Songs That Sample 70s Music

The 1970s were a groundbreaking period in music, marked by the rise of disco, funk, rock, and soul. With iconic artists like ABBA, Donna Summer, and Talking Heads pushing the boundaries of sound, the music of that decade has left an indelible mark on future generations. Today, many modern artists are turning to the 70s for inspiration, tapping into the era’s timeless grooves and melodies to create new hits. By sampling these classic tracks, musicians are breathing new life into old songs while paying homage to the pioneers of the past.

This post kicks of our samples series, looking at the practice of sampling decade by decade.

The Power of Disco and Funk in Pop Music

One of the most famous examples of this trend is Madonna’s hit “Hung Up.” Released in 2005, the song features a prominent sample of ABBA’s “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight),” a disco anthem from 1979. ABBA’s infectious bassline and soaring strings gave “Hung Up” its signature sound, blending Madonna’s modern pop sensibility with the unmistakable influence of 70s disco. The result? A global smash hit that not only introduced ABBA to a new generation but also proved the enduring power of disco in pop music.

Similarly, Beyoncé‘s “Naughty Girl” pulls directly from the disco era, sampling Donna Summer’s 1975 hit “Love to Love You Baby.” By weaving Summer’s sultry vocals into the fabric of her own track, Beyoncé created a song that was at once fresh and nostalgic, channeling the sexual freedom and lush production that defined 70s disco.

Funk Revival and Soulful Beats

It’s not just disco that modern artists are reviving from the 70s; funk and soul have also found their way into today’s biggest hits. Take Beyoncé’s “Crazy In Love,” which samples “Are You My Woman? (Tell Me So)” by The Chi-Lites. Originally released in 1970, the track’s bold brass section and funky rhythm laid the foundation for Beyoncé’s Grammy-winning single, infusing her R&B sound with the raw energy of early 70s funk.

Eminem also taps into the emotional depth of 70s rock in his song “Sing for the Moment.” Sampling Aerosmith’s “Dream On” (1973), Eminem draws on Steven Tyler’s iconic vocals and haunting melody to amplify the intensity of his lyrics. The merging of hip-hop with classic rock shows how seamlessly 70s music can cross genres, proving its versatility and lasting relevance.

A New Wave of Inspiration

Artists like Selena Gomez and Drake have also dipped into the 70s catalog to craft new sounds for modern audiences. Gomez’s “Bad Liar” features a sample of Talking Heads’ “Psycho Killer” (1977), transforming the quirky, minimalist track into a catchy pop anthem. By incorporating the signature bassline from the original, Gomez created a bridge between the experimental art-rock of the late 70s and contemporary pop.

Drake’s “Hotline Bling” is another example of 70s influence in modern music. The song samples Timmy Thomas’ “Why Can’t We Live Together” (1972), using its stripped-back, soulful groove as the foundation for one of Drake’s most successful tracks. The minimalism of the original works perfectly in today’s soundscape, where simplicity often dominates pop production.

Why 70s Samples Are Still Relevant Today

The 1970s were a period of musical experimentation, with artists blending genres, breaking rules, and creating sounds that were ahead of their time. This willingness to push boundaries resonates with today’s artists, who continue to look back to the 70s for inspiration. Sampling allows them to capture the essence of that era while reinventing it for modern audiences.

By tapping into the rich musical legacy of the 70s, contemporary musicians are not only creating chart-topping hits but also introducing younger generations to the sounds that shaped popular music. From the grooves of disco to the raw energy of funk and rock, the music of the 70s remains a powerful source of inspiration—and its influence on modern pop, hip-hop, and R&B is undeniable.

List of Song Samples from the 1970s

• Diamonds from Sierra Leone – Kanye West, Jay-Z
  Sample: “Diamonds Are Forever” by Shirley Bassey
• Sexy! No No No… – Girls Aloud
  Sample: “Hair of the Dog” by Nazareth
• When We Were Young (The Logical Song) – David Guetta, Kim Petras
  Sample: “The Logical Song” by Supertramp
• Sing For The Moment – Eminem
  Sample: “Dream On” by Aerosmith
• Hung Up – Madonna
  Sample: “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)” by ABBA
• Replay – Lady Gaga
  Sample: “It’s My House” by Diana Ross
• Naughty Girl – Beyoncé
  Sample: “Love to Love You Baby” by Donna Summer
• Ray of Light – Madonna
  Sample: “Sepheryn” by Curtiss Maldoon
• Crazy In Love (feat. Jay-Z) – Beyoncé, JAY-Z
  Sample: “Are You My Woman? (Tell Me So)” by The Chi-Lites
• Praise You – Fatboy Slim
  Sample: “Take Yo’ Praise” by Camille Yarbrough
• Freak Like Me – Sugababes
  Sample: “Are ‘Friends’ Electric?” by Tubeway Army
• Bad Liar – Selena Gomez
  Sample: “Psycho Killer” by Talking Heads
• The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly) – Missy Elliott
  Sample: “I Can’t Stand the Rain” by Ann Peebles
• Hotline Bling – Drake
  Sample: “Why Can’t We Live Together” by Timmy Thomas
• My Name Is – Eminem
  Sample: “I Got The…” by Labi Siffre

Spotify Playlist

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