THE 200 ESSENTIAL SONGS OF THE 1970s. This update: #20- 11. 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.
20	BLITZKRIEG BOP The Ramones [1976] The Ramones were one of the driving forces of the punk and new wave scene. The band's huge influence began with "Blitzkrieg Bop", its debut single from a self-titled first album. Its "hey ho, let's go" opening lyrics rallied audiences and swiftly became an anthem.
19	NEVER, NEVER GONNA GIVE YA UP Barry White [1973] Barry White infused a heavy dose of seduction into the grooves of his lush brand of soul. The strings, orchestrations and his deep vocals were aimed directly at our libido. The master soon had us under his spell. The quality sound helped lay much of the groundwork for disco. The track is also known as "Never, Never Gonna Give You Up".
18	GOOD TIMES Chic [1979] Chic scored a major #1 with the single "Good Times". Its funky beat is both powerful and uplifting. Here, Chic raised the bar; proving it was more than just a disco outfit. Created by group members Bernard Edwards and Nile Rodgers, the song has been sampled - most famously by The Sugarhill Gang (Rappers Delight) - by other acts. Its thumping beat also influenced Queen when that group was creating "Another One Bites The Dust".
17	TAKE IT EASY The Eagles [1972] While Jackson Browne was working on a song idea, Glenn Frey liked what he heard enough to help him complete the composition. "Take It Easy" was recorded by Frey's group The Eagles. The precise guitar work, band harmonies and catchy chorus all combined to create the most defining West Coast rock track. As the band's debut single, it kicked off an impressive songbook which includes 5 US #1s.
16	THEME FROM 'SHAFT' Isaac Hayes [1971] Isaac Hayes was another of the integral architects of the disco sound. "Theme From Shaft" remains his greatest work. It was uber- cool at the time of its release and has managed to maintain its status over subsequent decades. It was revolutionary as far as film themes go and deservedly won Hayes an Oscar. 'Shaft' was a classic blaxploitation film. No other artist had mixed soul and funk the same way before this title song.
15	GOD SAVE THE QUEEN The Sex Pistols [1977] The scathing attack on monarchy was an instant punk rock anthem when "God Save The Queen" was unleashed to the public. It was the perfect follow-up to "Anarchy In The U.K.". The Sex Pistols may have been divisive, but the group have had an undeniable impact on rock music. This single remains a snapshot of life in London at the time of Queen Elizabeth II's Silver Jubilee celebrations. It was banned by the BBC., but that did nothing to hurt sales.
14	LOVE TO LOVE YOU BABY Donna Summer [1975] Just as Gloria Gaynor was establishing heself as the leading disco lady, Donna Summer emerged with her Euro-disco breakthrough hit "Love To Love You Baby". The original version took up the entire side of its parent album. Summer's sexy vocals and groans made this an instant classic. This was the first 12" single. Summer was an exceptional disco act, often co-writing the songs. She created this seminal disco track with Giorgio Moroder and Pete Bellotte.
13	LONDON CALLING The Clash [1979] The Clash dropped this definitive punk anthem in the final year of the 1970s. Powered by its hard rock, reggae and new wave ingredients, it swiftly became a rallying cry. Punk and new wave were morphing into a new attitude as the decade was giving way to the 1980s.
12	GET UP (I FEEL LIKE BEING A) SEX MACHINE James Brown [1970] James Brown proved he was still the Godfather Of Soul at the dawn of the decade with his funkiest moment. "Get Up (I Feel Like Being A) Sex Machine" is the legendary performer taking charge at his most virile. The track remains a defining moment for funk and R&B.
11	AUTOBAHN Kraftwerk [1974] Kraftwerk was  ahead of its time when it released "Autobahn". The German band created an innovative track that previewed where pop music would head in the 1980s. Few songs sound as radical as this one would have at the time of its release, and yet it reached the Top 40 in Germany, Britain, America, Canada and Australia.