A Look at The Hits of 1977

Mon. Jul 1st, 2024

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This time we’re going to look at the hits of 1977. I reached into my “music vault,” and what do you think I pulled out? It’s a cassette tape that my parents brought back for me when they visited London as part of a European Tour. And it’s a fascinating listen. Let’s enjoy the hits from that era.

Thapson

A Tape and an LP Record

I was overjoyed to get an LP Record and a Tape in the August of 1977. More about the LP some other time. The Tape was a Hallmark Top of the Pops they released in the UK on a regular basis. Not sure if they still do that, but I think it’s cool as it gives one a detailed insight into the type of music that was big in the UK at the time. A reflection of the pop culture and music tastes of that country at the time.

Music trends have changed greatly since then. Some the artists on the tape faded away over the years. Others forged a permanent place in the world of music. Bear that in mind as we go through the selection.

Track Listing

This listing is not in any particular order other than the way it is on the tape cassette in question.

“Knowing Me Knowing You” (ABBA)

Everyone knows Abba, the Swedish group that reached their zenith around this time. Everything they did seemed to turn to gold. And this song was no exception. It was a monster hit in Southern Africa at the time, and apparently in the UK as well as per this collection.

ABBA / YouTube.com

“Free” (Deniece Williams)

The unique Deniece Williams was very big in the 70s. And this song from her album “This is Niecy” was actually released in 1976. In the UK it reached number one in May of 1977. This song is often considered as Deniece William’s “breakout single” reaching number two in the US and one in the UK.

Deniece Williams / YouTube.com

“Don’t Give Us on Us” (David Soul)

David Soul was more famous as an actor playing Hutch in the popular “Starsky and Hutch” TV series from 1975-79. He also has an impressive list of movies and TV shows to his credit too including playing a cameo in the movie “Starsky and Hutch” in 2004. And what’s more, he released a whole bunch of music too. This song was one of his hits from 1976. Back then, even I didn’t know who the singer was until I read the tape jacket.

The 1970sChannel / YouTube.com

“Don’t Cry for me Argentina” (Julie Covington)

We’ve all heard this song sung by various artists. But are you aware who the original singer of this great song is? That would be the British Julie Covington who recorded it in 1977. She has been active since 1967 through 2000, releasing around six albums and at least that many singles. Not very prolific or known the world over which makes recognizing her for this song all the more important – which went to number one in the UK in 1977.

MrHaggis64 / YouTube.com

“Float On” (The Floaters)

I’ve already touched on these guys in one of my previous posts wherein I talked about my all time R&B songs. It’s not surprising to see how this became so big. Such a unique song with wonderfully simple lyrics sung in such richness by not one, two, but four guys. Each with their own unique vocal quality. Mentioning their Zodiac sign immediately wins over those born under those signs and makes relatable for them. Proves how keeping something simple can be so rewarding and fun.

TopPop / YouTube.com

“Yes Sir, I can Boogie” (Baccara)

Another popular hit from 1977, and not surprising to see it on this list. Baccara was a duo of Spanish ladies who came out with a bunch of hits that made them a familiar name everywhere. This song has the sounds that takes one right back to that era with it’s pure disco beat. Like all disco songs, there’s not so much to the lyrics as it is the passion with which it’s sung. This is, in essence, what disco was all about: a constant dance-able beat accompanied by simple lyrics sung with that unmistakable sense of feel.

Baccara Official / YouTube.com

“Angelo” (Brotherhood of Man)

1976 Eurovision title winners, “Brotherhood of Man,” were founded in 1969 and achieved big success through the 1970s. The British quartet were often compared to another big 70s group, “ABBA.” The similarity was not just visual, but also the style of music they played. It was so similar, even I thought their hit “Angelo” was sung by ABBA! It’s similarity to ABBA’s “Fernando” was uncanny. Angelo, was a big hit in in 1977 so, it was but natural to be included on this release.

Top Pop / YouTube.com

“Silver Lady (David Soul)

What do you know? David Soul was so big then, he didn’t have one, but two hits that made it on this release! It was his second big hit in the UK and reached number one in October of 1977, even removing Elvis from the charts! And it’s also my personal favorite of David Soul’s hits. Why? I couldn’t say as it just sounded good and checked all the boxes for what a hit should sound like back then. A 70s “Glen Campbell” feel to it. Thought I’d say that before you think there was some “silver lady” in my life then. No such luck.

luvthatblueeyedSoul / YouTube.com

“I Feel Love” (Donna Summer)

It was the 70s and disco was still “king.” So, it was only natural that the late Queen of Disco would be here. So many hits from this late diva of disco. Wherever you go, Donna Summer is there. This song is co-written by Giorgio Moroder who is regarded as the “Father of Disco.” When you have such two greats coming together, the result can only be something as good as this endearing hit so reminiscent of that era.

Solrac Etnevic / YouTube.com

“Lucille” (Kenny Rogers)

This was apparently Kenny Rogers’ first hit after embarking on a highly successful solo career. With such wonderful vocals and style of delivery, Kenny Rogers has that “Midas touch” with anything he sings. This beautiful song is a great example of Kenny Rogers’ narrative style of singing that makes country music so endearing. Already a fan of the genre, this was the first time I heard Kenny Rogers and became a fan for life.

Kenny Rogers / YouTube.com

Chanson D’Amour (Manhattan Transfer)

The history of this song is interesting as it was originally sung in 1966 by the husband and wife act of Art and Dolly Todd. It charted big time back then when people opposed to the new “rock and roll” music helped in its success. This version was released in 1977 by Manhattan Transfer. It was overlooked locally in the US, but charted big in Europe and the UK where it went Number One in March 1977.

koo mug / YouTube.com

“When I Need You” (Leo Sayer)

British born, now Australian Leo Sayer was another big star of the 70s who’s almost been forgotten now, especially in the US. Back in the 70s his songs were popular on both sides of the Atlantic. I suspect changing tastes in music is the reason for his slow “fade out” from the limelight. Through the eighties he went through many financial and related issues which likely affected his creativity. While he still comes out with releases and is considered “active,” this was the high point of Leo Sayer’s career and this song was a mega hit.

Leo Sayer/ YouTube.com

“Way Down” (Elvis Presley)

Elvis needs no introduction. As the “king of rock and roll,” he was still rocking away in 1977 despite health problems. “Way Down” was recorded in October 1976, and released in June 1977. It would be his last single release before death. Although it swung on the charts earlier, “Way Down” understandably raced to the top of the charts after “the king’s” sudden death in August of 1977. It has charted again long after on various occasions and is Elvis’s swan song.

outsiderschick345/YouTube.com

“The Name of the Game” (ABBA)

Remember, this was also the time when ABBA could do no wrong. Everything they did seemed to chart – such was their popularity. Originally entitled “A Bit of Myself,” this song was released after ABBA’s famous “world tour.” It raced to the top around the world as was customary with all of ABBA hits. Which makes them one of the most successful pop groups in history.

ABBA/YouTube.com

Conclusion

So, there you are. The biggest hits of 1977 as they stood in the UK. It was likely different on the other side of the Atlantic, but I’m sure it was close enough. While most of the music sounds just as fresh, some of it might have dated somewhat. That’s what makes this list so interesting, as it gives some idea of the prevailing culture of that time. Just listening to these songs brings back those days: peak of the disco era, ABBA’s popularity, bell-bottom pant flares receding slightly, fitted disco shirts, pre-Saturday Night Fever, three-piece suits, Kojak, and so on. You get my drift.

And it definitely added to the soundtrack of our lives. We’ll check out the Music Vault again soon. Until then, feel free to add your comments using the link below.

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