THE 200 ESSENTIAL SONGS OF THE 1970s. This update: #40- 31. 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.
40	PERSONALITY CRISIS New York Dolls [1973] "Personality Crisis" was punk before the genre existed. It was categorized as rock at the time of its release, but serves as a proto-punk track included on the band's debut album. The track features hints of glam, new wave and rock. Covers for both the single and its parent album 'New York Dolls' depict the group in an androgynous context. The song influenced The Ramones and many other acts that followed on the emerging American punk scene. Todd Rundgren produced the track.
39	HEROES David Bowie [1977] David Bowie established himself as both a musical and fashion chameleon in the 1970s. "Heroes" saw him soak up the innovative trends of Berlin. Bowie co-wrote the powerful track with Brian Eno. It has since become an anthem and is one of the musician's most beloved songs.
38	DON'T STOP 'TIL YOU GET ENOUGH Michael Jackson [1979] Michael Jackson met producer Quincy Jones while filming the film version of 'The Wiz'. The 2 joined forces for 'Off The Wall', an album launched with lead single "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough". Gone was the impressive young boy from The Jackson 5. The world was introduced to an older Jackson; now the coolest African-American on the planet. This song propelled him to superstar status, reaching #1 all over the globe. Follow-up "Rock With You" kept the momentum going until it was eclipsed by 'Thriller' 3 years later.
37	BANGLA DESH George Harrison [1971] Before "We Are The World" and "Do They Know It's Christmas?", George Harrison assembled various musicians to raise funds for the troubled in Bangladesh. The single by Harrison is considered the first rock charity single. Countless worthy causes have followed in its wake. Ringo Starr, Leon Russell and Billy Preston are featured on the recording.
36	BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATER Simon & Garfunkel [1970] The crowning moment in Simon & Garfunkel's catalogue is the stupendous track "Bridge Over Troubled Water". As the tumultuous 1960s gave way to a new decade, Paul Simon's lyrics offered solace. It captured the mood of the time. Art Garfunkel's vocal performance is at its peak on the track.
35	KNOCKIN' ON HEAVEN'S DOOR Bob Dylan [1973] Bob Dylan has maintained his status as one of the key singer/ songwriters in rock music. In the 1970s, he dropped the beautifully crafted "Knockin' On Heaven's Door". It still stands up as one of his best compositions. The song was featured on the 'Pat Garrett & Billy The Kid' film soundtrack. It has been covered by many artists across a range of genres.
34	HEART OF GLASS Blondie [1979] The members of Blondie initially intended "Heart Of Glass" to be recorded as a reggae song. Producer Mike Chapman had other ideas. He transformed the demo into a 70s classic pop hit. The finished product was a creative mix of punk / new wave and disco. Record buyers loved it, with sales resulting in a #1 single in Britain, America, Europe, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
33	FLASH LIGHT Parliament [1977] George Clinton was the master of funk in the 1970s, surpassed only by James Brown in terms of influence. He was at the helm of 2 funk outfits: Parliament and Funkadelic. Like Brown, his recordings have been sampled countless times.
32	YOUR SONG Elton John [1970] Elton John broke through with the tender ballad "Your Song". Bernie Taupin's lyrics remain simple but direct throughout. This makes the song relatable and timeless. John has performed the love song at almost every concert since. It made him a star in America. The track helped launch the singer / songwriter era in the 1970s. Its beauty attracted a wider audience that still adores the piano player and his songbook.
31	ONE NATION UNDER A GROOVE Funkadelic [1978] George Clinton was all about positivity and cohesion on the funky anthem "One Nation Under A Groove". He led the group Funkadelic on an upbeat track that rivals James Brown's 70s funk workouts.