If you grew up in the late 1970s, chances are you’ve heard plenty of great hits spanning many different genres.
If you’re looking for something nostalgic yet catchy to add to your playlist, consider checking out our favorites on this list of the best songs from 1977.
“Best of My Love” by The Emotions
Song Year: 1977
Starting off our list of good music from 1977 is The Emotions’ Grammy-Winning hit, “Best of My Love.” The song has an upbeat sound, emphasized by its steady bassline, string and horn accompaniment, and lyrics about how love makes a person feel the best.
“Best of My Love” sold over a million copies in the United States and topped Billboard’s Hot 100 and Hot Soul Singles charts. In 1978, it won an American Music Award for “Favorite Soul/R&B Song.”
“You Make Loving Fun” by Fleetwood Mac
Song Year: 1977
Another one of the best songs from 1977, perfect for listening to on a quiet night, is Fleetwood Mac’s “You Make Loving Fun.” Written and sung by Christine McVie, this song’s lyrics reflect the feeling of finding new love when a previous one falls apart.
This single was a featured track on the group’s album, Rumours. It ranked ninth on Billboard’s Hot 100 Chart, 45th on the UK Singles Chart, and 28th on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary Chart.
“Brick House” by The Commodores
Song Year: 1977
You can’t talk about good music from 1977 without acknowledging the rise of mainstream funk music in the 1970s. The Commodores’ hit “Brick House” showcases signature funk sounds with its rhythmic sound and upbeat tempo. The song’s lyrics describe an attractive woman with a strong build.
This song ranked fifth on Billboard’s Hot 100 Chart and 32nd on the UK Singles Chart. It’s the perfect song to play at a lively dance party and get into the rhythm with your friends.
“The Name of the Game” by ABBA
Song Year: 1977
Featured on ABBA’s fifth studio album, ABBA: The Album, “The Name of the Game,” has a slower sound than some of the other popular hits of the year, but it showcases the group’s vocals excellently with minimal musical accompaniment. Many believe the lyrics tell the story of someone seeing a therapist.
Besides topping the UK Singles Chart and ranking 12th on Billboard’s Hot 100 Chart, it ranked within the Top Ten of several international charts in Sweden, Belgium, and Switzerland.
“Barracuda” by Heart
Song Year: 1977
Heart’s “Barracuda” is a classic rock song we can’t leave out on this list of the best songs from 1977. From Ann Wilson’s rough vocals to the iconic guitar riff, you can feel the rage in its lyrics. The inspiration behind this song stems from the group’s negative experience with the record industry, comparing them to the titular predatory fish.
Initially released on the album Little Queen, this hard rock hit ranked 11th on Billboard’s Hot 100 Chart.
“Baby Come Back” by Player
Song Year: 1977
Songs about wanting your love back are bound to be big hits no matter the decade, and Player’s “Baby Come Back” is no exception. Several of the song’s lyrics reference hiding the pain of missing someone through a false smile and wishing to make amends with them.
This single, featured on the group’s debut album, Player, topped Billboard’s Hot 100 Chart and RPM’s Top Singles Chart.
“Sheep” by Pink Floyd
Song Year: 1977
Pink Floyd’s “Sheep” has plenty of symbolism in its lyrics, equating the term as a metaphor for people following the beliefs of people interested in taking advantage of them, regardless of the consequences. The song’s bassline draws your attention as sheep bleat in the distance during the song’s first minute and a half.
This song was featured on Pink Floyd’s album, Animals, which ranked within the Top Five of several international album charts, including the Billboard 200 Chart and the UK Albums Chart.
“Scenes from an Italian Restaurant” by Billy Joel
Song Year: 1977
“Scenes from an Italian Restaurant” is an excellent 1977 song embodying how times change as we move away from youth through the imagery of meeting up with old schoolmates at a restaurant. The lyrics describing two high school sweethearts getting married and their relationship falling apart might resonate with people who thought things were simpler years ago.
Music-wise, it incorporates rock and jazz sounds that blend perfectly as each minute passes into the next.
“Yes Sir, I Can Boogie” by Baccara
Song Year: 1977
If you’re looking for good music from 1977 with an upbeat and melodic sound, consider listening to Baccara’s debut single, “Yes, Sir, I Can Boogie.” The vocals blend well with its euro disco sound. The lyrics have a hypnotic vibe, beckoning you to stay and dance.
It topped several European charts following its release, including the UK Singles Chart and the Eurochart Hot 100 Singles Chart.
“We Are The Champions” by Queen
Song Year: 1977
Earning its reputation as a go-to victory anthem, Queen’s “We Are the Champions” is one iconic hit we can’t skip on this list of the best songs from 1977. The piano and guitar accompaniment give the piece a solemn and triumphant blend that isn’t glaring.
The song’s lyrics reflect how overcoming mistakes and obstacles can lead anyone to victory, such as Freddie Mercury’s rise to stardom. It sold over two million copies in the United States and ranked second on the UK Singles Chart.
“Got To Give It Up” by Marvin Gaye
Song Year: 1977
“Got To Give It Up” tells the story of a man visiting a dance club and, despite feeling nervous, gains the confidence to dance with others in public, paralleling Marvin Gaye’s instances of stage fright. The upbeat disco sound makes it the perfect song for anyone to break out of their shell and find their dancing feet.
This song topped several weekly charts in the United States, including Billboard’s Hot 100 Chart and the Hot Soul Singles Chart.
“Come Sail Away” by Styx
Song Year: 1977
“Come Sail Away” is an iconic song by Styx that starts with a slower ballad accompanied by a piano before transitioning into an upbeat rock sound. The lyrics have a theme of pursuing your dreams and leaving your old life behind, incorporating imagery of sailing, angels, and a spaceship.
It was a featured track on Styx’s album, The Grand Illusion, which sold over three million copies. The song peaked in the eighth spot on Billboard’s Hot 100 Chart.
“Hotel California” by Eagles
Song Year: 1977
If you’re looking for a classic 1977 rock song to listen to on the weekend, you can’t go wrong with Eagles’ “Hotel California.” Its guitar solo has a satisfying sound that grabs any music lover’s attention until the song’s end.
“Hotel California” sold over a million certified units, peaked inthe top position of Billboard’s Hot 100 Chart, and won the 1978 Grammy Award for “Record of the Year.”
“Don’t Leave Me This Way” by Thelma Houston
Song Year: 1977
Thelma Houston’s rendition of “Don’t Leave Me This Way” has soulful vocals that blend with the song’s overall upbeat disco and R&B sound. The lyrics describe a person’s desire for love.
This song ranked first on several of Billboard’s charts, including the Hot 100 Chart, Dance Club Songs Chart, and Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs Chart. It won the 1978 Grammy Award for “Best R&B Vocal Performance, Female.”
“Give A Little Bit” by Supertramp
Song Year: 1977
Plenty of good music from 1977 has optimistic and cheerful tones, so you can’t go wrong with adding Supertramp’s “Give A Little Bit” to your online playlist when you’re spending a night at home alone. Its guitarwork that opens the song gives it a pleasant sound before the other instruments join.
The song’s lyrics incorporate a message about showing compassion and charity to the people around you. It peaked in the 15th spot on Billboard’s Pop Singles Chart.
“La Vie En Rose” by Gracie Jones
Song Year: 1977
Gracie Jones’ cover of Édith Piaf’s “La Vie En Rose” incorporates a slow yet upbeat bossa nova sound that can lighten anybody’s mood. Its English and French lyrics perfectly embody the feelings of love that bring happiness to a person’s life.
Initially released on Jones’ debut album, Portfolio, this single peaked in the tenth position on the Billboard’s Dance Club Songs Chart.
“Heard It in a Love Song” by The Marshall Tucker Band
Song Year: 1977
Despite its upbeat instrumentation, “Heard It in a Love Song” is a country rock song with a sad undertone about a man talking about how he can’t settle down with a woman despite desiring a relationship that many songs romanticize.
The next time you feel down about love, consider listening to this to lighten the mood. It ranked fifth on RPM’s Top Singles Chart and 14th on Billboard’s Hot 100 Chart.
“Nobody Does It Better” by Carly Simon
Song Year: 1977
Best known as the theme for The Spy Who Loved Me, “Nobody Does It Better” is one of Carly Simon’s finest hits. The slower tempo enhances Simon’s beautiful vocals. The lyrics are from the perspective of a woman in love with James Bond.
The song ranked first on RPM‘s Adult Contemporary Chart and second on Billboard’s Hot 100 Chart. It also got nominated for two Grammy Awards.
“Rich Girl” by Hall & Oates
Song Year: 1977
Hall & Oates’ “Rich Girl,” tells the tale of a rich, spoiled girl who, despite getting everything she could ask for thanks to her family, isn’t the best person to be around, personality-wise. Ironically, the main inspiration for this song stems from a former boyfriend of Sara Allen.
By the end of March 1977, this song topped Billboard’s Hot 100 Chart and sold over a million certified units in the United States.
“Love Is the Answer” by Utopia
Song Year: 1977
Utopia’s “Love Is the Answer” incorporates a straightforward message in its lyrics about humanity loving one another to ensure a peaceful existence, regardless of the faith someone believes. Despite qualifying as a rock song, the song’s final minute has a gospel-inspired sound.
Over the years, many artists recorded covers of this classic song, including England Dan & John Ford Coley, Cindy Morgan, and Sheila Walsh.
“Cold as Ice” by Foreigner
Song Year: 1977
The lyrics of Foreigner’s “Cold as Ice” describe a cold-hearted and selfish woman taking advantage of the narrator’s feelings, insinuating that she’ll receive payback for her cruelty. The song’s synthesized beats and guitarwork give the song an extra edge.
It sold over 500,000 copies in the United States and ranked sixth on Billboard’s Hot 100 Chart. It’s a great song to listen to after dealing with unbearable people.
“(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher” by Rita Coolidge
Song Year: 1977
Initially recorded by Jackie Wilson a decade prior, Rita Coolidge’s cover of this classic love song perfectly embodies the feeling a person has when finding new love in their life and moving on from a previous relationship that brought them down. It ranked second on Billboard’s Hot 100 Chart and sold over a million copies.
“Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue” by Crystal Gayle
Song Year: 1977
The main theme presented in this Crystal Gayle song centers around a failed relationship, contrasting her sadness with her brown eyes, describing them as a thematic blue. It’s the type of sad country song ideal for listening to on a gloomy weekend. This single topped Billboard’s Hot Country Songs Chart for a week and ranked second on the Hot 100 Chart.
“Undercover Angel” by Alan O’Day
Song Year: 1977
Alan O’Day’s “Undercover Angel” takes the point of view of a man telling a woman about his sex dream of an angelic figure, hoping to feel that sensation with her. It has an uplifting tempo and a playful tone in the later part of the song. This song might resonate with music lovers seeking pleasure in their lives. It topped Billboard’s Hot 100 Chart and RPM’s Hot Singles Chart.
“Way Down” by Elvis Presley
Song Year: 1977
“Way Down” was Elvis Presley’s last rock single released before his death. The lyrics represent the passion we experience with someone we truly love. It incorporates the classic rock sound, which blends well with Presley’s vocals. It topped Billboard’s Hot Country Singles Chart and ranked 14th on the Hot 100 Chart.
“I Just Want to Be Your Everything” by Andy Gibb
Song Year: 1977
Andy Gibb’s disco hit “I Just Want to Be Your Everything” takes the perspective of a man in love with a woman, eager to do anything to be by her side. Songs embracing feelings of devotion resonate universally with many music lovers. This upbeat song spent four weeks on the top spot on Billboard’s Hot 100 Chart.
“Heroes” by David Bowie
Song Year: 1977
The main takeaway of David Bowie’s “Heroes” centers around an impossible love. Although the narrator wishes to be with the woman he desires, several circumstances in life keep them apart, but the narrator grasps the hope of the two of them getting together.
Initially ranking 24th on the UK Singles Chart, the song has grown in popularity over the decades, especially after Bowie’s passing.
“How Deep Is Your Love” by Bee Gees
Song Year: 1977
From its warm, soft rock sound to its excellent blending of vocals, “How Deep Is Your Love” is one classic song you shouldn’t skip out on if you’re on a nostalgic kick. Its pleasant sound makes it the perfect song embodying love and the desire to ensure a lover’s trustworthy bond.
The song topped several weekly charts and was featured on the soundtrack for the 1977 film Saturday Night Fever.
“You and Me” by Alice Cooper
Song Year: 1977
Alice Cooper’s “You and Me” is a slow and intimate ballad about a working man being with the woman he loves, regardless of his lack of wealth and status. He claims being with her is worth more than anything in the world. This song ranked in the ninth spot on Billboard’s Hot 100 Chart.
“I’ve Got Love on My Mind” by Natalie Cole
Song Year: 1977
This Natalie Cole song has a mellow yet uplifting vibe that lifts any soul and R&B fan’s mood. Her smooth voice embodies the recurring theme of having endless love for someone expressed in the song’s lyrics. This song topped the Hot Soul Singles Chart for several weeks and sold over a million copies.
“Margaritaville” by Jimmy Buffett
Song Year: 1977
If you’re looking for good music from 1977 to liven up a lazy summer afternoon, Jimmy Buffett’s “Margaritaville” is the perfect song for any occasion. It has a tropical and country-inspired sound, emphasized by the lyrical imagery of a tropical resort and spending time at a bar.
It peaked on several spots of many weekly charts, from Billboard’s Hot 100 to the Hot Country Singles Chart.
Top Songs From 1977, Final Thoughts
As you can see, there’s plenty of top songs from 1977 worth listening to during your free time while driving around town, planning a party, or working around the house. No matter what genre you prefer, you’re bound to find a few new favorite songs to add to your playlist, regardless of their placement on the music charts.