Stevie Wonder: Superstition (1972)

"Superstition" was Stevie Wonder's first #1 since 1963. The song is fairly straight forward and is about superstitions. Jeff Beck played the guitar parts on the Talking Book album while Wonder played the other instruments.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDZFf0pm0SE

David Bowie: Changes (1972)

David Bowie spent his entire career reinventing himself. As a result, “Changes” is something of a theme song for the crooner. The song truly introduced Bowie to Americans and was the last song he ever sang live prior to his retirement (although he has since released new material).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pl3vxEudif8

Elvis Presley: An American Trilogy (1972)

Mickey Newbury melded three 19^th century American standards into one and Elvis Presley made it his own. It became a regular feature of Elvis concerts in the 70s and one of the highlights of every show. The song combines “Dixie”, which was the Confederate anthem, “All My Trials”, an old slave lullaby, and “Battle Hymn of the Republic” representing the Union army.  There have been an amazing 465 covers of the song since it first appeared.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxlGOxdgdhg

 

Walk on the Wild Side by Lou Reed (1972)

Lou Reed died on October 26, 2013 from complications brought on by a liver transplant. Reed was a genius that brought a gritty street reality to music. "Walk on the Wild Side" is his signature song and encompasses Reed's style. He pushed the boundaries with topics including drugs, transsexuality, and male prostitution. It is amazing the song became a radio favorite because Reed does not try to use innuendo. He is upfront with his topics. Rest in peace Lou!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wNknGIKkoA

The Rolling Stones: Sweet Virginia (1972)

"Sweet Virginia" appears on Exile on Main St. It's a slow country inspired song and a hidden treasure. The band dusted it off for The Bigger Bang and Voodoo Lounge tours. In 1995, the song appeared in Casino.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sa3uNiUCrp0

The Rolling Stones: Plundered My Soul (2010)

"Plundered My Soul" dates to the Rolling Stones' Exile on Mainstreet days. When the band re-released the album in 2010, they included the song as a bonus track. Mick Taylor returned to work with Mick Jagger on the tune. The song was a minor hit for the band. Perhaps more importantly, it serves as a tie to rock's strongest era.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6ZnmXrRUIQ&ob=av2n

829. Ventilator Blues by the Rolling Stones (1972)

The Stones wanted to sound like their heroes Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf. So, they constructed an old school blues number for Exile on Mainstreet. It is the only Stones song in which Mick Taylor recieved writing credit. His main contribution is the opening slide. The band has only played the tune live on one occasion and that was in 1972.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wEvKIrGcNI

901. Rocket Man by Elton John (1972)

In the early seventies, Apollo missions had become routine. "Rocket Man" recounts how space travel had gone from unique and exciting to as mundane as a 9-5 desk job. John's astronaut regrets leaving his home and family and explores the loneliness of his chosen occupation. Despite covering similar themes as David Bowie's "Space Oddity", the song may never have been written had Bernie Taupin not looked up in the sky one day and witnessed a plane flying off in the distance.

A video influenced by the space program:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1GAKOLOnfV4

With stills of Elton John:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LX7WrHCaUA

Live in 1976:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2hu2EwCm-k&feature=related

927. Someday Never Comes by Creedence Clearwater Revival (1972)

John Fogerty writes from the point of view of a young child. His father goes away and explains that someday he will understand. Well, someday never comes. The song is autobiographical as Fogerty is writing about his experiences during his parents divorce. I always thought it was about a soldier going off to Vietnam and having to say goodbye to his 4 year old.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwNuQulK6N0