This American Songwriter piece revisits three rock songs from the 1970s that the outlet argues still resonate strongly today, blending musical innovation with themes of technology, conflict and idealism. The feature is part of an ongoing "The List" series celebrating classic rock, highlighting tracks that combined memorable melodies with messages the writer believes have only grown more pertinent over time.

The three songs are Kraftwerk's "The Robots" (1978), which questions the role of technology in daily life; Edwin Starr's "War" (1970), a protest anthem asking what war is good for; and John Lennon's "Imagine" (1971), which envisions a more unified, peaceful world. Each is drawn from a landmark album of the decade and is presented as an example of music whose commentary on technology, conflict or idealism feels particularly relevant in the present day.