THE 200 ESSENTIAL SONGS OF THE 1970s. This update: #120- 111. Continues tomorrow.

THE 200 MOST ESSENTIAL SONGS OF THE 1970s It was the decade of glam, disco, funk, Philly Soul, heavy metal, the singer/songwriter, punk and new wave. Here are the 200 songs that mattered most during the Seventies, in terms of influence, impact and success. To be eligible, the song needed to be released- as a single or on an album- during the years 1970-1979.
120	GOLDEN YEARS David Bowie [1975] Few artists re-invent themselves as successfully as David Bowie did throughout his brilliant musical career. "Golden Years" saw the chameleon mix the worlds of art rock with funk and R&B. Around the time, this fusion produced similar noteworthy classics such as "Fame" and "Young Americans".
119	MIDNIGHT TRAIN TO GEORGIA Gladys Knight & The Pips [1973] Years of frustration at Motown led to Gladys Knight & The Pips' departure from the label. Anyone doubting the wisdom of that decision was proven wrong when the vocal group began a string of soul staples with Buddah Records. "Midnight Train To Georgia" had already been recorded by Cissy Houston (Whitney's mother). When Knight cut her version, it soon became a #1 hit single. Their version is the definitive interpretation of the Jim Weatherly song. It is one of the finest R&B recordings of all time.
118	WHAT A FOOL BELIEVES Doobie Brothers [1979] The Doobie Brothers had already charted with songs that helped define the American rock sound before 1979. "What A Fool Believes" captures the band at its pinnacle. At the time, Michael McDonald was at the helm, guiding the group into a more successful phase. He injected soul and a new approach to harmonies into the band's sound.
117	LAYLA Derek & The Dominos [1971] Falling in love with your best friend's wife is fraught with danger. Eric Clapton found himself in this triangle when he could no longer supress his feelings for George Harrison's spouse Patti Boyd. His vocal on "Layla" conveys his torment. Musically, Derek and The Dominos execute one of rock's best epics. Clapton on guitar seems to scream out his torturous state. Jim Gordon's piano coda brings the masterwork to a shimmering conclusion.
116	CUM ON FEEL THE NOIZE Slade [1973] Glam was a prominent force on the British music scene in the early 70s. Slade were one of its leading acts, scoring 6 UK #1s in just 3 years. "Cum On Feel The Noize" remains an anthem of the glam and glitter period, while also possessing elements of hard rock.
115	MAGGIE MAY Rod Stewart [1971] "Maggie May" launched Rod Stewart's solo career, becoming a worldwide #1 single. At the time, the singer was also fronting The Faces. Stewart reveals a vulnerability and tenderness as he reflects on losing his virginity to an older woman. Simultaneously, there's an assured maturity in his vocal approach. The single set him up for a career that continues many decades later.
114	BIG YELLOW TAXI Joni Mitchell [1970] Few songs have as memorable a chorus as "Big Yellow Taxi". Joni Mitchell sings: "don't it always seem to go, that you don't know what you've got till it's gone". With the tune, Mitchell married folk music with pop in a novel way.
113	LET'S STAY TOGETHER Al Green [1972] Hard to believe it now, but Al Green disliked his vocal on "Let's Stay Together". He was persuaded to utilize his falsetto by producer Willie Mitchell. The latter was correct. This recording remains one of soul's most enduring and uber-cool love songs. Green's vocal matches the percolating rhythm section. Both gradually build to a satisfying chorus.
112	CANDLE IN THE WIND Elton John [1973] In an era where there was an abundance of singer / songwriters, few matched the beauty of "Candle In The Wind". Before it was re-adapted as a tribute to Princess Diana, it was about screen legend Marilyn Monroe. Taupin's raw lyrics reveal the dark and hollow nature of celebrity. Elton John performs the song from the perspective of a fan. His vocal reflects wonder and regret over the tragic end of Norma Jean Baker. The track's truth resonates to this day and explains its hallowed place in the piano player's songbook.
111	I WANNA BE YOUR LOVER Prince [1979] Prince's initial attempts to break through had failed. He hit back with a funky pop track that kick-started his career. "I Wanna Be Your Lover" emerged in the final months of the 1970s. It peaked at #11 Pop and reached the top of the R&B chart in the USA. Prince would of course be one of the biggest recording successes of the 1980s.