Rocking Through 1973: Ranking the Top 100 Pop Songs of the Year and Celebrating Grand Funk's Chart-Topping Hit, 'We're An American Band'.

The Number One Hits Of 1973

Jan 6, 1973 – Jan 26, 1973
Carly Simon
You’re So Vain
American singer-songwriter and musician known for her confessional lyrics and pop-rock style. The song is speculated to be about a self-absorbed lover.
Jan 27, 1973 – Feb 2, 1973
Stevie Wonder
Superstition
American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and record producer. The song is a funky, upbeat track with a distinctive keyboard riff and lyrics about superstitions.
Feb 3, 1973 – Feb 23, 1973
Elton John
Crocodile Rock
English singer-songwriter and pianist known for his flamboyant style and memorable melodies. The song is a nostalgic tribute to the early rock ‘n’ roll era.
Mar 24, 1973 – Apr 6, 1973
The O’Jays
Love Train
American R&B group from Canton, Ohio, formed in 1958. The song is a feel-good, socially conscious track that became an international hit.
Apr 7, 1973 – Apr 20, 1973
Vicki Lawrence
The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia
American actress, comedian, and singer best known for her work on “The Carol Burnett Show.” The song is a Southern Gothic tale of murder and injustice.
Apr 21, 1973 – May 18, 1973
Tony Orlando and Dawn
Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree
A pop group led by Tony Orlando, backed by Telma Hopkins and Joyce Vincent Wilson. The song is about a man returning home after being released from prison.
May 26, 1973 – Jun 1, 1973
The Edgar Winter Group
Frankenstein
American rock band led by multi-instrumentalist Edgar Winter. The song is an instrumental rock track named after its lengthy development process.
Jun 2, 1973 – Jun 29, 1973
Paul McCartney and Wings
My Love
English rock band formed by former Beatle Paul McCartney and his wife Linda. The song is a romantic ballad written for Linda.
Jun 30, 1973 – Jul 6, 1973
George Harrison
Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth)
English musician, singer-songwriter, and former member of the Beatles. The song is a plea for love and peace, with spiritual themes.
Jul 7, 1973 – Jul 20, 1973
Billy Preston
Will It Go Round in Circles
American musician known as the “Fifth Beatle.” The song is a soulful, upbeat track with catchy lyrics and melody.
Aug 4, 1973 – Aug 17, 1973
Maureen McGovern
The Morning After
American singer and Broadway actress. The song is the love theme from the 1972 disaster film “The Poseidon Adventure.”
Aug 18, 1973 – Aug 24, 1973
Diana Ross
Touch Me in the Morning
American singer and actress and former member of The Supremes. The song is a poignant ballad about a one-night stand.
Aug 25, 1973 – Sep 7, 1973
Stories
Brother Louie
American rock band. The song is about an interracial love affair and was a cover of the British band Hot Chocolate’s song.
Sep 8, 1973 – Sep 21, 1973
Marvin Gaye
Let’s Get It On
American singer-songwriter and musician known for his soulful and socially conscious music. The song is a sensual and romantic classic.
Sep 22, 1973 – Sep 28, 1973
Helen Reddy
Delta Dawn
Australian-American singer, activist, and actress. The song is a country-pop crossover about a delusional woman awaiting her lost lover.
Sep 29, 1973 – Oct 5, 1973
Grand Funk
We’re an American Band
American rock band, popular during the 1970s. The song is an autobiographical account of the band’s experiences on tour.
Oct 6, 1973 – Oct 19, 1973
Cher
Half-Breed
American singer, actress, and television personality known for her distinctive contralto voice. The song tells the story of a woman of mixed heritage who struggles with discrimination.
Oct 20, 1973 – Oct 26, 1973
The Rolling Stones
Angie
English rock band formed in London in 1962. The song is a melancholic ballad, rumored to be about various women in the band members’ lives.
Oct 27, 1973 – Nov 9, 1973
Gladys Knight & the Pips
Midnight Train to Georgia
American R&B/soul group, led by Gladys Knight. The song is about a woman who follows her lover back to his hometown.
Nov 10, 1973 – Nov 23, 1973
Eddie Kendricks
Keep On Truckin’
American singer and songwriter, and a founding member of The Temptations. The song is a funky, upbeat track that became a dancefloor favorite.
Nov 24, 1973 – Nov 30, 1973
Ringo Starr
Photograph
English musician, singer, and actor, and former drummer of The Beatles. The song is a nostalgic ballad, co-written with George Harrison.
Dec 1, 1973 – Dec 14, 1973
The Carpenters
Top of the World
American vocal and instrumental duo consisting of siblings Karen and Richard Carpenter. The song is a cheerful, uplifting pop tune.
Dec 15, 1973 – Dec 28, 1973
Charlie Rich
The Most Beautiful Girl
American country music singer, songwriter, and musician. The song is a heartfelt ballad about a man who regrets losing his love.
Dec 29, 1973 – Jan 11, 1974
Jim Croce
Time in a Bottle
American folk and rock singer-songwriter. The song is a tender, introspective ballad about the passage of time and cherishing life’s moments.

The Biggest Pop Artists of 1973 include:
Al Green, Aretha Franklin, Barry White, Billy Preston, Bobby Womack, The Carpenters, Dawn featuring Tony Orlando, Diana Ross, Donny Osmond, Eddie Kendricks, Elton John, The Four Tops, Gladys Knight & the Pips, Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, Heken Reddy, The Jackson 5, James Brown, Jim Croce, Joe Simon, Johnnie Taylor, Kool & the Gang, Kurtis Mayfield, Lobo, Love Unlimited, The Manhattans, Marvin Gaye, Maureen McGovern, The O’Jays, Paul McCartney & Wings, Paul Simon, The Spinners, The Staple Singers, Steely Dan, Stevie Wonder, The Stylistics, Sylvia, The Temptations, Three Dog Night, Tower of Power, Tyrone Davis, War, William DeVaughn

(HPS music data is compiled from charts, including Billboard’s Pop, Rock, Airplay, R&B/Dance, and Singles Charts. The Hot 100 is the primary chart used for this list.)

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