The Great Songwriters of the 70’s inspire Indie Music Today
A deeper look at our music history
The great songwriters of the 70’s have inspired countless indie artists and are still to this day honoured for their talent at telling stories.
At the time we first heard their music, it was considered rebellious and innovative. Their songs were very well written, and their lyrics resonated with us. It was a great time for young people to grow up and discover themselves through music. We were living in an era of change. It was very exciting to be alive during this time period, and the music of the 70’s reflected that.
Great Songwriters who shaped the 70's
Great songwriters like Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, Joni Mitchel, Bob Dylan, and James Taylor who have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame. were also writing songs that resonated with our generation. They were telling stories about people who were struggling with life and trying to find happiness.
Bruce Springsteen achieves legendary status
Bruce Springsteen released four major albums in the 1970’s. Just about every song on each of his four 1970’s albums has achieved legendary status in the Bruce Springsteen cannon of music. The albums,Greetings From Asbury Park, The Wild Innocent and E Street Shuffle, Born to Run, and Darkness On The Edge Of Town are Rock and Roll Hall of Fame records. What is most extraordinary about those albums is Bruce Springsteen was only in his twenties when he composed and recorded those records. Incredibly, Springsteen was only 23 years old when he composed “Born To Run.”
Bob Dylan takes an active role in history
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Bob Dylan explored country music and rural themes in John Wesley Harding (1967), Nashville Skyline (1969), and New Morning (1970). In 1975, he released Blood on the Tracks, which many saw as a return to form. This American folksinger who moved from folk to rock music in the 1960s, infusing the lyrics of rock and roll, focused mostly with boy-girl romantic innuendo, with the intellectualism of classic literature and poetry. Dylan was involved with the Civil Rights Movement and even performed with other prominent singers. His impact in the music world by being one of the first musicians to take an active role on moral issues. Dylan was essential, by getting uniting people through his music.
James Taylor achieved his breakthrough
James Taylor achieved his breakthrough in 1970 with the №3 single “Fire and Rain” and had his first №1 hit in 1971 with his recording of “You’ve Got a Friend”, written by Carole King in the same year. His 1976 Greatest Hits album was certified Diamond and has sold 12 million copies in the US alone. James Taylor is known as a songwriter who is not afraid to use his own personal experiences as inspiration for his music. Taylor has received many awards including the Polar Music Prize, Grammy Awards and an Academy Award.
Joni Mitchell Poetry brings decades of influence
Canadian singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell “Help Me” is Mitchell’s biggest single and only Top 10 hit, peaking at #7 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1974. Joni Mitchell is one of the most highly regarded and influential songwriters of the 20th century. Her melodious tunes support her poetic and often very personal lyrics to make her one of the most authentic artists of her time. As a performer she is widely hailed for her unique style of playing guitar. As a pop-song writer, Mitchell would never be more effective as her bestselling record, selling 2 million copies in a year.
The 70’s was a time of great change and growth for many people. It was an era where people were rebelling against the government and established norms. People wanted to express themselves, but in a way that was different from what had been done before.
Earth, Wind & Fire reflects change
The music of this time reflected that need for change and revolution as heard on Album ‘The Need of Love’ song ‘Can You Feel It’ by Earth, Wind & Fire : 1971. This song is a great example of the new sound that was coming out in the 70’s. The song starts with an upbeat rhythm, which is followed by horns and other instruments playing at different pitches.
The music of the 70’s has a very distinctive sound
It was a time when many bands were experimenting with new styles and instruments, which led to some incredible music being created. Bands like Pink Floyd, The Who and Led Zeppelin were among some of the most popular bands at the time. They used new technology to create some very unique sounds, which made their music stand out from the rest.
1977: A Change in Movement with Jimmy Buffet
Later in that decade came artists offering more uplifting light hearted themes like Jimmy Buffet who sold more than 20 million albums upon his 1977 breakthrough hit, “Margaritaville.” The album galvanized the music camps of both rock-and-roll and country and marked another change in music for the world to experience.
Tom Petty Breaks is all down
Also making his mark in that year was Tom Petty. “Breakdown” was both his first Hot 100 hit, and first top 40 hit, peaking at №40. Eight entries were unaccompanied (billed as just “Tom Petty”), while the remaining 19 were with The Heartbreakers.
The music of the 70’s Inspires us today
Of course, it all started before I was born but that didn’t stop these amazing songwriters from greatly influencing my musical tastes in high school and college. I’m sure somewhere in your music box, you can think of a time or two when you mad memories to these songs.
The list of artists who have been inspired by these great songwriters is endless. Sitting in my chair as a music curator and indie radio host, I hear these great songwriters coming through in new artists all the time. Decades may have passed but true talent lives on forever.
Written by Jacqueline Jax
Indie Songwriters of tomorrow
Here’s a list of fresh new songwriters who have similar roots and are inspired by the greatest songwriters of all time.
Kaiak — Canvas
Released by: Kaiak Music
Indie Folk rock
Other: Americana
Moods: Energetic, Happy
Similar artists: Joni Mitchell
Have you ever wanted to transport yourself back to the hippie era of the 70s? Well, look no further than Kaiak and their latest hit “Canvas”. This Swedish band has managed to capture the essence of Woodstock and all that it represented in their latest track. If you’re a fan of Joni Mitchell or just love the sound of classic folk rock, then Kaiak’s “Canvas” is the perfect song for you. So, sit back, relax, and let the music take you on a trip back to the 70s.
“Canvas” features a guitar tuned in the same way as Joni Mitchell’s “Coyote”, giving the song a unique and authentic sound. The track is a perfect blend of folk and rock, with a catchy melody that will have you humming along in no time.
The lyrics of “Canvas” are all about self-discovery and finding your own path in life. It’s a message that was prevalent in the 70s and still holds true today. The song will take you on a journey through the ups and downs of life, and leave you feeling inspired and uplifted.
Abby K Delivers a Heartfelt Message to Ukraine on New Single ‘Carry the Weight’
“It’s as if Abby took a piece of a time past and dropped it in 2022. Thank you for creating this amazing song. It’s a treasure. “
This song is dedicated to the thousands of civilians and children killed, those forced to leave their country for survival, and to the brave men and women fighting to protect their freedoms. Read more here
Shelby Blondell Gives hope to those suffering from Chronic illness with new single “Takes A Day”
Through her song, she will inspire so many to peal themselves off the floor and breathe in a new day with hope for something better to come. “Takes A Day” is a song about a journey. It is a song inspired by a search for answers on a lifelong battle with chronic illness, which is a journey known by many. The song is dedicated to anyone who is searching for answers, treatment, or a cure. (read more here)
The Song Tailors ‘Step Off the World’ featuring Irish singer Muireann McDonnell is Inspired by the Nordic Northern lights
Australian Songwriter Ruth Picker’s Latest Release Under The Song Tailors Brand. The song is full of meaning, inviting listeners to explore and interpret the lyrics. Inspired by the Nordic Northern lights, the song takes the listener on a journey with lyrical and sonic imagery. “I wrote this after watching nature’s majesty and beauty — the spectacular colors in the sky, reflected in the sea. The song invites you to step off the world ‘with me’, imagining how that would feel. (read more here)
The Shameless Band’s ‘It’s Alright’ is music that Brings people together
I think we can all look back at those songs that comforted us during tough times when you really needed that comfort. I know I’ve turned to music many times when I needed to change my mood, especially when I’m sad. The world can be hard to deal with on some days. So music that makes you feel good comes as a relieving force for us.
Chris Eby — Fading Pictures
Music Genre: Americana
The theme talks about addiction and the faded memories left from living a life in a haze. In a way there is a romantic feel to the single as the lyrics resolve with one phrase in the Chorus saying These pictures of you, they stay. When all else is a blur. It’s a rather sad melody that runs a nice parallel to the lyrics and theme. (spotify)
Cabela and Schmitt is CALL UNTO ME is a plea to try to be a righteous man in an unrighteous world
The song is a powerful anthem that will inspire you to be the best man you can be. It’s a song that will give you strength, courage and power to overcome any obstacle in your life through faith. While this may seem like a daunting task, it’s something we all have the ability to do. CALL UNTO ME is a song that will help you have hope in times of despair and give you the strength to overcome any adversity that comes your way. Read more here
Olivia De Melo — Mess
Released by: Fueled By Passion
Genre: Singer Songwriter, Indie Folk, Alt Pop
Similar artists: Gracie Abrams, Billie Eilish, Lizzy McAlpine
A beautiful melody and soft song with an effective us of lyrics and vocal tone. I love her warm sound.
