Diamond Decades – Top 10 Songs of the ‘70s

From vibrant colours, statement hairstyles and bell-bottomed pants, to hippies, the flower power movement and glam rock – the 1970s were nothing but loud! That goes for their music too. This decade was a pinnacle point in the music industry as it embraced a multitude of genres as well as their explosive wardrobes, which includes the sparkle of disco, dazzle of rock, and daringness of punk rock.

To honour this iconic period in celebration of Mecca Bingo’s Diamond Decades, we look at the top 10 songs that defined these ground-breaking years.

Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen

Does this song even need an introduction or reason for being on this list? It doesn’t, but we’ll give you some background on this classic number anyway. This “mock opera” was released on 31 October 1975 with initial scepticism but ended up being the only 6-minute song to sell a million copies within 3 months of its release and spending nine weeks at number 1 on the UK music charts in 1976.

American Pie by Don McLean

We’re crossing the pond with this hit, which for those wondering has no relation to that scandalous American teen movie. This 8-minute number was written by McLean after learning about the plane crash that killed music legends Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J. P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson, and is officially the longest song to reach the top of the Billboard Hot 100.

Dancing Queen by ABBA

What would the ‘70s be without Swedish pop group ABBA. ‘Dancing Queen’ was the first of their songs to top the music charts in both the UK and US. Along with many other ABBA hits, this lively number is one of the featured songs in the Mamma Mia musical (and those Meryl Streep movies).

Staying Alive by the Bee Gees

From their famous high-pitched singing to their fabulous tight pants, the trio of brothers from the Bee Gees were legends in the disco era. ‘Staying Alive’ was one of the group’s songs that truly captured the disco phenomenon in all its glory, and it was a feature on the ‘Saturday Night’ film’s soundtrack.

Another fun fact about this ‘70s hit is that it’s now used to train medical professionals, as the song provides the right number of beats per minute to match the number of chest compressions needed per minute while performing CPR.

Rhinestone Cowboy by Glen Campbell

Much like how we imagine attaching rhinestones to fabric might get glue all over, this glittering number was everywhere in the summer of 1975. The song’s origin lies in the tradition of adding rhinestones to American country-style clothing, especially for country singers who wanted to shine on stage. 

Campbell’s signature ‘70s hit was also the inspiration behind the film ‘Rhinestone’, starring Dolly Parton and Justin Bieber.

No Woman No Cry by Bob Marley & The Wailers

This was the song that arguably launched reggae music onto the international stage. It was Marley’s first hit and was recorded in London in 1975, which makes us believe that our country is home to some of greatest hits ever made. 

God Save the Queen by the Sex Pistols

Full of controversy with regards to the famous British Monarchy and subsequent politics, this massive hit from the Pistols became the anthem for the punk movement in England. It even outsold the no.1 song at the time, Rod Stewart’s ‘I Don’t Want To Talk About It’, but it mysteriously stayed at no.2 in the UK.

Despite the discord surrounding it, this song is one of the greatest punk singles of all time.

Killing Me Softly by Roberta Flack

Known for her powerful singing voice, Flack truly had her vocal talents on full display with this mega hit of 1973. Not only was this number a chart topper, but it also took home several Grammys in 1974 for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Female Pop Vocal.

Don’t Go Breaking My Heart by Elton John and Kiki Dee

Before being a karaoke staple for couples and friends, this cheerful duet reached no.1 on the UK Singles Chart, the first single of Elton John’s to do so. It spent six weeks at the top and a total of 14 weeks on the chart.

This song is truly iconic, and one that everybody can’t help but sing along to…we couldn’t even if we tried.  

Best of My Love by The Emotions

From high notes to the groovy rhythm and beat made popular by disco music, this upbeat number by the all-female group was a major hit in the ‘70s – reaching no.1 in the US and staying on the top of the chart for 5 weeks. This song also won the 1977 Grammy Award for Best Rhythm & Blues Vocal Performance by a Group.

Ready to listen to these sweet sounds of the seventies and celebrate this chameleonic period with Mecca Bingo’s Diamond Decades? Join us on our wide variety of online slots and games and in our entertaining bingo rooms for some fun and festivities!

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