Track List:

1970 - Into the Mystic - Van MOrrison

In 1970, Apollo 13 made history, the Beatles called it a day, and the first Earth Day reminded everyone to care about the planet and the vibes. That same laid‑back energy shows up in “Into the Mystic,” released by Van Morrison in early 1970.

Fun fact: Back then, it was completely acceptable to trust a bearded guy with a guitar to explain life’s mysteries. Honestly? Still works.

1971 - Temptation Eyes - The Grass Roots

In 1971, All in the Family was shaking up TV, Apollo 15 was casually cruising the Moon in a rover, and Led Zeppelin IV was blasting from every decent set of speakers. Groovy, slightly weird, and full of feeling. That same vibe powered “Temptation Eyes” by The Grass Roots, which landed at #28 on Billboard’s Year‑End Hot 100 in ’71.

Fun fact: Creed Bratton from The Office wasn’t acting—he was actually a member of The Grass Roots. Yep. That checks out.

1972 - Stuck in the Middle with You - Stealers Wheel

In 1972, The Godfather was making offers nobody could refuse, and Pong was blowing minds one pixel at a time. Simple times. Good grooves. Also in 1972, Stealers Wheel recorded “Stuck in the Middle with You” at Apple Studios in London.

Fun fact: The song was written as a playful jab at the music industry—proof that even in ’72, artists knew what it felt like to be caught in the middle.

1973 - Do it Again - Steely Dan

In 1973, Skylab was orbiting Earth like it was no big deal, and The Exorcist had audiences sleeping with the lights on. That same year, Steely Dan’s “Do It Again” hit #73 on the Billboard Year-Ending Hot 100 Singles with that same uneasy, can’t-look-away energy.

Fun fact: “Do It Again” was Steely Dan’s very first hit—proof that jazz nerds can absolutely write bangers.

1974 - Sundown - Gordon Lightfoot

In 1974, Happy Days made America nostalgic for the ’50s and Mel Brooks’ “Blazing Saddles” was making its hilariously shocking social commentary on the big screen. Also released in 1974, “Sundown” by Gordon Lightfoot—a smooth and honest little tune.

Fun fact: “Sundown” was Gordon Lightfoot’s only U.S. #1 hit and was inspired by a real relationship that made him, uh… slightly paranoid.

1975 - Sundown - Gordon Lightfoot

In 1974, Jaws had everyone afraid of the ocean (and bathtubs), Saturday Night Live debuted with “Live from New York…”, and Microsoft was founded—because even rock music needs spreadsheets eventually.

Two notable months from 1975:  January saw the birth of yours truly, and in March, Ace released “How Long.”

Fun fact: “How Long” sounds like a heartbreak ballad, but it was actually written about a band member leaving—not a breakup. Peak ‘70s emotional misdirection. (Props to my friend Steve Wingo for letting me in on that little secret.)

1976 - Let Your Love Flow - The Bellamy Brothers

America was celebrating the Bicentennial, Rocky proved heart beats talent, and Charlie’s Angels had everyone glued to their TVs. It was a year of optimism, easy smiles, and songs that just rolled along.

Also in 1976, the Bellamy Brothers released “Let Your Love Flow” withsmooth harmonies, sunshine energy, and zero urgency to rush anything.

Fun fact: In 1976, radio formats were loosening up, and “Let Your Love Flow” became a rare crossover smash—topping the country chart and hitting #1 on the pop chart.

1977 - Best of My Love - The Emotions

In 1977, Star Wars blasted into theaters (I was there at the drive-in!), Saturday Night Fever took over dance floors, and Roots had the entire country watching together. Big moments, bigger emotions, and radio hits you couldn’t avoid—in the best way. That same joyful, can’t‑sit‑still energy shines through in “Best of My Love” by The Emotions—debuting in June of 1977.

Fun fact: “Best of My Love” hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1977, and went on to win a Grammy, proving happiness can be chart‑topping.

1978 - Right Down the Line - Gerry Rafferty

In 1978, Dallas debuted and taught us all the importance of dramatic … pauses, Halloween made moviegoers think twice about babysitting, and Mork & Mindy proved suspenders were optional. Life felt lighter, slower, and somehow perfectly on beat. That same warm, easygoing magic comes through in Gerry Rafferty’s “Right Down the Line” which was released in July 1978.

Fun fact: The song’s iconic sax solo was played by Raphael Ravenscroft, the same saxophonist behind the legendary riff from “Baker Street.” This cover, however — no sax.

1979 - Promises - Eric Clapton

In 1979, the Sony Walkman changed how we listened to our favorite music, Alien made space officially terrifying, and ESPN launched—because eventually someone needed to talk about sports all day. Disco was cooling off, soft rock was taking over, and vibes were smooth.

That same relaxed, understated groove comes through in “Promises” by Eric Clapton—which was #82 on the Billboard Year-End Hot 100 for that year.

Fun fact: On this album, The Decades Project - Vol. 1 - 70s, I played and sung every note on every song with the exception of Eric Clapton’s “Promises.” I was fortunate enough to be able to include my daughter, Anna Tyler Williams, as a vocalist on this recording!