The 1970s were a decade many have mixed memories of. In ways both good and bad, life significantly differed to how it is today.
Though the decade was more difficult to live in than now for a variety of social reasons, it showed significant progress to the decades that came before. So for those in their childhood, teenage years or early adulthood, the ‘70s were an exciting time.
The world was beginning to feel more connected and society was starting to feel less conservative. Self-expression was becoming more and more daring through the likes of fashion, music and dance.
Read more: Things you could do in 1970s Dublin that you can’t do now
It's therefore unsurprising that many who were in their youth during the '70s remember those years as a time of fun, freedom and great music. Nights out weren’t as expensive as they are now, and though far less clubs were licensed to sell alcohol, Dubliners knew how to have a great time regardless.
If your dancing days fell in this golden age of music, you had plenty of places where you could dance your heart out. Zhivago was particularly popular with those who had caught disco fever.
The Baggot Street club opened late seven nights a week. With a slogan claiming to be where "love stories begin", the venue was as essential to Dublin’s nightlife at the time as the likes of Copper’s is today.
Read more: Lost discos and dancehalls beloved by '60s and '70s Dublin
We decided to take a look back at some of the many iconic songs that filled clubs and dance halls in the 1970s. From upbeat disco, funk, soul, rock and pop to more relaxed folk, alternative and country, these are the bops that made history - bringing joy to the generation they were released to, and inspiring generations to come.
Donna Summer - I Feel Love (1977)
Eagles - Hotel California (1976)
Sister Sledge - He's the Greatest Dancer (1979)
Queen – Bohemian Rhapsody (1975)
The Bee Gees - Night Fever (1977)
CHIC - Le Freak (1978)
Carl Douglas - Kung Fu Fighting (1974)
The Whispers - And The Beat Goes On (1979)
Cheryl Lynn - Got To Be Real (1978)
Don McLean - American Pie (1971)
ABBA - Dancing Queen (1976)
Hues Corporation - Rock the Boat (1973)
Vicki Sue Robinson - Turn the Beat Around (1976)
Earth, Wind & Fire - September (1978)
Andrea True Connection - More, More, More (1975)
The Weather Girls - It's Raining Men (1979)
The Trammps - Disco Inferno (1976)
Baccara - Yes Sir, I Can Boogie (1977)
Amii Stewart - Knock On Wood (1979)
Stevie Wonder - Superstition (1972)
Glen Campbell - Rhinestone Cowboy (1975)
Fleetwood Mac - Dreams (1977)
Gloria Gaynor - I Will Survive (1978)
The Bee Gees - Stayin' Alive (1977)
Rose Royce - Car Wash (1976)
Bill Withers - Ain't No Sunshine (1971)
Gerry Rafferty - Baker Street (1978)
Boney M. - Daddy Cool (1976)
Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons - December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night) (1975)
Elton John & Kiki Dee - Don't Go Breaking My Heart (1976)
Frankie Valli - Grease (1978)
Kiss - I Was Made For Lovin' You (1979)
Mungo Jerry - In The Summertime (1970)
Dolly Parton - Jolene (1974)
Bellamy Brothers - Let Your Love Flow (1976)
The Police - Roxanne (1978)
Van McCoy - The Hustle (1975)
Thin Lizzy - The Boys Are Back In Town (1976)
Kate Bush - Wuthering Heights (1978)
Bob Marley & The Wailers - Three Little Birds (1977)
Blondie - Heart Of Glass (1978)
What are your favourite '70s hits? Let us know in the comments below.
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