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 |
