In the 1970s, music videos were starting to become popular. This was a time when artists were starting to experiment with different styles and visuals. The result was some of the greatest music videos of all time! In this blog post, we will take a look at some of the most iconic music videos from the 70s. We will discuss why they are so great and how they have influenced later music videos. Prepare for a trip down memory lane by donning your bell-bottoms!
Killing Me Softly With His Song
Killing Me Softly With His Song was released in 1973 and is a song by Roberta Flack. The music video for the song is simple, but it is incredibly effective. It features Flack singing the song while walking through a field of flowers. As she sings, the camera zooms in on her face, and we see her emotions change.
The video is incredibly beautiful and perfectly captures the song’s emotion. Killing Me Softly With His Song is a perfect example of how a music video can enhance the emotional impact of a song. The 1970s fashion featured in the video is also a bonus! You can clearly see the influence that this video has had on later music videos. It is a timeless classic that is sure to be remembered for years to come. Thanks, Roberta Flack! We owe you one!
A Horse With No Name
The song “A Horse With No Name” was released in 1972 by the group America. The song was a great success and peaked at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The music video for the song was filmed in the Mojave Desert and features the band members riding horses and walking through the desert. The video is considered to be one of the first music videos ever made.
Bohemian Rhapsody
The British rock group Queen has a song called “Bohemian Rhapsody.” The song was released in 1975 and became one of the band’s most popular songs. The music video for the song was released in 1976 and is considered to be one of the first music videos ever made. The video features the band members performing the song in a live setting.
The video is iconic and has been copied many times by other artists. “Bohemian Rhapsody” is a perfect example of how a great song can be made even better with an awesome music video. Thank you, Queen!
Paranoid
Paranoid is a song by the English rock band Black Sabbath, released as the lead single from their second studio album, Paranoid (1970). It reached number four on the UK Singles Chart and number 61 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song’s title and main riff are often credited with creating the heavy metal genre. Rolling Stone listed Paranoid at number 251 on their list of the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time,” while VH-l named it the greatest heavy metal song of all time in 2000. Greatest Songs of All Time” in 2004.
Despite its success, Paranoid was not included on Black Sabbath’s debut album because producer Rodger Bain thought it was too commercial. Guitarist Tony Iommi said, “We went in to do the first album, and we did ‘Paranoid’ as one of the tracks. And Rodger Bain, who was producing us, he says, ‘Oh no, we can’t put that on, it’s too commercial. It’s got a great riff, but it’s too commercial.’
And we thought, ‘Oh well, OK.'” Paranoid was written in response to audience requests for an encore at Black Sabbath’s early live shows. It quickly became the band’s signature song and one of the most influential rock songs of all time.
Living Next Door to Alice
The song “Living Next Door to Alice” was released in 1972 by the British rock band Smokie. The song became a global smash and peaked at number one in various nations. The music video for the song was directed by Mike Mansfield and features the band performing the song in a studio. The video was nominated for two Grammy Awards, winning Best Rock Performance by a Group or Duo.
While simple in concept, the video is effective in conveying the message of the song. The band is shown performing in a studio, with footage of them intercut with shots of a young woman living next door to Alice. The woman is shown going about her daily life, including cooking dinner and doing laundry. At one point, she even waves to the band as they perform.
Rocket Man
I don’t think there’s a music fan out there who isn’t familiar with the classic ballad, “Rocket Man” by Elton John. The song is a beautiful ode to an astronaut pining for his home and family while he’s up in space. It’s a sad and longing song, but it’s also one of the most beautiful and powerful love songs ever written.
The music video for “Rocket Man” is just as iconic as the song itself. It was directed by Bruce Gowers, who also directed videos for Queen, ABBA, and Wings. The video features Elton John performing the song on a stage in front of a giant rocket ship. As he sings, we see footage of real rocket launches and astronauts in space.
The video is a perfect example of how a simple concept can be executed perfectly. It’s a beautiful and moving tribute to the men and women who risk their lives to explore the universe. And it’s also a reminder that, no matter how far we may travel from home, we always carry our loved ones with us in our hearts.
Sin City
The lyrics of Sin City vividly depict a place steeped in darkness and temptation, where vices hold sway. The song’s central theme revolves around the irresistible allure of this city, serving as a metaphorical vortex of indulgence. AC/DC skillfully portrays a world where desires reign supreme, often with dire consequences.
The moniker “Sin City” was undoubtedly bestowed upon Las Vegas due to its infamous reputation for indulgent and “sinful” behaviour. With a multitude of casinos, exemplified by Caesars Entertainment’s impressive 9 properties in Las Vegas alone, the city lives up to its provocative name.
Mamma Mia
ABBA’s Mamma Mia is a classic pop song that has been beloved by fans for decades. The music video for the song is just as iconic, featuring the band members dancing on a picturesque beach. The video perfectly captures the carefree spirit of the 1970s, and it’s easy to see why it remains one of the most popular music videos of all time.
In conclusion, the ’70s were a great decade for music videos. These three examples are just a small sampling of the incredible work that was produced during this time. So, if you’re ever feeling nostalgic for the good old days, be sure to check out some of these classic videos. You’re sure to have a blast!
