It is also an era when hits came internationally. The multitalented Bee Gees and Olivia Newton John led the invasion of Australian artists, while Swedish quartet Abba conquered from continental Europe. The 70s was also an era when punk revolutionized music with such artists such as Iggy Pop and The Ramones. Elvis Costello may have been the only artist from the period to achieve lasting inter¬national success, but the attitude and energy of the time was to influence a legion of British pop stars in the 1980s. The decade ended with electropop, Euro disco and synth rock making their mark.
A new wave of heavy metal artists were also banging their heads on the chart door, while rap, which would have a lot to say in the next two decades, was starting to enjoy its first taste of mass acceptance.
The 60s and 70s were decades that showcased Hindi films in new light. The song and dance routines in movies became vivid bringing in a kaleidoscope of influences. This article is a detailed perspective of the best Bollywood songs of the 60s and 70s. Every decade in Bollywood has offered something special for audiences. However, two decades that propelled song and dance to new heights were the 60s and 70s.
These decades paved the way for a broader spectrum of all things Bollywood. Some of the most memorable songs in Hindi cinema are of the 60s and 70s. Songwriting and compositional structure of lyricists and music directors in these decades showcased influences from varied cultures.
Furthermore, the use of western instruments along with traditional Indian instruments in Hindi film songs gave aesthetic direction to a new sound. The Indo-fusion sound made its presence in Hindi films in the 60s and 70s and ever since the sound has evolved leading to an amalgamation of traditional Indian classical laced with western influences. Soulful melodies were an essential ingredient in songs of the 60s and 70s. Although Hindi films in these hippy-happy decades had both slow songs and fast tempo songs, it was slow songs that became hugely popular with movie goers. While romantic songs of the 60s and 70s are immensely popular in India and other subcontinent nations, it’s sad songs of these decades that have become cult favorites.
The lyrical aspects in sad songs have mesmerized audiences in India. Lyrics in Hindi film songs pertain to everyday life and that’s why audiences are able to relate to the plethora of emotions portrayed in songs. While there were many playback singers in the 60s and 70s, the Bollywood brigade was led by Lata Mangeshkar Mohammed Rafi and Kishore Kumar. These singers lent their voice for a number of movies in the 60s and 70s.