# 3 Hard Rock Songs From 1978 That Changed FM Radio Forever

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/3-hard-rock-songs-from-1978-that-changed-fm-radio-forever/
- Published: 2026-11-10T23:15:00+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-11T00:36:35+00:00
- Original publisher: American Songwriter
- Original article: https://americansongwriter.com/3-hard-rock-songs-from-1978-that-changed-fm-radio-forever/
- Topics: Americas, Entertainment, Music, World

## Key points

- Three 1978 rock songs became enduring FM radio staples.
- Dire Straits and Boston both reached No. 4 in the US.
- Van Halen’s modest chart hit later became a classic rock fixture.

## Summary

In 1978, FM radio helped bring new rock music to a wide audience, and three hard rock releases from that year went on to become lasting radio favourites. The article argues that their guitar styles and production helped shape what listeners came to expect from rock radio.

Dire Straits’ “Sultans of Swing” reached No. 8 in the UK and No. 4 on the US Billboard Hot 100, while Van Halen’s “Runnin’ with the Devil” peaked at No. 84 before becoming a classic rock radio staple. Boston’s “Don’t Look Back” also reached No. 4 on the Hot 100 and No. 7 on the US Cash Box chart, with success in Canada and Ireland.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.