Forgotten ’70s Rock Songs That Would Kill It in Today’s Market

Some songs arrive too soon, others too late. Timing can make all the difference in music, and the 1970s produced its fair share of rock tracks that slipped through the cracks. They didn’t become chart-toppers, but their sound and energy feel tailor-made for the playlists of today. These forgotten cuts prove that even strong songs can get overshadowed by bigger trends, radio politics, or simply being released at the wrong moment.

While some of the artists behind these tracks found success elsewhere, the songs themselves were left behind, remembered only by dedicated fans or vinyl collectors. Their lack of commercial triumph doesn’t diminish their quality; if anything, it highlights how unpredictable the industry can be. A track that fizzled out in the ’70s might have easily gone viral if dropped into the streaming era.

Listening now, it’s striking how contemporary they feel. The hooks are sharp, the riffs are memorable, and the raw energy aligns perfectly with what modern rock audiences crave. What once missed the mark could easily dominate festival stages, TikTok snippets, or Spotify rock playlists today. These songs aren’t relics—they’re hidden gems waiting to be rediscovered.

“Anti Establishment Man” by REO Speedwagon

Before REO Speedwagon became a chart-topping arena rock staple, they were a scrappy band still figuring out their identity. Their 1971 self-titled debut introduced a raw, bluesy edge to their sound, fronted by Terry Luttrell’s vocals. Buried within that record was “Anti Establishment Man,” a track that carried a catchy guitar riff and a rebellious spirit that could easily resonate with today’s audiences.

The song didn’t exactly set the world on fire upon release. The album itself underperformed, with only one single barely scraping the Billboard Bubbling Under chart at No. 122. At the time, rock fans were gravitating toward different styles, and the band’s mix of country, rock, and blues didn’t quite fit into the dominant trends. REO would later pivot, leaning into soaring harmonies and grander arrangements that defined their late-’70s and ’80s success.

Looking back, “Anti Establishment Man” feels like a lost gem that might have thrived in a different era. Its laidback groove and timeless riff would fit seamlessly into modern playlists blending rootsy rock with Americana influences. In today’s market, where listeners crave authenticity and cross-genre appeal, the song would have had far more room to shine.

“Soul Child” by Fanny

Fanny’s story is one of talent colliding with an industry not ready for it. As one of the first all-female rock bands to land a major label deal, they broke barriers simply by existing. On their 1971 album Charity Ball, the track “Soul Child” showcased their ability to let rhythm and groove take center stage, giving bass and drums a powerful voice that kept the song grounded and compelling.

Despite their pioneering work, Fanny struggled for mainstream traction. Charity Ball peaked at a modest No. 150 on Billboard’s Hot 200, a reflection not of their talent but of the cultural hurdles stacked against women in rock at the time. The band’s forward-thinking sound was overshadowed by a market still dominated by male-led groups and a public that wasn’t ready to embrace the novelty of women rocking out with equal skill.

Fast forward to today, and the landscape is different. Homogenous groups and unique lineups—whether in K-pop, indie pop, or alternative rock—have found massive fanbases. A track like “Soul Child,” with its rhythmic backbone and confident swagger, could thrive as a viral hit and serve as an anthem for inclusivity and empowerment in rock music.

“Thirteen” by Big Star

Big Star’s “Thirteen,” from their 1972 album #1 Record, is a tender, acoustic ballad drenched in nostalgia. With lyrics about young love and innocent yearning, it’s one of those tracks that manages to capture the sweetness and awkwardness of adolescence in just a few minutes. For those who discovered it, the song quickly became a cult favorite, standing as one of the band’s most cherished recordings.

Unfortunately, commercial success never followed. #1 Record was critically praised but poorly distributed, leaving songs like “Thirteen” largely unheard outside of niche circles. At the time, folk-rock and jangle pop were simmering on the edges of the mainstream, but they hadn’t yet blossomed into the movements that would later inspire college rock and indie bands.

Releasing “Thirteen” in today’s era would almost guarantee wider recognition. In a world where sentimental acoustic tracks can explode through platforms like TikTok or be featured on popular streaming playlists, its heartfelt lyrics and intimate sound would resonate deeply. Much like “Hey There Delilah” or “I’m Yours,” the song’s simplicity is its strength—timeless, relatable, and perfect for a modern audience craving authenticity.

“Honey Hi” by Fleetwood Mac

By 1979, Fleetwood Mac were still basking in the monumental success of Rumours. Their follow-up album Tusk, however, carried the weight of impossible expectations. Among its sprawling and experimental tracks was “Honey Hi,” a softer, breezy number that may not have been an obvious single but carried plenty of charm. Overshadowed at the time, it remains one of the quieter highlights of the record.

Tusk was widely seen as a commercial disappointment compared to Rumours, despite selling millions of copies by normal standards. Critics and fans alike were divided, unsure of what to make of its experimental tone and scattered creative direction. Even Stevie Nicks admitted she wasn’t quite certain what the album was trying to convey. In that fog of uncertainty, subtler tracks like “Honey Hi” were overlooked.

Today, the story might be different. Songs with dreamy, understated vibes often become viral sensations on social media platforms, gaining traction through short clips, reels, and fan-made edits. “Honey Hi” has that same breezy, atmospheric quality that modern listeners love to soundtrack their daily lives. Released now, it could easily rise as a sleeper hit in a digital-driven marketplace.