Top 100 Songs of the 1970s, #40 - 31

Kate Bush: Kung-fu badass.

Welcome ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, children of all ages... welcome back to the greatest countdown you're likely to bear witness to (at least at this very moment); an all 70s list featuring some of the greatest songs in the history of modern music. We've got some legendary acts to witness today, so what are we waiting for? On with the show!

#40 - Jolene (1974)

by Dolly Parton

Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene,

I'm begging of you please don't take my man...

Because I'm sure perky, blonde and beautiful Dolly Parton felt threatened by some skank like Jolene. Regardless of the lack of sincerity, the song is still a pretty damn good piece of songwriting from the first lady of country. 

#39 - Surrender (1978)

by Cheap Trick

Mummy's alright, Daddy's alright,

They just seem a little weird...

'Surrender' proves to be infectious, with a memorable hook that leaves you smiling, if not a little bemused. 

#38 - Last Dance (1978)

by Donna Summer

Let's dance, this last dance tonight...

A true 70s diva and one of disco's biggest, shiny, shimmering stars; it's Donna Summers! And she scores the highest charting disco dance song on the countdown.

#37 - My Sharona (1979)

by The Knack

Never gonna stop, give it up,

Such a dirty mind, always get it up...

'My Sharona' is a song that just gets you pumped up and is guaranteed to leave you feeling 75% more excited than you were before hearing it. Unlike 'Sex Panther' it works 100% of the time, every time.

#36 - Knockin' On Heaven's Door (1973)

by Bob Dylan

It's getting dark, too dark to see,

I feel I'm knockin' on heaven's door...

#35 - Paradise by the Dashboard Lights (1977)

by Meat Loaf

Let me sleep on it,

Baby, baby let me sleep on it...

*Warning* I'm going to do that thing where I go, [insert song title here] is the definition of 'epic song.' You know what though, 'Paradise by the Dashboard Lights' definitely was an epic song in the 70s and it still is today. 

#34 - You Can't Always Get What You Want (1970)

by The Rolling Stones

At her feet was a footloose man...

#33 - Candle In The Wind (1974)

by Elton John

Hollywood created a superstar,

And pain was the price you paid...

The brilliant songwriting Bernie Taupin put into 'Candle In the Wind' is the true highlight of this song. Sure, Elton John provides some excellent music, but the story, a very true story, makes this one of the most memorable songs of all time. I can't wait until Lady Gaga does my song. It's going to be awesome. 

#32 - Wuthering Heights (1978)

by Kate Bush

Heathcliff, it's me, Cathy,

I've come home...

Kate Bush debuted in a big way, scoring her first and only UK and Australian #1 single. 

#31 - Moondance (1970)

by Van Morrison

And all the nights magic seems to whisper and hush,

And all the soft moonlight seems to shine in your blush...

We'll be taking a short break from the countdown over the weekend, but don't worry... it'll be back. We always come crawling back. What? Anyway... for more 70s goodness, check back Monday! It'll be good... very good.