4x Life

One month in pop history, every week.

It’s July, 1974

Written by

Thomas Scovell

in

A chill long weekend, with some lovely autumnal sun, in Auckland of 2026 so we’re a day behind this week as we trip back to July of 1974…

Songs of the month

  • “Annie’s Song” – John Denver
  • “Band On The Run” – Paul Mccartney And Wings
  • “Be Thankful For What You Got” – William Devaughn
  • “Billy Don’t Be A Hero” – Bo Donaldson And The Heywoods
  • [new] “Call On Me” – Chicago
  • [new] “Come Monday” – Jimmy Buffett
  • “Dancing Machine” – Jackson Five
  • [new] “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me” – Elton John
  • [new] “Feel Like Makin’ Love” – Roberta Flack
  • [new] “Finally Got Myself Together” – Impressions
  • [new] “Fish Ain’t Bitin’” – Lamont Dozier
  • “For The Love Of Money” – O’jays
  • “Haven’t Got Time For The Pain” – Carly Simon
  • “Hollywood Swinging” – Kool And The Gang
  • [new] “I Finally Got Myself Together” – Impressions
  • “I’m Coming Home” – Spinners
  • [new] “If You Love Me” – Olivia Nerwton-John
  • “If You Love Me” – Olivia Newton-John
  • [new] “If You Talk In Your Sleep” – Elvis Presley
  • “If You Wanna Get To Heaven” – Ozark Mountain Daredevils
  • [new] “Keep On Smilin’” – Wet Willie
  • [new] “Machine Gun” – Commodores
  • “Midnight At The Oasis” – Maria Muldaur
  • “On And On” – Gladys Knight And The Pips
  • “One Hell Of A Woman” – Mac Davis
  • [new] “Please Come To Boston” – Dave Loggins
  • “Radar Love” – Golden Earring
  • “Rikki Don’t Lose My Number” – Steely Dan
  • [new] “Rikki Don’t Lose That Number” – Steely Dan
  • “Rock And Roll Heaven” – Righteous Brothers
  • [new] “Rock Me Gently” – Andy Kim
  • “Rock The Boat” – Hues Corporation
  • “Rock Your Baby” – George Mccrae
  • [new] “Shinin’ On” – Grand Funk
  • “Sideshow” – Blue Magic
  • “Sundown” – Gordon Lightfoot
  • [new] “Sure As I’m Sittin’ Here” – Three Dog Night
  • [new] “Takin’ Care Of Business” – Bachman-Turner Overdrive
  • [new] “Tell Me Something Good” – Rufus
  • “The Air That I Breathe” – Hollies
  • “The Entertainer” – Marvin Hamlisch
  • [new] “The Night Chicago Died” – Paper Lace
  • “The Streak” – Ray Stevens
  • [new] “This Heart” – Gene Redding
  • “Waterloo” – Abba
  • [new] “Wildwood Weed” – Jim Stafford
  • “You Make Me Feel Brand New” – Stylistics
  • “You Won’t See Me” – Anne Murray

[new] = New to the chart this week.

You can listen to the full playlist on Youtube via this link.

This month in history

On July 24, 1974, the cinematic world was shaken by the release of “Death Wish”, starring Charles Bronson. Reflecting the real-world anxieties about rising crime rates and urban decay in the 1970s, the film told the story of a mild-mannered architect who becomes a self-appointed vigilante after a brutal attack on his family. It was a polarising hit that sparked intense national debate about justice and violence, but it fundamentally changed the action genre, turning Bronson into a massive international superstar and launching a multi-decade franchise.

The music world suffered a shocking loss on July 29 when Cass Elliot, the powerhouse voice of The Mamas & the Papas, passed away in London at the age of 32. She had just finished a series of sold-out solo shows at the London Palladium, proving she was at the peak of her solo career. While a persistent urban legend falsely claimed she choked on a sandwich, her passing was actually a tragic heart attack. Her death marked the symbolic end of the 1960s folk-pop era she helped create, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most distinctive and beloved voices in music history.

The same month Eric Clapton released his “comeback” album, “461 Ocean Boulevard”, featuring a cover of Bob Marley’s “I Shot the Sheriff.” While Marley was already a legend in Jamaica, it was Clapton’s version – climbing the charts throughout this month – that effectively acted as a “Trojan Horse” for reggae in the West. By taking the track to #1, Clapton didn’t just revive his own career; he fundamentally shifted the sound of the mid-70s, opening the door for reggae rhythms to influence everything from The Police to Blondie as we will (eventually) come to hear.

What’d Sadie think?

“Rock The Boat” by Hues Corporation has the top spot before “Rock Your Baby” by George Mccrae takes it for two, alas it is not “Rock Me Gently” to continue the theme, but John Denver’s “Annie’s Song” that rounds out the month.

Loved ’em

  • “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me” – Elton John
  • “Feel Like Makin’ Love” – Roberta Flack
  • “Takin’ Care Of Business” – Bachman-Turner Overdrive

Liked ’em

  • “Call On Me” – Chicago
  • “Come Monday” – Jimmy Buffett
  • “If You Talk In Your Sleep” – Elvis Presley
  • “Keep On Smilin’” – Wet Willie
  • “Machine Gun” – Commodores
  • “Please Come To Boston” – Dave Loggins
  • “Rikki Don’t Lose That Number” – Steely Dan
  • “Rock Me Gently” – Andy Kim
  • “Shinin’ On” – Grand Funk
  • “Sure As I’m Sittin’ Here” – Three Dog Night
  • “Tell Me Something Good” – Rufus
  • “The Night Chicago Died” – Paper Lace
  • “This Heart” – Gene Redding

Leave ’em

  • “Fish Ain’t Bitin’” – Lamont Dozier
  • “Wildwood Weed” – Jim Stafford

Now go listen to the full playlist on Youtube via this link.

More posts