50 songs celebrating their 50th anniversary this year
The 1970s was a period marked by immense change and innovation, with the aftermath of the Vietnam War and the emergence of personal computers shaping the world. The music of this era reflected this tumultuous backdrop, offering a diverse array of genres like rock, reggae, funk, country, and pop. Artists of the time embraced ingenuity and originality, shying away from the conventional and pushing boundaries in their music.
Punk and funk genres gained popularity during this time, challenging the status quo and introducing new sounds to the scene. Outlaw country music also experienced a revival, bringing a fresh perspective to the country music genre. The birth of disco marked a significant milestone in the ’70s, with its peak arriving in 1977 with the release of “Saturday Night Fever.” Before the disco explosion, dances like the hustle gained immense popularity, inspiring songs dedicated to these dance crazes.
In 1975, the music landscape was a vibrant mix of country, disco, and glam rock, reflecting the eclectic influences of the time. To showcase the diversity of music from this era, Stacker delved into Billboard’s Hot 100 chart from 1975, unveiling the top 50 songs that are now celebrating their 50th anniversary in 2025. These songs, which charted based on their performance on American radio stations and physical sales, highlight the creativity and vibrancy of the period.
Olivia Newton-John, known for her versatile music style that melds country and pop, gained recognition with her hit song “Please Mr. Please” in 1975. This song, peaking at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #5 on the Hot Country Songs chart, showcased her ability to straddle musical boundaries effortlessly. Similarly, Barry White’s disco-infused track “You’re the First, the Last, My Everything” found success on the charts, reaching #2 on the Billboard 100 and achieving Gold certification.
Sammy Johns’ suggestive song “Chevy Van” made waves in 1975, climbing to #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and resonating with audiences. Linda Ronstadt’s rendition of “When Will I Be Loved,” originally recorded by Phil Everly, topped the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, capturing the hearts of listeners with its emotional delivery. Brazilian singer-songwriter Morris Albert’s soft rock ballad “Feelings” became an international sensation, earning him acclaim in the music industry.
Hamilton, Joe Frank, and Reynolds struck gold with their chart-topping hit “Fallin’ in Love,” showcasing their musical prowess and reaching the pinnacle of success. Billy Swan’s “I Can Help” achieved crossover success, dominating both the Billboard Hot 100 and Hot Country Songs charts. 10cc’s breakthrough single “I’m Not in Love” propelled them into the U.S. market, reaching #2 on the charts and solidifying their place in the music scene.
Wings, led by Paul McCartney, achieved chart-topping success with their single “Listen to What the Man Said,” continuing their momentum and embarking on a successful world tour. Jessi Colter’s pop-leaning hit “I’m Not Lisa,” produced by her husband Waylon Jennings, topped the country chart and left a lasting impact on the music industry.
The music of 1975 remains an eclectic mix of genres and styles, showcasing the creativity and innovation of the era. These iconic songs turning 50 in 2025 continue to resonate with audiences and stand the test of time, serving as a testament to the enduring power of music.