10 Best Hard Rock Songs Of The '70s

10. Stranglehold - Ted Nugent (1975)

The ever controversial Ted Nugent has made quite the transition since his days as a '70s axman. These days, you're just as likely to see him sporting a cowboy hat and carrying the dead carcass of animal then you are to see him with a guitar.

He might have become a gun toting, republican supporting, loud mouth, but during the 1970s he was a guitar wielding madman with a predilection for writing classic guitar hooks.

Stranglehold appeared on Nugent's self-titled debut album. It was indicative of the rock music of the era, a repeating guitar riff that burrowed deep into ones ear drum, followed by seven and half minutes of sprawling guitar solos. This song just leaves you with a desire to hit the open road, from the instant the bass drum punctuates the track, your googling where to rent a Harley.

Despite Nugent's ability as a vocalist, he didn't sing on this track. His rhythm guitarist Derek St. Holmes took that honour. Nugent's focus was all on the guitar. Say what you like about this guy's personal views, his guitar playing was some of the best in the industry.