The top songs of 1977 tell the story of a year when music shifted in a big way. This was the year disco moved from a trend to a full-blown takeover, while rock, pop, and singer-songwriter hits still held their ground on the charts. If you listened to the radio in 1977, you felt that mix every single day.
What made 1977 stand out wasn’t just the rise of dance music—it was how widespread these songs became. The biggest hits weren’t confined to one audience. They were everywhere. You heard them in your car, at parties, at the roller rink, and coming through the speakers in just about every store you walked into. These songs didn’t just top the charts—they became part of everyday life.
This list of the Top 25 Songs of 1977 (based on Billboard’s Year-End Hot 100) captures the songs that defined that moment. Some were built for the dance floor, others told stories that stuck with you, but all of them connected in a way that made 1977 one of the most memorable years in music.
This year had its share of big songs, but it’s even more interesting to see how they compare across the decade. You can explore that in the full list of the best songs of the 1970s.
The Biggest Songs of 1977 at a Glance
The biggest songs of 1977 reflect a year where the dance floor and the radio were finally in sync. Disco was everywhere, but it didn’t completely take over—there was still plenty of room for rock, soft ballads, and songs that told a story. That mix is what made the year feel so complete.
What stands out looking back is how recognizable these songs still are. Many of them didn’t just have a moment—they stayed with us. Whether it was something you danced to, sang along with, or just heard over and over again on the radio, these were the songs that defined 1977 in real time.
Top Song of the Year
“Tonight’s the Night (Gonna Be Alright)” – Rod Stewart
This was a song about seduction, plain and simple. It tells the story of a man trying to convince his partner to take a step into something more intimate, delivered in a way that felt both bold and surprisingly smooth for the time. There’s no mystery in what he’s saying—it’s direct, confident, and a little risky.
In 1977, this song stood out because it pushed the boundaries of what you typically heard on the radio. And yet, it didn’t feel out of place. It connected because it had that late-night, personal feel—like you were listening in on something you weren’t supposed to hear. It ended up spending 8 weeks at #1, which tells you everything you need to know about how much people were drawn to it.
Song Details:
- Song: Tonight’s the Night (Gonna Be Alright)
- Artist: Rod Stewart
- Peak Position: #1
- Weeks at #1: 8
- Album: A Night on the Town
- Released: 1976
Top 5 Songs of 1977
- Tonight’s the Night (Gonna Be Alright) – Rod Stewart
- I Just Want to Be Your Everything – Andy Gibb
- Best of My Love – The Emotions
- Love Theme from “A Star Is Born” (Evergreen) – Barbra Streisand
- Angel in Your Arms – Hot
From the Biggest Hits to the Full Story
Now let’s walk through the full list of the top songs of 1977, one by one. This is where you really start to see what people were listening to day in and day out, not just the biggest headline hits. Some of these songs dominated for weeks, while others quietly worked their way into people’s lives and never really left. Together, they paint a clear picture of a year where music felt like it was everywhere—and no matter where you turned, one of these songs was probably playing.
1. Tonight’s the Night (Gonna Be Alright) – Rod Stewart
Song: Tonight’s the Night (Gonna Be Alright)
Artist: Rod Stewart
Peak Position: #1
Weeks at #1: 8
Album: A Night on the Town
Released: 1976
This is a song about a man trying to convince someone to take a step into something more intimate, and he’s not subtle about it. It plays out like a private conversation, with a tone that feels personal and a little risky for its time.
Rod Stewart delivered it in a way that made it feel smooth instead of heavy-handed. The stripped-down sound and his vocal style made it feel more conversational than performative, which is a big part of why it worked.
In 1977, it stood out because it didn’t sound like everything else on the radio. While disco was starting to take over, this felt slower, more personal, and a little more grounded. It connected because it felt real, and once it got airplay, it stayed there—spending eight weeks at number one and becoming the biggest song of the year.
Watch The Song
2. I Just Want to Be Your Everything – Andy Gibb
Song: I Just Want to Be Your Everything
Artist: Andy Gibb
Peak Position: #1
Weeks at #1: 3
Album: Flowing Rivers
Released: 1977
This is a song about wanting to be everything to someone you love. It’s simple and direct—being there for them, supporting them, and making them the center of your world.
Written by Barry Gibb, the song has that smooth, polished feel that was starting to define the late ’70s. Andy’s voice gave it a softer, more youthful tone, which made it stand out from some of the bigger, more produced songs on the radio.
In 1977, it connected because it felt sincere and easy to listen to. While disco was building, this leaned more into pop and melody, and it fit perfectly on the radio. It quickly became one of the biggest hits of the year and introduced Andy Gibb as a star in his own right.
Watch The Song
3. Best of My Love – The Emotions
Song: Best of My Love
Artist: The Emotions
Peak Position: #1
Weeks at #1: 5
Album: Rejoice
Released: 1977
This is a song about giving everything you have in a relationship and feeling that same love coming back to you. It’s about happiness, connection, and knowing you’re with the right person.
Produced by Maurice White of Earth, Wind & Fire, the song has a light, uplifting feel that makes it instantly recognizable. The harmonies from The Emotions are what really carry it, giving it that smooth, joyful sound that sticks with you.
In 1977, it stood out because it fit perfectly into the growing disco movement without losing its soul. It was upbeat, easy to dance to, and had a positivity that people were drawn to. It became one of those songs you heard everywhere, and it held the number one spot for five weeks.
4. Love Theme from “A Star Is Born” (Evergreen) – Barbra Streisand
Song: Love Theme from “A Star Is Born” (Evergreen)
Artist: Barbra Streisand
Peak Position: #1
Weeks at #1: 3
Album: A Star Is Born (Soundtrack)
Released: 1976
This is a song about a love that feels lasting and certain, even when everything around it might not be. It’s about holding onto something real and believing it will carry you through whatever comes next.
Written by Barbra Streisand and Paul Williams, the song has a calm, steady feel that builds as it goes. Streisand’s vocal is what makes it work—controlled, emotional, and never overdone, which fits the tone of the song perfectly.
In 1977, it stood out because it slowed things down in the middle of a year that was starting to lean heavily into disco. It felt more reflective, more grounded, and it connected with people who were looking for something a little more personal. It became a major hit and took home the Academy Award for Best Original Song, which only added to its impact.
If you want to explore more of her story, check out her full Artist Profile
Watch the Song
5. Angel in Your Arms – Hot
Song: Angel in Your Arms
Artist: Hot
Peak Position: #1
Weeks at #1: 2
Album: Hot
Released: 1977
This is a song about infidelity and regret, told from the perspective of someone who realizes too late what they had. It flips the usual storyline, with the woman calling out the man for his behavior and making it clear she’s no longer willing to accept it.
What makes it stand out is how direct it is. There’s no dressing it up—the message is clear, and the delivery matches it. The group’s harmonies give it a smooth sound, but the lyrics carry a sense of frustration that comes through right away.
In 1977, it connected because it told a story people recognized, but from a different point of view than you usually heard on the radio. It wasn’t just another love song—it had an edge to it. That combination helped it rise quickly and reach number one, even in a year packed with big hits.
6. I Like Dreamin’ – Kenny Nolan
Song: I Like Dreamin’
Artist: Kenny Nolan
Peak Position: #3
Weeks at #1: 0
Album: Kenny Nolan
Released: 1976
This is a song about escape—wanting to drift away into a dream world where everything feels easier and more romantic than real life. It’s about holding onto that feeling, even when you know it might not last.
Kenny Nolan wrote the song himself, and it has a soft, easy sound that fits the message. His vocal is smooth and laid-back, which makes the whole thing feel relaxed from start to finish.
In 1977, it stood out because it slowed things down and gave people a break from the faster, more energetic songs on the radio. It wasn’t loud or flashy, but it stuck with people, and it ended up being one of those songs you kept hearing over and over again.
7. Don’t Leave Me This Way – Thelma Houston
Song: Don’t Leave Me This Way
Artist: Thelma Houston
Peak Position: #1
Weeks at #1: 1
Album: Any Way You Like It
Released: 1976
This is a song about desperation in a relationship—someone pleading not to be left behind. It’s emotional, direct, and built around that sense of urgency that runs through the entire track.
Originally recorded by Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, Thelma Houston’s version took it in a different direction. Her vocal is stronger and more intense, which gives the song a different kind of energy.
In 1977, it stood out because it brought that emotional push into the growing disco sound. It had the beat people wanted to dance to, but it also had something real behind it. That mix helped it reach number one and made it one of the defining songs of the year.
8. (Your Love Has Lifted Me) Higher and Higher – Rita Coolidge
Song: (Your Love Has Lifted Me) Higher and Higher
Artist: Rita Coolidge
Peak Position: #2
Weeks at #1: 0
Album: Anytime…Anywhere
Released: 1977
This is a song about being lifted up by love and feeling better because of it. It’s straightforward—being with the right person changes everything and brings you to a better place.
The song had already been recorded by Jackie Wilson years earlier, but Rita Coolidge’s version gave it a different feel. Her vocal is more controlled and relaxed, which gives the song a smoother, more polished sound.
In 1977, it connected because it was upbeat without being overwhelming. It had energy, but it also felt easy to listen to, which made it work well on the radio. It became one of the most recognizable songs of the year and stayed near the top of the charts.
9. Undercover Angel – Alan O’Day
Song: Undercover Angel
Artist: Alan O’Day
Peak Position: #1
Weeks at #1: 1
Album: Undercover Angel
Released: 1977
This is a song about a dream encounter that feels real enough to matter. It’s about meeting someone in a dream and waking up wondering if it meant something more.
Alan O’Day wrote and recorded the song himself, and it has a light, catchy feel that makes it easy to follow. The storytelling is simple, but it’s clear and memorable.
In 1977, it stood out because it didn’t sound like everything else on the radio. It leaned more into pop storytelling than disco, and that helped it carve out its own space. It caught on quickly and reached number one, becoming one of the year’s surprise hits.
10. Torn Between Two Lovers – Mary MacGregor
Song: Torn Between Two Lovers
Artist: Mary MacGregor
Peak Position: #1
Weeks at #1: 2
Album: Torn Between Two Lovers
Released: 1976
This is a song about being caught between two relationships and not knowing which way to go. It’s about guilt, confusion, and trying to make sense of a situation that doesn’t have an easy answer.
Written by Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul and Mary, the song has a soft, almost gentle delivery that contrasts with the situation it describes. Mary MacGregor’s vocal keeps it calm, even as the story itself is complicated.
In 1977, it connected because it told a story people understood but didn’t often hear said out loud. It wasn’t dramatic or overdone—it just laid it out clearly. That honesty helped it reach number one and made it one of the most talked-about songs of the year.
11. My Heart Belongs to Me – Barbra Streisand
Song: My Heart Belongs to Me
Artist: Barbra Streisand
Peak Position: #4
Weeks at #1: 0
Album: Streisand Superman
Released: 1977
This is a song about independence and knowing your own worth in a relationship. It’s about setting boundaries and making it clear that your heart isn’t something to be taken for granted.
The song has a soft, controlled delivery that fits the message. Streisand doesn’t overplay it—she lets the lyrics carry the weight, which makes it feel more grounded and believable.
In 1977, it stood out because it spoke to a shift in how relationships were being talked about. It wasn’t about chasing love—it was about understanding your value. That perspective connected with a lot of listeners and helped the song stay near the top of the charts.
12. When I Need You – Leo Sayer
Song: When I Need You
Artist: Leo Sayer
Peak Position: #1
Weeks at #1: 1
Album: Endless Flight
Released: 1976
This is a song about long-distance love and staying connected even when you’re apart. It’s about knowing that distance doesn’t change what you feel.
Written by Albert Hammond and Carole Bayer Sager, the song has a gentle, steady feel that matches its message. Leo Sayer’s vocal is simple and direct, which makes it easy to connect with.
In 1977, it stood out because it slowed things down in a year that had a lot of energy. It felt calm, personal, and easy to relate to. That helped it reach number one and made it one of the year’s biggest ballads.
13. Southern Nights – Glen Campbell
Song: Southern Nights
Artist: Glen Campbell
Peak Position: #1
Weeks at #1: 2
Album: Southern Nights
Released: 1977
This is a song about childhood memories and the feeling of growing up in a simpler place. It’s about looking back and holding onto those moments that shaped who you are.
Originally written by Allen Toussaint, the song has a unique rhythm and sound that set it apart right away. Glen Campbell’s version brought it into the mainstream, giving it a polished but still distinct feel.
In 1977, it stood out because it didn’t fit neatly into one category. It had elements of country, pop, and something a little different, which made it memorable. It connected with people through its sense of nostalgia and ended up reaching number one.
14. Rich Girl – Daryl Hall & John Oates
Song: Rich Girl
Artist: Daryl Hall & John Oates
Peak Position: #1
Weeks at #1: 2
Album: Bigger Than Both of Us
Released: 1976
This is a song about someone who can rely on money and family to get out of trouble, no matter what they do. It’s about frustration with that kind of behavior and calling it out directly.
The song has a smooth, catchy feel that makes the message easier to take in. Hall & Oates balanced the tone well—it’s pointed, but it doesn’t feel heavy.
In 1977, it stood out because it mixed a strong message with a sound that was easy to listen to. It worked on multiple levels, which helped it reach number one and become one of their biggest hits.
15. You Make Me Feel Like Dancing – Leo Sayer
Song: You Make Me Feel Like Dancing
Artist: Leo Sayer
Peak Position: #1
Weeks at #1: 1
Album: Endless Flight
Released: 1976
This is a song about the feeling someone gives you that just makes you want to move. It’s about joy, energy, and that kind of connection that lifts your mood right away.
The song is built around that upbeat, rhythmic feel that was becoming more common at the time. Leo Sayer’s vocal matches it, keeping things light and energetic throughout.
In 1977, it stood out because it leaned into the growing dance sound without going fully into disco. It felt fun, easy, and immediate, which made it a perfect fit for the radio. That energy helped it reach number one and made it one of the year’s most recognizable songs.
16. Don’t Give Up on Us – David Soul
Song: Don’t Give Up on Us
Artist: David Soul
Peak Position: #1
Weeks at #1: 1
Album: Don’t Give Up on Us
Released: 1976
This is a song about trying to hold a relationship together when it feels like it’s slipping away. It’s about asking for another chance and believing that what you have is still worth saving.
David Soul wasn’t known as a singer first—he was a television star—but that actually helped the song feel more real. His delivery is simple and direct, like someone speaking honestly instead of performing.
In 1977, this stood out because it cut through a lot of the bigger, more produced songs on the radio. It felt more like a conversation than a performance, and that made it easy for people to connect with. It didn’t rely on a trend—it just told a story people recognized.
17. Couldn’t Get It Right – Climax Blues Band
Song: Couldn’t Get It Right
Artist: Climax Blues Band
Peak Position: #3
Weeks at #1: 0
Album: Gold Plated
Released: 1976
This is a song about frustration and trying to find your way when things just aren’t working out. It’s about going through the motions, making mistakes, and not quite getting where you want to be.
The song has a laid-back groove that makes it easy to listen to, even with that underlying frustration. It doesn’t push too hard—it just moves along steadily, which fits the message.
In 1977, this worked because it didn’t chase the disco sound that was taking over. It stayed closer to a blues-rock feel, and that gave it a different lane on the radio. It wasn’t trying to compete—it just sat alongside everything else and held its own.
18. Easy – Commodores
Song: Easy
Artist: Commodores
Peak Position: #4
Weeks at #1: 0
Album: Commodores
Released: 1977
This is a song about walking away from a relationship and being at peace with that decision. It’s about choosing freedom and not wanting to stay where you don’t belong.
Lionel Richie’s vocal is what makes the song work. It’s calm and steady, and it never feels rushed, which gives the message time to settle in.
In 1977, this stood out because it slowed everything down at a time when a lot of songs were built for the dance floor. It gave people something to just sit with, and that contrast helped it stay in rotation even as disco continued to grow.
19. Right Time of the Night – Jennifer Warnes
Song: Right Time of the Night
Artist: Jennifer Warnes
Peak Position: #6
Weeks at #1: 0
Album: Jennifer Warnes
Released: 1976
This is a song about timing in a relationship—how sometimes everything just lines up at the right moment. It’s about that feeling when things fall into place without forcing it.
The song has a smooth, steady feel that fits the message. Jennifer Warnes delivers it in a way that keeps it grounded and easy to follow.
In 1977, this held its place because it fit right into the softer side of the radio that still existed alongside disco. Not everything was fast or dance-driven, and songs like this gave the year some balance.
20. I’ve Got Love on My Mind – Natalie Cole
Song: I’ve Got Love on My Mind
Artist: Natalie Cole
Peak Position: #5
Weeks at #1: 0
Album: Unpredictable
Released: 1977
This is a song about being completely focused on someone you care about. It’s about that feeling where love takes over your thoughts and everything else fades into the background.
Natalie Cole’s vocal gives the song its energy. There’s a confidence in the way she delivers it, which makes the message feel strong and clear.
In 1977, this connected because it blended soul with the smoother pop sound that was getting more radio play. It wasn’t as heavy as earlier soul records, and that made it fit right into the broader mix of what people were listening to.
21. Float On – The Floaters
Song: Float On
Artist: The Floaters
Peak Position: #2
Weeks at #1: 0
Album: Floaters
Released: 1977
This is a song about introducing yourself and putting your personality out there, especially when it comes to relationships. Each member takes a turn describing who they are and what they’re looking for.
What makes it different is that spoken introduction style. It’s not something you heard every day, and it gives the song a very personal feel right from the start.
In 1977, this stood out because it leaned into personality more than structure. While other songs followed a more traditional format, this one felt almost conversational, and that made it memorable.
22. Lido Shuffle – Boz Scaggs
Song: Lido Shuffle
Artist: Boz Scaggs
Peak Position: #11
Weeks at #1: 0
Album: Silk Degrees
Released: 1976
This is a song about a gambler living on the edge, always moving and taking chances. It follows his story as he keeps pushing forward, no matter the outcome.
The rhythm is what drives the song. It has a steady, rolling feel that matches the movement of the story and keeps it moving from start to finish.
In 1977, this worked because it blended rock with a smoother, more polished sound that was becoming more common. It didn’t go full disco, but it fit right alongside it.
If you want to explore more of his story, check out his full Artist Profile
23. Don’t Leave Me This Way – Thelma Houston
Song: Don’t Leave Me This Way
Artist: Thelma Houston
Peak Position: #1
Weeks at #1: 1
Album: Any Way You Like It
Released: 1976
This is a song about desperation in a relationship—someone pleading not to be left behind. It’s emotional and direct, with a sense of urgency that carries through the entire track.
Thelma Houston’s version took the song and gave it more energy, turning it into something that worked just as well on the dance floor as it did on the radio.
In 1977, this continued to resonate because disco was only getting bigger, and songs like this were right at the center of it.
Note: This song appears twice on Billboard’s 1977 Year-End chart due to how chart performance was calculated at the time.
24. So In to You – Atlanta Rhythm Section
Song: So In to You
Artist: Atlanta Rhythm Section
Peak Position: #7
Weeks at #1: 0
Album: A Rock and Roll Alternative
Released: 1976
This is a song about attraction and that feeling of being completely drawn to someone. It’s about noticing the small things and not being able to ignore how you feel.
The song has a smooth, relaxed feel that makes it easy to settle into. It doesn’t rush—it lets the mood build naturally.
In 1977, this stood out because it stayed closer to a soft rock sound at a time when disco was growing fast. It gave listeners something more laid-back without losing its appeal.
25. Telephone Line – Electric Light Orchestra
Song: Telephone Line
Artist: Electric Light Orchestra
Peak Position: #7
Weeks at #1: 0
Album: A New World Record
Released: 1976
This is a song about trying to reach someone who isn’t there anymore. It’s about longing, distance, and that feeling of being left waiting for a connection that may not come.
The production gives it a layered sound, but it never loses the emotion at the center. It builds slowly and keeps that sense of distance all the way through.
In 1977, this connected because it blended a strong melody with a feeling people understood. It didn’t follow the disco trend, but it didn’t need to—it had its own identity and stayed with listeners.
What This List Tells Us About Music in 1977
When you step back and look at the top songs of 1977, the first thing that stands out is how much the center of music had shifted toward the dance floor. Disco wasn’t just present—it was becoming the dominant sound. Songs like “Don’t Leave Me This Way” and “Best of My Love” weren’t just hits, they were part of a larger movement that was changing how people experienced music. It wasn’t just about listening anymore—it was about where you heard it and who you were with.
At the same time, 1977 wasn’t a one-sound year. You still had strong ballads, soft rock, and story-driven songs holding their place on the charts. Tracks like “Evergreen,” “Easy,” and “Torn Between Two Lovers” show that there was still a big audience for songs that slowed things down and focused on real-life situations. That balance is what makes this year interesting—you can hear the future of music coming, but the past hadn’t gone anywhere yet.
What really ties the year together is how accessible everything felt. These songs weren’t niche or segmented—they reached everyone. Whether it was something you danced to, something you sang along with, or something that just played in the background of your day, the top songs of 1977 were part of everyday life in a way that’s hard to recreate today.
Continue Exploring the Top Songs of the 1970s
If you enjoy revisiting the biggest hits of the decade, explore how the sound of popular music evolved year by year:
Top 25 Songs of 1970
Top 25 Songs of 1971
Top 25 Songs of 1972
Top 25 Songs of 1973
Top 25 Songs of 1974
Top 25 Songs of 1975
Top 25 Songs of 1976
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 1977
The songs that topped the charts in 1977 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 1977: A Year in Review
• Songs That Defined 1977
• Best Albums of 1977
Together, these pieces offer a broader look at the artists, records, and cultural moments that made 1977 special
FAQ: Top Songs of 1977
What was the #1 song of 1977?
The #1 song of 1977 was “Tonight’s the Night (Gonna Be Alright)” by Rod Stewart. It spent eight weeks at number one, which was longer than any other song that year. What made it stand out was how direct and personal it felt compared to everything else on the radio.
It didn’t follow the growing disco trend, and that actually worked in its favor. While a lot of songs were built for the dance floor, this one felt more like a conversation. That contrast helped it connect with listeners and ultimately made it the biggest hit of the year.
Was 1977 mostly disco music?
Disco was a major part of 1977, but it didn’t completely take over. Songs like “Don’t Leave Me This Way” and “Best of My Love” show how strong that sound had become, especially on the dance floor and radio.
At the same time, there was still a wide mix of styles. You had ballads like “Evergreen,” soft rock songs like “So In to You,” and story-driven hits like “Torn Between Two Lovers.” The year worked because all of those styles coexisted, even as disco continued to grow.
Why are so many songs from 1977 still popular today?
Many of the top songs of 1977 have lasted because they’re simple, clear, and easy to connect with. The messages are straightforward, and the melodies are strong enough to stick with you over time.
Another reason is exposure. These songs didn’t just have a moment—they stayed in rotation for years on radio, playlists, and compilations. Because of that, they’ve continued to reach new listeners, keeping them relevant long after their original release.
Were there any one-hit wonders on the 1977 chart?
Yes, 1977 had several artists who are best known for one major hit. Songs like “Undercover Angel” by Alan O’Day and “Float On” by The Floaters are good examples.
Even though these artists didn’t have long runs of hits, those songs were big enough to leave a lasting impression. They became tied to the year itself, which is why they’re still remembered today.
Why does “Don’t Leave Me This Way” appear twice on the list?
“Don’t Leave Me This Way” appears twice because Billboard’s Year-End chart is based on overall performance across the year, not just a simple ranking of unique songs.
Because of how the data was calculated at the time, certain songs could show up more than once. It’s not common, but it does happen in some of the older charts, and 1977 is one of those cases.
