3 Songs From the 1970s That Will Instantly Turn You Into a Country Music Fan
American Songwriter has published a list highlighting three 1970s country songs it argues are powerful enough to convert casual listeners into genuine fans of the genre. The piece is part of the outlet's recurring "The List" feature, which regularly revisits classic decades and artists to spotlight songs it considers essential listening.
The three tracks chosen are Glen Campbell's "Rhinestone Cowboy" (1975), John Denver's "Take Me Home, Country Roads" (1971) and Kenny Rogers' "Lucille" (1977), each praised for its emotional resonance, vivid imagery or storytelling. The article frames these songs as defining examples of why the 1970s are considered a golden era for country music.
– Article lists three standout 1970s country songs for newcomers to the genre
– Featured tracks: "Rhinestone Cowboy," "Take Me Home, Country Roads" and "Lucille"
– Part of American Songwriter's ongoing "The List" retrospective series
New here? Start with this
American Songwriter, a US magazine that covers songwriting and the music industry, regularly runs a feature called "The List," in which it revisits classic eras or artists and picks out songs it considers essential. The publication is not a chart or awards body, so its lists reflect editorial opinion rather than any official ranking.
The 1970s are widely regarded as a strong period for country music, when artists blended traditional country sounds with pop and folk influences to reach wider audiences. The three artists featured in this piece, Glen Campbell, John Denver and Kenny Rogers, were among the biggest crossover stars of that decade, known for songs that combined storytelling with broad commercial appeal.
Pieces like this are common in music journalism and serve mainly to introduce or re-introduce readers to older songs, often with a view to explaining why a particular period or style still resonates today.