Welcome to the era of rock rebellion. Waving goodbye to the sugary, psychedelic pop of the 1960s, the 70s finally unleashed the game-changing weirdos rumbling underneath the surface, previously unable to pierce through the rigid constraints of society. Relishing in a newfound sense of freedom born of sexual liberation, feminism, the Civil Rights Movement and the close of the Vietnam War, artists now refused to let The Man determine their fate, trading in their boat-neck shift dresses for bell bottoms, black leather and glittery platforms. While the powerhouse voices of disco belted out themes of resilience and individuality, punk rock stormed the streets with electrifying guitar riffs and head-banging rhythms, causing the greatest incidents of pearl-clutching since Elvis discovered hip-thrusting. Technological advances also opened the floodgates to playful sonic experimentation, with artists gaining the ability to record more than four tracks on a song and even self-produce, as most punk rock bands did.
In honor of the revolutionary decade that forever changed the course of music, MOTHER compiled our top five artists listed below. We’re also sharing a playlist of our favorite 70s records, from The Clash to Donna Summer, celebrating the raw energy and anti-establishment spirit that defined the era. Whether you live for the fiery punk anthems that shook up Britain’s streets or irresistible power-pop melodies that uplift the soul, it’s time to crank up the volume, grab your leather jacket, and rock the f*ck on.