Let’s rewind to 1973, a year when music was filled with feeling and fun. This year gave us songs that were soft, smooth, and full of meaning.

The number one song in 1973 was loved by people of all ages and is still played today. Big stars made hits that touched hearts, while bands rocked the charts with bold sounds.

From love songs to upbeat tunes, there was something for everyone. These tracks played on radios, at parties, and in homes across the world.

Music from 1973 still brings back good memories. Let’s look at the top songs from that year!

1. Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree

Tony and Dawn gained fame in the 1970s with their catchy and heartfelt songs. Their 1973 hit Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree was a number one song around the world and became a symbol of hope and homecoming.

Its strong message and easy tune made it one of the most loved songs of the decade. The group was known for blending pop with soul and had many hits that topped the charts.

2. Bad, Bad Leroy Brown

Jim Croce was a talented singer-songwriter known for his storytelling style and folk-rock sound. His 1973 hit Bad, Bad Leroy Brown was a number one song in the U.S. and became one of his most famous tracks.

With clever lyrics and a fun rhythm, the song tells the tale of a tough man who meets his match. Its catchy tune and sharp words made it a favorite across generations. Jim Croce’s music blended humor, heart, and real-life stories, earning him lasting respect in the music world.

3. Killing Me Softly with His Song

Roberta Flack’s Killing Me Softly with His Song became a huge hit in 1973. Its slow, smooth rhythm and powerful lyrics made it a song people never forgot.

The song told a personal story that many could feel, and Roberta’s voice made it even more special. She became known for her gentle, honest music that stayed with listeners.

4. Let’s Get It On

Known for his smooth voice and soulful sound, Marvin Gaye made a big impact with Let’s Get It On in 1973. This romantic song mixed emotion and rhythm perfectly.

It became one of his most famous tracks and showed his move toward deeper, more personal music. People loved the song’s honesty, passion, and catchy energy . Over time, it turned into a classic love anthem and is still popular today. Marvin Gaye’s talent helped shape the sound of modern soul and R&B.

5. My Love

Paul McCartney showed his soft and loving side with the 1973 hit My Love, performed with Wings. This sweet ballad was written for his wife, Linda, and became one of his most touching songs.

Its soft melody and simple words connected with people around the world. Paul’s gentle voice and heartfelt music reminded fans of his talent beyond The Beatles. My Love became a wedding favorite and a lasting part of McCartney’s solo career.

6. Why Me

Singer-songwriter Kris Kristofferson opened up his heart with Why Me, a gospel-country hit from 1973. This song came from a real moment of faith in his life.

The honest lyrics and soft tune touched many people and showed a more spiritual side of country music. Kristofferson’s deep voice and real words gave the song power. It became his biggest hit and is still loved for its humble and thankful message.

7. Crocodile Rock

Elton John brought fun and energy to the charts with Crocodile Rock. This 1973 hit was full of life and looked back on early rock ‘n’ roll days. The bouncy rhythm, silly lyrics, and playful feel made it a crowd-pleaser.

It was Elton’s first U.S. number one song and helped grow his fame. The song’s mix of nostalgia and pop charm made it a lasting favorite.

8. Will It Go Round in Circles

Billy Preston lit up the charts in 1973 with Will It Go Round in Circles, a funky, upbeat track that showed off his talent on the keyboard. The song was fun and full of energy, and it had a catchy message about making your own path.

People loved its playful sound and strong rhythm. Billy’s music style mixed funk, soul, and pop, helping him stand out as a solo artist.

9. You’re So Vain

Carly Simon made a bold mark in 1973 with her hit You’re So Vain. This clever song kept listeners guessing who it was about. With its smart lyrics and catchy melody, the track quickly climbed the charts.

Carly’s cool voice and strong presence helped turn this song into a pop classic. The mystery and drama in the lyrics drew fans in and made it one of her biggest hits.

10. Touch Me in the Morning

Diana Ross brought grace and emotion to the charts with Touch Me in the Morning. Released in 1973, this soft and moving ballad became a number-one hit.

The song showed her ability to express deep feelings with her smooth voice. It told a story of love and parting, touching many hearts. This track added to Diana’s long list of classics and reminded everyone of her timeless talent.

11. The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia

In 1973, Vicki Lawrence surprised everyone with The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia. Known more for acting, she delivered a dramatic and powerful country-pop story in this song.

The mystery and twist in the lyrics caught listeners’ attention. It became a number one hit and showed that Vicki had real talent as a singer, too. The track became a storytelling classic in pop music.

12. Playground in My Mind

Clint Holmes gave us a sweet and playful tune in 1973 with Playground in My Mind. This light song had a childlike charm and was easy to sing along with.

It painted a picture of childhood dreams and stayed in people’s minds long after they heard it. Though Clint was a one-hit wonder, this song became a big success and is still remembered fondly.

13. Brother Louie

Stories made waves in 1973 with their bold and catchy hit Brother Louie. This song talked about love between different races, which was rare at the time.

The mix of rock and soul gave it a strong sound, and the message made people think. The band’s energy and fearless lyrics helped it reach number one on the charts.

14. Delta Dawn

Helen Reddy brought power and grace to the airwaves in 1973 with Delta Dawn. This haunting ballad tells the story of a woman stuck in the past, waiting for a lost love.

Helen’s strong voice gave the song deep emotion and helped make it a huge hit. The track became one of her signature songs and showed her talent for telling emotional stories through music.

15. Me and Mrs. Jones

Billy Paul struck a chord with audiences through his soulful 1973 hit Me and Mrs. Jones. The track’s story of a secret affair was both touching and dramatic.

Paul’s smooth voice, paired with strong lyrics and melody, made the song unforgettable. Winning a Grammy, it remains one of the most iconic soul songs ever.

16. Frankenstein

Instrumentals don’t often top the charts, but The Edgar Winter Group did just that with Frankenstein in 1973. This high-energy piece showcased impressive solos and electronic sounds.

Edgar Winter mixed rock, jazz, and funk to make something entirely fresh. The song’s success proved that music doesn’t always need words to make an impact.

17. Drift Away

Dobie Gray’s Drift Away became an anthem for music lovers in 1973. Its lyrics speak about the comfort music brings when life feels hard.

With a calm and Gray’s warm voice, the song gave people a place to rest and feel understood. It remains a favorite among those who appreciate simple and honest music.

18. Little Willy

Sweet brought glam rock into American homes in 1973 with Little Willy. The track had a bouncy beat, playful words, and a fun spirit that made it stand out.

Though the lyrics were simple, the energy was electric. This song helped the band grow their U.S. fan base and launched their career across the Atlantic.

19. You Are the Sunshine of My Life

Stevie Wonder charmed the world in 1973 with his joyful hit You Are the Sunshine of My Life. This warm love song showed his soft side and smooth voice.

Its sweet message and unforgettable melody helped it win a Grammy and top the charts. The tune remains one of Wonder’s most beloved works, capturing the happiness and light that love can bring.

20. Half-Breed

Cher made a bold statement with her 1973 hit Half-Breed, which spoke about identity and exclusion. The powerful lyrics tell the story of a woman facing rejection because of her mixed heritage.

Cher’s strong voice and dramatic delivery helped the song reach number one. This track showed her range not only as a pop singer but also as a storyteller.

21. That Lady

The Isley Brothers brought funk and rock together in their 1973 hit That Lady. With a catchy guitar riff and soulful vocals, the song marked a new sound for the group.

It was cool, smooth, and full of energy. This track became one of their standout songs and introduced them to a younger crowd.

22. Pillow Talk

Sylvia Robinson turned heads in 1973 with Pillow Talk, a soft and smooth R&B track. Her soft vocals and sensual tone gave the song a unique feel.

It was bold for its time and helped pave the way for more open expressions in music. The song reached high on the charts and remains a slow jam classic.

23. We’re an American Band

Grand Funk Railroad delivered pure rock energy in 1973 with We’re an American Band. This hard-hitting song had big drums, loud guitars, and lyrics that captured the life of touring musicians.

It became their first number one hit and turned into a rock anthem. The band showed they were here to stay in the world of rock music.

24. Right Place Wrong Time

Dr. John brought New Orleans funk to the mainstream with Right Place Wrong Time in 1973. The song’s groove and quirky lyrics made it stand out.

It spoke to feeling out of sync with the world a feeling many could relate to. This became Dr. John’s biggest hit and brought attention to his unique style.

25. Wildflower

Skylark touched hearts in 1973 with their soft and emotional song Wildflower. The track tells the story of a gentle woman who has faced pain and needs care.

Its tender message and smooth sound made it a favorite slow song of the decade. This one-hit wonder left a big emotional mark.

26. Superstition

Stevie Wonder brought funk to the front with Superstition in 1973. The strong beat, horn section, and clavinet riff made it a standout.

The song warns about believing in superstitions and charms, doing so with style and energy. This track became one of Wonder’s signature songs and helped shape funk music.

27. Loves Me Like a Rock

Paul Simon showed his mix of humor and heart in the 1973 hit Loves Me Like a Rock. The song, backed by the Dixie Hummingbirds, mixed gospel with folk-pop in a joyful way.

It celebrated a mother’s love while also poking fun at power and politics. The warmth of the lyrics and memorable rhythm made it a chart success and a fan favorite.

28. The Morning After

Maureen McGovern gained fame with The Morning After, a hopeful ballad from the movie The Poseidon Adventure. The song won an Oscar and became a number one hit in 1973.

With its soft melody and lyrics about survival and brighter days ahead, it touched many hearts. McGovern’s gentle voice made the message feel even stronger.

29. Rocky Mountain High

John Denver captured the beauty of nature and personal peace in Rocky Mountain High. Released in 1972 and still popular in 1973, the song paints a picture of finding meaning in the mountains.

It became an anthem for those who love the outdoors. With acoustic sounds and heartfelt lyrics, Denver shared his deep bond with Colorado.

30. Stuck in the Middle with You

Stealers Wheel hit it big with Stuck in the Middle with You in 1973. Though it sounded like Bob Dylan, it had its own flair. The song mixes humor with frustration, describing a strange social scene.

Its catchy melody and fun lyrics helped it climb the charts. Years later, it became even more famous after appearing in movies.

Other Popular Tracks from 1973

31. Shambala – Three Dog Night

32. Love Train – The O’Jays

33. I’m Gonna Love You Just a Little More Baby – Barry White

34. Say – Has Anybody Seen My Sweet Gypsy Rose – Tony Orlando and Dawn

35. Keep on Truckin’ – Eddie Kendricks

36. Danny’s Song – Anne Murray

37. Dancing in the Moonlight – King Harvest

38. Monster Mash – Bobby ‘Boris’ Pickett

39. Natural High – Bloodstone

40. Diamond Girl – Seals and Crofts

41. Long Train Runnin’ – The Doobie Brothers

42. Give Me Love – Give Me Peace on Earth – George Harrison

43. If You Want Me to Stay – Sly & the Family Stone

44. Daddy’s Home – Jermaine Jackson

45. Neither One of Us – Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye – Gladys Knight & the Pips

46. I’m Doin’ Fine Now – New York City

47. Could It Be I’m Falling in Love – The Spinners

48. Daniel – Elton John

49. Midnight Train to Georgia – Gladys Knight & the Pips

50. Smoke on the Water – Deep Purple

51. The Cover of “Rolling Stone” – Dr. Hook & The Medicine Show

52. Behind Closed Doors – Charlie Rich

53. Your Mama Don’t Dance – Loggins and Messina

54. Feelin’ Stronger Every Day – Chicago

55. The Cisco Kid – War

56. Live and Let Die – Paul McCartney & Wings

57. Oh – Babe – What Would You Say? – Hurricane Smith

58. I Believe in You – You Believe in Me – Johnnie Taylor

59. Sing – The Carpenters

60. Ain’t No Woman – Like the One I’ve Got – The Four Tops

61. Dueling Banjos – Eric Weissberg & Steve Mandell

62. Higher Ground – Stevie Wonder

63. Here I Am – Come and Take Me – Al Green

64. My Maria – B.W. Stevenson

65. Superfly – Curtis Mayfield

66. Last Song – Edward Bear

67. Get Down – Gilbert O’Sullivan

68. Reelin’ in the Years – Steely Dan

69. Hocus Pocus – Focus

70. Yesterday Once More – The Carpenters

71. Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy – Bette Midler

72. Clair – Gilbert O’Sullivan

73. Do It Again – Steely Dan

74. Kodachrome – Paul Simon

75. Why Can’t We Live Together – Timmy Thomas

76. Do You Want To Dance? – Bette Midler

77. So Very Hard to Go – Tower of Power

78. Rockin’ Pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie Flu – Johnny Rivers

79. Ramblin’ Man – The Allman Brothers Band

80. Masterpiece – The Temptations

81. Peaceful – Helen Reddy

82. One of a Kind – Love Affair – The Spinners

83. Funny Face – Donna Fargo

84. Funky Worm – Ohio Players

85. Angie – The Rolling Stones

86. Jambalaya – On the Bayou – Blue Ridge Rangers

87. Don’t Expect Me to Be Your Friend – Lobo

88. Break Up to Make Up – The Stylistics

89. Daisy a Day – Jud Strunk

90. Also Sprach Zarathustra – 2001 – Deodato

91. Stir It Up – Johnny Nash

92. Money – Pink Floyd

93. Gypsy Man – War

94. The World Is a Ghetto – War

95. Yes We Can Can – The Pointer Sisters

96. Free Ride – The Edgar Winter Group

97. Space Oddity – David Bowie

98. It Never Rains in Southern California – Albert Hammond

99. The Twelfth of Never – Donny Osmond

100. Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone – The Temptations

Frequently Asked Questions

What Music Style was Most Popular in 1973?

Pop and soul music were very popular in 1973.

Was the Top Song of 1973 Played on Television Often?

Yes, it was featured on many TV shows and programs.