This article highlights three rock-era songs released in 1972 that the writer says remain uplifting and enjoyable decades later. It presents them as enduring examples of the decade’s distinctive sound, while noting their commercial success and artistic background.

– “Ventura Highway” by America was written by Dewey Bunnell for the band’s second album, Homecoming, and became a Top 5 hit despite not matching the No. 1 success of “A Horse With No Name”.
– “Witchy Woman”, Eagles’ second single, was written by Don Henley and Bernie Leadon, appeared on their debut album and reached the Top 10; Henley recalled developing it from Leadon’s unusual minor-key guitar riff.
– Cher’s “The Way Of Love”, from her seventh studio album, was adapted from the French song “J’ai le mal de toi”; although previously recorded in English by Kathy Kirby, Cher’s version became the best known.