The 1970s brought us some of the most iconic rock bands of all time—but not every band’s fame matched their musical substance. Flashy performances, catchy tunes, and mass appeal often overshadowed genuine innovation or talent.
Here are 10 bands from the ’70s whose fame soared higher than their music deserved—leaving critics and listeners divided to this day.
1. KISS
Known for their wild stage performances, face paint, and larger-than-life persona, KISS made a big splash in the 1970s. While they had a few popular songs, like “Rock and Roll All Nite,” a lot of their music was considered more about stagemanship than the songwriting.
Seattle Daily Times writer Patrick MacDonald’s harsh review of KISS’s May 25, 1974 show at the Paramount Northwest criticized the band. MacDonald described KISS as a flashy band that relied on theatrics rather than musical talent, calling their songs simple, with childlike chords and rhyming lyrics that were “strictly on the moron level.” (ref)
2. Journey
Journey started out in the 1970s with a more jazzy rock style, but in the 1980s, they became famous for their power ballads. “Don’t Stop Believin’” became a huge hit, but some would say that their 1970s music didn’t earn them the same level of fame.
In a 2008 interview with GQ, Steve Perry, former frontman of Journey, shared that the press, especially Rolling Stone, once labeled Journey, and other bands, like Foreigner and Styx, as “faceless bands” because they thought they all sounded the same.
Perry believed that certain editors decided to not give them the recognition they deserved. (ref)
3. Foreigner
Foreigner is another band that got a lot of attention in the late 1970s and early 1980s, especially with hits like “Cold As Ice” and “I Want to Know What Love Is.”
A listener described their sophomore album as a “dull and lifeless affair,” criticizing their reliance on formulaic power ballads and stating that they “couldn’t write an original melody to save their lives.”
The review concluded that Foreigner’s albums are filled with “over-sung and generically written” songs, leading to a perception of them as sell-outs from the beginning of their career. (ref)
4. The Carpenters
It was all about soft, easy-listening pop in the 1970s, with Karen Carpenter’s sweet voice taking center stage. They had a string of hits like “Close to You” and “We’ve Only Just Begun,” but The Carpenters have been described as producing “mind-numbingly dull” music, according to fan forums. (ref)
While they definitely had a fanbase, their music didn’t push boundaries, and many feel they were overhyped for creating music that was more about comfort than innovation.
5. Bay City Rollers
A pop band from Scotland that became huge in the 1970s, especially in the U.S. They had the “teen idol” look and catchy songs like “Saturday Night.” But honestly, a lot of their fame was more about their appeal to young girls than about their musical talent.
Their music wasn’t groundbreaking, and when the hype died down. They even got a TV show. A commenter on Reddit mentioned that “it was cringey. So bad.” (ref) They were a big deal for a moment, but the long-lasting impact just wasn’t there.
6. Boston
Boston was known for their massive hit “More Than a Feeling,” and they had a huge debut album in 1976. Their polished sound and radio-friendly songs made them popular, but many critics feel that Boston’s music was too similar to other rock bands of the time.
While Tom Scholz and Brad Delp were recording new material for Boston’s third album, CBS sued Tom Scholz for $60 million, claiming he broke their contract by not delivering the album on time.
The first round of the lawsuit went in Scholz’s favor, and he later moved the band to MCA Records. The legal battle with CBS lasted seven years, and in April 1990, Tom Scholz won the case. (ref)
7. Grand Funk Railroad
Grand Funk Railroad had a lot of success in the 1970s with hits like “We’re an American Band” and “Some Kind of Wonderful.” But Grand Funk Railroad was often ridiculed by critics who labeled them as “musically dumb.”
Early reviews described them as “one-dimensional” and lacking in talent, with one particularly scathing critic calling them “one of the most simplistic, talentless” groups of the year. (ref)
This negative reception was compounded by the band’s rapid rise to fame, which seemed to irritate critics who felt they were being forced to accept Grand Funk’s popularity without justification.
8. Styx
A band that mixed hard rock with theatrical elements and some prog rock. They had big hits like “Come Sail Away,” but many fans and critics felt they were just trying too hard to be flashy.
One reviewer described Styx’s music as often lacking memorable hooks and originality, rendering much of it as a “crappy genre”. The reviewer, discussing Styx’s 1971 debut album, said, “These guys can’t find a good tune here to save their lives, and they often come off as complete amateurs.” (ref)
9. REO Speedwagon
REO Speedwagon had their big breakthrough with “Keep On Loving You” in the early 1980s, but they started out in the late 1970s. Their music was often soft rock with a pop twist, and while they had catchy tunes, their sound wasn’t anything new or innovative.
One Reddit user advised to “Listen to their 70s albums and stop after High Infidelity. They were a hard blues rock band before the cheesy ballads.” (ref) Their popularity faded quickly once the 1980s rolled around.
10. The Doobie Brothers
Known for their smooth blend of rock, pop, and soul, with songs like “Listen to the Music” and “China Grove,” The Doobie Brothers were a big deal in the 1970s. But critics have often described The Doobie Brothers as a band lacking a distinct identity, leading to their characterization as “faceless” in the rock scene.
One review noted that they were “the least hip and most faceless big-name act in rock,” suggesting that their eclectic style resulted in a lack of a cohesive sound. The review criticized their hit “Listen to the Music,” labeling it as “corporate rock at its blandest” and implying that it offered little substance, stating, “after one listen you’re likely to say, ‘Sure. Where is it?’ (ref)
So, these bands all had their moments in the spotlight, but their fame was more about snappy songs, timing, and finding a fanbase that connected with their style.
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Martha A. Lavallie
Martha is a journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering and reporting on the most compelling stories of our time. Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, she specializes in shedding light on trending topics and captivating global narratives. Her insightful articles have garnered acclaim, making her a trusted voice in today's dynamic media landscape.