The top songs of 1973 reflect a year where music kept evolving, but in a slightly different direction than 1972. According to the Billboard Year-End Hot 100, these were the songs that dominated radio, record sales, and everyday listening across the country. And like any year-end chart, these weren’t just quick hits—they were the songs people kept coming back to.
What stands out about 1973 is how confident the music feels.
By this point, soul music had fully taken its place at the center of the charts. You had songs like “Let’s Get It On” and “Superstition” defining the sound of the year, while pop and rock continued to deliver massive, radio-friendly hits like “Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree.”
When I think about 1973, it feels like artists knew exactly what they wanted to say—and how to say it. The experimentation of the late ’60s and early ’70s started to settle into something more defined. The songs were still personal, still emotional, but now they were more polished, more confident, and in a lot of cases, more direct.
In this list, we break down the top 25 songs of 1973, including chart performance, album context, and what made each one stand out. These are the songs that didn’t just top the charts—they helped define what the sound of the 1970s was becoming.
If you’re looking to see how this year fits into the bigger picture, you can explore the full breakdown of the best songs of the 1970s, where these tracks are ranked alongside the biggest hits from the entire decade.
The Biggest Songs of 1973 at a Glance
The Billboard Year-End Hot 100 ranked the songs that dominated American radio and record sales across the entire year. These were the tracks that stayed on the charts the longest and became the most recognizable hits of 1973.
Top Song of the Year
Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree
“Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree” finished 1973 as the biggest song of the year on the Billboard Year-End Hot 100. Performed by Tony Orlando & Dawn, the song became one of the most widely recognized hits of the decade, telling a simple but memorable story that connected with a massive audience.
Song: Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree
Artist: Tony Orlando & Dawn
Album: Tie a Yellow Ribbon
Release Year: 1973
Top 5 Songs of 1973
- Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree – Tony Orlando & Dawn
- Bad, Bad Leroy Brown – Jim Croce
- Killing Me Softly with His Song – Roberta Flack
- Let’s Get It On – Marvin Gaye
- My Love – Paul McCartney & Wings
Now let’s take a closer look at the songs that defined 1973.
What stands out right away is how confident everything sounds. By this point, artists weren’t just experimenting anymore—they had found their lanes. Soul was front and center, singer-songwriters were still telling real stories, and pop hits had a polish to them that felt a little more intentional than the years before.
At the same time, the variety didn’t go away. You still had story-driven songs, emotional ballads, and tracks that were just fun to listen to—all sitting next to each other on the charts.
These are the songs that didn’t just rise to the top—they stayed there.
1. Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree – Tony Orlando & Dawn
Song: Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree
Artist: Tony Orlando & Dawn
Peak Billboard Position: #1
Weeks at #1: 4
Album: Tie a Yellow Ribbon
Released: 1973
“Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree” ended up being the biggest song of 1973, and it’s one of those songs where the story is everything. From the first time you hear it, you know exactly what it’s about—and that’s a big part of why it connected with so many people. It climbed to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and stayed there for four weeks.
What makes it stand out is how simple the idea is. A guy coming home, not knowing if he’ll be welcomed back, asking for a sign. That’s it. But the way the song builds around that idea makes it feel bigger than it should.
When I think about songs like this, it reminds me that sometimes the most straightforward stories are the ones that hit the hardest. You don’t have to overcomplicate it. If people can picture it, they’ll feel it. And in 1973, a lot of people felt this one.
Watch The Song
2. Bad, Bad Leroy Brown – Jim Croce
Song: Bad, Bad Leroy Brown
Artist: Jim Croce
Peak Billboard Position: #1
Weeks at #1: 2
Album: Life and Times
Released: 1973
“Bad, Bad Leroy Brown” is one of those songs where you hear it once, and you remember it. It reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and gave Jim Croce one of the biggest hits of his career.
What makes it stand out is the storytelling. Croce had a way of bringing characters to life, and Leroy Brown feels like someone you can picture immediately—the toughest guy in the neighborhood who eventually meets someone even tougher. It’s simple, but it works.
When I think about this song, it’s a great example of how strong storytelling was in the early ’70s. You didn’t need a complicated structure or a big production. You just needed a good story and a way to tell it. Croce had that, and this song proves it.
If you want to explore more of his music and story, check out his Top Songs and full Artist Profile
Watch The Song
3. Killing Me Softly with His Song – Roberta Flack
Song: Killing Me Softly with His Song
Artist: Roberta Flack
Peak Billboard Position: #1
Weeks at #1: 5
Album: Killing Me Softly
Released: 1973
“Killing Me Softly with His Song” gave Roberta Flack her second #1 hit in two years, and like her previous hit, it didn’t try to do too much—and that’s exactly why it worked. It reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and stayed there for five weeks, becoming one of the defining songs of 1973.
What makes this one stand out is how personal it feels. The idea of hearing a song that seems to describe your life—that’s something a lot of people can relate to. And the way Flack delivers it, it never feels forced or overdone. She just lets the song unfold.
When I think about this one, it’s another reminder of what was happening in the early ’70s. Songs were becoming more about connection than performance. You didn’t need to be loud to get people’s attention. You just needed to make them feel like the song was speaking directly to them.
4. Let’s Get It On – Marvin Gaye
Song: Let’s Get It On
Artist: Marvin Gaye
Peak Billboard Position: #1
Weeks at #1: 2
Album: Let’s Get It On
Released: 1973
“Let’s Get It On” is one of those songs where you don’t need more than a few seconds to recognize it. It reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of the signature songs of Marvin Gaye’s career.
There’s a smoothness to it that stands out right away. The groove is steady, the vocals are controlled, and everything about it feels intentional without being overworked. It’s not trying to be flashy—it just locks into a feeling and stays there.
When you look at 1973, this is a big part of what defined the sound of the year. Soul music wasn’t just popular—it was leading. And Marvin Gaye was right at the center of that. This song didn’t need to push—it just pulled people in.
If you want to explore more of his music and story, check out his Top Songs and full Artist Profile
5. My Love – Paul McCartney & Wings
Song: My Love
Artist: Paul McCartney & Wings
Peak Billboard Position: #1
Weeks at #1: 4
Album: Red Rose Speedway
Released: 1973
“My Love” gave Paul McCartney one of his biggest post-Beatles hits, reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and staying there for four weeks. It’s one of those songs that feels very different from his earlier work, but still unmistakably his.
The song leans heavily into a softer, more polished sound. It’s built around a strong melody and a straightforward message, and it doesn’t try to do anything complicated. That simplicity is a big part of why it connected.
When you look at where music was in 1973, this fits right in. Songs were becoming more refined, a little more controlled, and in many cases, more focused on feeling than energy. This is a good example of that shift.
If you want to explore more of his music and story, check out his full Artist Profile
6. Crocodile Rock – Elton John
Song: Crocodile Rock
Artist: Elton John
Peak Billboard Position: #1
Weeks at #1: 3
Album: Don’t Shoot Me I’m Only the Piano Player
Released: 1972
“Crocodile Rock” was Elton John’s first #1 hit in the United States, and it’s one of those songs that immediately feels like fun. It reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100 and stayed there for three weeks, becoming one of his most recognizable early hits.
From the start, you can hear that it’s different. It has that throwback feel, almost like it’s tipping its hat to the early days of rock and roll, but still sounding current for 1973.
This is one of those songs that doesn’t try to be deep—it just wants to be enjoyed. And sometimes, that’s exactly what makes a song last.
If you want to explore more of his music and story, check out his Top Songs and full Artist Profile
7. Will It Go Round in Circles – Billy Preston
Song: Will It Go Round in Circles
Artist: Billy Preston
Peak Billboard Position: #1
Weeks at #1: 2
Album: Music Is My Life
Released: 1973
“Will It Go Round in Circles” gave Billy Preston his first #1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, and it’s easy to hear why it connected. It’s built around a groove that feels natural and effortless.
The song doesn’t try to do too much—it just locks into a rhythm and lets it carry everything forward. That’s part of its charm.
In a year where soul and funk were becoming more prominent, this song fits right into that shift. It’s smooth, it’s steady, and it feels like it belongs exactly where it landed—at the top.
8. Go All the Way – Raspberries
Song: Go All the Way
Artist: Raspberries
Peak Billboard Position: #5
Weeks at #1: 0
Album: Raspberries
Released: 1972
“Go All the Way” didn’t reach #1, but it still became one of the standout rock songs of the early ’70s, climbing to #5 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Right away, you notice the energy. It’s louder, more direct, and has a driving sound that sets it apart from a lot of the smoother songs on this list.
This is one of those songs that reminds you that rock was still very much part of the conversation in 1973. It may not have dominated the charts the same way soul did, but when it showed up, it made an impact.
9. Brother Louie – Stories
Song: Brother Louie
Artist: Stories
Peak Billboard Position: #1
Weeks at #1: 2
Album: About Us
Released: 1973
“Brother Louie” is one of those songs that stands out because of what it’s about. It reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became the biggest hit for Stories.
The song deals with interracial relationships, which wasn’t something you heard addressed directly in mainstream pop very often at the time. That alone made it different.
But beyond that, it’s just a strong, memorable track. It has a solid groove, a clear message, and it doesn’t back away from what it’s trying to say. That’s a big reason it connected.
10. You Are the Sunshine of My Life – Stevie Wonder
Song: You Are the Sunshine of My Life
Artist: Stevie Wonder
Peak Billboard Position: #1
Weeks at #1: 1
Album: Talking Book
Released: 1972
“You Are the Sunshine of My Life” gave Stevie Wonder another #1 hit and showed just how strong his run was during this period. It reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of his most recognizable songs.
There’s an easy warmth to this one. The melody is smooth, the vocals feel natural, and everything about it just flows.
When you listen to it, it doesn’t feel like it’s trying to impress you—it just makes you feel good. And that’s something Stevie Wonder did as well as anyone during this time.
If you want to explore more of his music and story, check out his full Artist Profile
11. Superstition – Stevie Wonder
Song: Superstition
Artist: Stevie Wonder
Peak Billboard Position: #1
Weeks at #1: 1
Album: Talking Book
Released: 1972
“Superstition” is one of those songs where the groove hits you immediately. It reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of the defining tracks of Stevie Wonder’s career.
From the first few seconds, you know exactly what you’re getting. The rhythm is tight, the sound is unmistakable, and everything about it feels locked in. It’s not complicated—it just works.
When you look at 1973, this is a big part of the sound of the year. Funk and soul weren’t just part of the charts—they were shaping them. And this song is one of the best examples of that.
12. Half-Breed – Cher
Song: Half-Breed
Artist: Cher
Peak Billboard Position: #1
Weeks at #1: 2
Album: Half-Breed
Released: 1973
“Half-Breed” gave Cher another #1 hit and showed how strong her presence still was in the early ’70s. The song reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of her most recognizable tracks from this period.
What stands out here is the storytelling. Like a lot of songs during this time, it leans into a clear narrative and doesn’t try to soften it. It’s direct, and it makes its point.
In a year where songs were becoming more personal and more expressive, this one fits right in. It’s not subtle—but it doesn’t need to be.
If you want to explore more of her music and story, check out her full Artist Profile
13. Love Train – The O’Jays
Song: Love Train
Artist: The O’Jays
Peak Billboard Position: #1
Weeks at #1: 1
Album: Back Stabbers
Released: 1972
“Love Train” is one of those songs that feels bigger than just a hit. It reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of the defining songs for The O’Jays.
There’s a message here that goes beyond the music. It’s about unity, about bringing people together, and it delivers that in a way that feels natural, not forced.
When you listen to it now, it still feels relevant. And that’s a big part of why it lasted.
14. The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia – Vicki Lawrence
Song: The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia
Artist: Vicki Lawrence
Peak Billboard Position: #1
Weeks at #1: 2
Album: The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia
Released: 1973
This is one of the more memorable story songs of the year. It reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became the biggest hit for Vicki Lawrence.
The strength of the song is in how it unfolds. It tells a complete story, with twists and turns that keep you listening all the way through.
That’s something you see a lot in this era—songs that take their time and actually go somewhere. This one does that as well as any.
15. Ain’t No Woman (Like the One I’ve Got) – Four Tops
Song: Ain’t No Woman (Like the One I’ve Got)
Artist: Four Tops
Peak Billboard Position: #4
Weeks at #1: 0
Album: Keeper of the Castle
Released: 1973
“Ain’t No Woman (Like the One I’ve Got)” didn’t reach #1, but it became one of the standout soul tracks of 1973, climbing to #4 on the Billboard Hot 100.
There’s a smooth, steady feel to this one that carries it all the way through. The vocals are strong, the arrangement is clean, and everything about it feels confident.
This is another reminder of how strong soul music was during this time. It didn’t always need to hit #1 to leave an impression—and this one definitely did.
16. Delta Dawn – Helen Reddy
Song: Delta Dawn
Artist: Helen Reddy
Peak Billboard Position: #1
Weeks at #1: 2
Album: Long Hard Climb
Released: 1973
“Delta Dawn” gave Helen Reddy her first #1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 and quickly became one of her signature songs.
It’s another strong example of storytelling in this era. The song paints a clear picture of its central character, and by the time it’s over, you feel like you understand the story.
That’s something you see throughout this list—songs that take their time and actually tell you something. This one does it in a way that connected with a wide audience.
If you want to explore more of her music and story, check out her full Artist Profile
17. Touch Me in the Morning – Diana Ross
Song: Touch Me in the Morning
Artist: Diana Ross
Peak Billboard Position: #1
Weeks at #1: 1
Album: Touch Me in the Morning
Released: 1973
“Touch Me in the Morning” gave Diana Ross another #1 hit and showed a slightly different side of her as a solo artist.
This one leans more into a softer, emotional style. It’s not about big production—it’s about delivery. The way she handles the song keeps it grounded and real.
In a year filled with personal songs, this fits right in. It’s simple, direct, and it connects without trying too hard.
If you want to explore more of her music and story, check out her full Artist Profile
18. The Cisco Kid – War
Song: The Cisco Kid
Artist: War
Peak Billboard Position: #2
Weeks at #1: 0
Album: The World Is a Ghetto
Released: 1972
“The Cisco Kid” didn’t reach #1, but it climbed to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of War’s biggest hits.
There’s a groove here that’s hard to ignore. It’s steady, it’s relaxed, and it pulls you in without doing too much.
War had a way of creating songs that felt different from everything else on the radio, and this is a good example of that. It doesn’t follow the same formula—but it works anyway.
19. Why Me – Kris Kristofferson
Song: Why Me
Artist: Kris Kristofferson
Peak Billboard Position: #16 (Hot 100)
Weeks at #1: 0
Album: Jesus Was a Capricorn
Released: 1973
“Why Me” didn’t climb as high on the Billboard Hot 100, but it became one of the most important songs of Kris Kristofferson’s career.
This one has a very different feel from most of the songs on this list. It’s quieter, more reflective, and leans into a more personal message.
It’s another reminder that not every impactful song needed to top the charts. Sometimes the ones that connect the most take a different path.
20. You’re So Vain – Carly Simon
Song: You’re So Vain
Artist: Carly Simon
Peak Billboard Position: #1
Weeks at #1: 3
Album: No Secrets
Released: 1972
“You’re So Vain” is one of those songs that people still talk about today. It reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and stayed there for three weeks.
Part of what made it stand out was the mystery. Everyone wanted to know who the song was about, and that conversation became part of its success.
But beyond that, it’s just a strong, confident track. It has a clear voice, a clear point of view, and it delivers it without hesitation. That’s a big reason it lasted.
It’s also interesting how the song has carried forward into newer generations. If you want to see how it connects to today’s artists, check out this comparison with Olivia Rodrigo‘s version.
21. Yesterday Once More – Carpenters
Song: Yesterday Once More
Artist: Carpenters
Peak Billboard Position: #2
Weeks at #1: 0
Album: Now & Then
Released: 1973
“Yesterday Once More” didn’t reach #1, but it became one of the most recognizable songs for the Carpenters. It climbed to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and had a strong presence on radio throughout the year.
There’s a nostalgic feel to this one that stands out right away. It’s about remembering songs from the past, and the way it’s delivered makes it feel personal without trying too hard.
That theme fits perfectly with the early ’70s. Music was already starting to look back a little, and this song captures that feeling as well as any.
If you want to explore more of their music and story, check out their full Artist Profile
22. Smoke on the Water – Deep Purple
Song: Smoke on the Water
Artist: Deep Purple
Peak Billboard Position: #4
Weeks at #1: 0
Album: Machine Head
Released: 1972
“Smoke on the Water” didn’t reach #1, but it’s one of the most recognizable rock songs ever recorded. It climbed to #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became the defining track for Deep Purple.
From the first riff, you know exactly what it is. It’s simple, direct, and it sticks with you immediately.
This is one of those songs that shows rock still had a strong place in 1973. It may not have dominated the charts the same way soul did, but when it hit, it made an impact.
23. Frankenstein – Edgar Winter Group
Song: Frankenstein
Artist: Edgar Winter Group
Peak Billboard Position: #1
Weeks at #1: 1
Album: They Only Come Out at Night
Released: 1972
“Frankenstein” is another example of how wide open the charts were in 1973. It reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, and it did it without a single lyric.
The song is driven entirely by its instrumental arrangement, and once it gets going, it doesn’t let up. It builds, shifts, and keeps your attention all the way through.
In a year filled with storytelling and emotional songs, this one stands out for doing something completely different—and still reaching the top.
24. Angie – The Rolling Stones
Song: Angie
Artist: The Rolling Stones
Peak Billboard Position: #1
Weeks at #1: 1
Album: Goats Head Soup
Released: 1973
“Angie” gave The Rolling Stones another #1 hit, but it showed a softer side of the band than people might have expected.
Instead of their usual edge, this one leans into a more stripped-down, emotional sound. It’s slower, more reflective, and focused on the mood rather than energy.
That’s part of what made it stand out. It showed they could take a different approach and still connect just as strongly.
If you want to explore more of their music and story, check out their Top Songs and full Artist Profile
25. Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye) – Gladys Knight & the Pips
Song: Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye)
Artist: Gladys Knight & the Pips
Peak Billboard Position: #2
Weeks at #1: 0
Album: Neither One of Us
Released: 1973
“Neither One of Us” closes out the Top 25 with one of the strongest vocal performances on the list. It reached #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of the signature songs for Gladys Knight & the Pips.
There’s a weight to this song that you can feel right away. It deals with the end of a relationship, and it doesn’t try to soften that. It just lets the emotion come through.
That’s a fitting way to end the list. Because 1973 wasn’t just about big hits—it was about songs that felt real. And this one definitely does.
What This List Tells Us About Music in 1973
When you step back and look at these songs together, what stands out most is how settled everything feels.
By 1973, music wasn’t trying to figure itself out the way it had been just a few years earlier. Artists had found their sound, and you can hear that confidence across this list. Whether it was soul, pop, rock, or singer-songwriter material, everything feels a little more polished and a little more intentional.
At the same time, the variety is still there.
You’ve got storytelling songs like “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown,” deeply emotional tracks like “Killing Me Softly,” smooth soul from Marvin Gaye and Al Green, and even instrumentals like “Frankenstein” reaching #1. That kind of range doesn’t happen unless listeners are open to different kinds of music—and in 1973, they clearly were.
When I think about this year, it feels like a moment where everything started to click. The experimentation of the late ’60s and early ’70s didn’t disappear—it just became more focused. The songs were still personal, still meaningful, but now they came across with a little more clarity.
And like 1972, these weren’t just songs that had a good run.
They were songs people lived with.
And that’s why so many of them still hold up today.
Explore More Top Songs of the 1970s
If you enjoy revisiting the biggest hits of the decade, you can explore the top songs from every year of the 1970s.
Top 25 Songs of 1970
Top 25 Songs of 1971
Top 25 Songs of 1972
Top 25 Songs of 1974
Top 25 Songs of 1975
Top 25 Songs of 1976
Top 25 Songs of 1977
Top 25 Songs of 1978
Top 25 Songs of 1979
Each list provides a snapshot of how the sound of popular music evolved throughout the decade.
Explore More About the Music of 1973
The songs that topped the charts in 1973 tell only part of the story. It was also a year filled with extraordinary albums, groundbreaking artists, and musical trends that helped shape the entire decade.
If you want a deeper look at why this year was so important in music history, you might also enjoy these related articles:
•The Music of 1973: A Year in Review
• Songs That Defined 1973
• Best Albums of 1973
Together, these pieces offer a broader look at the artists, records, and cultural moments that made 1971 such a remarkable year for music.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Top Songs of 1973
What was the number one song of 1973?
The number one song of 1973 on the Billboard Year-End Hot 100 was “Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree” by Tony Orlando & Dawn.
What made this song stand out was how simple the idea was. It told a clear story about someone coming home and not knowing what to expect. That kind of storytelling connected with a wide audience, and once it caught on, it stayed there. The song spent four weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of the most recognizable hits of the decade.
What were the biggest hits of 1973?
The biggest hits of 1973 included “Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree,” “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown,” “Killing Me Softly with His Song,” “Let’s Get It On,” and “My Love.” These songs made up the Top 5 on the Billboard Year-End Hot 100 and reflect just how much variety there was in the charts.
What’s interesting about this group is how different they all are. You’ve got storytelling, soul, ballads, and polished pop—all working at the same time. That’s a big part of what made 1973 stand out.
Why was 1973 an important year in music?
1973 was important because it marked a shift from experimentation to confidence. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, artists were trying new sounds and pushing boundaries. By 1973, many of those ideas had settled into something more defined.
You can hear that across the charts. Soul music was fully established in the mainstream, singer-songwriters were still telling personal stories, and pop music had become more polished. It wasn’t about finding a sound anymore—it was about refining it.
What genres were popular in 1973?
The charts in 1973 were led by a mix of soul, pop, rock, and singer-songwriter music. Artists like Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder helped define the sound of soul, while artists like Paul McCartney and Jim Croce brought strong songwriting into the mainstream.
What makes 1973 stand out is that no single genre dominated everything. Instead, different styles all found success at the same time, which gave the charts a lot of variety.
Why do the songs of 1973 still resonate today?
Many of the songs from 1973 still resonate because they were built around strong songwriting and clear ideas. Whether it’s a story, a feeling, or a groove, each song knows what it’s trying to do.
Another reason is that the music feels real. Artists were writing songs that people could relate to, and that connection still holds up. Even decades later, these songs don’t feel dated—they still feel familiar.
