This lighthearted feature from American Songwriter argues that certain 1970s pop hits contain messages worth taking to heart, going beyond their catchy melodies to offer genuine life lessons. The piece frames itself as a celebration of an era when pop music paired danceable grooves with meaningful lyrics, singling out three tracks as examples of songs that can, in the writer's view, make listeners "smarter" through the wisdom embedded in their words.

– Stevie Wonder's "Superstition" (1972) is praised for its lyric warning against believing in things one doesn't understand, seen as unusually profound for a Billboard Hot 100 number one.
– Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive" (1978, from the album Love Tracks) is highlighted as an anthem of resilience and courage for facing life's difficulties.
– Diana Ross's "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" (1970, from her self-titled album) is cited for its message that nothing is truly impossible or out of reach.