# 4 Songs From 1974 That Even Modern Music Fans Can Get Behind

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/4-songs-from-1974-that-even-modern-music-fans-can-get-behind/
- Published: 2026-10-31T12:30:00+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-31T13:39:38+00:00
- Original publisher: American Songwriter
- Original article: https://americansongwriter.com/4-songs-from-1974-that-even-modern-music-fans-can-get-behind/
- Topics: Entertainment, Music

## Key points

- ABBA’s “Waterloo” won Eurovision in 1974 and topped Belgium’s chart.
- Joni Mitchell’s song drew on David Geffen’s work pressures.
- Stevie Wonder’s album won three Grammys that year.

## Summary

Four songs released in 1974 are presented as enduring choices for listeners whose usual tastes are more modern: ABBA’s “Waterloo”, Joni Mitchell’s “Free Man in Paris”, Elton John’s “The Bitch Is Back” and Stevie Wonder’s “Boogie On Reggae Woman”. Together, they show the range of pop and rock from that year, from Eurovision-winning pop to a groove-led track with a harmonica solo.

ABBA found international success after “Waterloo” won Eurovision in Brighton, and the song reached No. 1 in Belgium, where the historic battle it references took place. Mitchell wrote “Free Man in Paris” about music executive David Geffen and the pressures of his work; John described “The Bitch Is Back” as his theme song. Wonder’s 1974 album *Fulfillingness’ First Finale* won three Grammys, including one for his vocal performance on “Boogie On Reggae Woman”.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.