From American Songwriter · Kat Caudill · · 50s
4 Songs From the 70s That Were Controversial but Later Became Pop Classics
Four 1970s songs that sparked controversy but now define pop culture.
In brief
Four 1970s songs that sparked controversy but now define pop culture. Roxanne, Imagine, Love To Love You Baby, and Lola were banned or criticized in the 1970s but became pop classics. Originally reported by American Songwriter.
Roxanne by The Police
The Police's Roxanne was banned by the BBC for being too provocative but drew young punk audiences.
“Roxanne was controversial, but only as a means to drive a larger narrative.”
Imagine by John Lennon
Lennon admitted his song Imagine aligns with communist ideals but he himself was not a communist.
“Imagine that there was no more religion, no more country, no more politics, is virtually The Communist Manifesto.”
Love To Love You Baby by Donna Summer
Donna Summer's Love To Love You Baby was banned by the BBC and caused riots but became an iconic disco hit.
“When she put it out herself, it was banned by the BBC (shocker).”
Lola by The Kinks
The Kinks' Lola, inspired by a cross-dressing man, made Ray Davies uncomfortable despite its success.
“In fact, when 'Lola' was a hit, it made me feel a bit uncomfortable.”
What it means
Roxanne, Imagine, Love To Love You Baby, and Lola were banned or criticized in the 1970s but became pop classics.
