Sunday March 9 2025

1974 Radio - Listen to top hits of the year

1974 was a golden year for British music, packed with chart-topping hits, legendary performances, and unforgettable moments. From glam rock to disco, the sounds of Britain ruled the airwaves. Here are some of the year’s biggest highlights!

1. David Essex - Gonna Make You A Star

2. Three Degrees - When Will I See You Again

3. Charles Aznavour - She

4. George McCrae - Rock Your Baby

5. Terry Jacks - Seasons In The Sun

🎸 Glam Rock at Its Peak

Glam rock was in full swing, and Slade led the charge with Everyday and Far Far Away. Their glitter-soaked anthems had fans stomping in their platform boots. Meanwhile, Sweet kept the party going with Teenage Rampage, and Mud scored a Christmas No.1 with Lonely This Christmas, a song that’s still played every festive season.

🎤 Queen Takes Off

1974 was the year Queen truly arrived. They released Queen II and Sheer Heart Attack, giving us classics like Seven Seas of Rhye and Killer Queen. Freddie Mercury’s theatrical flair and Brian May’s iconic guitar riffs were just the beginning of their rise to rock royalty.

🎶 ABBA Wins Eurovision (with British Help!)

Though Swedish, ABBA’s breakthrough hit Waterloo won Eurovision in Brighton! It was the moment that launched their global success. Britain played host to the event, and ABBA’s victory changed pop music forever.

🕺 Disco Fever Begins

While rock dominated, disco was creeping in. The Hues Corporation’s Rock the Boat and The Three Degrees’ When Will I See You Again had Britain grooving towards the disco craze that would explode later in the decade.

🎼 David Bowie’s Chameleon Year

Bowie never stood still, and in 1974 he left Ziggy Stardust behind, transforming into the soul-inspired Thin White Duke. His album Diamond Dogs gave us Rebel Rebel, a song that remains a rock classic.

🎤 Paul McCartney’s Band on the Run

Paul McCartney and Wings released Band on the Run, one of the biggest albums of the year. The title track became an instant classic, proving that post-Beatles McCartney was still a master of melody.

🎵 The Legacy Lives On

1974 was a year of transitions—glam rock was still king, but punk was brewing, and disco was knocking at the door. It was a time of bold fashion, big sounds, and unforgettable anthems.

Do you remember listening to these songs? Which was your favourite? Let’s take a trip down memory lane! 🎶✨