3 Soft Rock Songs From 1974 That Had Baby Boomers Crying by the Radio

Three 1974 soft rock songs are highlighted for their emotional lyrics and lasting appeal: “Wishing You Were Here”, “Please Come to Boston” and “I’ll Have to Say I Love You in a Song”. The article explores how each song captures longing or love, and notes that Jim Croce’s track carries added poignancy because it was released after his death.

“Wishing You Were Here” reached No. 1 on the Easy Listening chart and No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100; the article also notes backing vocals by Dennis and Carl Wilson and Al Jardine of the Beach Boys. Dave Loggins’ “Please Come to Boston” peaked at No. 5 on the Hot 100 and topped the Easy Listening chart. Croce’s song reached No. 9 on the Hot 100 and No. 1 on the Adult Contemporary chart, and was written after an argument with his wife.