10 Timeless Blues Rock Songs of the 1970s
The 1970s was a decade of musical innovation and cultural transformation, particularly in the world of blues rock. With its roots deeply embedded in the American blues tradition, blues rock experienced a golden age during this period, producing some of the most enduring and influential songs in the genre’s history. From soulful ballads to electrifying guitar solos, the 1970s delivered an enormous amount of timeless blues rock tracks that continue to captivate audiences today.
Here are 10 timeless blues rock songs from the 1970s.
Derek and the Dominos: “Layla” (1970)
Few songs capture the essence of blues rock as powerfully as “Layla.” Written by Eric Clapton and Jim Gordon, this epic masterpiece features Clapton’s searing guitar work and heartfelt vocals, accompanied by Duane Allman’s iconic slide guitar. There are few riffs more iconic than the guitar from “Layla.” Along with Clapton’s passionate lyrics, “Layla” remains a definitive blues rock anthem.
The Allman Brothers Band: “Statesboro Blues” (1971)
Recorded live at the Fillmore East in New York City, “Statesboro Blues” showcases The Allman Brothers Band’s unparalleled musicianship and improvisational prowess. Featuring Duane Allman’s slide guitar and Gregg Allman’s impassioned vocals, this energetic rendition of the blues standard remains a highlight of the band’s legendary live performances.
Free: “All Right Now” (1970)
Talk about an all-time classic song. “All Right Now” by Free is a blues-infused rock anthem characterized by its infectious riff and catchy chorus. The song is from Free’s Fire and Water album. With Paul Rodgers’ soulful vocals and Paul Kossoff’s electrifying guitar work, the song became a smash hit and remains a classic rock staple to this day.
ZZ Top: “La Grange” (1973)
“La Grange” has an iconic riff and gritty blues-inspired vocals, “La Grange” epitomizes ZZ Top’s unique blend of blues and rock, becoming one of their most iconic and enduring hits. The song is from 1973’s Tres Hombres album.
Santana: “Black Magic Woman” (1970)
Originally written by Peter Green and recorded by Fleetwood Mac, “Black Magic Woman” was reinterpreted by Santana on their 1970 album Abraxas. Santana’s Latin-infused blues rock rendition, featuring Carlos Santana’s virtuosic guitar playing, became a massive hit and a staple of their live performances.
Golden Earring: “Radar Love” (1973)
“Radar Love” was released in 1973 and comes from the Dutch band Golden Earring. The song is a driving rock anthem that combines bluesy guitar riffs with a pulsating rhythm, making it a standout track in Golden Earring’s catalog.
Rory Gallagher: “Laundromat” (1971)
The lead track from Gallagher’s self-titled debut album, “Laundromat” features his blistering guitar work and impassioned vocals, establishing him as one of the most electrifying blues rock guitarists of the era.
Canned Heat: “Let’s Work Together” (1970)
“Let’s Work Together” by Canned Heat became a rallying cry for social change in the 1970s with its infectious groove and call for unity. The song’s blend of blues, rock, and funk influences, combined with its powerful message, resonated deeply with audiences, making it a timeless anthem for generations to come.
Led Zeppelin: “Black Dog” (1971)
“Black Dog” by Led Zeppelin is a quintessential blues rock track with its powerful riff and driving rhythm. The song’s dynamic instrumentation and Robert Plant’s soulful vocals capture the essence of the genre, solidifying Led Zeppelin’s status as one of the greatest rock bands of all time.
Deep Purple: “Smoke on the Water” (1972)
“Smoke on the Water” by Deep Purple is undeniably one of the most iconic rock anthems of the 1970s. Released in 1972 on Machine Head, the song has one of the most iconic guitar riffs in the history of music that you still hear in guitar shops all around the world. The classic riff and hard-hitting rhythm have made it a timeless classic that transcends genres and generations.
Blues Rock? Weird list!
I agree..this list is so wrong..Gary Moore, more Allman Brothers, BB King…etc
Led Zep Black Dog ????…I d choose…Shook me all night long…or How many more times…even Dazed and Confused…what the hell do I know
Totally agree. The people that came up with this list are clueless to Blues Rock
Babe I’m gonna leave you by Led Zeppelin should be on the list
Or Since I’ve been Loving you!
Exactly, first song that came to mind.
Absolutely!
Since I’ve Been Loving You – no brainer!
Exactly, first song that came to mind.
This list is a joke. Black Dog is a rock n roll song no blues at all.
Not to nit pick but Gary Moore didn’t really immerse himself in the blues until the 1990’s and this list is about music from the 70’s
Very true!
No “Whipping Post” by the Allman Brothers • recorded live over 50 years ago • at the Fillmore East or West?
Paul Butterfield Blues Band • the late great Paul Butterfield on harmonica and blues vocals…1st and 2nd LPS on Electra Records around ’67’/’68 in that time period.
I was born in chicag
This is a 70s list. These lists are subjective. Everyone has their opinions on who/what is best or worst, for that matter.
As the the late Buford Barker Sr. Said ” Opinions are like a holes everyone has one”
Jesus loves Us
They are talking about blues and blues rock.
Light Rock, rock and pop are NOT Blues or Blues Rock .
Eg: – Black Magic Woman is a Blues song written by Peter Green for his ENGLISH Blues band, Fleetwood Mac……the world’s most successful blues band and equal to Canned Heat.
This idiot chose the Latin / Pop Rock version by Santana. lol
I love Santana…..but his band almost never did BLUES.
Damn straight bro, I have the album from 73.
73 was rear for great songs
Yeah but you gotta give it to him…Rory Gallagher! Wouldn’t find him on many lists.. Severely underrated.
Format always gets overlooked in EVERYTHING. They may sound like 70’s rockers but they were a blues band.
FOGHAT DAMMIT
hmm..,yes, Foghat
Here here
Agreed. I wouldn’t put a lot of these songs on a blues list. They are all great songs, just not what I would consider blues.
Layla. Great song; not blues rock.
Let’s replace it with the Doors’ Roadhouse Blues.
Which had the fabulous Lonnie Mack on guitar. I miss Lonnie.
Miss Gary Rossington
I think Hendrix was murdered .. what say you?
Hmmm I could pick many tunes from Johnny Winter.
Agreed lot of johnny winter should be here
What? -No mention or not even a song by Blues-Rocker Johnny Winter??? He might not have been as FM radio popular or as mainstream commercially successful as some of these others -(no disrespect intended towards them) -but he sure rocked the blues during the 70’s, & had numerous blues, blues-rock recordings in the 70’s & beyond, but always seems to get left out/overlooked….
No Skynyrd????
This is a clowns list, there are no Blues songs on this list at all. Muddy Waters, John, Lee Hooker and other Real Bues Artest aren’t mentioned at all ?????????????
No Marshall Tucker either?
Country rock. Don’t get me wrong, I liked MT and Toy’s playing was exceptional.
No stevie ray vaughan??? No Jimi Hendrix?????
Epic fail
Johnny winter and Rory Gallagher were both terrific blues rockers.
Most Rock is Blues derived. All of these are good. I can imagine most of them covered by almost any Blues or Rock band. Of course, there were a lot of songs in the 1970s that would fit into the category.
How about mentioning Mike Bloomfield, Roy Buchanan, John Mayall I could go on all day…
You got it!
Yes John myall!
John Mayall wasn’t even born in the seventies. Pay attention!
John Mayall was playing the London Blues circuit in the 1960s with the Bluesbreakers. The line changed quite a lot and included at times Eric Clapton, Peter Green, John McVie, Mick Fleetwood. Adrian Dunbar and others. If he wasn’t born then as you claim, the guy playing keyboard, harmonica with a contraption on his chest and singing must have been a time traveller.
Dude- I saw Mayall in Miami. 1971
You people are all to dam critical, it should have been 1000 Timeless Blues Rock Songs of the 1970s and yes Johnny Winters and Traffic and Pink Floyd and Cheap Trick and Supertramp and The Doobie Brothers and The Doors and Max Webster and countless others should have been included but cant we just enjoy the tunes and remember the 70s, please?
This era of individuals have to whine and complain or they couldn’t breathe. “Layla isn’t the blues….” Holy stinkin’ moly
Clapton does nothing but the blues and rock together, this is his opus to the woman he loved who is married to one of his best friends..what would you want nto call it?
Kids these days, no respect for their elders.)))))
Just another clueless list. ????
Boz Skaggs had some great blues songs before going mainstream with Silk degrees.
Rory is the only true blue Bluesrocker on this list
Maybe you overlooked the Allman Brothers Band ?
Layla, blues song not even close not impressed by your list
Not a bad list, all in all. Here’s a few more ….
Anything Lynyrd Skynyrd, how about The Breeze?
Anything Foghat….Slow Ride, Sweet Home Chicago!
Ten Years After…Good Morning Little School Girl, or I’m Going Home! Rolling Stones-Mick Taylor Era.. Brown Sugar, anything from Sticky Fingers! Alice Cooper…Under My Wheels! Johnny Winter has been mentioned, how about Edgar Winter and Frankenstein? Robin Trower…Too Rolling Stoned!
Van Halen…Ice Cream Man! Ronnie Montrose… Rock Candy! Pat Travers… Boom Boom, or Snortin’
Whiskey! Bad Company… Bad Company! AC/DC…
Whole Lotta Rosie, or Dirty Deeds (Done Dirt Cheap)! Aerosmith… Back In The Saddle……
Is that ten yet? Because the list is practically endless!
Thanks for the reminder of Alvin Lee, 10 Years After • their searing live rendition of “Going Home” was/is intense. Also, their one rendition of “Good Morning Little Girl” is really great, as well.
Humble Pie, “30 Days in the Hole”
Roadrunner g jam.
Steve Marriott big train stop at Memphis.
Tumbling dice.The stones .
The list on second thoughts could be endless.
Humble Pie,
“30 Days in the Hole”
Bob Seeger and the silver bullet bands Turn the page. This is a great blues rock song.
Some comments are just too critical. All of these artist deserve their place here. Yes more could have been added. I’m thinking of Jeff Buckley. He was really great. This was a good list.
Jeff Buckley wasn’t active in the 70s. Could you bs thinking of Tim Buckley? He was great, too.
There was so much good music that came out during the 70s. Maybe that’s why so many TV shows, movies and commercials always seem to pick music from that decade. It would be nice if the writers would proof check things before submitting the articles. Golden Earings “Radar Love” came out in 1973, not 1977.
Laundromat. !! I’ve loved that song and Rory for a long time. I was surprised and happy to see it here !
In my version I’d throw something from Janis Joplin Pearl. Cry Baby probably.
psst….1970’s…
Duh, Robin Trower. Bridge of Sighs was one of the best 70’s albums.
Yep!!!
Agree ! I still listen and play to it .
Yep. Trower just released a new record!
Yeah, was expecting to see some Stevie Ray Vaughan, Paul Butterfield, Mike Bloomfield, John Mayall, Lynyrd Skynyrd. Savoy Brown, Yardbirds, Cream.. Some people that belong on the list aren’t there, and others that are not blues rock are there.
These lists are so stupid. Just one persons
opinion
Ask someone else you get a completely
different list
Most of these songs are more of the
commercialy popular ‘blues’ recordings
There are probably hundreds is lesser
known songs that are far better then these
That’s why these list are bullsh**
RORY GALLAGHER will always be the top bluesman ever. His talent, drive, energy and commitment will never be surpassed. Plus he was such a sweet soul. Missed SO much.
RORY GALLAGHER will always be the top bluesman ever. His talent, drive, energy and commitment will never be surpassed. Plus he was such a sweet soul. Missed SO much.
What about canned heat going up country fantastic but how about some ccr long as i can see the light
Blues ? Black Dog is Blues? Lmao. We know what real Blues is and some who likes Real Blues understands this. Its just 1 guys opinion who wrote it. They need to make a Real bona fide list.
Blues/Rock itself is a subjective classification. My opinion of “Radar Love” and “Layla” are their a couple of the greatest rock songs ever!
Rory Gallagher…..”Calling Card”
No list is complete without Muddy Waters or Albert King. Everyone learned at the feet of those two legends.
NOT a whiney “Boomer”. Where’s J.J Cale?
Anybody?
What no Blue Oyster Cult? J.k. weird selection.
Ok ok, this is his appreciation of blues rock. But I was quite amused with many of his choices as they are great classic rock tunes. Black Magic Woman by Santana is Latin rock, and imo the original by Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac is way more bluesy. Savoy Brown, Taste (w/ Rory), Blues Project, Edgar Winter’s White Trash with brother Johnny (Tobacco Road), ABB, TYA, Boz Scaggs w/Duane (Loan Me a Dime), the 3 Kings (Albert, B.B.,and Curtis), Alexis Korner’s Blues Inc., PBBB, John Mayall, J. Geils Band (Serves You Right to Suffer), Led Zep (Since I’ve Been Loving You), and BS&T (I Love You More Than You’ll ever Know) are just some on my list of prime blues rock from the 70s. There are so many others, sadly underrated and almost forgotten except by a few.
White Trash was one rocking blues/soul band! It’s a wonder my albums aren’t worn through I’ve played then so much.
I agree, weird list. Where is Peter Greene and early Fleetwood mac? Not to mention early zz top? JOHN Mayall?
Bingo!
Where is the great British bluesman Peter Green and the mention of his seminal work with John Mayall, Otis Spann, as well as the extensive studio and live recordings of his own original band Fleetwood Mac?? Without his inclusion this list is farcical.
I think Hendrix murdered…what say you?
All the clapton stuff mentioned . What about cream? Cream was much blusier than Layla. As was most of the Dominoes album.
Top blues-rock list? You’d have to do a top-20 to hope for anything not recorded by AC/DC.
BTW, Jonny Lang. Lie To Me (recorded at age 16) and Still Raining (age 17). 2 go-to bangers when I have the top down and driving. Trust me
Jon, so he’s not from the 70’s, but since you brought up Johnny Lang, I can’t help but turn it up to 11 when I listen to his rendition of Good Morning Little School Girl.
They’ve always said the roots of rock and roll were derived from the blues, but I don’t know enough about chord progressions and song arrangements to really be able to tell… Black Dog sounds like straight up hard rock to me !!
Blues ROCK -definitely ohnny Winter , Alvin Lee and Ten Years After, Rory Gallagher.
How about Electric Flag -Killing Floor and Pacific Gas and Electric- She’s Long She’s Tall. Marsall Tucker – Every Day I have the Blues live .
Just got paid. ZZ TOP.