1974 Music – The 100 Most Popular Songs

1974 Popular Song Chart

1. Sweet Home Alabama – Lynyrd Skynrd
From their second album, ironically titled, Second Helping, this Southern rock band made history with this milestone song. Bassist/Guitarist for the band, Ed King, said the notes for the song came to him in a dream, which he introduced to the band the next day. Sweet Home Alabama was also written as a response to Neil Young’s Southern Man and Alabama, which addresses racism. References to the song can be found in movies, ad campaigns, and even license plates.
We’re dealing with Oldfield here. It’s fair to say the man who brought a record label (Virgin Records) to life and a new age of music to the listener set the bar pretty high. “Tubular Bells” included 20 different instruments, which he all played, layered over each other for the ultimate recording. The original song, from The Exorcist, also includes 3 sequels that have been recorded over time.
2. Tubular Bells – Mike Oldfield
As epic as the song is, the chain of events that led up to creation is equally significant. Originally inspired by a recording technician, Randy Bachman’s song was shut down for fear of the Beatle’s suing BTO for a similar guitar riff. At a live show, the lead singer’s voice gave out, forcing Randy to take over and premiere “Takin Care of Business”, a catchphrase he heard over the radio earlier that same day.
3. Takin Care Of Business – Bachman Turner Overdrive (BTO)
Guitarist Mark Farner unintentionally provoked The Loco-Motion when he was caught whistling the tune in the studio. This song particular is done in numerous renditions and by many different performers, including Kylie Minogue, Sylvie Vartan, Carole King, and La Toya Jackson. Little Eva made The Loco-Motion a number 1 hit in 1962. It has reached the Top 10 singles charts 20 in different countries.
4. The Loco-motion – Grand Funk
Dubbed Billy’s “signature song”, this story shares his personal battle with failure and “hiding” away from his first album disappointment. As a piano-lounge singer reflects on different characters he met at the Executive Lounge in LA, where he worked under the name Bill Martin.
5. Piano Man – Billy Joel
6. Can’t Get Enough Of Your Love Babe – Barry White
7. Hooked On A Feeling – Blue Sude (late 1990’s “the dancing baby song”)
8. The Way We Were – Barbara Streisand
9. Kung Fu Fighting – Carl Douglas
10. Jungle Boogie – Kool and the Gang
11. For The Love Of Money – O Jays
12. Tell Me Something Good – Rufus
13. Come Monday – Jimmy Buffet
14. Love Is The Message – MFSB/Three Degrees
15. Come and Get Your Love – Redbone
16. Mockingbird – James Taylor and Carly Simon
17. Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing – Stevie Wonder
18. When Will I See You Again – The Three Degrees
19. Seasons In The Sun – Terry Jacks
20. Dancing Machine – Jackson Five
21. Wishing You Were Here – Chicago
22. Sunshine On My Shoulder – John Denver
23. Waterloo – Abba
24. TSOP (The Sound of Philadelphia) – MFSB
25. Hollywood Swinging – Kool and the Gang
26. Bennie and the Jets – Elton John
27. Beach Baby – First Class
28. Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me – Elton John
29. Jazzman – Carole King
30. I Shot The Sheriff – Eric Clapton
31. Living For The City – Stevie Wonder
32. The Air That I Breathe – The Hollies
33. The Joker – Steve Miller Band
34. You’re Sixteen – Ringo Starr
35. It’s Only Rock and Roll – Rolling Stones
36. (You’re) Having My Baby – Paul Anka with Odia Oates
37. Radar Love – Golden Earring
38. I’ll Have To Say I Love You In A Song – Jim Croce
39. Let It Ride – Bachman Turner Overdrive (BTO)
40. I Won’t Last A Day Without You – The Carpenters
41. Smokin In The Boys Room – Brownsville Station
42. The Payback – James Brown
43. Midnight Rider – Greg Allman
44. Rebel Rebel – David Bowie
45. Living in the USA – Steve Miller Band
46. Annie’s Song – John Denver
47. Another Saturday Night – Cat Stevens
48. Midnight At The Oasis – Maria Muldaur
49. You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet – Bachman-Turner Overdrive
50. Oh Very Young – Cat Stevens 51. Free Man In Paris – Joni Mitchell
52. You And Me Against the World – Helen Reddy
53. Rock And Roll, Hoochie Koo – Rick Derringer
54. Whatever Gets You Through The Night – John Lennon
55. Doo Doo Doo Doo Doo (Heartbreaker) – Roling Stones
56. Billy Don’t Be A Hero – Bo Donaldson and the Heywoods
57. I’ve Got The Music In Me – Kiki Dee
58. Then Came You – Dionne Warwick and the Spinners
59. The Bitch Is Back – Elton John
60. Cat’s In The Cradle – Harry Chapin
61. Ain’t Too Proud To Beg – Rolling Stones
62. La Grange – ZZ Top
63. One Hell Of A Woman – Mac Davis
64. Showdown – Electric Light Orchestra
65. Jessica – Allman Brothers Band
66. My Melody Of Love – Bobby Vinton
67. Travelin’ Prayer – Billy Joel
68. Already Gone – Eagles
69. Don’t Eat The Yellow Snow – Frank Zappa
70. What Is Hip? – Tower Of Power
71. James Dean – The Eagles
72. The Real Me – The Who
73. Rikki Don’t Lose That Number – Steely Dan
74. Clap For The Wolfman – Guess Who
75. Workin’ At The Car Wash Blues – Jim Croce
76. Rock The Boat – the Hues Corporation
77. You Make Me Feel Brand New – Stylistics
78. Love’s Theme – Love Unlimited Orchestra
79. Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me – Gladys Knight and the Pips
80. Can’t Get Enough – Bad Company
81. Life Is A Rock (But The Radio Rolled Me) – Reunion
82. Rock On – David Essex
83. The Night Chicago Died – Paper Lace
84. Do It (Til You’re Satisfied) – B.T. Express
85. Band O The Run – Paul McCartney and Wings
86. American Tune – Paul Simon
87. Tin Man – America
88. Haven’t Got Time For The pain – Carly Simon
89. I Honestly Love You – Olivia Newton-Jon
90. Sure As I’m Sittin’ Here – Three Dog Night
91. Eres Tu (Touch The Wind) – Mocedades
92. The Americans (A Canadian’s Opinion) – Gordon Sinclaire
93. Painted Ladies – Ian Thomas
94. WOLD – Harry Chapin
95. Chameleon – Herbie Hancock
96. In The Mood – Bette Midler
97. Jolene – Dolly Parton
98. Pretzel Logic – Steely Dan
99. Kissin’ Time – Kiss
100. Bad, Bad Leroy Brown – Frank Sinatra