An American Songwriter list piece names four songs from the 1970s that the writer argues have endured across generations, spanning genres from anthemic rock to disco. The article uses quotes from artists and collaborators to explain the origins and lasting appeal of each track, framing them as universally beloved classics rather than reporting a news event.

The four songs are John Lennon's 1971 peace anthem "Imagine", which Jimmy Carter once said is used almost like a national anthem in many of the roughly 125 countries he has visited; David Bowie's "Heroes", inspired by a real-life affair between his producer Tony Visconti and a woman he met in Berlin; ABBA's "Dancing Queen"; and the Bee Gees' "Stayin' Alive", whose co-producer Albhy Galuten revealed shared a drum loop with "More Than A Woman" and Barbra Streisand's "Woman In Love".