THE 200 ESSENTIAL SONGS OF THE 1970s. Today: #170- 161. Continues next week

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.
170	YOU'RE SO VAIN Carly Simon [1972] Carly Simon emerged during the singer/ songwriter era of the early 1970s, specialising in songs about relationships. She had broken through the previous year with the cleverly written "That's The Way I've Always Heard It Should Be". Its lyrics dealt with the role of women. By 1972, Simon had penned her best song. There was a sting and wit in its words. Richard Perry's production added drama to the track. So clever are her lyrics here, that listeners are still guessing who the song is about. It may be about her then husband James Taylor; or actor Warren Beatty; or perhaps Mick Jagger (who contributed backing vocals on the cut). At a time when music was dominated by men, Simon's song reached #1 in America, Canada and Australia. In the UK the single peaked at #3.
169	LET'S GO The Cars [1978] Ric Ocasek's lead vocal was so cold and detached on The Cars' hit "Let's Go" that it gave the rock song a credible new wave feel. The single became the first majoir chart success for the band. Along with a new wave attitude, the track features innovative pop hooks.
168	I WISH Stevie Wonder [1976] Stevie Wonder was still a teen when he wowed audiences with his musical flair. During the 1960s, he began a string of Motown classics that seemed unbeatable. Yet, the new decade gave rise to Wonder's genius. "I Wish" is but one of an impressive quantity of standouts from his output during the 1970s. The song has a nostalgic and fun feel, as he reminisces about his childhood. The cheerful lyrics are wrapped around an unforgettable funky beat that drives the song.
167	ROCK'N ME Steve Miller Band [1976] American rock had various groups each with its own approach to the West Coast sound during the 1970s. The Steve Miller Band dropped some impressive singles, including "The Joker", "Fly Like An Eagle" and "Jet Airliner". On "Rock'n Me", the group injected space blues into pop and rock. Creating his own fusion brought the band more chart success. "Rock'n Me" gave the group its 2nd US #1.
166	LIVIN' THING Electric Light Orchestra [1976] Unfairly underrated, the Electric Light Orchestra enjoyed major success in the 1970s. Formed from the ashes of The Move, a group steered by Roy Wood that carried on where The Beatles' "I Am The Walrus" left off, E.L.O. was launched in 1970. Wood's departure saw Jeff Lynne take the helm. Drawing inspiration from The Beatles, the group carved out its own sound by marrying rock and pop with classical arrangements. The rich style resulted in numerous hit singles that continued into the 1980s. "Livin' Thing" was one of the gems contained on the group's 'A New World Record' album. Guitars, drums and a string section combined to form a sonic delight.
165	JOLENE Dolly Parton [1973] Dolly Parton soon established herself as one of the leading singer / songwriters from the country music genre. "Jolene" was not only her first crossover hit, but became one of the most successful country songs of the decade. Beginning with this single, Parton began to introduce a wider audience to country & western music.
164	IF YOU LEAVE ME NOW Chicago [1976] Chicago began as a group that integrated jazz with pop. This proved to be a winning combination in the first half of the decade. In 1976, Chicago changed its sound. The horns gave way to the adult contemporary ballad style that was to dominate their subsequent recordings. Jazzy hooks were replaced with power ballads, beginning with "If You Leave Me Now". The single reached #1 in the USA, Britain, Australia and Canada. Peter Cetera increased his pivotal role within the band. While the distinctive original sound of the group diminished, greater success for Chicago followed.
163	CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION T. Rex [1972] Marc Bolan penned the song "Children of the Revolution" for T. Rex. Tony Visconti produced the glam rock classic. Bolan's song soon grew into an anthem for youth and the genre. On the UK chart, the single peaked at #2.
162	THAT'S THE WAY (I LIKE IT) KC and the Sunshine Band [1975] Before The Bee Gees became synonymous with disco, KC & the Sunshine Band were the genre's pre-eminent group. "Get Down Tonight" had kick-started a string of dancefloor favourites earlier in the year. It topped the US charts: both Pop and R&B. "That's The Way (I Like It)" proved the band's success was no fluke by repeating the feat. With this release, KC & the Sunshine Band won over a wider worldwide audience. A year later, the group was back on top with "(Shake, Shake, Shake) Shake Your Booty". In early 1977, "I'm You Boogie Man" became the band's 4th disco-flavoured #1 in America.
161	CROCODILE ROCK Elton John [1972] Every decade produces its defining moments of perfect pop. In the context of the 1970s, one such example is "Crocodile Rock". It captures one of the superstars of 70s pop music at his best. Songwriter Bernie Taupin's lyrics take a fond look back on the early days of rock 'n roll. Elton John attacks the piano with a camp confidence. His contribution as composer mixes glam rock with nostalgia. The chorus and the catchy "la la la"s make this song unforgettable. Little wonder it gave John his first #1 in the USA and Canada. The single made the Top 5 in Britain, Australia and Europe.