Born Into the Groove: Top 10 Songs of 1973
What was playing the year you were born?
I was born in August of 1973. I obviously don't remember anything from that year, but I’ve always been curious about the sounds heard on the radio and from jukeboxes when I entered the world. Looking back at Billboard’s Top 10 songs of that year, it’s clear that 1973 was riding a strange and fascinating blend of soul, soft rock, a pinch of glam and AM gold.
These are not my favorite songs of 1973, but the diversity in their style, genre, and sound still feels refreshing. Here’s what dominated the charts the year I was born:
1. “Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree” by Tony Orlando & Dawn
This one feels like it’s been stuck in America’s collective memory forever. Sentimental, overly dramatic, and entirely unforgettable.
2. “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown” by Jim Croce
Croce told stories like a barroom poet. This one had bounce and swagger, and it was wrapped in a three-minute radio-friendly package. His tragic death later that year only adds weight to his legacy. He was only 30 years old when his plane crashed in Louisiana.
3. “Killing Me Softly with His Song” by Roberta Flack
Written by Charles Fox, Norman Gimbel, and Lori Lieberman and covered by Roberta Flack in 1973. Every note is perfectly placed, and the whole thing floats. Remixed, or covered, by The Fugees, it feels eternal.
4. “Let’s Get It On” by Marvin Gaye
A masterclass in mood and melody. Marvin Gaye’s soulful voice is still one of the best I’ve ever heard. The groove is slow, deliberate, and undeniable.
5. “My Love” by Paul McCartney & Wings
Soft, sweet, and soaked in strings. Not everyone’s favorite Wings cut, but it’s unmistakably Paul. It’s from the sophomore effort by McCartney and Wings called Red Rose Speedway.
6. “Why Me” by Kris Kristofferson
One of the more surprising chart-toppers. Sparse and spiritual, this country gospel track came from a place of personal reckoning. "Why Me" was Kristofferson's only major country hit as a solo artist.
7. “Crocodile Rock” by Elton John
Campy, catchy, and completely committed. Elton looked back at the birth of rock and turned it into pure pop silliness. That falsetto was all him, and the hook still gets me!
8. “Will It Go Round in Circles” by Billy Preston
Preston knew how to groove. This track has an easy confidence and just enough lyrical ambiguity to keep you listening. Funky and philosophical from the unofficial Beatle. His other big hit was “Nothing for Nothing” in 1974.
9. “You’re So Vain” by Carly Simon
The ultimate breakup anthem. Still debated, still biting, and still brilliant. That piano and her delivery? Ice cold. Was this song about Warren Beatty?
10. “Touch Me in the Morning” by Diana Ross
A quiet storm before the genre had a name. It’s about loss, not longing. Ross gives it restraint and emotion in equal measure. I remember hearing this later on my mom’s favorite radio station, WSSH 99.5 FM, easy favorites from yesterday and today.
This song followed Ross’ Academy Award nomination for Best Actress in Lady Sings the Blues.
The top of the charts in 1973 wasn’t exactly revolutionary, but it told a story. While I wasn’t old enough to appreciate it at the time, it’s still grounding to know what people were listening to that year.
These tracks were part of the atmosphere. Background music for a world I’d grow into, and revisiting them now feels like flipping through the opening pages of my own musical journey. What was playing the year you were born?
Until next time. - JB