10 Greatest Rock Songs Of The 70's

Now this may be a controversial list, but I've been completely honest with it. So , here are the 10 greatest rock songs of the 70's that every rock fanatic should have heard. These songs are ranked on the basis of their originality, skills and creativity and not on the basis of their popularity. During the 70's there was indeed a huge competition and sorting out 10 songs out of thousands, was quite a herculean task. Here goes:

10. Love Reign O'er Me-

One of the finest compostions ever done by the Who. Most of the people would not agree with me and would instead want 'Don't get cooled away' over here, but this song's composition is unchallengeable and obviously the quality of Roger Daltray's vocals' is outstanding in this one. Daltray's vocals have changed this song into a power-packed masterpiece and why not, its the best rock vocal performance song till date. Keeping the vocals part aside, the intro of this song is also unique. All of the instruments had been used at their best. A fabulous song all together!

9. Highway Star-

During the 70's era, Deep purple rocked the charts but it was 'smoke on the water' which made them heavily famous because of its riff and the song was related to an incident that happened with Frank Zappa. But I consider 'Highway star' as one of the most skillful songs of the 70's. The skillful keyboard solo by John Lord, an exceptional guitar solo by Blackmore and a tight vocal performance by Gillan. This song proves to be a great hard rock piece and very few hard rock bands are there having such exceptional keyboard solos.

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8. We will rock you/We are the champions -

The anthem of the 70's and till date. They definitely rocked it in every concert and in every song. And this song has definitely rocked the 70's. Not only the 70's, even now, everybody sings this song and its the most common and amazing Rock Anthem ever.

7. Dream on-

I would say this is the best song of Aerosmith. They rocked the 80's and gave huge hits but I dont think any of their hits can be compared to 'dream on'. One of the finest lyrical, vocal and instrumental piece ever. A different song that emerged during the 70's with a great message; that's why I ranked it 7th in this list of the greatest rock songs of the 70's.

6. La Villa Strangiato-

5. Free bird -

One of the longest guitar solos in rock history. The song goes on and on and on, so fast that I feel they shouldn't stop! Boundless energy and enthusiasm fills the song completely. I 've heard many long guitar solos in many other songs, which start sounding monotonous after a while, but 'Free Bird' is sheer magic. It makes me go crazy everytime I listen to it.

4. Hotel California-

Now this is one song that every guitar player dreams to cover. Well yes, the acoustic version of this song outplayed its original studio recording. A wonderful intro and an amazing guitar solo! The guitar plucking in this song throughout is also commendable. The bass is also worth a mention. It deserves to be at No.4 for being a "Complete Composition" in terms of the instruments which are actually ahead of the vocals.

3. Bohemian Rhapsody-

How about this question : Is there any band out there that can create a song like Bohemian Rhapsody? For me, it is the most unique song in the history of rock. I'm probably at a loss of words on this one. An excellent masterpiece of of Freddie's wonderful vocals. Creativity, uniqueness and originality: this song has got everything. The Guitar Solos and the synthesizer are also very touching. What more can I say. Freddie rules !

2. Comfortably Numb-

A Wonderful Composition altogether and you can feel some kind of magic as the song progresses . While listening to Gilmour's solos, I just travel into a different world. I can feel the pain, the joy and the agony while listening to his solos. This is undoubtedly his best guitar solo. So are the vocals so mesmerizing.

1. Stairway To Heaven-

Now this one certainly needs no description. Simply the best!

Special Mentions :-

Born To Run-Bruce Springsteen, Brown Sugar- Rolling Stones ( I Really Wanted to include these two, but then, I also found it hard to remove any of the above songs in the list! ), Black Magic Woman-Santana, Fleetwood Mac- Go Your Own Way and Lots More.

*** Solo Players Like Eric Clapton and the likes have not been included in this list.

Rush- The greatest trio band ever

Formed in 1968 this Canadian band is composed of Geddy lee( vocals, bass and keyboards), Alex Lifeson( guitars) and Neil Peart (drums).This band is higly notable for their instrumental skills and has been considered as one of the most influential bands of the 80's. Their songs contained social and environmental concerns.

This band's main genre is Hard rock and progressive rock. Some of their songs were also considered as metal.

This band influenced bands like Metallica, Dream Theater and Symphony X. Some of their greatest hits are 2112, La Villa Strangiato, Anthem, Xanadu, Spirit Of Radio, Limelight, YYZ etc.


Geddy Lee's bass works are higly acclaimed. Some of Rush's songs where he had shown his Bass skills are YYZ, La Villa Strangiato, Anthem, Cygnus X1, Freewill, Xanadu, Animate, The big money, Distant Early Warning, Limelight........ the list in'st ending. Geddy Lee is ranked 7th in the list of world's greatest bassists. Apart from his bass works he served the band with his high pitched vocals which was once compared with the vocals of Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin. His low notes were not so strong but he was able to sing at a damn high pitch. He was also recognized for his creative synthesising works.


Coming to Alex Lifeson, his guitar riffs and solo's are quite impressive and skillful. His live performances are unforgettable. Some of his greatest works includes songs like La Villa Strangiato, Working Man, Freewill, YYZ, 2112 etc. His guitar pieces are awesome but yes not comparable to the solo's of Zeppelin's and Purple's. He is ranked 38 in the list of greatest rock guitarists. Its a hard task to cover the solo's of Lifeson.


Finally the drummer of Rush, Neil Peart. Nothing to say about this man. Ranked 1st in the category of greatest rock drummers followed by John Bonham of Led Zepp and 8th in 100 most skilled drummers. His contribution to the songs of Rush makes every song a hardcore package. Some of the songs that every rock drummer should listen of Rush are La Villa Strangiato, By-Tor And The Snow Dog, 2112 and Anthem. Just try to play these songs and your drumming will be improved to a great extent.


These musicians had served us some excellent songs during their period(70's and 80's). Must listen the tracks mentioned above and then you will know why I consider this band as the best trio band. Though the band has been ranked 97 in the list of greatest rock bands but as a trio band no one can challenge them. Their songs include everything, perfect solo's, outstanding bass, exceptionally skillful drumming and sensible and logical lyrics.


Hats off to you guys!!!!

Unleash The Guitar God Within You-- Part -1

'A Good Guitarist Is Not The One Who Can Play 50 notes in 1 second ..... A Good Guitarist Is That Who Can Play just 5 notes That Sound Magical......'

- BeaRockr.in

Well well ...... Finally All Secrets Are Going To Be Unveiled ..... Read On If You Are A Guitar Player And Dont just know What it The thing not in you as it is in Eric clapton or slash or jimi hendrix and all your Rock Gods ....



Hmm .... To Start With ...... As I Have Experienced .... A Guitar Player Doesnt Need To Have Any Kind Of Degrees In Paper ..... Or Any Advanced Formal Training ....... Your Solos Must Come From Within and reflect what your feelings are ...... They Must Talk To The World And Express Your Emotions ....... Now Of course - Expressing emotions cant be taught , Right!! .....

Two Most Important Pre-Requisits To Be a True Guitar Player :

1) Be Unique , Be Different, Be Innovative
2) Play Your Emotions On The Guitar .... Play From Your Heart ...

Mr. Steve vai ....... the great "Talking guitarist " , as I call him ....... Has Done Some Wonderful Techniques with his tremolo And So To Say ..... I Respect Him For Being Unique .... Yes ...... You Have To Be Different ...... Steve Vai Too Hasnt Done Much Of Any Guitar Training ( except that he has a degree in tremolo picking ) ....


Another Example Would Be Of Slash ( former GnR Guitarist)
He Started Playing On a 1-String Guitar That his aunt Bought Him .... And Now You All Can Imagine How Hard He Must Have Practiced To Be What He Is Now .....



A Guitar Player Doesnt Need To Play All Those Fast Metal Solos And Sweep Picking And All That Stuff ....... Well I Have Never Seen Eric Clapton Play Some Whacky Fast Solos ....... He Is Undoubtedly a Legend with awsome hits like "layla" and "Tears in heaven"..... his Riffs And Solos Are So Touching And Thats What Makes The Difference ....










But Most Important Is To Be Unique ....... Think Different .... And Play Big .......
Jimi Hendrix ..... The All Time Greatest Guitarist In Rock History ....... Actually To Say .... Even Steve Vai Could Match His Techniques Easily And Do A Better Solo Than Him ........ But Guys guys ...... No One Could Match The Originality Of Hendrix .... He Invented His Own Great Riffs And Solos ...... And Was The First One To Revolutionise Guitaring ...... Expressive Guitaring ( so to say)






I'll Write More Of Some Tips But You May Just Go Through Some Of The Above As For Now .......

For Any Queries ...... Your Comments Are Always Respected .....

So ...... Just Unleash The Guitar God Within You !!!

Part -2 Coming SOON!!