In 1975, some of the biggest classic rock songs ever were released, and they are now turning 50 years old in 2025. Like many others from the time period,not every classic rock tune could be a number one hit, but they each had a unique way of making an impression. However, this was not an easy decade to stand out in, as bands such asChicago dominated with a slew of hit songs. Plus, in other genres, such as metal,bands were releasing 10/10 no skip albums in the ’70s.
Nonetheless, these bands were able to find their niche, standing out using a number of factors. For some, it was experimenting with the different popular genres and blending them with rock, and for others, it was by utilizing revolutionary recording techniques. Regardless,these top hits that are celebrating a milestone anniversary laid the groundwork for many musicians. They deserve a proper remembrance of how truly great they were and still are.
10Bruce Springsteen - Thunder Road
Album: Born To Run (July 14, 2025)
Of course, Bruce Springsteen would go on to release one of the biggest albums of the 1980s, but before that happened, he released arguably his most important record.Born to Runwas his third studio album, and it followed his first two, which did not perform as well as hoped. Fortunately, this one was a charm, andthere was no song on it that missed.
Starting off the album was “Thunder Road,” a tune that has seen its legacy grow. Springsteen enjoyed this track so much thathe even wrote a sequel to it, “The Promise.“There are not many songs that receive this kind of treatment, but it showed what he thought of the concept. Additionally, this one has been covered many times by artists including Nate Ruess and Eric Church.
9Nazareth - Hair Of The Dog
Album: Hair Of The Dog (April 1975)
After releasing their first album in 1971,Nazareth were already on their sixth studio release when their recordHair of the Dogcame out in 1975. One of the biggest things it is remembered for is their legendary cover of the song “Love Hurts.” However, the band had plenty of great original work on it, including the title track.
As the first song on the album, “Hair of the Dog” got this record off to a great start. Even though it didn’t impact the charts, it still became one of the band’s most memorable tunes. Years after its release, it would receive major recognition as it was covered in the late ’80s by glam metal band Britny Fox. Then, it was put back into circulation whenit was covered by Guns N' Roses onThe Spaghetti Incident?.
8Heart - Crazy On You
Album: Dreamboat Annie (September 1975)
Once Heart formed the perfect lineup, they were ready to unveil their debut studio album. It was first released in 1975 in Canada.The band quickly discovered they had multiple hits, including “Magic Man,” which finished in the Top 10 on theBillboardHot 100, and “Crazy on You,” which ranked as high as the 35th spot on the chart.
Although it may not have reached as high on the charts,“Crazy on You” has earned a distinct place in the band’s history, becoming the song they have performed live the most (ViaSetlist.fm). While it is unlikely to attend one of their concerts and hear their smash hit “All I Want to Do Is Make Love to You,” it is very likely that “Crazy on You” will be played loud and proud.
710cc - I’m Not In Love
Album: The Original Soundtrack (March 1975)
Every band searches for its international breakthrough hit, with some finding it earlier than others. For 10cc, it didn’t take long, as their song “I’m Not in Love” appeared on their third studio album.This tune helped make the band one of the leaders in Art Rock, a genre based on elevating rock to create an artistic statement. It was also praised for its unique vocal techniques.
“I’m Not in Love” reached the second spot on theBillboardHot 100, becoming a sensation.
Upon its release, “I’m Not in Love” reached the second spot on theBillboardHot 100, becoming a sensation. As the year ended, it still ranked high on the chart, finishing in the 43rd position. The tune gained even more popularity whenthe musical group Will to Power released a cover in 1990. Even 10cc would help make the song’s history sweeter by releasing an acoustic version of it.
6Aerosmith - Sweet Emotion
Album: Toys in the Attic (July 08, 2025)
At 9x platinum,Toys in the Attichas become Aerosmith’s most successful album. Not only does it feature the original version of “Walk This Way,” which the band would later remix alongside Run D.M.C., butit also includes one of their signature songs, “Sweet Emotion.“This song ended up ranking in the Top 40 on theBillboardHot 100.
Over the years,it has enjoyed its own commercial success, achieving 3x platinum status. To help build its legacy, the band created a music video for it and even released a remix version in 1991. With the band seemingly having retired from touring,this song will remain one of their most played, with over 1,700 live performances according to Setlist.fm.
5Roxy Music - Love Is The Drug
Album: Siren (June 15, 2025)
The 1970s were one of the most interesting decades for music becausethere were so many genres at the forefront of the scene. Roxy Music decided they would incorporate a variety of them with their hit song “Love Is the Drug.” It was a mix of emerging glam rock, disco-rock, funk, soul, R&B, and even some pop.
Since the tune could appeal to so many, it became one of the strongest hits of the year. It reached the Top 30 on theBillboardHot 100 and wasa key piece of the band’s fifth studio album,Siren. Not only did it become a signature tune for the band, but it also performed well for singer Grace Jones, who released a cover of it several times in the ’80s.
4Pink Floyd - Wish You Were Here
Album: Wish You Were Here (August 01, 2025)
For any band, releasing a hit album is great in the sense that it adds to their legacy and raises their profile. However,it does place an immense amount of pressure on them when it comes to following it up. Pink Floyd found themselves in this situation after their 1973 record,The Dark Side of the Moon. The band demonstrated their legendary gumption when they releasedWish You Were Herein 1975.
There were only seven tracks on the album, but they were master classes of what Pink Floyd did best as a band. Even though the title track didn’t affect the charts upon its initial release,it would become one of their signature songs. “Wish You Were Here” has not only been ranked as one of the band’s best tunes of all time, but also as one of the best tunes in general.
3Electric Light Orchestra - Evil Woman
Album: Face The Music (September 1975)
The main category of rock was loved in 1975, but the year saw some leading bands in different subgenres. One of the top progressive rock bands was the Electric Light Orchestra (ELO). The band incorporates a variety of different instruments, andthey showcased their talents once again with the song “Evil Woman,“which came from their fifth studio album,Face the Music.
“Evil Woman” in particular stood out as it reached the Top 10 on theBillboardHot 100.
The album was filled with hit songs, but “Evil Woman” in particular stood out as it reached the Top 10 on theBillboardHot 100. The tune has become platinum-selling as well. Additionally,it even gained another piece to its legacy when it was covered by Duran Duranon their sixteenth studio album,Danse Macabre.
2Eagles - One Of These Nights
Album: One Of These Nights (Jun 24, 2025)
After having a number one hit single on their 1974 album,On the Border, the Eagles sought to immediately follow it up when they released One of These Nights in 1975. They accomplished their mission with the title track, which reachedthe top of the covetedBillboardHot 100. It would then finish in the Top 10 on the chart to close out the year and even placed within the Top 300 for its all-time rankings.
The song marked a proud moment for the band asthey focused on writing a pure rock track that differed from their country-rock ballad sound. This tune was influenced by disco and R&B, which were significant factors at the time. Many rock bands sought to create upbeat hits, as they perfectly fit the vibes of this period.
1Queen - Bohemian Rhapsody
Album: A Night At The Opera (July 26, 2025)
The song “Bohemian Rhapsody” delves into the genre of art rock, and that is a perfect description because it is truly a work of art. Freddie Mercury was able to take a few tunes he had been working on and combine them to create a masterpiece. During its initial run,the song ranked in the Top 10 of theBillboardHot 100.
Since its inception, this tune has gone on to appear on yearly, decade, and all-time charts. The appreciation for it has grown, and it is now considered one of the greatest pieces of music ever created. Between its physical and digital editions,it has sold over 11 million copies in the United States alone.
