5 singer-songwriter classics that helped define the 1970s

In 1992, Loudon Wainwright penned a song as a tribute for Bob Dylan’s 50th birthday. Known as “Talking New Bob Dylan,” it mirrored Dylan’s signature talking blues style to encapsulate a specific time in the music world – the early ’70s.

Indeed, we’ve all found success, similar to John Prine – Steve Forbert and Springsteen. In essence, they were seeking someone like you, enlisting others. In our own way, we were the new Bob Dylans, your less intelligent siblings.

During the late 60s up to the early 70s, we witnessed the rise of the singer-songwriter movement. Artists such as Joni Mitchell and Neil Young, Nick Drake and Graham Parsons, John Hartford and Dolly Parton all secured their first major label solo contracts roughly during this period.

These singer-songwriter classics defined the 1970s

Instead of selecting tunes from numerous artists, I could’ve picked many more to reflect the distinctive sound of the initial years of the decade, as sung by an array of gifted musicians and their acoustic instruments. However, I opted for these particular ones.

“American Pie” by Don McLean (1971)

In consideration for my playlist from the ’70s, I found myself drawn to Neil Young’s masterpiece “After the Gold Rush”. Young was more akin to Dylan than Don McLean, and his composition embodied a powerful environmental message that was beginning to resonate in popular music.

However, “After the Gold Rush” didn’t achieve widespread fame, whereas “American Pie” did. It was a grand and expansive piece of history and nostalgia that played a significant role in creating a unique reverence for early rock and roll that has persisted to this day. McLean has been secretive about the interpretations behind some of his lyrics. Yet, it was clear that “Satan laughing with delight” referred to Jagger.

“Me and Bobby McGree” by Janis Joplin (1971)

As a music enthusiast, I find myself drawn to an intriguing interpretation of the term “singer-songwriter.” While it might seem unusual because the singer in this case didn’t perform the song herself, I can’t help but feel that this could be the epitome of a singer-songwriter piece. Kris had a knack for singing, albeit not exceptionally, and Janis excelled at songwriting, surpassing Kris’ singing abilities.

This rendition strikes a perfect balance, combining the talents of one of the most renowned songwriters from that period with one of the greatest voices in rock ‘n’ roll history.

Unaware to her friend and romantic partner, Kristofferson, Joplin secretly recorded the piece a few days before her passing in late 1970. After her demise, this recording was released, quickly gaining widespread acclaim. It resonated deeply with audiences due to its raw emotional intensity and symbolizing the abrupt end of such prodigious potential and talent.

“American Tune” by Paul Simon (1973)

Simon and Garfunkel parted ways at the pinnacle of their career. One of their last collaborations as a duo – “Bridge Over Troubled Water” – was the most popular song in 1970. Later, Paul started releasing solo albums, eventually garnering praise from both critics and fans with his 1975 album Still Crazy After All These Years.

Although he had several impressive solo performances throughout the first half of the decade, I believe this heartfelt ballad from There Goes Rhymin’ Simon, released in 1973, showcased his talent at its peak. The track is primarily accompanied by an acoustic guitar, with strings joining in on the bridge to enhance its emotional impact and give it a soaring quality.

As I immersed myself in a captivating game, I found myself in a pivotal point where the hopes of the ’60s seemed like a dream of the past, and the nation stood at its most unpredictable crossroads – the turbulent twilight of an era.

“At Seventeen” by Janis Ian (1975)

Helen Reddy’s “I Am Woman” was a powerful symbol of early feminism, yet it was Ian’s more contemplative melody that resonated with me back then and continues to do so now. One of the most stirring poetic works of the era, it still holds a special place in my heart.

Ian’s soft, almost inaudible singing, especially noticeable when she performed for the initial episode of Saturday Night Live, as she claimed to be suffering from strep throat at the time, gave the performance an enduring, memorable quality.

“The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” by Gordon Lightfoot (1976)

It’s worth noting that Bob Dylan is absent from this list, but it’s not due to his lack of remarkable ’70s output. In fact, his album “Desire,” released in 1976, can hold its own against his most impressive work from the ’60s. The year before, “Blood on the Tracks” was even more exceptional – often ranked among the best albums of contemporary times. “Tangled Up in Blue” stands as a strong contender compared to any notable singer-songwriter composition.

Although the songs were filled with wonder, none became universally popular. But “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” did. This somber ballad about a shipwreck by one of Dylan’s few admired songwriters had a chilling, timeless quality, yet it was a modern disaster that Lightfoot transformed into six and a half minutes of gripping narrative.

The piece lacks a traditional chorus – instead, it builds an overwhelming sense of apprehension. To this day, it continues to hold its heavy influence, serving as a haunting motif in the second season of Severance.

2025-05-06 13:00