest appearances and John Lennon. The title track, infused with Bowie’s unique “plastic soul” style, marks the beginning of a new chapter in his illustrious career.
23. Parliament, “Tear the Roof Off the Sucker (Give Up the Funk)” (From Mothership Connection)
As 1975 began, George Clinton was at the helm of his P-Funk empire, managing both sides of the musical spectrum. With Funkadelic releasing Let’s Take It to the Stage in the spring, Parliament’s Mothership Connection arrived at the end of December. The hit “Tear the Roof Off the Sucker (Give Up the Funk)” reached No. 15 on the charts and solidified Clinton’s reputation as a master of funk music, with its hook becoming a favorite among rap artists who frequently sampled it.
22. Earth, Wind & Fire, “Shining Star” (From That’s the Way of the World)
Six years after forming in Chicago, Earth, Wind & Fire achieved their first No. 1 hit with “Shining Star,” the lead track from their sixth album, That’s the Way of the World. The inspiration for the song struck bandleader Maurice White during a late-night stroll while working on the album. Its infectious groove helped propel That’s the Way of the World to the top of the charts, establishing the band as a dominant force in the music industry, particularly within the realms of funk and soul.
21. Steely Dan, “Black Friday” (From Katy Lied)
Steely Dan’s fourth album, Katy Lied, holds a significant place in the band’s history, marking their first release after deciding to stop touring. This album also introduced Michael McDonald, who would later lead the Doobie Brothers during their most commercially successful period. Katy Lied continued the band’s tradition of blending intellectual lyrics with jazz-rock influences, with “Black Friday” venturing beyond the typical Los Angeles soundscape that characterized much of their earlier work.
READ MORE: Top 40 Rock Albums of 1970
20. Paul McCartney and Wings, “Venus and Mars”/”Rock Show” (From Venus and Mars)
The opening tracks of Wings’ fourth album create a seamless medley that combines an acoustic folk song reflecting on the anticipation before a concert with a powerful arena-rock anthem. This seven-minute experience encapsulates the essence of Paul McCartney in 1975, showcasing a delicate ballad paired with an explosive rock number that highlights the band’s versatility and McCartney’s enduring musical legacy.
19. Roxy Music, “Love Is the Drug” (From Siren)
By 1975, Roxy Music had moved away from their avant-garde art-rock origins, embracing a sound that incorporated elements of dance and soul music. Their fifth album, Siren, became a commercial success, with the track “Love Is the Drug” reaching No. 2 in the U.K. and entering the U.S. Top 30, making it their biggest hit Stateside. This song showcased a supple bass line that caught the attention of disco legend Nile Rodgers, further solidifying Roxy Music’s influence on the evolving music scene.
18. Heart, “Crazy on You” (From Dreamboat Annie)
Heart’s debut U.S. single opens with a captivating acoustic guitar solo from Nancy Wilson, creating an inviting atmosphere. However, it quickly escalates as electric instruments join in, and sister Ann Wilson’s powerful vocals take center stage, delivering a dynamic performance reminiscent of a female counterpart to Robert Plant. “Crazy on You” played a crucial role in establishing Heart’s presence in the male-dominated classic rock landscape, showcasing their unique sound and undeniable talent.
17. Bob Marley and the Wailers, “No Woman, No Cry” (From Live!)
Initially appearing on Bob Marley and the Wailers’ 1974 album Natty Dread, the song “No Woman, No Cry” reached new heights with its live rendition recorded during a historic performance at London’s Lyceum Theatre in 1975. This version has since become the definitive take on the beloved reggae classic, showcasing Marley’s ability to blend emotional depth with infectious rhythms. The seven-minute performance captures the essence of the genre and remains one of Marley’s most cherished songs.
16. ABBA, “S.O.S.” (From ABBA)
Surprisingly, “S.O.S.” was just one of four singles released from ABBA’s album in 1975. However, this song emerged as their defining hit, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries and securing a top 15 position in many others. With its production inspired by Phil Spector’s Wall of Sound and a melody reminiscent of Brian Wilson’s 1960s work, “S.O.S.” solidified ABBA’s status as pop music icons, marking their place in music history.
15. Fleetwood Mac, “Rhiannon” (From Fleetwood Mac)
By 1975, Fleetwood Mac was in dire need of a revitalization, navigating a turbulent lineup and a creative slump. The arrival of Americans Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks proved transformative, as they breathed new life into the band. Their tenth album, Fleetwood Mac, skyrocketed to No. 1, propelled by tracks like “Rhiannon,” which Nicks penned about an “old Welsh witch.” This song signaled the dawn of a new superstar era for the band, paving the way for remarkable success in the years to come.
14. Bruce Springsteen, “Thunder Road” (From Born to Run)
The opening track of “Thunder Road” invites listeners into the captivating world of Bruce Springsteen’s iconic album, Born to Run. Crafted as a series of short stories revolving around a central character, the album marked Springsteen’s ascent to stardom. The first song, “Thunder Road,” not only introduces the record’s protagonist but also establishes a musical foundation that resonates throughout the album. It’s widely regarded as one of the most memorable album openers in music history, serving as both a prologue and a declaration of intent.
13. ZZ Top, “Tush” (From Fandango!)
ZZ Top’s fourth album, released as a mix of live and studio recordings, showcased the band’s growth two years after their breakthrough with Tres Hombres. The first half serves as a concert keepsake, while the second half features six fresh tracks recorded in early 1975. Among these, the closing song “Tush” stands out as a classic 12-bar blues number sung by bassist Dusty Hill, and it marked ZZ Top’s first appearance in the Top 20, establishing their presence in mainstream rock.
12. AC/DC, “It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock ‘n’ Roll)” (From T.N.T.)
“It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock ‘n’ Roll)” became the perfect opener for AC/DC’s second Australian album, T.N.T., and their first international release, High Voltage, in 1976. Featuring the iconic bagpipes played by Bon Scott, this track captured the essence of the band’s early sound and the struggles of rock stardom. Although it was retired from the band’s live set after Scott’s passing in 1980, the song remains an essential piece of AC/DC’s history.
11. Fleetwood Mac, “Landslide” (From Fleetwood Mac)
Written by a then 26-year-old Stevie Nicks, “Landslide” is a poignant ballad that reflects on the passage of time and the challenges of growing older. Caught between her aspirations of pursuing a music career and considering a return to school, Nicks felt the weight of life’s choices pressing upon her. The release of Fleetwood Mac, her first album with the established band, marked a turning point, leading to worldwide success and solidifying her place in music history.
10. Aerosmith, “Walk This Way” (From Toys in the Attic)
The second single from Aerosmith’s breakthrough album Toys in the Attic (following the hit “Sweet Emotion”), “Walk This Way” has become the band’s signature song. Its memorable riff, coupled with Steven Tyler’s charismatic vocals, has allowed the track to transcend its mid-’70s classic rock origins. A notable cover by Run-D.M.C. in 1986, featuring Tyler and guitarist Joe Perry, revitalized Aerosmith’s career, demonstrating the song’s enduring appeal across generations.
READ MORE: Top 50 Hard Rock Songs of the ’70s
9. Eagles, “One of These Nights” (From One of These Nights)
George McCrae’s 1974 hit “Rock Your Baby,” with its pioneering drum machine rhythm, significantly influenced the music landscape of 1975. This elegant disco beat is evident in the Eagles’ No. 1
