The 1970s were a golden era for soul music, a decade when lush orchestration, raw emotion, funk grooves, disco sparkle, and socially conscious songwriting collided to create timeless classics. From dancefloor anthems to intimate ballads, these songs didn’t just top the charts — they defined an era.
Here are 100 of the greatest soul songs of the ’70s, as chosen by SiriusXM’s 70s on 7 channel, each one a snapshot of the sound that shaped a generation. From protest to passion, from funk grooves to disco glitter, these songs remind us why the 1970s remain one of soul music’s most transformative and influential decades.
100 Soul Songs from the 1970s
“ABC” – The Jackson 5
A burst of youthful energy and irresistible hooks, this Motown smash showcased the Jackson 5’s joyful charisma and Michael’s precocious star power.
“After the Love Has Gone” – Earth, Wind & Fire
This sophisticated ballad pairs lush harmonies with heartfelt vulnerability, becoming one of the group’s most elegant crossover hits.
“Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” – Diana Ross
Ross transformed this into a dramatic, gospel-tinged epic that highlighted her powerhouse vocals and commanding presence.
“Ball of Confusion” – The Temptations
A psychedelic soul masterpiece, its urgent groove and socially charged lyrics captured the chaos of the times.
“Bad Girls” – Donna Summer
Built around a streetwise hook and disco pulse, this anthem cemented Summer’s reign as the Queen of Disco.
“Ben” – Michael Jackson
Tender and surprisingly mature, this ballad revealed Jackson’s emotional depth at just 14 years old.
“Best of My Love” – The Emotions
An effervescent blend of disco and soul, its buoyant groove and radiant harmonies make it pure joy on vinyl.
“Boogie Down” – Eddie Kendricks
Kendricks’ falsetto glides effortlessly over a dancefloor-ready groove that helped define early disco soul.
“Boogie Fever” – The Sylvers
A playful, synth-driven hit that perfectly captured disco’s carefree exuberance.
“Boogie Nights” – Heatwave
This international smash pairs slick production with an irresistible groove built for packed dance floors.
“Boogie Oogie Oogie” – A Taste of Honey
Its instantly recognizable bassline became one of disco’s most iconic riffs.
“Can’t Get Enough of Your Love, Babe” – Barry White
White’s deep baritone and sweeping orchestration turned romantic longing into pure sonic luxury.
“Car Wash” – Rose Royce
A funky groove and vivid storytelling made this title track an enduring disco-soul staple.
“Dancing Machine” – The Jackson 5
Driven by funk rhythms and Michael’s magnetic delivery, it marked the group’s move toward a more mature sound.
“Dim All the Lights” – Donna Summer
Showcasing Summer’s vocal power, this dramatic disco ballad builds with cinematic intensity.
“Disco Lady” – Johnnie Taylor
A smooth, groove-heavy anthem that became one of the first platinum-certified singles.
“Do It ‘Til You’re Satisfied” – B.T. Express
A gritty funk workout whose infectious chant invites listeners to surrender to the rhythm.
“Don’t Mess with Bill” – The Marvelettes
This sassy, Motown gem blends playful warning with irresistible groove.
“Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” – Michael Jackson
A falsetto-driven dance classic that launched Jackson’s solo superstardom in electrifying fashion.
“Family Affair” – Sly & The Family Stone
Moody and minimalist, its funk groove signaled a darker, more introspective turn for soul music.
“Feel Like Makin’ Love” – Roberta Flack
Flack’s tender phrasing and understated arrangement make this one of the decade’s most intimate love songs.
“Fire” – The Ohio Players
Slinky, seductive funk anchored by a hypnotic groove and whispered vocals.
“Fire” – The Pointer Sisters
Their punchy, rock-tinged take turned this Bruce Springsteen tune into a soulful powerhouse hit.
“Float On” – The Floaters
Known for its spoken-word introductions, this dreamy slow jam became a uniquely ’70s romantic staple.
“Got to Give It Up” – Marvin Gaye
Loose, joyful, and groove-driven, it proved Gaye could dominate the dancefloor as effortlessly as the protest song.
“Good Times” – Chic
Nile Rodgers’ sleek guitar and Bernard Edwards’ legendary bassline shaped not only disco but early hip-hop.
“Hey There Lonely Girl” – Eddie Holman
Holman’s soaring falsetto gives this ballad its aching emotional pull.
“Hot Stuff” – Donna Summer
Blending disco with rock guitar, it pushed dance music into bold new territory.
“I Gotcha” – Joe Tex
A gritty, playful funk number brimming with swagger and personality.
“I Will Survive” – Gloria Gaynor
An empowerment anthem whose resilient message transcended disco and became cultural shorthand for strength.
“I Wish” – Stevie Wonder
Wonder’s infectious groove and autobiographical lyrics create a joyous celebration of childhood memories.
“I’ll Be There” – The Jackson 5
A heartfelt ballad that showcased the group’s harmonies and Michael’s emotional delivery.
“I’ll Take You There” – The Staple Singers
A hypnotic groove and gospel-infused vocals turned this into an uplifting soul landmark.
“Just My Imagination” – The Temptations
A dreamy orchestral ballad highlighting the group’s smooth harmonies and romantic storytelling.
“Keep on Truckin'” – Eddie Kendricks
Falsetto finesse meets driving rhythm in this crossover disco-soul smash.
“Kiss and Say Goodbye” – The Manhattans
A dramatic spoken intro leads into one of the decade’s most bittersweet breakup ballads.
“Knock on Wood” – Amii Stewart
A high-energy disco reinvention that gave the classic song new life on the dancefloor.
“Lady Marmalade” – LaBelle
Bold, brassy, and unapologetically provocative, it broke boundaries and topped charts.
“Le Freak” – Chic
A glittering disco anthem whose iconic “Freak out!” hook became instantly legendary.
“Let’s Do It Again” – The Staple Singers
Smooth and sensual, its groove exemplifies quiet storm soul at its finest.
“Let’s Get It On” – Marvin Gaye
A sensual slow burn that redefined romantic soul with unmatched intimacy.
“Let’s Stay Together” – Al Green
Green’s silky falsetto and tender delivery make this one of soul’s most enduring love songs.
“Love Hangover” – Diana Ross
Beginning as a ballad before morphing into disco ecstasy, it perfectly captured mid-decade evolution.
“Love Machine” – The Miracles
A high-energy dance hit that kept Motown relevant in the disco era.
“Love Rollercoaster” – The Ohio Players
Funky, playful, and endlessly sampled, it rides a groove as thrilling as its title suggests.
“Love to Love You Baby” – Donna Summer
Sultry and groundbreaking, it pushed disco into daring new sensual territory.
“Love Train” – The O’Jays
An optimistic anthem of unity that became a global call for harmony.
“Love’s Theme” – The Love Unlimited Orchestra
A lush instrumental showcasing Barry White’s genius for sweeping, romantic arrangements.
“Lovin’ You” – Minnie Riperton
Riperton’s astonishing five-octave range gives this delicate ballad its magical quality.
“MacArthur Park” – Donna Summer
Her disco reimagining transformed a dramatic pop ballad into an epic dance suite.
“Mama’s Pearl” – The Jackson 5
Another early hit bursting with youthful charm and Motown polish.
“Me and Mrs. Jones” – Billy Paul
Smooth and sophisticated, it tells a tale of forbidden love with cinematic elegance.
“Midnight Train to Georgia” – Gladys Knight & The Pips
Knight’s emotive vocals and the Pips’ harmonies create a poignant story of devotion.
“Mr. Big Stuff” – Jean Knight
A sassy, strutting groove that radiates attitude and independence.
“Never Can Say Goodbye” – The Jackson 5
A bittersweet melody wrapped in irresistible Motown bounce.
“Neither One of Us” – Gladys Knight & The Pips
An emotionally complex breakup song delivered with heartbreaking restraint.
“Nothing from Nothing” – Billy Preston
Bright piano riffs and witty lyrics make this funk hit irresistibly catchy.
“Oh Girl” – The Chi-Lites
Tender and vulnerable, its harmonica hook adds to the song’s aching sincerity.
“Outa-Space” – Billy Preston
A funky instrumental driven by clavinet and groove that became a crossover sensation.
“Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone” – The Temptations
Dark, dramatic, and socially reflective, its extended intro redefined soul storytelling.
“Reunited” – Peaches & Herb
A joyful duet celebrating rekindled love with warmth and sweetness.
“Right Back Where We Started From” – Maxine Nightingale
An exuberant, retro-tinged dance hit that radiates feel-good energy.
“Ring My Bell” – Anita Ward
A sleek disco anthem with shimmering production and undeniable hook.
“Rock the Boat” – The Hues Corporation
A smooth, sun-soaked groove that helped usher disco into the mainstream.
“Rock Your Baby” – George McCrae
Its laid-back rhythm and falsetto vocals were foundational to early disco’s sound.
“Rockin’ Robin” – Michael Jackson
Jackson’s spirited performance turned this remake into a youthful crowd-pleaser.
“Rubberband Man” – The Spinners
Playful lyrics and elastic grooves make this one of Philly soul’s finest moments.
“Shining Star” – Earth, Wind & Fire
A funk-driven celebration of self-belief powered by horns and tight musicianship.
“Sir Duke” – Stevie Wonder
A jubilant tribute to jazz legend Duke Ellington, bursting with brass brilliance.
“Spanish Harlem” – Aretha Franklin
Franklin’s soulful interpretation elevates this classic with warmth and grace.
“Still” – The Commodores
A tender ballad showcasing Lionel Richie’s gift for heartfelt songwriting.
“Theme from Mahogany” – Diana Ross
A sweeping, inspirational ballad that became one of Ross’s signature songs.
“Theme from Shaft” – Isaac Hayes
Cool, cinematic funk that redefined movie themes and Black cool.
“Theme from S.W.A.T.” – Rhythm Heritage
A high-energy instrumental that turned television drama into dancefloor dynamite.
“Then Came You” – The Spinners & Dionne Warwick
Silky harmonies and romantic chemistry make this duet unforgettable.
“The Closer I Get to You” – Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway
Their intimate vocal interplay creates one of soul’s most beloved duets.
“The Hustle” – Van McCoy & The Soul City Symphony
An instrumental disco smash that sparked a nationwide dance craze.
“The Love You Save” – The Jackson 5
Fast-paced and hook-filled, it’s a perfect example of Motown’s hitmaking machine.
“The Tears of a Clown” – Smokey Robinson & The Miracles
A buoyant melody contrasts poignantly with its theme of hidden heartbreak.
“Three Times a Lady” – The Commodores
A grand, orchestral love ballad that became a wedding staple.
“Too Late to Turn Back Now” – Cornelius Brothers & Sister Rose
Smooth harmonies and a sweet groove define this underrated gem.
“Too Much, Too Little, Too Late” – Johnny Mathis & Deniece Williams
A polished duet capturing the bittersweet end of a relationship.
“Touch Me in the Morning” – Diana Ross
A dramatic, emotionally rich performance that showcases Ross’s vocal vulnerability.
“TSOP” – MFSB
Short for “The Sound of Philadelphia,” this instrumental defined an entire soul movement.
“Use Me” – Bill Withers
Minimalist funk and conversational lyrics make this groove hypnotically compelling.
“Want Ads” – The Honey Cone
A clever, empowering hit built around a catchy, singalong hook.
“War” – Edwin Starr
A blistering protest anthem whose shouted chorus became unforgettable.
“We Are Family” – Sister Sledge
An uplifting disco celebration of unity produced to perfection by Chic.
“When Will I See You Again” – The Three Degrees
Silky Philly soul harmonies make this romantic ballad timeless.
“What’s Going On” – Marvin Gaye
A groundbreaking masterpiece blending social commentary with sublime musicianship.
“Will It Go Round in Circles” – Billy Preston
A breezy, piano-driven funk hit bursting with playful charm.
“Y.M.C.A.” – The Village People
A disco juggernaut whose infectious chorus and choreography became global pop culture staples.
“You Are the Sunshine of My Life” – Stevie Wonder
A warm, radiant love song that showcases Wonder’s melodic genius.
“You Don’t Have to Be a Star” – Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr.
A smooth duet celebrating love without pretension.
“You Make Me Feel Brand New” – The Stylistics
Lush strings and soaring falsetto define this pinnacle of romantic soul.
“You’ll Never Find Another Love Like Mine” – Lou Rawls
Rawls’ velvety baritone and sweeping arrangement create timeless sophistication.
“You’re the First, the Last, My Everything” – Barry White
An exuberant declaration of love wrapped in White’s unmistakable orchestral soul.
