1. The Ultimate Soft Rock Soundtrack
This mix always featured artists whose thoughtful lyrics and gentle melodies were perfect for late-night listening and deep conversations. The sound of the decade’s singer-songwriter movement became the backbone of this comforting compilation. Key tracks frequently included James Taylor’s “Fire and Rain” (1970) and Joni Mitchell’s “Big Yellow Taxi” (1970), songs that offered introspective narratives and simple, acoustic-driven arrangements. Also common was Carole King’s “It’s Too Late” (1971), a track from her massively successful Tapestry album, whose intimate, piano-based style defined the genre’s emotional honesty. These tapes were a necessary part of any serious music lover’s collection, representing a quieter, more reflective side of a dynamic decade.
2. The Disco Inferno Dance Party
No 70s mixtape was complete without a high-energy transition to the dance floor, and the Disco Inferno tape was the required fuel. This compilation was pure, unadulterated groove, defined by soaring orchestral arrangements and a relentless, four-on-the-floor beat. Essential inclusions were Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive” (1978), an anthem of empowerment that transcended the genre, and The Trammps’ “Disco Inferno” (1976), whose title became synonymous with the disco craze, especially after its feature in the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack. Also a standard was Donna Summer’s “I Feel Love” (1977), a pioneering track that used a hypnotic electronic beat, showcasing disco’s move toward synthesized sounds. This tape was how you brought the club’s blinding lights and high energy into your own living room.
3. Classic Arena Rock Anthems
This particular mixtape was loud, proud, and made for cruising with the windows down, capturing the stadium-filling power of 70s rock radio. It represented the era of epic guitar solos and powerful, theatrical vocals that dominated FM airwaves. Must-haves included the nearly nine-minute epic Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven” (1971), a multi-part masterpiece that remains one of rock’s most recognizable songs. Another staple was Boston’s “More Than a Feeling” (1976), whose huge chorus and dynamic structure made it instantly iconic. You could also find Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” (1975) on almost every version, its operatic structure and complexity making it a bold statement of rock artistry that pushed boundaries. This collection was the blueprint for countless air guitar sessions and youthful rebellion.
4. Funk and Soul Grooves
The Funk and Soul Grooves tape was all about rhythm, brass, and deep, irresistible bass lines, bringing the vibrant energy of Black American music to the forefront. It was an essential collection for anyone wanting a truly funky soundtrack for their day. Key tracks like Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition” (1972) offered a blend of funk, rock, and R&B, driven by its iconic clavinet riff. The Commodores’ “Brick House” (1977) was another common inclusion, known for its strong groove and celebration of female beauty. Also standard was Earth, Wind & Fire’s “September” (1978), a joyous, horn-driven track that epitomized the band’s polished and spiritual funk sound. These tapes provided a much-needed injection of pure, celebratory soul into the musical landscape.
5. The West Coast Chill Collection
This mixtape was the sonic equivalent of a California sunset, defined by the polished, sophisticated sound of artists emerging from Los Angeles. The “Yacht Rock” or “LA Sound” dominated this genre, blending rock structures with jazz-like complexity and immaculate production. The ultimate inclusion was Eagles’ “Hotel California” (1976), an atmospheric track known for its lengthy, dual-guitar solo and cryptic lyrics. Another staple was Steely Dan’s “Reelin’ In the Years” (1972), with its complex chord changes and slick, studio-perfected sound. The smooth harmonies of Fleetwood Mac’s “Go Your Own Way” (1977) also made it a near-universal choice, capturing the decade’s relationship drama through pristine pop craftsmanship. This was the sophisticated soundtrack for a generation finding its adult footing.
6. Hits from the Saturday Morning Radio Show
The “Saturday Morning Radio Show” tape consisted of the pure, upbeat pop hits that defined the top of the charts and captured the lighter side of the decade. These were the earworms that everyone knew the words to, often recorded directly off the radio by holding a cassette recorder up to the speaker. A favorite was The Knack’s “My Sharona” (1979), with its instantly recognizable guitar riff and frenetic energy, making it one of the decade’s biggest one-hit wonders. Another widely copied track was Tony Orlando and Dawn’s “Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree” (1973), a simple, heartwarming pop tune with a narrative theme that resonated with listeners. Such tapes often featured a mixture of one-off smash hits and catchy tunes that became the sound of a very specific moment in time.
7. The Cruising and Slow Jam Tape
This collection was created specifically for romantic evenings, designed to set a mood with smooth, sensual rhythms and passionate, often extended vocal performances. The slow jam was a crucial element of the mixtape tradition, and this one pulled from the deep catalog of Motown and R&B ballads. Essential tracks included Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get It On” (1973), whose sensual lyrics and lush instrumentation made it a definitive seduction anthem. You would also find Al Green’s “Love and Happiness” (1972), a song that effortlessly blends gospel-infused soul with a seductive groove. Furthermore, any good version featured Barry White’s “Can’t Get Enough of Your Love, Babe” (1974), immediately identifiable by his deep, spoken-word introductions and powerful orchestral arrangements. This was the universal soundtrack for young romance.
8. The Glam Rock Glitter Bomb
Bright, loud, and delightfully theatrical, the Glam Rock Glitter Bomb tape brought the spectacle and androgynous fashion of the UK’s glam scene into the homes of rock fans everywhere. It was a defiant, high-volume collection of tracks built on huge guitar chords and an over-the-top attitude. The mix invariably featured David Bowie’s “Ziggy Stardust” (1972), the title track of his iconic alter-ego album that explored themes of rock stardom and apocalypse. Another must-have was T. Rex’s “Get It On” (1971), a simple, driving, riff-heavy track that epitomized the genre’s primal rock and roll energy. Many versions also included Sweet’s “Ballroom Blitz” (1973), an insanely catchy single that blended bubblegum pop with hard rock thunder. This tape was a musical escape into pure, unapologetic rock theatrics.
9. Hits from the British Invasion’s Second Wave
The second wave of British artists in the 1970s carried on the energy of the 60s, evolving it with more complex production, progressive structures, and blues influences. This mixtape was a powerhouse of UK-based rock talent. A common inclusion was Pink Floyd’s “Money” (1973), instantly recognizable by its looping sound effects and unusual 7/4 time signature, a signature of the era’s progressive rock movement. Elton John’s “Bennie and the Jets” (1974), with its deceptively live-sounding vocal track and unique piano work, was a radio staple often found here. Also, almost every tape of this sort included Deep Purple’s “Smoke on the Water” (1973), thanks to one of the most famous and simple guitar riffs in rock history, making it a foundational track for aspiring musicians.
10. The Acoustic Folk Storytellers
This compilation offered a retreat from the decade’s loud rock and disco, focusing on intimate storytelling and vocal performance, often with sparse acoustic arrangements. It was a favorite for quiet afternoons and road trips through scenic landscapes. A crucial component was Don McLean’s “American Pie” (1971), an epic, nearly nine-minute song whose cryptic lyrics about the state of rock and roll became a subject of endless discussion and dissection. Cat Stevens’ “Wild World” (1970), a poignant ballad about a difficult farewell, was another standard, showcasing the gentle earnestness of the folk-rock sound. Finally, this tape was incomplete without Jim Croce’s “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown” (1973), a story-song with a humorous, narrative punch that gave the genre a more upbeat, relatable flavor.
11. The Garage Rock Revival Tape
Before punk exploded, a strain of gritty, no-frills rock and roll kept the three-chord spirit of the 60s garage bands alive. This mixtape was raw, energetic, and a little rebellious. It was the anti-disco soundtrack. A key track would be The Runaways’ “Cherry Bomb” (1976), an unapologetic and aggressive anthem from the pioneering all-female band, embodying raw teenage energy. The infectious, simple power of Bachman-Turner Overdrive’s “You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet” (1974) was also a frequent choice, a straightforward rock song with a memorable stuttering vocal hook. Such compilations were passed around by those who preferred the loud, uncomplicated immediacy of rock and roll to the highly produced sounds of the mainstream.
12. The Yacht Rock and Pop-Funk Fusion
This mix was the smoothest blend of funk, R&B, and pop, characterized by its complex, jazz-influenced arrangements, high production values, and catchy hooks, music that felt equally at home on a yacht or in a city apartment. Doobie Brothers’ “Black Water” (1974), which blended Southern rock with West Coast harmonies and a folk feel, was a widely appreciated addition. A true staple was Paul McCartney and Wings’ “Band on the Run” (1973), a medley-like track that switched genres and tempos seamlessly, showcasing the ambitious complexity of 70s pop. Additionally, the sophisticated grooves of War’s “Low Rider” (1975), with its unmistakable bass line and Latin-funk blend, made it a mandatory piece of this collection’s cool, effortless vibe.
The 1970s mixtape was more than just music; it was a carefully chosen reflection of identity, a personal declaration of taste recorded on fragile magnetic tape. Even though everyone had their own version, built from radio static and late-night copying sessions, the shared DNA of these tracks proves we were all listening to the same extraordinary soundtrack. It’s a beautiful reminder that in a decade of musical explosion, we found common ground in these essential grooves.
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This story 12 Mixtapes of ’70s Gold Everyone Thought They Owned was first published on Daily FETCH
