Charts - Official Charts - Gold - Platinum - Music - General - Single

(Credits: Far Out / NASA / Uwe Conrad)

Mon 2 March 2026 0:30, UK

The 1960s were a revelation, as they showed how much potential music actually had, so the 1970s could be one of the most exciting decades in music. 

You have to keep in mind, the world wasn’t sure whether global superstars like Elvis Presley were a complete anomaly or a reflection of the new normal. Even Elvis’s manager was sceptical about the longevity of rock ‘n’ roll, hence why he was so adamant on making the hip-shaking Mississippian a movie star. 

By the time the ‘60s had been and gone, it became clear that not only was rock ‘n’ roll here to stay, but movie stars were no longer the biggest celebrities in the world anymore; that was a pedestal reserved for the rockstar. Outfits like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Who, among others, proved that this new age of music was permanent, and artists everywhere saw it as a call to arms.

By the time the previous decade rolled past, the foundation had been set, and the ‘70s were when people were ready to build upon it, which saw some of the most innovative records ever made put together. Rock music was expanded upon in ways that a lot of people didn’t know was possible. The sound was already forward-facing, but it evolved into the likes of heavy metal and prog thanks to bands such as Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath. 

Additionally, it wasn’t just rock music which took an exciting turn, as with sound seeming somewhat limitless, other genres poked their head above the water, giving rise to new styles that previously hadn’t been touched upon. This was a decade that would welcome in music such as punk, funk and disco, to the extent that there wasn’t a single person in the world who didn’t have a genre they could wholeheartedly associate with. 

The development and evolution of music is reflected in the different songs that charted over the decade. Even at the start of the ‘70s, when you look at the array of songs which made it to the top of the charts, it’s evident just how much these ten years were going to impact sound forever. 

Some of the best number ones from 1971 

Before we discuss every single song that made it to the top of the charts in 1971, it’s worth discussing some of the standout tracks from that year. You always knew that it was going to be a good year for music when it started with the wonderful ‘My Sweet Lord’ by George Harrison hitting the top chart spot in the first week, and there is simply no escaping how important this tune was. It was good for fans of the Beatles to realise that, despite the band splitting up, each member was capable of making great music as a solo artist. 

Perhaps one of the longest runs at the top this year came in the form of Three Dog Night and their track ‘Joy to the World’, which stayed at number one for six weeks. One of the contributors towards such a hit, Chuck Negron, sadly passed away recently, but his music continues to be remembered by fans around the world. This song is a glimpse into the musical excellence which was so prominent throughout 1971, and it’s hard to deny the impact of such influence. 

So, what were all the number ones in 1971?

1971 truly was an exceptional year, and if you’re still not convinced, just have a look at all the excellent songs which cinched the chart pinnacle throughout those 12 months. 

George Harrison – ‘My Sweet Lord’ Dawn – ‘Knock Three Times’ The Osmonds – ‘One Bad Apple’ Janis Joplin – ‘Me and Bobby McGee’ The Temptations – ‘Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me)’ Three Dog Night – ‘Joy to the World’ The Rolling Stones – ‘Brown Sugar’ Honey Cone – ‘Want Ads’ Carole King – ‘It’s Too Late’ The Raiders – ‘Indian Reservation (The Lament of the Cherokee Reservation Indian)’ James Taylor – ‘You’ve Got a Friend’ Bee Gees – ‘How Can You Mend a Broken Heart’ Paul & Linda McCartney – ‘Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey’ Donny Osmond – ‘Go Away Little Girl’ Rod Stewart – ‘Maggie May’ Cher – ‘Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves’ Isaac Hayes – ‘Theme from Shaft’ Sly and the Family Stone – ‘Family Affair’ Melanie – ‘Brand New Key’