3 Rock Songs From the 1970s That Songwriters Can’t Help but Feel Inspired By
The article recommends three 1970s rock songs as prompts for songwriters who are struggling to find inspiration. It argues that each offers a different starting point, from acoustic guitar ideas to simple, striking writing and emotionally charged themes.
The selections are Led Zeppelin’s “Going to California”, Talking Heads’ “Psycho Killer” and Heart’s “Crazy on You”. The article describes the Talking Heads song as blending English and French, and links Heart’s song to the fear and conflict of the Vietnam War era; it encourages writers to draw on personal passion.
- Three 1970s rock songs are suggested as songwriting prompts.
- Led Zeppelin offers an acoustic starting point.
- Heart’s “Crazy on You” is linked to passion amid wartime fear.
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Led Zeppelin, Talking Heads and Heart are rock bands whose music emerged in the 1970s, a decade when rock took in a wide range of sounds and subjects. “Going to California”, “Psycho Killer” and “Crazy on You” each show a different approach to songwriting, from acoustic guitar-led music to unusual lyrics and intense emotion.
The songs also reflect different influences and concerns: “Psycho Killer” includes lines in English and French, while “Crazy on You” is associated with the tension and fear of the Vietnam War era. Their varied styles help explain why songwriters may turn to older songs for ideas about musical arrangements, language and drawing on personal feeling.