Playlist Time Machine

Graduation year

Class of 1976 songs

The class of 1976 grew up with the number one hits from 1971 to 1981. Here they are, year by year, in the order they reached the top.

267 songs, listed in the order they reached the top.

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1971

In 1971, Joy to the World by Three Dog Night holds No. 1 for 6 weeks, the longest run of the year. The year opens with Knock Three Times by Tony Orlando & Dawn.

  1. Knock Three TimesTony Orlando & Dawn
  2. One Bad AppleThe Osmonds
  3. Me and Bobby McGeeJanis Joplin
  4. Just My ImaginationThe Temptations
  5. Joy to the WorldThree Dog Night
  6. Brown SugarThe Rolling Stones
  7. Want AdsThe Honey Cone
  8. It's Too LateCarole King
  9. Indian ReservationPaul Revere & the Raiders
  10. You've Got a FriendJames Taylor
  11. How Can You Mend a Broken HeartThe Bee Gees
  12. Uncle Albert/Admiral HalseyWings
  13. Go Away Little GirlDonny Osmond
  14. Maggie MayRod Stewart
  15. Gypsys Tramps and ThievesCher
  16. Theme from ShaftIsaac Hayes
  17. Family AffairSly and the Family Stone
  18. Brand New KeyMelanie

1972

In 1972, The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face by Roberta Flack and Alone Again (Naturally) by Gilbert O'Sullivan each hold No. 1 for 6 weeks, the longest runs of the year. The year opens with American Pie by Don McLean.

  1. American PieDon McLean
  2. Let's Stay TogetherAl Green
  3. Without YouNilsson
  4. Heart of GoldNeil Young
  5. A Horse with No NameAmerica
  6. The First Time Ever I Saw Your FaceRoberta Flack
  7. Oh GirlThe Chi-Lites
  8. I'll Take You ThereThe Staple Singers
  9. The Candy ManSammy Davis Jr.
  10. Song Sung BlueNeil Diamond
  11. Lean on MeBill Withers
  12. Alone Again (Naturally)Gilbert O'Sullivan
  13. Brandy (You're a Fine Girl)Looking Glass
  14. Black and WhiteThree Dog Night
  15. Baby, Don't Get Hooked on MeMac Davis
  16. BenMichael Jackson
  17. My Ding-a-LingChuck Berry
  18. I Can See Clearly NowJohnny Nash
  19. Papa Was a Rollin' StoneThe Temptations
  20. I Am WomanHelen Reddy
  21. Me and Mrs. JonesBilly Paul

1973

In 1973, Killing Me Softly with His Song by Roberta Flack holds No. 1 for 5 weeks, the longest run of the year. The year opens with You're So Vain by Carly Simon. Jim Croce and Stevie Wonder each have 2 No. 1s.

  1. You're So VainCarly Simon
  2. SuperstitionStevie Wonder
  3. Crocodile RockElton John
  4. Killing Me Softly with His SongRoberta Flack
  5. Love TrainThe O'Jays
  6. The Night the Lights Went Out in GeorgiaVicki Lawrence
  7. Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak TreeTony Orlando & Dawn
  8. You Are the Sunshine of My LifeStevie Wonder
  9. FrankensteinEdgar Winter Group
  10. My LovePaul McCartney
  11. Give Me LoveGeorge Harrison
  12. Will It Go Round in CirclesBilly Preston
  13. Bad, Bad Leroy BrownJim Croce
  14. The Morning AfterMaureen McGovern
  15. Touch Me in the MorningDiana Ross
  16. Brother LouieStories
  17. Let's Get It OnMarvin Gaye
  18. Delta DawnHelen Reddy
  19. We're an American BandGrand Funk Railroad
  20. Half-BreedCher
  21. AngieThe Rolling Stones
  22. Midnight Train to GeorgiaGladys Knight and the Pips
  23. Keep on TruckinEddie Kendricks
  24. PhotographRingo Starr
  25. Top of the WorldThe Carpenters
  26. The Most Beautiful GirlCharlie Rich
  27. Time in a BottleJim Croce

1974

In 1974, You Make Me Feel Brand New by The Stylistics holds No. 1 for 8 weeks, the longest run of the year. The year opens with The Joker by The Steve Miller Band. John Denver has 2 No. 1s.

  1. The JokerThe Steve Miller Band
  2. Show and TellAl Wilson
  3. You're SixteenRingo Starr
  4. The Way We WereBarbra Streisand
  5. Love's ThemeLove Unlimited Orchestra
  6. Seasons in the SunTerry Jacks
  7. Dark LadyCher
  8. Sunshine on My ShouldersJohn Denver
  9. Hooked on a FeelingBlue Swede
  10. Bennie and the JetsElton John
  11. TSOPMFSB
  12. The Loco-MotionGrand Funk Railroad
  13. The StreakRay Stevens
  14. Band on the RunWings
  15. Billy, Don't Be a HeroBo Donaldson
  16. You Make Me Feel Brand NewThe Stylistics
  17. SundownGordon Lightfoot
  18. Rock the BoatThe Hues Corporation
  19. Rock Your BabyGeorge McCrae
  20. Annie's SongJohn Denver
  21. Feel Like Makin' LoveRoberta Flack
  22. The Night Chicago DiedPaper Lace
  23. (You're) Having My BabyPaul Anka and Odia Coates
  24. I Shot the SheriffEric Clapton
  25. Can't Get Enough of Your Love, BabeBarry White
  26. Rock Me GentlyAndy Kim
  27. I Honestly Love YouOlivia Newton-John
  28. Nothing from NothingBilly Preston
  29. Then Came YouDionne Warwick and the Spinners
  30. You Haven't Done Nothin'Stevie Wonder
  31. You Ain't Seen Nothing YetBachman-Turner Overdrive
  32. Whatever Gets You Thru the NightJohn Lennon
  33. I Can HelpBilly Swan
  34. Kung Fu FightingCarl Douglas
  35. Cat's in the CradleHarry Chapin
  36. Angie BabyHelen Reddy

1975

In 1975, Love Will Keep Us Together by Captain & Tennille holds No. 1 for 4 weeks, the longest run of the year. The year opens with Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds by Elton John. Elton John has 3 No. 1s.

  1. Lucy in the Sky with DiamondsElton John
  2. MandyBarry Manilow
  3. Please Mr. PostmanThe Carpenters
  4. Laughter in the RainNeil Sedaka
  5. FireOhio Players
  6. You're No GoodLinda Ronstadt
  7. Pick Up the PiecesAverage White Band
  8. Best of My LoveEagles
  9. Have You Never Been MellowOlivia Newton-John
  10. Black WaterThe Doobie Brothers
  11. My Eyes Adored YouFrankie Valli
  12. Lady MarmaladeLabelle
  13. Lovin' YouMinnie Riperton
  14. Philadelphia FreedomElton John
  15. Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong SongB.J. Thomas
  16. He Don't Love YouTony Orlando and Dawn
  17. Shining StarEarth Wind and Fire
  18. Before the Next Teardrop FallsFreddy Fender
  19. Thank God I'm a Country BoyJohn Denver
  20. Sister Golden HairAmerica
  21. Love Will Keep Us TogetherCaptain & Tennille
  22. Listen to What the Man SaidWings
  23. The HustleVan McCoy
  24. One of These NightsEagles
  25. Jive Talkin'Bee Gees
  26. Fallin' in LoveHamilton Joe Frank and Reynolds
  27. Get Down TonightKC and the Sunshine Band
  28. Rhinestone CowboyGlen Campbell
  29. FameDavid Bowie
  30. I'm SorryJohn Denver
  31. Bad BloodNeil Sedaka
  32. Island GirlElton John
  33. That's the Way I Like ItKC and the Sunshine Band
  34. Fly Robin FlySilver Convention
  35. Let's Do It AgainThe Staple Singers

1976

In 1976, Tonight's the Night by Rod Stewart holds No. 1 for 8 weeks, the longest run of the year. The year opens with Saturday Night by Bay City Rollers. Diana Ross has 2 No. 1s.

  1. Saturday NightBay City Rollers
  2. ConvoyC.W. McCall
  3. I Write the SongsBarry Manilow
  4. Theme from MahoganyDiana Ross
  5. Love RollercoasterOhio Players
  6. 50 Ways to Leave Your LoverPaul Simon
  7. Theme from S.W.A.T.Rhythm Heritage
  8. Love MachineThe Miracles
  9. December 1963 (Oh What a Night)The Four Seasons
  10. Disco LadyJohnnie Taylor
  11. Let Your Love FlowThe Bellamy Brothers
  12. Welcome BackJohn Sebastian
  13. Boogie FeverThe Sylvers
  14. Silly Love SongsWings
  15. Love HangoverDiana Ross
  16. Afternoon DelightStarland Vocal Band
  17. Kiss and Say GoodbyeManhattans
  18. Don't Go Breaking My HeartElton John and Kiki Dee
  19. You Should Be DancingBee Gees
  20. Shake Your BootyKC and the Sunshine Band
  21. Play That Funky MusicWild Cherry
  22. A Fifth of BeethovenWalter Murphy
  23. Disco DuckRick Dees
  24. If You Leave Me NowChicago
  25. Rock'n MeSteve Miller Band
  26. Tonight's the NightRod Stewart

1977

In 1977, You Light Up My Life by Debby Boone holds No. 1 for 10 weeks, the longest run of the year. The year opens with You Don't Have to Be a Star by Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr.. Barbra Streisand and Stevie Wonder each have 2 No. 1s.

  1. You Don't Have to Be a StarMarilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr.
  2. You Make Me Feel Like DancingLeo Sayer
  3. I WishStevie Wonder
  4. Car WashRose Royce
  5. Torn Between Two LoversMary MacGregor
  6. Blinded by the LightManfred Mann's Earth Band
  7. New Kid in TownEagles
  8. Love Theme from A Star Is BornBarbra Streisand
  9. EvergreenBarbra Streisand
  10. Rich GirlDaryl Hall and John Oates
  11. Dancing QueenABBA
  12. Don't Give Up on UsDavid Soul
  13. Don't Leave Me This WayThelma Houston
  14. Southern NightsGlen Campbell
  15. Hotel CaliforniaEagles
  16. When I Need YouLeo Sayer
  17. Sir DukeStevie Wonder
  18. I'm Your Boogie ManKC and the Sunshine Band
  19. DreamsFleetwood Mac
  20. Got to Give It UpMarvin Gaye
  21. Gonna Fly NowBill Conti
  22. Undercover AngelAlan O'Day
  23. Da Doo Ron RonShaun Cassidy
  24. Looks Like We Made ItBarry Manilow
  25. I Just Want to Be Your EverythingAndy Gibb
  26. Best of My LoveThe Emotions
  27. Star Wars Theme/Cantina BandMeco
  28. You Light Up My LifeDebby Boone
  29. How Deep Is Your LoveBee Gees

1978

In 1978, Night Fever by Bee Gees holds No. 1 for 8 weeks, the longest run of the year. The year opens with Baby Come Back by Player. Bee Gees and Andy Gibb each have 2 No. 1s.

  1. Baby Come BackPlayer
  2. Stayin' AliveBee Gees
  3. (Love Is) Thicker Than WaterAndy Gibb
  4. Night FeverBee Gees
  5. If I Can't Have YouYvonne Elliman
  6. With a Little LuckWings
  7. Too Much, Too Little, Too LateJohnny Mathis and Deniece Williams
  8. You're the One That I WantJohn Travolta and Olivia Newton-John
  9. Love Is in the AirJohn Paul Young
  10. Shadow DancingAndy Gibb
  11. Miss YouThe Rolling Stones
  12. Three Times a LadyCommodores
  13. GreaseFrankie Valli
  14. Boogie Oogie OogieA Taste of Honey
  15. Kiss You All OverExile
  16. Hot Child in the CityNick Gilder
  17. You Needed MeAnne Murray
  18. MacArthur ParkDonna Summer
  19. You Don't Bring Me FlowersBarbra Streisand and Neil Diamond
  20. Le FreakChic

1979

In 1979, My Sharona by The Knack holds No. 1 for 6 weeks, the longest run of the year. The year opens with Too Much Heaven by Bee Gees. Bee Gees has 3 No. 1s.

  1. Too Much HeavenBee Gees
  2. Da Ya Think I'm Sexy?Rod Stewart
  3. I Will SurviveGloria Gaynor
  4. TragedyBee Gees
  5. What a Fool BelievesThe Doobie Brothers
  6. Knock on WoodAmii Stewart
  7. Heart of GlassBlondie
  8. ReunitedPeaches and Herb
  9. Hot StuffDonna Summer
  10. Love You Inside OutBee Gees
  11. Ring My BellAnita Ward
  12. Bad GirlsDonna Summer
  13. Good TimesChic
  14. My SharonaThe Knack
  15. Sad EyesRobert John
  16. Don't Stop 'Til You Get EnoughMichael Jackson
  17. RiseHerb Alpert
  18. Pop MuzikM
  19. Heartache TonightEagles
  20. StillCommodores
  21. No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)Donna Summer and Barbra Streisand
  22. BabeStyx
  23. Escape (The Pina Colada Song)Rupert Holmes

1980

In 1980, Call Me by Blondie and Lady by Kenny Rogers each hold No. 1 for 6 weeks, the longest runs of the year. The year opens with Please Don't Go by KC and the Sunshine Band. Queen has 2 No. 1s.

  1. Please Don't GoKC and the Sunshine Band
  2. Rock with YouMichael Jackson
  3. Do That to Me One More TimeCaptain & Tennille
  4. Crazy Little Thing Called LoveQueen
  5. Another Brick in the WallPink Floyd
  6. Call MeBlondie
  7. FunkytownLipps Inc.
  8. Coming UpPaul McCartney
  9. It's Still Rock and Roll to MeBilly Joel
  10. MagicOlivia Newton-John
  11. SailingChristopher Cross
  12. Upside DownDiana Ross
  13. Another One Bites the DustQueen
  14. Woman in LoveBarbra Streisand
  15. LadyKenny Rogers
  16. (Just Like) Starting OverJohn Lennon

1981

In 1981, Physical by Olivia Newton-John holds No. 1 for 10 weeks, the longest run of the year. The year opens with The Tide Is High by Blondie. Daryl Hall and John Oates and Blondie each have 2 No. 1s.

  1. The Tide Is HighBlondie
  2. CelebrationKool and the Gang
  3. 9 to 5Dolly Parton
  4. I Love a Rainy NightEddie Rabbitt
  5. Keep On Loving YouREO Speedwagon
  6. RaptureBlondie
  7. Kiss On My ListDaryl Hall and John Oates
  8. Morning Train (Nine to Five)Sheena Easton
  9. Bette Davis EyesKim Carnes
  10. Stars on 45 MedleyStars on 45
  11. The One That You LoveAir Supply
  12. Jessie's GirlRick Springfield
  13. Endless LoveDiana Ross
  14. Arthur's ThemeChristopher Cross
  15. Private EyesDaryl Hall and John Oates
  16. PhysicalOlivia Newton-John
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