Although it wasn’t always common,some great classic rock songs from the 1970s exceeded the average runtime, lasting over 10 minutes. Plenty of phenomenal hits from the era have garneredover one billion streams on Spotify, being far less lengthy than this. However, when musicians extended songs, it allowed them to showcase more of their talents.
Not all of these have becomeclassic rock karaoke favorites, but they significantly impacted these bands' careers. Many of themreleased more than 10 albums, meaning they had to be very creative during that time. Therefore,these long songs all served a purpose, and when they occurred, they were calculated.
With many of these acts no longer active, these tunes provide a look back at their remarkable history. The length of these songs facilitates a true exploration of their capabilities, showcasing a nice sample in a reasonable amount of time. While their main hits are often revered,these tunes were tremendous feats and must be celebrated as well.
10Yes - Close To The Edge
Album: Close To The Edge (1972) - 18:43
On the fifth studio record from Yes, “Close to the Edge” is a main highlight.It serves as the title track that is broken up into different sections, taking up the entire first side of the record. Each are of varying lengths, with the longest being just over six minutes, and the shortest being under three minutes.
This tune became one of the highlights of the progressive rock genre in 1972.
This tune became one of the highlights of the progressive rock genre in 1972. Many instruments are heard in the composition, creating an overarching grand feeling. With this, the tune has become revered for its musical complexity, the spirit it possesses, and the witty themes that are used throughout. It remainsregarded as one of their greatest pieces.
9David Bowie - Station To Station
Album: Station To Station (1976) - 10:08
There are many tremendous achievements that David Bowie accomplished throughout his illustrious career. In fact, there was no challenge too difficult for him to conquer, including creating long compositions.One of his best examples of this kind of work is the song “Station to Station,“the title track from his tenth studio album.
The song serves as the opener for the record andlasts just over ten minutes. Although this was a longer track, it did manage to make some charts, includingBillboard’sTop LPs & Tapes rankings. The song remains cherished for its captivating atmosphere and the blend of musical styles it includes.
8King Crimson - Starless
Album: Red (1974) - 12:18
The final song on King Crimson’s seventh studio album is “Starless.” This song took some time to be used by the band, as it was initially intended for their previous record. However, it was decided that it did not fit with that piece of work, so it was shelved until its appearance on the 1974 release.
The song lasts over 12 minutes and has three main sections. Since this tune is part of the progressive rock genre, many instruments are used throughout.Each use is calculated, providing a distinct feeling to the various parts. The song would go on to be one of the signature tunes of the band that they would perform live (via Setlist.fm).
7Led Zeppelin - Achilles Last Stand
Album: Presence (1976) - 10:26
Serving as the first track on Led Zeppelin’s seventh studio album,Presence, “Achilles Last Stand” holds a special place in the band’s history as one of the longest songs they have recorded.It is considered one of their most complex tracks, with different interwoven sections. The tune also features overdubbed guitar parts.
In fact, guitarist Jimmy Page has said that this is his favorite song and that the greatness of the guitar work is comparable to “Stairway to Heaven.” Beyond just Page’s guitar parts, this song is revered for allowing each member to shine with their own specialties. This helped make the compositionan invigorating experience for listeners.
6Television - Marquee Moon
Album: Marquee Moon (1977) - Full Version 10:40
After spending a few years shaping their sound, Television released their debut studio album in 1977. One of the top songs was the title track, “Marquee Moon.” For the original LP, the band had to shorten the song to just under 10 minutes, but they were eventually able to release the almost 11-minute version.
Even with varying lengths, each version showed an intricate blend of genres.
At times when they performed this live, they would extend the version, sometimes exceeding 15 minutes. Even with varying lengths, each version showed an intricate blend of genres,specifically art punk and punk rock. However, with its focus on the addition of jazz elements, it set itself apart from other traditional punk rock tracks.
5Pink Floyd - Echoes
Album: Meddle (1971) - 23:30
Throughout their career, Pink Floyd created many amazing songs that are absolute works of art. One of their most epic pieces is “Echoes,“a track that lasts well over 23 minutes, developing from many different ideas. Due to its length, it occupies the entire side two of their sixth studio album,Meddle, which was released in 1971.
In the composition of the song, there are many different instrumental passages along with various studio effects. This track demonstrates the band’s ability to tackle complex themes and their gift for creating immersive soundscapes. Many feel thatthis song is a defining piece of their legacythat showcases many of their revered talents.
4Traffic - The Low Spark Of High-Heeled Boys
Album: The Low Spark Of High-Heeled Boys - 11:44
The 1971 hit “The Low Spark of High-Heeled Boys,” by Traffic, was one of the most resilient tunes of its time. Although this song was never released as a single,it was so great that it eventually found its way onto the radio anyway. Even as the decades have passed, it remains a staple of select classic rock stations.
One of the well-known qualities of this song is its distinctive fade-in/fade-out. It’s a small touch, but it helps distinguish the start and end of the journey. The song has many layers,which allow for a unique blend of musical styles. Additionally, the lyrics are known for their exploration beyond the expectations of the time.
3Genesis - Supper’s Ready
Album: Foxtrot (1972) - 22:54
Before Peter Gabriel went on to have his successful solo career, he was one of the masterminds behind Genesis. “Supper’s Ready” was one of the many songs they became known for. However, this had the distinction of being their longest recording, asit lasts nearly 23 minutes, broken up into multiple sections.
In total, there are seven sections that have been extracted from this composition. For many years, this was a staple of their performances. It not only showcased their musicianship but alsothe pageantry that the band brought to the stage. With their last show taking place in 2022, this now serves as a fond memory of their incredible collaboration.
2Creedence Clearwater Revival - I Heard It Through The Grapevine
Album: Cosmo’s Factory (1970) - 11:05
One of the most well-known songs of all time is “I Heard It Through the Grapevine.” Many legends have attempted versions of this tune, including Marvin Gaye and Gladys Knight & the Pips. Another act that tried their hand at the tune was Creedence Clearwater Revival,where the band took putting an original spin on it to the next level.
It is one of the most interesting covers ever, considering the history of the band and the song itself.
Whereas the traditional composition was just over three minutes long,CCR decided to make the track over 11 minutes long. By doing this, it allowed them to fully showcase their musicianship. They transformed the tune into a power rock anthem, and it is one of the most interesting covers ever, considering the history of the band and the song itself.
1Elton John - Funeral For A Friend/Love Lies Bleeding
One of the most memorable works that Elton John has ever created is his 1973 double album,Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. The very first track on the record is “Funeral For A Friend/Love Lies Bleeding.” This lasts over 11 minutes andis divided into two parts. The first half is a powerful instrumental, which transitions into a lyrical song.
Over the years, this has become one of the most important tunes in his catalogdue to its influence on others. Bands such as Guns N' Roses and Avenged Sevenfold have chosen this song as one that has shaped their views on writing particular compositions. Additionally, the song has been covered by the likes of “Weird Al” Yankovic and Metallica.
