The 1970s was a defining decade for rock music, laying the groundwork for what would come to be known as hair metal in the 1980s. While hair metal is more closely associated with the ’80s, its roots can be traced back to the late ’70s. With its bold glam aesthetic, heavy riffs, and electrifying performances, the foundation for the genre was set during this period. Influential bands like Aerosmith, Kiss, and Queen pushed boundaries with their unique blend of hard rock, theatrics, and rebellious spirit, making the ’70s an unforgettable era for rock enthusiasts.
In this article, we’ll take a look at 13 of the best hair metal songs from the 1970s. These tracks helped shape the sound of the genre and would go on to influence countless artists in the years that followed. From infectious guitar riffs to flamboyant stage presence, these songs define the spirit of glam rock and set the stage for the glam metal explosion in the ’80s. Let’s dive into these legendary tracks that bring the best of ’70s hair metal to life.
The 13 Best 70s Hair Metal Songs You Can’t Miss!
1. Aerosmith – “Dream On” (1973)
“Dream On,” from Aerosmith’s self-titled debut album, is a quintessential track that blends hard rock with melodic sensibility. The song opens with a haunting piano intro before building to an unforgettable crescendo of guitar riffs and Steven Tyler’s iconic vocals. Lyrically, it’s a reflection on life’s dreams and struggles, with a message of hope and perseverance. Though the band would go on to achieve even greater success in the ‘80s, “Dream On” remains one of their most influential songs. It laid the foundation for what would eventually become the sound of ‘70s hair metal with its bold combination of melody and hard rock.
2. Queen – “Killer Queen” (1974)
“Killer Queen” is one of Queen’s earliest hits, showcasing the band’s flamboyant style and theatrical flair. Written by Freddie Mercury, the song mixes rock and glam influences, creating a sound that’s both bold and catchy. The song’s intricate harmonies, playful lyrics, and dynamic guitar work by Brian May helped establish Queen as a force to be reckoned with in the ‘70s. “Killer Queen” is quintessential glam rock with its catchy melodies and flamboyant delivery, foreshadowing the genre’s influence on hair metal bands in the following decade.
3. Kiss – “Rock and Roll All Nite” (1975)
Kiss became synonymous with glam rock, and “Rock and Roll All Nite” is one of their most enduring anthems. The song’s infectious chorus and hard-hitting guitar riffs capture the essence of ’70s rock. With its upbeat energy and party-centered lyrics, “Rock and Roll All Nite” became an anthem for fans of the band and the era. The song’s iconic status helped elevate Kiss to superstardom, making it one of the most memorable songs from the ‘70s and a cornerstone of the hair metal scene that would follow.
4. David Bowie – “Rebel Rebel” (1974)
David Bowie’s “Rebel Rebel” is a bold and rebellious track that combines glam rock with elements of hard rock. The song’s iconic riff is one of the most recognizable in rock history. With its empowering lyrics and attitude of defiance, “Rebel Rebel” became a song for outsiders, misfits, and rockers everywhere. The influence of this song on hair metal is undeniable, as its glam-inspired aesthetics, catchy guitar lines, and rebellious nature would be absorbed by countless bands in the years to come.
5. Aerosmith – “Sweet Emotion” (1975)
Aerosmith’s “Sweet Emotion” is one of the band’s biggest hits and a cornerstone of their career. The track opens with a now-iconic bass riff that leads into a hard-hitting rock anthem. Lyrically, it’s about the complexities of relationships, while musically, the song blends funk, blues, and hard rock influences. “Sweet Emotion” helped define the sound of ‘70s hard rock and glam metal, laying the groundwork for future hair metal bands. The song’s unforgettable groove and catchy chorus made it an enduring classic that continues to resonate with fans today.
6. T. Rex – “Bang a Gong (Get It On)” (1971)
T. Rex, led by Marc Bolan, was at the forefront of the glam rock movement, and “Bang a Gong (Get It On)” remains one of their most iconic songs. The track is a perfect example of the glam rock style, with its seductive riff, catchy lyrics, and energetic delivery. The song’s infectious chorus and bold, swaggering sound made it an anthem of the era. Its influence on the glam and hair metal scenes is clear, as it inspired countless bands with its rock ‘n’ roll swagger and rebellious charm.
7. Queen – “Stone Cold Crazy” (1974)
“Stone Cold Crazy,” from Queen’s Sheer Heart Attack album, is a fast-paced, heavy track that blends hard rock with elements of punk. It’s one of the band’s most aggressive songs and showcases their ability to experiment with different styles. The track’s fast tempo, driving rhythms, and energetic performance from all band members make it a standout in Queen’s catalog. “Stone Cold Crazy” was ahead of its time, influencing the speed and intensity of thrash metal while also contributing to the early sound of hair metal with its punchy guitar riffs and in-your-face attitude.
8. Mötley Crüe – “Live Wire” (1979)
While Mötley Crüe is more often associated with the ‘80s, their debut album Too Fast for Love released in 1981, was heavily influenced by the glam rock sounds of the late ‘70s. “Live Wire” is a hard-hitting, energetic track that introduced the band’s signature sound of sleazy glam rock combined with heavy metal riffs. With its raw guitar riffs and Tommy Lee’s high-energy drumming, “Live Wire” exemplifies the hair metal style that would dominate the ‘80s. This song helped Mötley Crüe make their mark in the late ‘70s, setting the stage for their future success.
9. Cheap Trick – “Surrender” (1978)
Cheap Trick’s “Surrender” from their album Heaven Tonight is a perfect blend of power-pop and hard rock. The song’s catchy hook and fun lyrics about parents being cool with their children’s rock ‘n’ roll lifestyles are memorable and playful. While not strictly hair metal, the song helped to shape the glam and hard rock scene of the late ’70s. Its upbeat energy and infectious chorus would influence hair metal bands, with its catchy melodies and clever lyrics becoming a hallmark of the genre.
10. AC/DC – “High Voltage” (1975)
AC/DC’s “High Voltage” introduced the world to their electrifying hard rock sound. The song’s high-energy performance, catchy riff, and gritty vocals by Bon Scott became the perfect formula for hard rock success. “High Voltage” helped lay the foundation for the harder edge of hair metal, blending rock ‘n’ roll with an unapologetic attitude. Though AC/DC would go on to develop their sound further in the 1980s, this track proved they were a force to be reckoned with, and their influence on hair metal is undeniable.
11. Kiss – “Detroit Rock City” (1976)
“Detroit Rock City,” from Kiss’s Destroyer album, is a fast-paced anthem that captures the spirit of rock and roll with its thunderous drums and riff-heavy guitar lines. The song is a nod to the rebellious, hard-partying spirit of the rock scene in Detroit and features an unforgettable chorus. It’s one of Kiss’s most iconic songs, known for its energetic rhythm and anthemic vibe, which would go on to influence many of the hair metal bands that followed. “Detroit Rock City” is a perfect blend of hard rock and glam influences that would shape the genre.
12. Slade – “Mama Weer All Crazee Now” (1972)
Slade’s “Mama Weer All Crazee Now” is a hard rock classic with a glam twist. The song’s playful yet defiant lyrics and infectious guitar riffs made it an anthem for fans of the glam rock scene. Slade’s energetic style and rebellious attitude were a huge influence on the glam and hair metal movements, and this song, in particular, captured the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll chaos. With its catchy hook and driving rhythm, “Mama Weer All Crazee Now” became a signature track of the glam rock era.
13. Sweet – “Ballroom Blitz” (1973)
Sweet’s “Ballroom Blitz” is an energetic, glam rock anthem that combines fast guitar riffs with an unforgettable chorus. The song’s high-energy performance and quirky lyrics about a wild party in a ballroom became a hit in the glam rock scene. Its theatrical nature and catchy melody helped solidify Sweet’s place in the glam rock pantheon. “Ballroom Blitz” is a perfect example of how glam rock laid the foundation for the larger-than-life performances and energetic sound of ‘80s hair metal.
See Also: 12 Essential Funeral Doom Tracks You Can’t Miss!
Conclusion
The 1970s laid the groundwork for the glam metal explosion of the ’80s, and the songs mentioned above were at the heart of that movement. Bands like Kiss, Aerosmith, Queen, and T. Rex blended hard rock with theatrical, larger-than-life performances, setting the stage for the rise of hair metal. From anthemic tracks like “Rock and Roll All Nite” to bold, rebellious songs like “Rebel Rebel,” the ’70s offered a mix of hard-hitting rock and catchy glam-inspired hooks that would go on to influence generations of musicians. These songs remain timeless classics that continue to inspire new generations of rock fans. Whether it’s the defiance of “Detroit Rock City” or the infectious energy of “Dream On,” the songs of the ‘70s hair metal scene defined a rebellious spirit that still resonates today.
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