Many argue that the 1970s were music’s greatest decade. It’s easy to see why: innovation abounded everywhere. Punk emerged, Steely Dan and Pink Floyd remade the sound of mainstream rock, and musicians like Marvin Gaye and Donny Hathaway redefined soul.
But not every ’70s musician is as remembered as they should be. Join us as we walk through five of the most underrated ’70s musicians.
Big Star: The Most Underrated 70’s Band
You can’t talk about underrated 70’s bands without talking about Big Star. Memphis natives Alex Chilton and Chris Bell had all of the talent, poise, and songwriting ability of a big, pop-y 70s rock band but never quite broke through.
It only takes one listen to “September Gurls” or “The Ballad of El Goodo” to see why this is one of the most head-scratching bands in history. Their jangly guitars and catchy choruses were exactly what 70’s audiences loved.
They’re praised now by indie rock musicians, but that shift only began to happen after Chris Bell was dead and Alex Chilton was reaching the end of his life.
Their song “In the Street” eventually became the theme song for That 70’s Show. In a cruel twist of fate, their version of the song was replaced with a cover by the much more popular Cheap Trick.
Death: The Underrated Proto Punk Band
Punk rock officially burst out in America with The Ramones’ 1976 debut album. But in the early ’70s, after seeing performances by The Who and Alice Cooper, the all-black band Rockfire Funk Express changed their name to Death and pared down their sound.
Their 1975 album For the Whole World to See has several early punk rock songs before most Americans had ever heard of The Sex Pistols. “Freakin Out” and “Rock N Roll Victim” offer a snarling quality that many bands would later capitalize on.
Other songs like “Politicians in My Eyes” and “Keep on Knocking” are more similar to the hard rock of the era but are still a great worthwhile listen for any rock and roll fan.
Leon Ware
Leon Ware had more of an influence over Soul’s greatest era than most people realize.
If you don’t recognize his name, you definitely recognize his work. He co-wrote the classic Marvin Gaye love ballad “I Want You,” the early Michael Jackson hit “I Wanna Be Where You Are,” Minnie Ripperton’s “Inside Your Love,” the underrated Quincy Jones number, “If I Ever Lose This Heaven” and more.
He also had an inspired solo career. You’d have to progress to the 80s to hear his best song “Why I Came to California”, but his slow jam “French Waltz” belongs on any soul playlist.
Judee Sill
When it comes to women in 70s folk, Joni Mitchell and Joan Baez come to mind. But few know about the songwriting genius that was Judee Sill.
Specializing in stripped-back songs with layered harmonies, Judee Sill offers tunes featuring religious imagery that isn’t tied to any personal faith. “Jesus Was a Crossmaker” builds up with brilliant vocal intensity, almost like a Beach Boys composition; songs like “Crayon Angels” and “The Lamb Ran Away With the Crown” have a jadedness you can’t quite get anywhere else.
Unfortunately, Sill’s life was cut short by addiction before found wide success. She now enjoys a second life as an inspiration for many young indie singer-songwriters who prefer the hidden gems.
-Christian Flynn
Photo: Alex Chilton (Philippe Brizard via Wikimedia Commons)
Really good piece. Big Star and Judee Sill are both awesome artists who didn’t get the recognition they deserved at the time and, in my opinion, still have not . The first two studio LPs of each artist are stunningly wonderful. I plan to check out the other artists you discussed because, if they are half as good as Big Star and Sill, you’ve introduced me to some great “new” music. Thanks!
Glad you enjoyed it!