Top 10 Alternative Songs From the 1970s
The 1970s weren’t just about disco, dance, and classic rock. A burgeoning movement simmered underground, pushing boundaries and challenging musical norms. These songs, though not considered “alternative” at the time, laid the groundwork for the genre we know today.
Get ready for a playlist of alternative songs from the 1970s that defied categorization, embraced social commentary, and cranked the volume on raw energy.
1. Heroes by David Bowie (1977)
David Bowie’s “Heroes” isn’t just a song, it’s an experience! Born from the divided city of Berlin during the Cold War, the music itself reflects the tension of the era.
Innovative soundscapes and driving drums create a sense of unease, but Bowie’s soaring vocals rise above it all. There’s a yearning, a desperate hopefulness that cuts through the tension.
“Heroes” transcends its specific time and place. It becomes a universal anthem, a call to find connection and overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges, even in a world filled with division.
2. Psycho Killer by Talking Heads (1977)
Talking Heads’ “Psycho Killer” is a dancefloor paradox. The music itself pulsates with a driving beat and quirky, almost playful, guitar lines that create a hypnotic groove.
David Byrne’s distinct vocals float effortlessly on top, but their message is unsettling. The lyrics themselves remain cryptic, hinting at dark ideas and a sinister undercurrent.
This tension between catchy music and unsettling lyrics is what makes “Psycho Killer” so captivating. It’s a song that invites you to dance while simultaneously leaving you with a sense of unease, a feeling that something isn’t quite right beneath the surface.
This juxtaposition is a hallmark of Talking Heads’ work, making them a true innovator in the alternative scene.
3. London Calling by The Clash (1979)
A genre-bending clash (pun intended) of punk, rockabilly, and reggae, this song explodes with raw energy, mirroring the social and political discontent of the era.
Joe Strummer’s vocals are a rallying cry, spitting out lyrics that confront issues of unemployment, nuclear threats, and a crumbling social order.
“London Calling” isn’t afraid to challenge the status quo. It’s more than a song about London, it’s a universal anthem for anyone feeling disillusioned with authority and yearning for change.
4. I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend by The Ramones (1976)
The Ramones’ “I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend” is a declaration of devotion delivered with punk rock fury. Forget ballads and serenades, this song is a blunt and energetic statement of desire.
The music itself is a sonic assault – short, sharp bursts of power chords propel the song forward at breakneck speed. Vocals are delivered in a shouted, almost aggressive, manner, mirroring the raw energy of the music.
“I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend” strips away all the frills of traditional rock love songs. It’s a testament to the power of simplicity and honesty, showcasing the core elements of punk rock – unpolished aggression and a desire to challenge musical norms.
5. Walk on the Wild Side by Lou Reed (1972)
Lou Reed’s “Walk on the Wild Side” isn’t your typical sightseeing tour. It delves into the underbelly of New York City’s underground scene, introducing us to a cast of characters living on the fringes of society.
The song doesn’t shy away from difficult topics – gender identity, sex work, and drug use are all explored through these characters’ stories. The music reflects this world, with a driving beat and a sense of urgency that pulls you along on the journey.
“Walk on the Wild Side” may not be comfortable to listen to, but it’s a powerful and unflinching portrait of a hidden world, one that challenges societal norms and forces us to confront realities often ignored.
6. Venus by Television (1977)
Television’s “Venus” throbs with a primal energy that’s both dangerous and seductive. The song’s foundation is a hypnotic, almost hypnotic, groove laid down by the bass and drums.
Richard Hell’s vocals are a snarling counterpoint, dripping with a dangerous cool that perfectly captures the song’s edgy atmosphere.
While the music is undeniably catchy, the lyrics themselves remain veiled, hinting at dark desires and a rebellion against societal expectations.
“Venus” is a proto-punk masterpiece, a perfect example of the genre’s ability to blend raw energy with a sense of danger and intrigue.
7. Wuthering Heights by Kate Bush (1978)
Kate Bush’s “Wuthering Heights” weaves a haunting tapestry of gothic romance and theatricality. The music itself is a dramatic soundscape, building tension and atmosphere with layers of synthesizers, piano, and wind instruments.
Bush’s vocals soar above the music, embodying the emotional turmoil of the story. The lyrics are inspired by Emily Brontë’s novel of the same name, drawing on themes of love, loss, and the supernatural.
“Wuthering Heights” transcends pop music, becoming a theatrical experience that transports the listener to the moors and the brooding passion of the novel. This innovative approach helped solidify Kate Bush’s reputation as a musical and artistic visionary.
8. Boys Don’t Cry by The Cure (1979)
The Cure’s “Boys Don’t Cry” isn’t your typical teenage lament. This song delves into a world of isolation and despair, painting a picture of emotional vulnerability rarely seen in mainstream music.
The music is a slow, brooding soundscape dominated by echoing guitars and a pulsating bassline. Robert Smith’s vocals are a mournful whisper, conveying a deep sense of loneliness and longing. The lyrics explore themes of alienation, depression, and a yearning for connection.
“Boys Don’t Cry” is a powerful anthem for anyone who has ever felt like an outsider, a song that offers a voice to a generation grappling with feelings of angst and despair. It’s a defining moment of early post-punk, establishing The Cure as pioneers of a genre that explored the darker side of human emotions.
9. Anarchy in the U.K. by Sex Pistols (1976)
The Sex Pistols’ “Anarchy in the U.K.” is a sonic explosion of rebellion and social critique. The song’s raw energy is undeniable, with a breakneck tempo driven by pounding drums and distorted guitars.
The lyrics are a scathing indictment of British society, highlighting issues of unemployment, boredom, and a lack of opportunity.
“Anarchy in the U.K.” may not offer solutions, but it serves as a powerful anthem of frustration and a call to challenge the status quo.
This confrontational approach made the Sex Pistols one of the defining bands of punk rock, forever changing the landscape of music.
10. I Fought the Law by The Clash (1979)
The Clash’s “I Fought the Law” injects a dose of rebellion into a classic rock and roll story.
This cover of a 1960s song by the Bobby Fuller Four takes the original’s playful defiance and injects it with The Clash’s signature punk energy. The music is faster and more aggressive, driven by a pounding rhythm section and slashing guitars.
Joe Strummer’s vocals rasp with frustration as he tells the tale of a young man caught by the law. The lyrics, though similar to the original, take on a new meaning within The Clash’s context, highlighting themes of power struggles and a sense of youthful alienation.
“I Fought the Law” isn’t just a cover, it’s a reimagining, a testament to The Clash’s ability to infuse classic ideas with their own brand of raw energy and social commentary.