8 Songs from 1971 You Totally Forgot Existed (And 8 That Absolutely Ruled the Music Scene)
1971 was a golden year for music. Between the rise of singer-songwriters, the soulful echoes of Motown, and the psychedelic afterglow of the late ’60s, it was a year packed with unforgettable records… and a surprising number of “wait, that was a thing?” moments.
Some songs from that era carved their names in the halls of music history. Others quietly faded like worn vinyl, only to live on in dusty crates and deep-cut playlists.
Ready to remember what you didn’t know you’d forgotten?
1. Treat Her Like a Lady
This smooth R&B groove climbed the charts with charm and respect, a nod to Mom’s ideals. Yet, like polyester suits, it faded from radio rotation.
Soulful rhythms and a warm chorus once packed dance halls. A nostalgic gem, it lingers in the memories of those who swayed to its beat.
2. Sweet City Woman
A banjo-laced pop tune that briefly charmed U.S. airwaves from Canada. Its moment passed quickly, now more a trivia tidbit than a household melody.
Joyful and simple, it captured life’s small pleasures. Though overshadowed, it holds a quiet charm for those who recall its twang.
3. Toast and Marmalade for Tea
Psychedelic soft rock with a Bee Gee’s touch, this dreamy tune flickered briefly on charts. Now, only crate diggers and music buffs keep it alive.
Ethereal melodies and quirky production left a subtle mark. It’s a tucked-away treasure from a vibrant era.
4. I’d Love to Change the World
Sharp lyrics and searing guitar licks carried this protest song across FM radio, but the band stayed obscure. Its power endures, often unsung.
Themes of hope and change still echo, marking it as a classic that slipped past fame’s spotlight.
5. Signs
An anti-establishment anthem with a punchy chorus, this hit flared brightly before fading from view. Today, its Tesla cover overshadows the original.
Bold rhythm and pointed lyrics defined its era. It remains a cultural spark worth rediscovering.
6. One Toke Over the Line
A mellow ode to mind expansion that accidentally made it onto The Lawrence Welk Show. True story. It was cheeky and charming—just not built for the long haul.
Its playful spirit and laid-back vibe capture a time when music was as much about fun as it was about making a statement.
7. Draggin’ the Line
Tommy James went solo and got groovy. This track had an infectious bassline but never gained the lasting fame of his earlier work. You’d recognize it… maybe… if someone played it for you.
The song’s undeniable groove and catchy melody make it an underappreciated gem that deserves a second listen.
8. Liar
Dramatic and intense, this track had all the flair of a rock ballad trying to be an opera. It just didn’t stick like Joy to the World. A deep cut that’s still pretty fun, of course, if you remember it exists.
Its emotional depth and powerful delivery make it a track worth rediscovering, even if it never reached the heights of their other songs.
9. Imagine
Let’s face it, no song from 1971 etched itself into global consciousness quite like this one. Lennon’s utopian vision paired with hauntingly simple piano chords still strikes a nerve today. It’s been covered, referenced, and argued over endlessly, and yet it still feels untouchable.
Its message of peace and unity remains timeless, touching hearts and minds across generations.
10. Maggie May
Rod’s raspy voice telling a story of heartbreak and regret made this track instantly relatable. It wasn’t just a chart-topper—it was the song of the year for many. That mandolin outro? It’s practically a nostalgic time machine.
Its raw emotion and storytelling combine to create a song that resonates deeply, leaving a lasting impression on all who listen.
11. Ain’t No Sunshine
Short and sweet, but emotionally heavy. Bill Withers proved you don’t need complex lyrics to leave a deep mark but just raw honesty and soul. Those repeated “I know” lines? Iconic.
The song’s emotional weight and simplicity have ensured its place in music history, touching listeners with its heartfelt resonance.
12. What’s Going On
Smooth, rich vocals meet a biting social message. Gaye’s masterpiece elevated soul music into a vessel for protest and reflection. Five decades later, it’s still heartbreakingly relevant.
Its blend of beautiful melodies and powerful lyrics makes it a cornerstone of music that speaks truth to power.
13. Brown Sugar
Controversial lyrics aside, this song had a swagger and grit that defined the Stones’ sound in the early ’70s. The riff is instantly recognizable, and its energy remains undeniable. It still tears through speakers like a rock ’n’ roll freight train.
Its rebellious spirit and driving rhythms capture the essence of rock and roll in its purest form.
14. Stairway to Heaven
Arguably the most overplayed guitar store riff in history, and yet still beloved. The slow build, mystical lyrics, and explosive climax made it an instant rock anthem. It cemented Led Zeppelin’s place in the pantheon of epic rock storytelling.
Its epic scale and timeless appeal continue to captivate listeners, making it a definitive piece of rock history.
15. Me and Bobby McGee
Released after passing, this song became Janis’s bittersweet swan song. Her voice crackles with emotion and freedom, capturing the soul of the era. It’s a country-rock crossover that still makes you want to hop on the road and never look back.
Its blend of heartfelt longing and spirited rebellion resonates with anyone who hears it.
16. Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me)
This track was all smooth romance and quiet yearning. With its lush arrangement and dreamy vocals, it’s still one of the group’s most enduring hits. It’s love, Temptations-style—timeless and tender.
The song’s smooth harmonies and heartfelt lyrics create a dreamlike experience that continues to captivate audiences.