THE 200 ESSENTIAL SONGS OF THE 1970s. This update: #50- 41. Continues next weekend.

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.
50	AMERICAN PIE Don McLean [1971] For many, Don McLean's epic song "American Pie" is the pinnacle of the singer/ songwriter era. Its verses have been studied over the decades that followed. Since its release, the track has remained a cherished sing-a-long favourite.
49	I WILL SURVIVE Gloria Gaynor [1978] Arguably one of the best known songs of the 1970s, "I Will Survive" made the transition from humble B-side to an anthem adopted by various groups. Gloria Gaynor scored a US #1 with the disco classic. Its lyrics continue to empower. The song continues to be a floor filler at parties today.
48	HAVE YOU EVER SEEN THE RAIN? Creedence Clearwater Revival [1970] Musically, CCR's "Have You Ever Seen The Rain?" is a splendid fusion of blues, country, roots rock and pop. The band's ability to create a unique sound from all these sources resulted in an enviable string of chart hits that have stood the test of time. Lyrically too, lead vocalist John Fogerty delivered a snapshot of the world as the 1960s gave way to a new decade.
47	FAMILY AFFAIR Sly & The Family Stone [1971] Sly & The Family Stone had already changed soul & funk forever in the preceding decade. "Family Affair" upped the ante. Writer and producer Sly Stone delivered one of the funkiest tracks of the 1970s. It served as as a blueprint for others- such as The Commodores, Kool & The Gang and Earth, Wind & Fire-  to follow.
46	LOVE IN C MINOR Cerrone [1976] The sound of Euro-disco was largely created by 2 key producers: Giorgio Moroder and Cerrone. The former will forever be acclaimed for his songs with Donna Summer. The latter enjoyed less success, but his impact inspired a sound that proved lucrative throughout the disco era. Born in Paris, Cerrone is still involved in dance music today. "Love In C Minor" was a risque and sexy track that differentiated it from the disco movement that was percolating in America at the time.
45	WUTHERING HEIGHTS Kate Bush [1978] The world was introduced to the intriguing talent of Kate Bush via her self-penned "Wuthering Heights". The music video was a siren call, luring an audience towards this fresh new talent. Composed by Bush when still a teen, her performance and the unique quality of the track was breathtaking. She has inspired many other female acts since her debut.
44	BEN Michael Jackson [1972] Motown realized it had a massive talent in Michael Jackson. With his brothers, The Jackson 5 had already notched up an impressive string of #1 singles with "I Want You Back", "A.B.C." and "The Love You Save". When "Ben" reached #1, the young sensation proved he could sustain 2 careers simultaneously: group member and soloist. By the close of the decade, his solo output would eclipse his Jackson 5 recordings.
43	DESPERADO The Eagles [1973] Despite not being a hit single for The Eagles, "Desperado" did map out a new musical direction for the band. The piano ballad was a softer sound and one that the group would return to in subsequent recordings.  In later years, the track attracted more attention. Don Henley and Glen Frey drew inspiration from the Old West for this American rock standard.
42	PAPA WAS A ROLLING STONE The Temptations [1972] "Papa Was A Rolling Stone" was miles away from the light fare of "My Girl" and "The Way You Do The Things You Do". The Temptations left the 1960s behind with this dark shift in style. Here, the immense influence of producer Norman Whitfield is undeniable. Every member of The Temptations contributes vocals on the track. The lengthy cut is one of the most daring for the Motown label, reflecting the blaxploitation music of Isaac Hayes and Curtis Mayfield at the time. This was The Temptations delivering music as good as anything put out by Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder on the label during those years; an unsurpassed classic in the R&B/ funk genres.
41	BORN TO RUN Bruce Springsteen [1975] "Born To Run" elevated Bruce Springsteen as a musical force. Hard to believe it now, but this was a make or break recording for the beloved rocker. Fortunately, all the key ingredients came together brilliantly on the track. The endearing song's immediacy has kept it relatable to this day. More than 40 years later, it has maintained its energy and remains a crowd favourite.