20 underrated 1970s bands | Yardbarker

When it comes to Canadian rock royalty, April Wine should be near the top of the list. Initially steered by the Henman brothers, then the multitalented guitarist-keyboardist-vocalist Myles Goodwin, April Wine earned its first proper North American success with 1972’s On Record, then in mainstream form with First Glance (1978), Harder … Faster (1979). Though 1981’s The Nature of the Beast (1981) is best known for the top-20 ballad “Just Between You and Me,” the foundation for that moment was laid during the ’70s.

This is truly a case of “what could have been.” Considered by some critics in the mid-1960s as “the next Beatles,” these Welsh power-poppers were the first band signed by the Fab Four’s Apple label in 1968. Though the group enjoyed worldwide success with hits “Come and Get It,” “No Matter What” (1970), “Day After Day” (1971), and “Baby Blue” (1972), financial and legal issues consistently plagued the band following Apple’s demise. Sadly, vocalist Pete Ham took his own life in 1975, as did guitarist/bassist Tom Evans in ’83. Drummer Mike Gibbins died of a brain aneurysm in 2005, leaving guitarist Joey Molland as the only surviving member of the classic lineup. 

Blue Oyster Cult is more than just “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” and the subject of a classic Saturday Night Live sketch. With its hard rock nature or progressive rock tendencies, Blue Oyster Cult was a band of great storytellers, complete with musical imagery and fantasy. Don’t forget “Burnin’ for You“ and “Godzilla.” While other bands of its ilk from the 1970s enjoyed more sustainable commercial success, Blue Oyster Cult kept churning out under-the-radar gems that inspired the likes of Alice in Chains and Metallica.

This Welsh power trio was part of the famed “new wave of British heavy metal.” It put out seven studio albums from 1971-78. And while Budgie had its moments of notoriety during the 1970s, especially in Europe, it arguably drew its most attention during the ’80s as a major influence on Metallica. The thrash legends covered 1973’s “Breadfan” and “Crash Course in Brain Surgery” from 1974. The former is a longtime favorite during Metallica live shows. 

The Dead Boys, in its original form with the infamous Stiv Bators fronting the band, consisted of two studio albums: Young, Loud and Snotty in 1977 and 1978’s We Have Come for Your Children. Though part of the initial punk movement in the United States, Dead Boys never enjoyed the kind of notoriety that the Ramones or the Stooges did. However, led by Bators, Dead Boys was undeniably punk, playing and living recklessly. “Sonic Reducer” is regarded as a punk classic and has been covered by the likes of Pearl Jam and Guns N’ Roses. 

Classic rock fans are well aware of American Woman (1970), both the exceptional album and song. The Guess Who is revered in Canada. While Burton Cummings, Randy Bachman, and Co. got going in the second half of the 1960s, The Guess Who’s most prominent run came during the ’70s when it released 10 albums. They’re still waiting on that induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

What exactly is that sound coming Hawkwind? Hard rock? Acid rock? Progressive rock? Psychedelic rock? Proto-punk? How about all of the above? This creatively innovative English outfit released its self-titled debut in 1970, then eight more albums during the ’70s, and its most recent in 2021. Though it had notable ’70s hits like “Silver Machine” and “Urban Guerrilla” and employed legendary musicians Lemmy, Ginger Baker, and Nik Turner for a spell, Hawkwind’s success was pretty much limited to Europe. But it influenced U.S. bands such as Ministry and Black Flag.

It’s very easy for the Ides to fall under the one-hit wonder category. “Vehicle” from the band’s 1970 debut album of the same name is probably the only track most classic rock fans have heard from this innovative suburban Chicago band. But give “Superman” or “L.A. Goodbye” a listen. However, the group, led by Jim Peterik in his pre-Survivor days, was a local Midwest favorite. Complete with searing guitars and rousing horns, The Ides of March released four records from 1970-73.

Formed in 1969 by celebrated singer, songwriter, and guitarist Lowell George alongside keyboardist Bill Payne, Little Feat’s overall sound was tough to describe. There was rock, country, blues, and even elements of jazz. While the group was never a mainstream force, it put out eight albums from 1971-79, and Led Zeppelin legend Jimmy Page has long been a fan of the group. Did you know that The Chicks, formerly The Dixie Chicks, took its name from Little Feat’s 1973 jam-favorite “Dixie Chicken”?

Montrose is best known for sporting Sammy Hagar on its first two albums: Montrose (1973) and Paper Money (1974). But let’s not forget that Ronnie Montrose is a special guitar player, and Alan Fitzgerald, who went on to play keyboards for Night Ranger, was a highly underrated bassist. Songs like “Bad Motor Scooter,” Rock Candy,” and “I Got the Fire” are pure, down-and-dirty, guitar-driven rock tracks. While the band is considered a stepping stone for the individual greatness of its former members, Montrose’s collective accomplishments during the ’70s should not be forgotten.

It might surprise even the most dedicated classic rock fans to learn that Nazareth has released more than 20 albums, starting with 1971’s self-titled debut and through 2022. Of course, these Scottish hard rockers are best known for his “Hair of the Dog” and “Love Hurts,” both from 1975. Yet, what’s not celebrated enough about Nazareth is the tremendous longevity and loyal following that’s allowed the band, amid various lineup changes, to remain active.

On (1979) was Off Broadway’s debut release and its only album from the 1970s. However, it was truly one of the most underappreciated rock records of the decade. Local favorites, these suburban Chicago rockers scored a Hot 100 hit with “Stay in Time,” while “Full Moon Turn My Head Around” is a stellar deep cut that became a high point of the group’s live sets. The band only released one more record before breaking up, but the little time spent with Off Broadway was worth it.

Rising from the ashes of Buffalo Springfield, members Richie Furay and Jim Messina formed Poco in the late 1960s. A blend of folk and soft rock, Poco also dabbled in country. Following its 1969 debut Pickin’ Up the Pieces, Poco released 10 studio albums during the 1970s. Though the band enjoyed a top-20 Billboard Hot 100 hit with 1978’s “Crazy Love,” Poco trudged along without consistent mainstream success. But it did pave the way for other Southern California rock groups to succeed. Like the Eagles, which eventually employed former Poco members, Randy Meisner and Timothy B. Schmitt.

Here’s the thing: REO Speedwagon earned pop-rock star status in the 1980s, thanks to its fancy for ballads like “Keep on Loving You” and “I Can’t Fight This Feeling.” However, during the 1970s, REO was a straight-up rock act that relied on Gary Richrath’s blues-driven, dirty guitar work. “Music Man,” “Ridin’ the Storm Out,” “Golden Country,” and “Flying Turkey Trot” are examples of the band’s stellar rock numbers from the ’70s. Those tracks were often overshadowed by other arena rock acts of the time. For more proof, devote some time to REO’s brilliant Live: You Get What You Play For album from 1977.

Another band that’s worthy of praise, aside from producing a memorable major hit. “Car Wash,” released in 1976, reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and is one of the most recognizable tunes of all time. But can the casual, middle-aged music fan name any other hits from this L.A. soul and R&B act? How about 1976’s “I Wanna Get Next to You,” which was a top-10 hit? Or “Wishing on a Star,” a top-10 single in the United Kingdom? Thus, there’s more than one reason to celebrate Rose Royce. 

It produced rock legends in Joan Jett and Lita Ford and the classic “Cherry Bomb.” So, how can a band that opened the door for female rockers to kick butt be underrated? Well, consider that The Runaways were more popular in Japan than in the United States. It also released four studio albums in two years, leading to burnout and disdain with management. The Runaways deservedly got its due after the fact, when the time had gone by, and the story was willing to be told. Still, this was one special, trendsetting group that deserved to be taken more seriously in real-time.

With top-10 Billboard Hot 100 hits “Little Willy” (1972), “The Ballroom Blitz” (1973), “Fox on the Run” (1975), and “Love Is Like Oxygen” (1978), how can these British glam rockers — who eventually transformed into a pure hard rock outfit — be considered underrated? Or the fact that seemingly countless bands like Duran Duran, Mötley Crüe, and Guns N’ Roses considered them heavy influences on their work? Well, when it comes to rock history, especially in the glam genre, it’s all about David Bowie, New York Dolls, or T. Rex. The Sweet just never seemed to get its deserved credit when it came to rightfully being placed near the top of the list of essential bands in this movement.

This family band from Watts, The Sylvers might be the best ’70s R&B act that time forgot. Working on various record labels, The Sylvers featured as many as nine siblings on various occasions, with most sharing vocals, and released its first eight albums from 1972-79. The group is probably best known for 1976’s “Boogie Fever,” which reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. However, it also produced two other top-20 singles, “Hot Line” and “High School Dance.” 

The roll call of great musicians who have come and gone in UFO throughout the years is quite impressive. Vinnie Moore, Pete Way, Bernie Marsden, Michael Schenker, Paul Raymond, and Aynsley Dunbar. UFO never earned chart-topping success, but notable tracks like “Lights Out” and “Doctor Doctor” make up the band’s legacy that bridged the gap between the early days of hard rock/heavy metal and a new wave of British heavy metal. The critically praised Strangers in the Night (1979) is considered one of the great live albums of all time

Beginning in 1970 and active through 2020, England’s Wishbone Ash released more than 20 albums, including nine through 1978. Guided by the twin guitar attack of Andy Powell and Ted Turner, it had more influence on hard rock than most mainstream rock fans realize. The intricacies of Powell and Turner’s guitar work — steeped in blues, progressive and folk rock, and plenty of jazz — left a lasting impression on the likes of Iron Maiden, Van Halen, and Lynyrd Skynyrd.