It’s not hard to find good music from 1972. It was a year of hits destined to last for ages to come. The best songs from 1972 are songs you’ve probably heard more than once and might even have on your playlist.
“Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl)” by Looking Glass
Song Year: 1972
Despite being a number-one hit for the band, “Brandy” ruined Looking Glass’s reputation with fans. The song was so different from what their followers typically enjoyed that the band lost a significant portion of their support.
Regardless of what fans thought back then, “Brandy” is still a great song.
“Heart of Gold” by Neil Young
Song Year: 1972
Neil Young’s soft rock tone and the touching lyrics of “Heart of Gold” make a unique experience for the listener who wants to get a sense of Neil Young’s style.
Like other Young songs, this one is hauntingly poetic while simultaneously vague. It leaves plenty of room for interpretation.
“Backstabbers” by The O’Jays
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmXRQ3vfzcA
Song Year: 1972
The O’Jays are known for a myriad of musical qualities. Above all else, they’re known for interesting melody lines and stunning harmonies.
“Backstabbers” is all about the people in your life who are out to take what you have, especially your love interest. It showcases the almost effortless musical prowess of the group.
“Delta Dawn” by Tanya Tucker
Song Year: 1972
“Delta Dawn” quickly became a popular hit among country music lovers and those who preferred pop or rock.
Check out some of the other great country songs that debuted in the 1970s!
“Burning Love” by Elvis Presley
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zf2VYAtqRe0
Song Year: 1972
Elvis Presley reached the runner-up spot on the music charts in 1972 with his song “Burning Love.”
With a driving beat and repetitive, catchy lyrics, it’s not hard to see how this Elvis tune became so popular.
“Listen to the Music” by The Doobie Brothers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVgMzKMgNxw
Song Year: 1972
The Doobie Brothers were incredibly influential in the world of rock music, especially in the 1970s. “Listen to the Music” is one of their most famous songs, and it was their first big hit.
To get a taste of what original classic rock sounds like, you need to check out “Listen to the Music.”
“I Can See Clearly Now” by Johnny Nash
Song Year: 1972
The 1970s saw a lot of upbeat rock songs, despite the tumultuous nature of world events that were happening in the early half of the decade.
“I Can See Clearly Now” is one of those bright, hopeful songs that hit the charts in 1972 and soon became a famous anthem for anyone looking to liven their mood.
“Let’s Stay Together” by Al Green
Song Year: 1972
Are any love songs as smooth and sexy as Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together”? In 1972, this was an instant classic.
Al Green brings all the charm he can muster with his sultry voice and flawless pitches. In the song, he makes a compelling case for his lady to stick around.
“Rocket Man” by Elton John
Song Year: 1972
Although it didn’t reach the number-one spot on billboard charts in 1972, “Rocket Man” still performed remarkably well and became an Elton John standard.
The song resonated with people marveling at innovations in spacecraft and space travel and effectively communicated the danger and loneliness associated with such endeavors.
“It’s Not Love (But It’s Not Bad)” by Merle Haggard
Song Year: 1972
Country music is notorious for heartbreaking songs about lost love, broken homes, sad people, and anything in between.
Merle Haggard was a master of such music. This particular song is all about how he’s found solace in the arms of a new woman. They aren’t exactly in love, but they’re getting close.
“Baby Don’t Get Hooked on Me” by Mac Davis
Song Year: 1972
“Baby Don’t Get Hooked on Me” is another classic country song about a man afraid to commit too fast. He and his lady friend have something special, but he doesn’t want to spoil it by adding labels or falling in love.
Mac Davis was nominated for a Grammy Award for this song.
“The City of New Orleans” by Arlo Guthrie
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvMS_ykiLiQ
Song Year: 1972
Arlo Guthrie excelled at bringing folksy rock back to the forefront of the music scene, and one of his most famous tunes was “The City of New Orleans.”
In this folk ballad, Guthrie sings about the wonders of traveling America. It’s not until the song’s end that you realize he’s singing about a train.
“Lean on Me” by Bill Withers
Song Year: 1972
“Lean on Me” is a classic that almost everyone knows, even if they don’t know who sang it or when it was released. It became almost instantly popular, and for a good reason.
It tells the simple yet relatable story of how important it is to have people in your life that you can count on no matter what, people who will hold you up when you need a helping hand.
“Rockin’ Robin” by Michael Jackson
Song Year: 1972
The original version of “Rockin’ Robin” was recorded about 20 years before Michael Jackson made the song his own in 1972.
Although his rendition is not the first, it is one of the more special editions of this upbeat R&B song. You won’t be able to keep to feet from tapping along to this bopping tune.
“Tumbling Dice” by The Rolling Stones
Song Year: 1972
The Rolling Stones are a quintessential element in any discussion about rock, especially in the 1970s.
“Tumbling Dice” is a classic example of why The Rolling Stones became household names for rock fans everywhere.
“Stuck in the Middle with You” by Stealers Wheel
Song Year: 1972
“Stuck in the Middle with You” is a groovy song that mingles sounds from pop, rock, and folk genres simultaneously.
It’s been covered many times, maintaining its relevance in music through decades of change.
“One Last Time” by Glen Campbell
Song Year: 1972
Glen Campbell was one of the more popular voices in country and folk music for a time. He wrote and recorded some of the most recognizable songs of the 1970s.
“One Last Time” is a heartfelt tune about a man who wants one final tender moment with his lover before saying goodbye for good.
“American Pie” by Don McLean
Song Year: 1972
“American Pie” is truly a classic. You’ve probably heard it on more than one occasion at a karaoke bar or in a movie.
Even though no one knows what the song means, people tend to agree that it has something to do with music history and that it’s epic.
“Mother and Child Reunion” by Paul Simon
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0BUsDf0dxY
Song Year: 1972
Paul Simon gained fame as part of a duo with Art Garfunkel. He also had a very successful solo career, bringing with him incredible musicianship and stunning songwriting abilities.
A sadness rings loud and clear in “Mother and Child Reunion,” making it a heartfelt tribute and a touching story.
“Layla” by Derek and the Dominos
Song Year: 1972
“Layla” is a Grammy Award-winning song written by Eric Clapton and performed by his famous band, Derek and the Dominos.
Although it was initially released in 1970, the song didn’t find chart success until its re-release in 1972. Since then, it has become one of the most known rock songs in the history of rock songs.
“Day Dreaming” by Aretha Franklin
Song Year: 1972
Aretha Franklin was a staple in American music for decades. Because of her swagger, smooth tone, and impressive vocal range, she never really went out of style, and music is better for it.
“Day Dreaming” was a chart-topping song released in 1972 that showcased all the best elements of Franklin’s abilities.
“You Don’t Mess Around with Jim” by Jim Croce
Song Year: 1972
Jim Croce mastered the art of folk storytelling in his music. His songs have an element of humor, named characters, or another narrative feature that makes them unique.
In “You Don’t Mess Around with Jim,” he tells the story of a tough man who no one dares cross. That is until a country boy strolls into town looking to get even.
“Never Been to Spain” by Three Dog Night
Song Year: 1972
“Never Been to Spain” is an excellent example of why Three Dog Night gained such popularity in the short history of the original band.
Although they stayed together for less than 10 years, they made a big impact.
“Kiss an Angel Good Mornin’” by Charley Pride
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rouSFhnQapE
Song Year: 1972
If you’re looking for one of the sweetest songs from 1972, look no further than Charley Pride’s classic love song “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin.’”
It’s all about how easy it is to have a smile on your face and to treat others kindly when you get to spend your life with a wonderful person that you love fiercely.
“Doctor My Eyes” by Jackson Browne
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKGTaplzmV4
Song Year: 1972
“Doctor My Eyes” is a strangely upbeat song with somber lyrics that helped launch Jackson Browne’s career. This song from his debut album still ranks as one of his best.
The song alludes to a man who has approached life with a hard, stoic demeanor and now lives in fear that he’s forever numb to the world around him.
“Walkin’ in the Rain with the One I Love” by Love Unlimited
Song Year: 1972
What could be better than taking a stroll in the rain with the particular person who makes your life more worthwhile?
That’s what Love Unlimited sings about in this sweet classic soul tune.
“Until It’s Time for You to Go” by Elvis Presley
Song Year: 1972
Elvis Presley got a little more introspective in his later years. His songs communicated more meaningful and relatable topics with a different feel from his early years as a young rock star.
“Until It’s Time for You to Go” is one of those introspective songs. It’s a sobering reminder that nothing lasts forever, and we should make the most of our time.
Top Songs From 1972, Final Thoughts
There is no shortage of good music from 1972. If anything, this list is too short to truly encapsulate all the beautiful songs that came out of that year.
With varying genres and styles, 1972 produced interesting music that would last for decades.
Did we miss anything? What’s your best song from 1972? Let us know in the comments below!