THE 200 ESSENTIAL SONGS OF THE 1970s. Today: #140- 131. Continues tomorrow.

THE 200 MOST ESSENTIAL SONGS OF THE 1970s It was the decade of glam, disco, funk, Philly Soul, heavy metal, the singer/songwriter, punk and new wave. Here are the 200 songs that mattered most during the Seventies, in terms of influence, impact and success. To be eligible, the song needed to be released- as a single or on an album- during the years 1970-1979.
140	PERFECT DAY Lou Reed [1972] "Perfect Day" opens with lines that raise expectations that this is going to be an uplifting song. Lou Reed's lyrics soon take on a gloomier turn. His vocal delivery reflects the dark tone. David Bowie co-produced the track with Mick Ronson and both added a magic to the overall mood of the song. It served as a beautifully bitter bridge between the early 70s singer / songwriter era and the impending emergence of new wave that too few can match.
139	COMFORTABLY NUMB Pink Floyd [1979] The majestic beauty of "Comfortably Numb" makes this track a major standout on Pink Floyd's magnum opus 'The Wall'. David Gilmour and Roger Waters share lead vocals and this creates a trance-like effect. The song draws you in, aided by the former's glorious guitar skill. The track has a tranquilizing quality that is equally numbing and intoxicating.
138	ACROSS 110th STREET Bobby Womack [1972] Bobby Womack penned the title song from a 1972 blaxploitation film with composer J. J Johnson. Together, they created a cool fusion of soul and funk that justly sits alongside the title songs from similar films 'Shaft' and 'Superfly'.
137	RIDERS ON THE STORM The Doors [1971] The Doors infuse their unique sound with more blues on "Riders on the Storm" from 'L.A. Woman'. This was to be the final album with lead singer Jim Morrison. The single was issued just prior to his death.
136	FIRE AND RAIN James Taylor [1970] James Taylor spearheaded the singer / songwriter era with the release of "Fire And Rain". The hit single introduced listeners to his tender voice and insightful lyrics. This song was inspired by the suicide of a friend of his.
135	TWO OUT OF THREE AIN'T BAD Meat Loaf [1977] Few rock acts were as over the top as Meat Loaf. His 'Bat Out Of Hell' remains one of the best selling albums of all-time. "Two Out Of Three Ain't Bad" is an epic ballad from the LP. Producer Todd Rundgren is key here, transforming every track- penned by Jim Steinman- into an event. Songs such as this helped shape the power ballad.
134	BABY I LOVE YOUR WAY Peter Frampton [1975] "Baby I Love Your way" remains one of the endearing 70s American rock classics. It was written and produced by Peter Frampton. The in-concert version included on the mega-selling 'Frampton Comes Alive' remains an album highlight. The performer was an influential guitarist singer / songwriter.
133	THAT'S THE WAY OF THE WORLD Earth, Wind & Fire [1975] The soundtrack album for the film 'That's The Way Of The World' sold over 5 million copies. Its title song incorporated funk and soul in the group's innovative style.
132	LADY Styx [1973] When initially unleashed in 1973, "Lady" failed to dent the charts. Re-released in 1975, the single became a Top 10 hit in the US. Styx would reach #1 with "Babe" a few years later. "Lady" helped shape the sound of the power ballad.
131	WON'T GET FOOLED AGAIN The Who [1971] Lyricist Pete Townshend is disillusioned with politics on The Who's "Won't Get Fooled Again". His mood is all over the 81/2 minute track. Townshend's statement is amplified by his strong guitar work, alongside John Entwhistle on bass. Keith Moon thumps his drum kit to add to the energy. Finally, Roger Daltrey paces his vocal; gradually building up to an adamant climax.