Rock music had a solid decade in the 1970s. And the year 1976 was a particularly fruitful year for the genre of classic rock. So much amazing music came out that year. Many of those songs are still in heavy rotation on the radio today. Some musicians just really know how to put out well-aged songs. Let’s look at just a few examples that you could probably find playing at this very moment on any classic rock radio station!
“Hotel California” by Eagles
This famous tune was technically released in 1977, shortly before the debut of the album of the same name in February of 1977. However, the song itself was recorded in 1976, so I’ll go ahead and include it on this list. This is by far Eagles’ most famous tune, and it’s one that has stood the test of time. In fact, I’d be bold enough to say that “Hotel California” is the most famous classic rock tune of the 1970s.
“Go Your Own Way” by Fleetwood Mac
Ahead of the release of Fleetwood Mac’s most iconic album, the 1977 rock classic Rumours, the band released a number of singles. “Go Your Own Way” was the first single released in anticipation of the groundbreaking classic rock album, and it first hit the airwaves in December of 1976. Plus, this tune featured “Silver Springs” as the B-side on vinyl. Both of these tunes are, in my opinion, some of the band’s finest songs of their career.
“More Than A Feeling” by Boston
Nothing says “classic rock” quite like the sing-along-friendly hard rock jam “More Than A Feeling” by Boston. This crazy-good tune was released in 1976. It became a huge hit for the band, as it peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Nothing sums up the Boston vibe quite like this tune; it’s got an addictive melody, and the lyrics explore the value of music as a tool for human connection.
“Rock’n Me” by Steve Miller Band
This classic rock song from 1976 first hit the airwaves in August of that year, and it has gone on to be one of Steve Miller Band’s most well-aged tunes. This song was actually composed with the intention of it being a heavy-hitter for live festival performances. It’s far from just arena music fodder, though. This song is a staple on classic rock radio stations, even today.
Photo by CBS via Getty Images