Some of the best music of all time came from the mid-1970s. And indeed, the country songs that came out of 1975 are no small exceptions. From harmony-rich lamentations of love to a grooving, two-step condemnation of the polished Nashville sound, these classic country songs are some of the best in the genre—ones that every baby boomer alive remembers.
“Rhinestone Cowboy” by Glen Campbell
After laying down guitar for some of the best records of the 1960s as a member of the Wrecking Crew, Glen Campbell enjoyed a prolific solo career. One of his biggest hits to come out of this phase in his professional life was “Rhinestone Cowboy”. Campbell released the track in May 1975. The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 and Hot Country Singles charts and broke into the Top 5 worldwide. “Like a rhinestone cowboy, riding out on a horse in a star-spangled rodeo.”
Videos by American Songwriter
“Thank God I’m A Country Boy” by John Denver
One of the best kinds of country songs is the kind that is just about being country. They’re straightforward, to-the-point, and no-nonsense—three characteristics well respected by folks who live out in the sticks. John Denver’s “Thank God I’m A Country Boy” became a rural anthem following its March 1975 release. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 and Hot Country Songs charts as well as the Canadian RPM equivalent of both. “Life ain’t nothing but a funny, funny riddle / Thank God I’m a country boy.”
“Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way” by Waylon Jennings
As one of the prominent figureheads of the outlaw country music movement, it’s only fitting that Waylon Jennings would have a track like “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way”. It’s a two-stepping, grooving country shuffle that somehow manages to cater to the country music world while actively denouncing it—at least, the “it” of the Nashville sound. “Somebody told me when I came to Nashville / ‘Son, you finally got it made’ / ‘Old Hank made it here, and we’re all sure that you will’ / But I don’t think Hank done it this way.”
“The Bargain Store” by Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton’s not necessarily known for her scandals. But that doesn’t mean her music hasn’t ruffled a few feathers a time or two. One such instance was upon the release of her 1975 single “The Bargain Store”, which many radio stations banned for its allusion to sex work. In classic Parton fashion, though, it’s a beautifully crafted song from a woefully misunderstood female perspective. “My life is like unto a bargain store / and I may have just what you’re lookin’ for.”
“When Will I Be Loved” by Linda Ronstadt
Closing out this list of 1975 country songs that every baby boomer alive still remembers is one that will jog your memory upon the first downbeat. The powerful, harmony-rich opening of Linda Ronstadt’s version of the Everly Brothers’ 1960 hit “When Will I Be Loved” immediately hooks the listener. Ronstadt’s vocals keep them there. The song is as heartbreakingly relatable as it is upliftingly catchy, and this universality was reflected in its top chart positions. “I’ve been made blue / I’ve been lied to / When will I be loved?”
Photo by David Redfern/Redferns
More The List
-
Photo of Diana Ross Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images -
Merle Haggard, who had a major hit with a Cindy Walker song -
Rock group Alice in Chains. Left to right Jerry Cantrell, guitar; Layne Staley, vocals, Michael Starr, bass and Sean Kinney in Hollywood for rehearsal July 1991. -
The Beach Boys had multiple hit songs in 1966 -
Photo by Don Smith/Radio Times via Getty Images -
From left to right, Gary Moore, Phil Lynott (1949 – 1986) and Brian Downey of Irish rock band Thin Lizzy in London, 1973. (Photo by Michael Putland/Getty Images)
