Time‑Warp Alert: These Iconic Tracks All Dropped in 1976!
1976 was a wild ride. Yes, it was America’s Bicentennial—but even more important were all of the great songs released that year. Disco was in full swing, and classic rock was echoing from car stereos coast to coast.
Some of the biggest songs of all time hit the airwaves that year, leaving a legacy that still shakes speakers today. Whether you were roller-skating, riding in a Camaro, or slow dancing under dim lights, these hits were the soundtrack of the moment (and so many moments since).
You may not believe it, but every one of these smash hits really came out in ’76. So, let’s hit that rewind button.
"Silly Love Songs" (Wings)
Paul McCartney had something to prove—and he did it with style. *Silly Love Songs* shot to No. 1 for five weeks, poking fun at critics who said he only wrote fluff. Turns out, people couldn’t get enough of it. It became the top Billboard song of 1976, and it’s still sweet, cheeky, and undeniably catchy.
Wings - Silly Love Songs (Official Music Video), PAUL McCARTNEY
"Don't Go Breaking My Heart" (Elton John & Kiki Dee)
This sunny duet hit No. 1 on both sides of the Atlantic, blending Elton’s charm with Kiki’s warmth. It was their first duet together—and a massive success. The playful back-and-forth and infectious melody made it a radio favorite. To this day, it’s a karaoke duet staple.
Elton John, Kiki Dee - Don't Go Breaking My Heart (with Kiki Dee), Elton John
"More Than a Feeling" (Boston)
More Than a Feeling introduced Boston’s clean, arena-ready sound to the world. With its layered guitars and crystal-clear vocals, it reached No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song’s hypnotic riff became a signature of classic rock radio. It still gets hands raised and heads nodding generations later.
Boston - More Than a Feeling (Official HD Video), Boston
"Fly Like an Eagle" (Steve Miller Band)
With its synthy intro and soulful groove, Fly Like an Eagle soared into the Top 10. Steve Miller’s mellow delivery gives the track a smooth, drifting quality. Perfect for windows-down drives or sunset listening sessions.
And sticking with Steve Miller and his band...
Steve Miller Band Fly Like An Eagle (music video), DJ Fuggi
"Take the Money and Run" (Steve Miller Band)
This rock tale of outlaws and escape hit No. 11 and became a radio mainstay. Take the Money and Run combined storytelling with tight guitar work and a carefree vibe. Billy Joe and Bobby Sue never sounded so cool.
"Slow Ride" (Foghat)
Slow Ride turned a sludgy groove into a stadium anthem. The song climbed the charts with its heavy riffs and bluesy swagger. It practically begs to be played loud. Can you think of a movie set in the late 70s that doesn't have this one on the soundtrack?
Foghat Slow Ride (music video), DJ Fuggi
"Blinded by the Light" (Manfred Mann’s Earth Band)
A cover of a Springsteen track, Blinded by the Light hit No. 1 with its synth-heavy, swirling energy. Nobody actually knows what the lyrics are—but we all sing along anyway. The opening alone still turns heads. A weird and wonderful '70s artifact.
Manfred Mann's Earth Band - Blinded By The Light (Watch 1978), Manfred Manns Earth Band (MMEB)
"The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" (Gordon Lightfoot)
The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald is a haunting folk epic about a real tragedy on Lake Superior. It reached No. 2 on the charts and captivated listeners with its solemn tone. Lightfoot’s lyrics read like poetry, painting a vivid picture of the doomed voyage. A powerful example of storytelling through song.
"Squeeze Box" (The Who)
Squeeze Box saw The Who go playful and unexpected, blending country twang with a rock attitude. The lyrics raised a few eyebrows, but fans embraced the cheekyness. It became a Top 20 hit and a staple of their live shows. Definitely one of their quirkiest releases.
the who-squeeze box, lucylovebeatles
"50 Ways to Leave Your Lover" (Paul Simon)
This clever breakup anthem hit No. 1 with a laid-back groove and witty lines. 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover features Simon’s signature wordplay and a famous drumbeat. “Just slip out the back, Jack” became an instant catchphrase. It’s humorous, smooth, and smart all at once.
"Love Hangover" (Diana Ross)
Love Hangover starts slow and sultry—then erupts into full-on disco bliss. Ross’s vocals glide over the track with ease, showing off her range. It hit No. 1 and helped secure her spot as a disco queen. And that tempo change—Still iconic.
Love Hangover - Diana Ross (Brooklyn, NY, 2025) (4K HDR), Ross McAllister
"Rock’n Me" (Steve Miller Band)
Rock’n Me became a road-trip anthem with its high energy and shout-along lyrics. It hit No. 1, giving Steve Miller Band another smash that year (and another spot on our list). Simple, catchy, and fun—it’s the kind of song you belt at full volume. Built for cruising with the top down.
Steve Miller Band - Rock'n Me (live - 1976) - Toppop, TopPop
"If You Leave Me Now" (Chicago)
One of Chicago’s softest ballads, If You Leave Me Now topped the charts and won two Grammys. The orchestration is lush and emotional, paired with Peter Cetera’s heartfelt vocals. It became a staple for weddings and breakups alike. Timeless and tear-jerking.
If You Leave Me Now - Chicago (1976) HD Musikladen, PS César
"Play That Funky Music" (Wild Cherry)
Play That Funky Music fused rock and funk with wild success—hitting No. 1. That bassline is unforgettable, and the chorus demands a sing-along. Wild Cherry may be a one-hit wonder, but what a hit it was. Still guaranteed to fill a dance floor.
Wild Cherry - Play That Funky Music, WildCherryVEVO
"Afternoon Delight" (Starland Vocal Band)
A soft-rock hit with eyebrow-raising lyrics, Afternoon Delight hit No. 1 in July. Its harmonies were smooth, and its innuendo snuck past censors. The song even earned a Grammy, and a spot in the hearts of Anchorman fans everywhere.
Starland Vocal Band - Afternoon Delight (1976) (Official Video), Classic Sounds 70s
"(Shake, Shake, Shake) Shake Your Booty" (KC & The Sunshine Band)
Shake Your Booty is a disco call to action that reached No. 1 with ease. KC & The Sunshine Band had the formula for getting people moving. It’s repetitive in the best way—pure dance floor joy. A party in three words.
KC & The Sunshine Band - (Shake Shake Shake) Shake Your Booty, cozyhollow
"Let Your Love Flow" (Bellamy Brothers)
A crossover hit with breezy vocals and mellow vibes, Let Your Love Flow was a No. 1 smash. It blurred lines between country, folk, and pop. Perfect for a lazy afternoon or windows-down cruise. Still flows just right today.
Bellamy Brothers - Let Your Love Flow (1976) HD 0815007, AgatheA0815007
"Convoy" (C.W. McCall)
Convoy turned CB radio slang into a national obsession—and a No. 1 hit. Fueled by the trucking craze, the song combined patriotism with storytelling. It’s equal parts novelty and cultural snapshot. 10-4, good buddy!
C.W. McCall - Convoy, Alamo YTC Germany
"Boogie Fever" (The Sylvers)
Boogie Fever had everyone catching the dance bug in spring ’76. Its slick production and catchy hook carried it to No. 1. The Sylvers were a family band with serious flair. Disco done right.
The Sylvers - Boogie Fever (Midnight Special 1976), thepaak786
"You Should Be Dancing" (Bee Gees)
You Should Be Dancing predated Saturday Night Fever but previewed its iconic sound. It hit No. 1, powered by Barry Gibb’s falsetto and a relentless beat. Still a disco essential. Glitterball approved.
"The Rubberband Man" (The Spinners)
With a groove that stretches and snaps (pun intended), The Rubberband Man reached the Top 5 in fall. It’s funky, funny, and totally unique. The Spinners brought personality to every note. Elastic soul at its finest.
The Spinners - Rubberband Man, on Midnight Special in 1976, Sean Bryand
"Fool to Cry" (The Rolling Stones)
Fool to Cry saw the Stones slow it down with unexpected tenderness. Mick Jagger’s falsetto gives the track emotional weight. It hit the Top 10, showing their softer side. Sometimes even rock gods cry.
The Rolling Stones - Fool To Cry - OFFICIAL PROMO, The Rolling Stones
"Get Closer" (Seals and Crofts)
Smooth and understated, Get Closer was a surprise hit with its romantic harmonies. Carolyn Willis’s guest vocals brought richness to the sound. It became a Top 10 favorite for couples. Still sounds like a summer breeze.
NEW Get Closer - Seals & Crofts featuring Carolyn Willis
"All by Myself" (Eric Carmen)
All by Myself is peak '70s soft rock drama. Built around a classical piano riff, it soared to the Top 5. Carmen’s aching vocal hits hard. Tissues highly recommended.
Eric Carmen – All by Myself (1975 full band performance +1976 single version), Sound Voyager
"The Things We Do for Love" (10cc)
Clever and melodic, The Things We Do for Love cracked the Top 5 with charm to spare. It’s one of 10cc’s most enduring songs. Quirky lyrics and sweet delivery make it endlessly replayable. A gem from the golden age of pop.
10cc - The Things We Do For Love, 10ccVEVO
"Love Hurts" (Nazareth)
Love Hurts channeled raw emotion into a full-on power ballad. It climbed the charts and stayed there for weeks. Dan McCafferty’s rasping voice made it unforgettable. A heartbreak anthem that still stings. And we can't be the only ones who always think of Adam Sandler's heartbroken version from The Wedding Singer when we hear this song.
nazareth love hurts (1976), rayas61230
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