4 Songs From 1972 That Even Modern Music Fans Can Get Behind
The article highlights four songs released in 1972 that it argues continue to appeal to modern listeners: Michael Jackson’s “Ben”, Steely Dan’s “Dirty Work”, Jim Croce’s “Operator (That’s Not the Way It Feels)” and Looking Glass’s “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl)”. Their stories show how songs can endure through distinctive lyrics, performances and the chances they receive on radio.
“Ben”, written for the film about a pet rat, became Jackson’s first solo No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and won a Golden Globe. “Dirty Work” portrays devotion to someone who may not deserve it, while Croce’s “Operator” draws on his return to Pennsylvania after time in New York. “Brandy” was initially a B-side and nearly flopped, but radio programmer Harv Moore helped bring it to listeners.
- Four 1972 songs still resonate with modern listeners.
- “Ben” was Michael Jackson’s first solo Hot 100 No. 1.
- Radio play helped “Brandy” find an audience.
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In 1972, pop, rock and singer-songwriter music reached listeners through records, radio and films. A song’s success could depend on its words and performance, as well as whether radio stations chose to play it.
Michael Jackson was already a member of the Jackson 5 when “Ben”, recorded for a film about a boy and a rat, became his first solo chart-topper. Steely Dan’s “Dirty Work” and Jim Croce’s “Operator” tell stories of complicated relationships, while Looking Glass’s “Brandy” centres on a woman drawn to a sailor.
“Brandy” was first released as the less-promoted side of a record, but radio airplay helped it find a wider audience. These songs offer examples of how a memorable story or sound, and the route a song takes to listeners, can shape its life beyond its release.