Although we can't completely discount the merits of the music industry today, music was certainly more than just entertainment in the 1970s. It was a revolution just like other aspects of society at the time, including fashion (think bell-bottoms and psychedelic prints), technology (arcade games and the foundation of the internet), and social movements (anti-war, feminism, and environmental consciousness).

The world saw the rise of vastly more diverse music genres than the '50s and '60s had to offer, thanks to new advancements in production and technology and new cultural and social influences. People were blown away by the theatrical nature of glam rock, the soul of funk, the energy of disco, and the rawness of punk rock. But what bands and artists dominated the '70s-and are they still relevant today? Similar to how you can effortlessly find the best online sweepstakes casinos and movies with just a few clicks today, music streaming services like YouTube Music and Spotify make it easy to explore the music of classic artists online. And here are some of the best ones from that era.

Led Zeppelin

Led Zeppelin is regarded as one of the greatest English rock bands of all time, but what some don't know is that many consider them one of the founders of heavy metal and hard rock. Their impact on the music industry is remarkable, developing two central aspects of the rock genre that we still know and love today. Rather than simply releasing individual songs, they used the album format as a complete conceptual work. They also popularized the stereotypical rock concert, with massive crowds and lavish stage designs.

The band didn't just confine themselves to rock elements, however. They often infused blues and folk elements into their music, which created an essence of freedom and experimentation in their tracks. Head to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and you'll see that their biography says that their impact in the 1970s was like that of the Beatles in the 1960s.

Bob Dylan

Known most notably for his songwriting abilities and distinctive voice, Bob Dylan is one of the best-selling musicians ever to exist. A multiple hall of fame inductee and a musician with countless accolades to his name, Dylan has not only impacted the field of popular music but also American culture. Although he frequently covered and listened to early rock 'n' roll during his childhood years, he found more meaning and depth in folk music.

Dylan was heavily inspired by Woody Guthrie and other famed folk singers at the time because of their musical style and how they explored the human experience in all its authenticity. His rough and unusual singing style and distinct presence added to his uniqueness, as did the fact that he would always accompany his vocals with an acoustic guitar and harmonica. Bob Dylan has been the subject of a few movies, including the upcoming biopic A Complete Unknown, starring Timothée Chalamet.

Pink Floyd

This band underwent many name changes before settling on their current name, Pink Floyd. From Sigma 6 to The Meggadeaths to Leonard's Lodgers and even The Tea Set, you could say these never-ending changes to their name alone reflect the band's experimental and progressive nature. Characterized by their psychedelic sound, they quickly became what many call the greatest progressive rock band of all time.

Their albums are most popular for their conceptual nature, with song durations ranging from 30 seconds to over 23 minutes. Each album's lyrics concentrated on specific themes, and the instrumentation reflected them. Dark Side of the Moon explored conflict, time, insanity, and death, while Animals looked at the decay of society. What people loved and continue to love most about Pink Floyd is that they play music because they're passionate about creation, never boxed into a genre or a particular style or form or convention of music.

Fleetwood Mac

If there was any band that reflected the free-spirited nature of the '70s, it would be Fleetwood Mac. The band was eclectic in many ways-they had three lead singers, made lineup changes that produced different sounds, and embraced drastic new musical directions inspired by the members' distinct musical styles and backgrounds. Their music spans numerous genres, including folk rock, soft rock, blues rock, rock, and British blues.

Between 1968 and 2003, the band released a total of 17 studio albums, but none were as commercially popular as Rumours. During this time, the band members struggled with drug use and breakups, which some would say fueled their creativity and emotions. The soft rock sound and lyricism still resonate with listeners today, maintaining a timeless quality that new generations continue to fall in love with.

Queen

While Led Zeppelin catered to an audience that craved that heavy sound, with wailing vocals and powerful instrumentation, Queen layered their tracks with glam, opera, and pop elements. They had a much more distinctive theatrical flair than their other rock band counterparts, which set them apart in the genre. Fronted by renowned musician and singer Freddie Mercury, the band wrote some of the most recognizable rock anthems that continue to define the stadium rock genre. Their stage presence was otherworldly and flamboyant, featuring costumes and visual effects, adding to a showy and immersive musical experience.

Many credit the "Bohemian Rhapsody" music video as the first hit where a video was a key part of the marketing strategy. It was one of the earliest examples of using a music video to promote a song, consequently leading the way for music videos and MTV to develop. Queen has had songs charting for a total of 26 years on the UK Album Charts-a whopping achievement that speaks volumes about the band's enduring popularity.