American Songwriters’ "Music Maestros" are skilled musicians. Are you in the mood for some amazing rock tunes from the year 1978? Perhaps you’re an amazing songwriter and musician seeking inspiration. The following songs feature super-memorable lyrics and music that teach us all a thing or two today.
The following four always put a smile on my face every time I hear them. I suspect one of them will do the same for you, my friend.
First, an odd entry. “Whenever I Call You ‘Friend’” by Kenny Loggins and a duet with Fleetwood Mac’s Stevie Nicks, but she did not get credit on the single. So, this gem from 1978 would technically be Loggins’ very first major hit as a solo artist. This is a gorgeous soft rock duet with impeccable songwriting qualities.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmR6xV-OJBI&list=RDcmR6xV-OJBI&start_radio=1
Steely Dan's song could be a masterclass in songwriting, instrumentation, and artistic perfectionism. I think “Deacon Blues” is one of the finest rock songs to come out of 1978, so I included this jazz-rock classic on this list. “Deacon Blues” was a Top 40 hit for the group and is an anthem for “the nerds and losers” of the world, according to Donald Fagen.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OyCDicG0tDs&list=RDOyCDicG0tDs&start_radio=1
Last, but certainly never least, Joe Walsh is an incredible songwriter, both as a solo artist and as a member of the Eagles. “Life’s Been Good” is one of Walsh’s many gems, and it was quite a big hit at the time, peaking at No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. This hard rock song is a lesson in energy, despite being more of a mid-tempo tune with a reggae vibe. Walsh’s use of synths was also genius.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fds_2qH9sBQ&list=RDFds_2qH9sBQ&start_radio=1