Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton were magic on "Islands in the Stream," but the song almost never happened.

The 1970s produced some of the most memorable songs in music history, but not every hit was embraced without controversy. Artists like The Rolling Stones, John Lennon, and Donna Summer pushed boundaries with lyrics and ideas that challenged audiences and alarmed broadcasters. From radio bans to public backlash, these songs generated headlines almost as quickly as they climbed the charts.

Before streaming services and endless playlists, certain songs became impossible to avoid. They played on car radios, drifted out of record stores, and provided the soundtrack for countless family gatherings and road trips. For Baby Boomers, these tracks are instantly familiar. For younger listeners, many of them have quietly faded from everyday culture. Here are 20 songs that once seemed to be everywhere.