70s Rock Songs: Feel Young Again | Timeless Classics

Teh Enduring Power of 1970s Rock: Songs that Still Feel Young

Classic hits from the 1970s possess a unique ability to transport listeners back to their youth, evoking feelings of freedom adn simpler times. It’s a common sentiment – manny believe the music of their formative years represents a peak in artistic expression. While musical quality is subjective and ever-evolving, these songs endure, offering a potent dose of nostalgia and a reminder of experiences past, frequently enough intertwined with a sense of loss.

One powerful way to reconnect with those feelings is thru the timeless rock anthems of the 1970s, capable of making listeners feel young again.

Reliving Rebellion with Deep Purple’s “Smoke On The Water”

For those who came of age in a specific era, “Smoke On The Water” by Deep Purple serves as a potent reminder of high school days – perhaps illicit gatherings with friends. The song also resonates with younger generations as a rite of passage for aspiring guitarists, often being one of the first songs attempted. Interestingly, the song’s inspiration stems from a real-life event: a fire that destroyed a casino complex, a stark contrast to the youthful energy it embodies.

Did you know? – The montreux Casino fire that inspired “smoke on the Water” occurred during a Frank Zappa and The Mothers of Invention concert on December 4, 1971. A flare gun fired by an audience member ignited curtains, leading to the casino’s destruction.

Finding Hope in The Who’s “Baba O’Riley”

Often mistakenly referred to as “Teenage Wasteland” – its most recognizable lyric – “Baba O’Riley” by The Who is a complex and layered composition. Pete Townshend drew inspiration from Indian spiritual leader Meher Baba and the minimalist work of Terry Riley to create this iconic track. The song captures a sense of rebellion and communal spirit, ultimately offering a glimmer of hope amidst the anxieties of adolescence.

Pro tip – “Baba O’Riley” utilizes a synthesizer to create its distinctive opening riff, a pioneering use of the instrument in rock music at the time. Townshend initially intended the song to be part of a larger rock opera project, Lifehouse.

The Anxieties of Adulthood in Alice Cooper’s “I’m Eighteen”

Turning eighteen is a pivotal moment, marking the transition to legal adulthood while still clinging to the vestiges of teenage life. The expectation to have everything figured out – career, education, future – can be overwhelming.“I’m eighteen” by Alice Cooper perfectly encapsulates this feeling of uncertainty, with Cooper himself famously declaring he’s “got a baby’s brain an

Reader question – What song from the 1970s best represents your coming-of-age experience, and why does it hold such significance for you? Share your thoughts!

The Ramones’ “I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend” embodies the reactionary spirit of punk rock, a genre often defined by its rejection of mainstream norms. The song’s appeal lies in its simplicity and directness, expressing affection with the melodic sensibilities of 1960s girl groups like The Shangri-Las. Actually, The Shangri-Las themselves were considered rebellious for their time, with their 1964 hit “Leader Of The Pack” causing a stir.

Photo by Roy Cummings