Three classic-rock songs that reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100 in early 1974 illustrate the period’s range, from upbeat covers to studio-crafted pop-rock. The selections highlight how familiar songs were reinterpreted for a new audience.

– Grand Funk Railroad’s “The Locomotion”, released in February 1974, topped the chart in May; it revived Little Eva’s 1962 number one.
– Elton John’s “Bennie And The Jets”, released in February, became his first number one of 1974; its apparent live atmosphere was created in the studio.
– Blue Swede and Björn Skifs’ cover of “Hooked On A Feeling” reached number one in April, after originally being recorded by B.J. Thomas in the late 1960s.