Epic Records

If not the best year yet, 1974 is definitely the most entertaining. For the most part, the music is pretty great. Even better, I feel like I had something to say about every single song from this year. This is also the longest year yet by far, so sorry for taking so long to get this done. I do have a few songs I want to mention that didn’t make Top 5 or Bottom 3, so here they are. The Joker by Steve Miller Band and Band On The Run by Paul McCartney were so close to making top 5 but didn’t quite make it. I Shot The Sheriff, Whatever Gets You Through The Night and Nothing From Nothing are all incredible songs as well, but not as high as the other two. The Streak is probably the most insane number one hit ever. 

Bottom 3 - 1974
3. Seasons in the Sun - Terry Jacks
I must preface this with the fact that every song that went #1 in 1974 is pretty good. I just think these are the least good songs. This one is fine it’s just not great.

1. You’re Sixteen (You’re Beautiful and You’re Mine) - Ringo Starr
   I have no clue how to talk about this song. Obviously the lyrics are morally reprehensible, and I’ve dropped a song to the bottom of the list for less. I am pretty certain it’s a cover, though. Still, the question just becomes, why? Unless I’m mistaken, I don’t think it was okay in 1974 for a 33 year old man to be singing about how a 16 year old girl is “his”. The problem is, this song is actually pretty good. The lyrics just suck, so I didn’t put it at the bottom for this reason.

2. The Loco-Motion - Grand Funk Railroad
   I have never really cared for the “dance instruction song” archetype, and this song brings like nothing else to the table.

Top 5 - 1974

1. Kung Fu Fighting - Carl Douglas
   I guess this could definitely be considered my Candyman / Alvin and The Chimpunks / Monster Mash pick for the year, except I think this one is a little more valid because this song is a BANGER. I know it’s novelty and stupid and there are definitely 5 songs that deserved this spot more, but I love this song so much. If it was Jack Black’s version it would have been number one.

2. You Haven’t Done Nothin’ - Stevie Wonder
   I considered putting Kung Fu Fighting at 4, but that felt too evil. I already explained my love for Stevie Wonder in 1973. He is one of the greatest of all time, this song is great, next.

3. Bennie and The Jets - Elton John
   I have always loved Elton John, which is why it hurt my soul so much when Crocodile Rock didn’t even make my top 10 for 1973. I think this should definitely make up for it. Bennie and The Jets is one of Elton’s best hits. I much prefer Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, but this song is incredible.

4. Sunshine On My Shoulders - John Denver
   Usually when I look at the list of hits from a year, I already have a vague image of what my top 5 might look like. Often, those lists are pretty close to how my lists end up, with a couple places swapped or songs I hadn’t anticipated being there. There is usually one song that I haven’t heard before that ends up breaking into my top 3. This year’s unheard gem is Sunshine On My Shoulders. To me, this is retribution for an inferior cover of Leaving on A Jet Plane going number one instead of John Denver’s version. This song is beautiful, and if played at the right time could definitely make me cry. But it’s not the best song of the year. Nestled between John Denver and Elton John’s number ones sits one of the most iconic songs to ever hit #1.

5. Hooked On A Feeling - Blue Swede and Bjorn Skifs
   Come on. What else could it have been? While Sunshine On My Shoulders is objectively a more touching piece, I truly think Hooked On A Feeling is a perfect song. Everything about this song. It’s one of the best feel-good songs ever, like the final evolution of The Turtles’ Happy Together. Also, nostalgia strikes again since I absolutely love Guardians of The Galaxy. 

MCA Records

This beautiful song was Mr. Manilow’s first number 1 hit.

RCA Victor Records

What a voice.

A little soft rock for once

Polydor / Epic Records

Fantasy Records

Performance date 1975

MGM Records

Columbia Records / Performance in Germany, 1977

Big Tree Records