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3 Forgotten Rock Hits Even 70s Kids Don’t Remember
American Songwriter has published a short feature revisiting three rock songs from the 1970s that the outlet argues have faded from memory despite their quality, part of an ongoing series of nostalgia-driven "best of" lists the site regularly runs. The piece highlights tracks by well-known artists that sit in the shadow of those artists' more famous work, making the case that they deserve renewed attention on classic rock radio.
The three songs are Bob Dylan's "Isis" from his 1976 album Desire, Humble Pie's "30 Days in the Hole" from 1972's Smokin' (notable as an early outing for guitarist Peter Frampton before his solo fame), and Patti Smith's cover of Van Morrison's "Gloria" from her 1975 debut album Horses. Each entry gives brief background on the song's origins and why it has been overshadowed by its parent artist's bigger hits.
In short
- Article lists three overlooked 1970s rock songs worth rediscovering.
- Featured: Dylan's "Isis", Humble Pie's "30 Days in the Hole", Patti Smith's "Gloria".
- Part of American Songwriter's recurring nostalgia list series.
Explained simply
Rock music in the 1970s reached a wide audience through albums, radio and live performances. Many artists became known for a handful of major hits, while other songs on their records received less attention.
Bob Dylan, Humble Pie and Patti Smith each had distinctive careers in that period. Dylan was known for songwriting, Humble Pie for hard rock, and Smith for linking rock with poetry; Peter Frampton played guitar with Humble Pie before becoming famous as a solo artist.
A song can become less familiar even when its performer remains well known, particularly when it sits alongside more successful singles. Revisiting these tracks offers a glimpse of the broader range of music associated with established artists.