21 Radio Hits from the ’70s That Wouldn’t Make It Past Today’s Censors
The 1970s was an era of musical innovation, during which artists pushed boundaries and challenged societal norms. As we look back at some of the iconic hits from that decade, it’s essential to consider how the themes and messages in these songs resonate in today’s world. Here are 21 classic songs from the ’70s, and we explore the conversations they spark in contemporary society.
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“Brown Sugar” by The Rolling Stones (1971)
Despite its iconic status, “Brown Sugar” has lyrics that delve into the historical context of slavery and exploitation. While the song’s portrayal of interracial relationships and sensual exploitation is reflective of its time, it would raise eyebrows today due to its insensitivity and cultural appropriation. It serves as a conversation starter about the representation of race and power dynamics in music.
“Roxanne” by The Police (1978)
Centered around a man’s plea to a prostitute named Roxanne, the song explores themes of desperation and human connection. While musically captivating, its portrayal of illegal work and gender dynamics could be viewed as problematic in today’s context. “Roxanne” prompts discussions about empathy, respect, and the intricacies of modern relationships.
“Hot Child in the City” by Nick Gilder (1978)
“Hot Child in the City” vividly portrays the challenges of urban life and the struggles faced by young individuals navigating unfamiliar environments. However, its lyrics, while evocative, may be seen as sensual underage experiences, prompting concerns about appropriate representation. It initiates conversations about the vulnerability of youth and the necessity of providing support and protection to those navigating complex urban landscapes.
“God Save the Queen” (1977)
This punk anthem was a scathing attack on the British monarchy and establishment. Some see it as a timeless anthem against blind patriotism and social inequality. Others question its disrespectful tone and argue that dissent shouldn’t come at the expense of tradition. The song remains a touchstone for debates on young rebellion, punk’s legacy, and the boundaries of artistic expression.
“Afternoon Delight” by Starland Vocal Band (1976)
With its upbeat melody, “Afternoon Delight” captures the excitement of daytime romance. However, its subtle innuendos may be deemed too suggestive for contemporary audiences. The song prompts discussions about intimacy, consent, and the nuances of romantic relationships.
“The Ballroom Blitz” by Sweet (1973)
This energetic anthem captures the chaos of a wild night at a ballroom dance, prompting discussions about the thrill of collective experiences and the power of music to unite people. While its frenetic pace and playful lyrics may seem lighthearted, they offer insights into the human desire for connection and excitement.
“Maggie May” by Rod Stewart (1971)
Rod Stewart’s heartfelt ballad, “Maggie May,” paints a vivid portrait of nostalgia and youthful romance. It sparks discussions about sensual double standards. While the song depicts a young man’s romantic encounter, the lyrics imply the woman is a prostitute and gets punished, reinforcing a judgmental view of female sensuality. Today, listeners might debate whether the song celebrates youthful exploration or exploits a young woman. It raises questions about agency and consent in casual encounters.
“My Sharona” by The Knack (1979)
A high-energy anthem of youthful infatuation, “My Sharona” pulses with infectious rhythm and exuberance. The lyrics depict a man’s infatuation with a potentially underage girl named Sharona. Some see it as harmless fun, while others find it exploitative or promotes grooming behavior. The song also raises questions about consent, considering the power imbalance between an older man and a young girl.
“You’re Sixteen” by Ringo Starr (1973)
Ringo Starr’s rendition of “You’re Sixteen” offers a lighthearted celebration of teenage romance and innocence. It sparks discussions today about the portrayal of young girls in music. While not overly explicit, the lyrics idealize a very young woman and can be seen as creepy in light of modern sensibilities. Some listeners consider it harmless fun, while others debate the line between innocent admiration and inappropriate objectification.
“Brick House” by Commodores (1977)
“Brick House” by The Commodores (1977) is a funk classic, but its lyrics about a desirable woman with a “strong foundation” can spark discussions about body image today. Some view it as a celebration of a confident, curvy woman. However, others see it as reinforcing beauty standards focusing on physical attributes like size rather than a woman’s whole person.
“Fat Bottomed Girls” by Queen (1978)
Queen’s anthemic “Fat Bottomed Girls” has faced criticism for potentially perpetuating body stereotypes. While some see it as a lighthearted celebration of physical attraction, others criticize it for reinforcing unrealistic beauty standards and a focus on women’s bodies. The song’s meaning is debated, with some arguing it’s simply about physical preference, while others see a deeper commentary on societal expectations.
“Let’s Get It On” by Marvin Gaye (1973)
Marvin Gaye’s soulful anthem “Let’s Get It On” celebrates intimacy and desire with its smooth vocals and sensual groove. While celebrated for its sensuality, the song’s lyrics can be interpreted as pushy or manipulative. Listeners debate if it promotes open communication and passion or pressures intimacy. This ambiguity fuels discussions about healthy expressions of desire and navigating boundaries with respect.
“Lola” by The Kinks (1970)
In Lola, a transgender lady and a guy have a explicit experience while delving into issues of acceptance and identity. While some see it as a catchy pop song about mistaken identity, others view it as challenging rigid gender norms. The lyrics explore how easily masculinity can be performed, raising questions about what defines a “man.” Today, “Lola” is debated for its contribution to LGBTQ+ history, with some appreciating its subversion of gender stereotypes, while others see it as simplifying a complex topic.
“Dancing Queen” by ABBA (1976)
“Dancing Queen” is a triumphant anthem of liberation and joy, capturing the exuberance of the disco era. While initially seen as a celebratory song about having fun, some interpretations question the focus on a “queen” and potentially limiting gender roles. However, others see it as a celebration of confidence and individuality, regardless of gender. The song’s enduring popularity reflects the evolving conversation about expressing ourselves on the dance floor and in life.
“You (blanked) Thing” by Hot Chocolate (1975)
With its upbeat rhythm and catchy chorus, “You (blanked) Thing” celebrates self-confidence and allure. While praised for its infectious groove, the song’s overtly inappropriate lyrics may raise questions about appropriate content in mainstream music. The song must establish if the attraction is mutual, raising questions about consent.
A song by Eric Clapton (1977)
Eric Clapton’s song in 1977 sparks debate today about the song’s true message. While catchy, the lyrics glorify a drug. Clapton claims it’s an anti-drug song, but the celebratory tone leaves many unconvinced. This highlights the difficulty of crafting anti-drug messages that can be both effective and clear. It raises questions about artistic intent vs. audience interpretation and the lasting impact of music, even if the artist’s views evolve.
“Walk on the Wild Side” by Lou Reed (1972)
“Walk on the Wild Side” sparks discussions today about LGBTQ+ representation and the portrayal of explicit work. While some see it as a celebration of individuality and freedom, others criticize its focus on marginalized characters and potentially glamorized views of explicit work. The song raises questions about how artists depict sensitive topics and the balance between authenticity and exploitation.
“Kung Fu Fighting” by Carl Douglas (1974)
The song sparks debates about cultural appropriation and representation. The non-Asian artist uses stereotypical lyrics and accents to depict Chinese culture. While some see it as a fun homage, others criticize it for being insensitive and profiting off Asian cultural trends without understanding.
“Killing Me Softly With His Song” by Roberta Flack (1971)
This song is about obsessive love and can be interpreted as glorifying an unhealthy relationship. The lyrics “strangled by your loving arms” are particularly troubling to some listeners. The song sparks debate about the portrayal of unhealthy love. While some view it as a beautiful ballad about unrequited love, others see it as a romanticizing obsession.
“I Wanna Be Your Dog” by The Stooges (1973)
This Iggy Pop-penned song contains explicit lyrics and is considered shocking. Some see it as artistic rebellion, while others debate whether it glamorizes unhealthy power dynamics or represents raw human emotion. The song raises questions about artistic freedom and the responsibility of musicians when portraying controversial themes.
“My Ding-A-Ling” by Chuck Berry (1972)
This song sparks debates about subtlety vs. offensiveness in humor. The suggestive lyrics use double entendres, leaving interpretation open. While some consider it harmless innuendo, others find it crude and inappropriate. The song highlights the generation gap in humor, with some arguing it’s lighthearted fun, while others see it as pushing boundaries too far.
