3 Forgotten 1970s Songs That Will Still Be Popular Today

Some songs manage to stay on repeat decades after their release, while others quietly fade away despite having all the qualities of a timeless hit. The 1970s produced countless tracks like this—songs that once turned heads but now sit tucked away in record collections or long-forgotten playlists.

What makes these hidden gems so fascinating is how well they hold up today. Their melodies, riffs, and lyrics still resonate, reminding us that popularity isn’t the only measure of staying power. They capture the spirit of an era while still sounding fresh enough to belong on a modern-day playlist.

In this article, we’re pulling three standout tracks from the shadows and giving them another spin. They may not get the same recognition as the decade’s biggest anthems, but they’re proof that great music never truly loses its spark.

Blues Image – “Ride Captain Ride”, Open (1970)

Blues Image may not be a household name anymore, but their hit “Ride Captain Ride” once sailed the charts with impressive force. The track reached No. 4 in both the U.S. and Canada in 1970, securing its place as one of the year’s most memorable tunes. Despite that success, the song has largely disappeared from modern playlists, making it an overlooked classic worth revisiting.

The single version that played on radio was plenty catchy, but the slightly longer cut adds even more charm. With about 40 extra seconds, the extended version layers in more of that rolling chorus and a taste of musical depth that the radio edit trimmed away. It’s a small difference, but one that transforms the experience.

And then there are the guitar solos—smooth, expressive, and delivered with a kind of swagger that perfectly captured the era. Those moments alone make the song worth rediscovering, proving that “Ride Captain Ride” still carries the wind in its sails more than fifty years later.

Gilbert O’Sullivan – “Get Down”, I’m a Writer, Not a Fighter (1973)

Gilbert O’Sullivan’s “Get Down” is one of those songs that had its moment in the sun, topping the charts in multiple countries, yet somehow slipped out of regular rotation in the decades since. Released in 1973, it peaked at No. 1 in both the U.K. and Ireland, and climbed to No. 7 in the U.S. For a brief time, it seemed like O’Sullivan was destined for long-lasting global recognition.

The track itself bursts with an irresistible combination of pop-rock hooks and playful energy. Its upbeat rhythm and quirky lyrics made it an instant singalong favorite, the kind of tune that could brighten up a party or a car ride. Even today, “Get Down” feels refreshingly lighthearted compared to the heavier hits of its era.

While Gilbert O’Sullivan is still remembered for ballads like “Clair” and “Alone Again (Naturally),” “Get Down” shows off his versatility as a songwriter and performer. It’s a reminder that he wasn’t just a crooner of melancholy tunes, but also a master of clever, catchy pop with staying power.

The Blackbyrds – “Walking In Rhythm”, Flying Start (1975)

The Blackbyrds may have been rooted in jazz and soul, but “Walking In Rhythm” has the kind of universal groove that transcends genre. Released in 1975, the track rose to No. 6 on the U.S. charts and became one of the group’s biggest hits. Smooth, soulful, and deceptively simple, it remains one of those songs that instantly sets a mood.

What makes it special is the way it blends jazz-inspired instrumentation with a pop sensibility. The vocals float effortlessly over the melody, while the arrangement adds layers of sophistication without ever sounding fussy. It’s a track that works just as well on the radio as it does in a quiet late-night setting.

Though The Blackbyrds enjoyed modest success with other songs like “Happy Music,” nothing quite matched the impact of “Walking In Rhythm.” It’s a shame their catalog isn’t celebrated more widely today, because this song alone proves they had something truly unique to offer. Rediscovering it feels like stumbling across a lost treasure of the decade.