4 Unforgettable Country Rock Hits From 1974 That Take Baby Boomers Back in Time

The article revisits four country rock and country-influenced hits from 1974, a year when the styles crossed over frequently into pop. It presents the songs as reminders of the era for baby boomers and highlights their chart performances and musical influences.

Eagles’ “Best of My Love” became the band’s first Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 and also topped the Easy Listening chart; JD Souther said a Fred Neil record inspired it. Billy Swan’s “I Can Help” reached No. 1 on both the US country and pop charts. John Denver’s “Sweet Surrender” peaked at No. 13 on the Hot 100, No. 1 on Adult Contemporary and No. 7 on Hot Country Singles. The article’s other Eagles selection, from *On the Border*, was written about James Dean and reached No. 77 on the Hot 100.