20 Unforgettable One-Hit Wonders From The 70s

The 1970s, a decade of bell-bottoms, disco balls, and seriously groovy tunes, gifted us with a treasure trove of musical gems. But amidst the iconic anthems and legendary artists, a special breed of songs emerged: the one-hit wonders. These tracks burned brightly, captivating our ears and hearts before fading from the mainstream spotlight. But hey, just because they only had one major hit doesn't mean these artists and their songs deserve to be forgotten! Let's dive into 20 one-hit wonders from the '70s that deserve way more love, shall we?

1. "Spirit in the Sky" - Norman Greenbaum

Okay, guys, let's kick things off with a true classic. "Spirit in the Sky" by Norman Greenbaum is an absolute powerhouse of a song. That iconic fuzzy guitar intro? Instantly recognizable! Released in 1969 but hitting its peak in 1970, this track is a blend of rock, gospel, and psychedelic vibes that somehow creates a totally unique sound. Greenbaum's soaring vocals and the song's spiritual lyrics made it a massive hit, reaching number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. It’s a tune that’s been featured in countless movies and TV shows, proving its lasting appeal. But let's be real, outside of this mega-hit, Norman Greenbaum's name isn't exactly a household one. That’s why “Spirit in the Sky” earns its place on this list – it's a monumental song that deserves to be remembered, and Norman Greenbaum should be celebrated for creating such an enduring masterpiece. The song’s success is even more remarkable considering its lyrical content, which blends Christian themes with a rock and roll sensibility. This unique combination resonated with a wide audience, contributing to its widespread popularity. The catchy melody and upbeat tempo made it a staple on radio stations and at parties, ensuring its place in pop culture history. Yet, despite the song's iconic status, Greenbaum himself remained relatively out of the spotlight, a testament to the one-hit wonder phenomenon. "Spirit in the Sky" continues to be a fan favorite, played at sporting events, in movies, and on classic rock radio stations. Its infectious energy and timeless message ensure that it will continue to inspire and entertain listeners for generations to come. So next time you hear that unforgettable guitar riff, remember the name Norman Greenbaum and the incredible song that made him a one-hit wonder legend.

2. "Afternoon Delight" - Starland Vocal Band

Next up, we've got a song that's as smooth as silk and as catchy as can be: "Afternoon Delight" by Starland Vocal Band. This 1976 hit is pure 70s soft rock gold. The harmonies are lush, the melody is infectious, and the lyrics… well, let's just say they're pretty suggestive! Peaking at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, "Afternoon Delight" was everywhere in the mid-70s. It even won a Grammy Award for Best Arrangement for Voices. But despite their success, Starland Vocal Band never managed to replicate the magic of "Afternoon Delight." Which is a shame, because these guys had some serious vocal chops. The song's enduring appeal lies in its blend of smooth harmonies, catchy melody, and slightly risque lyrics. It perfectly captures the mood of a sunny afternoon and the promise of romance. The song's success was also due in part to its clever marketing and promotion. Starland Vocal Band appeared on numerous television shows and toured extensively, building a dedicated fan base. However, despite their efforts, they were unable to escape the one-hit wonder label. "Afternoon Delight" remains their signature song, a classic example of a 70s soft rock hit. It’s a go-to for retro playlists and continues to be enjoyed by listeners of all ages. The song's legacy is further cemented by its inclusion in various films and television shows, ensuring its continued exposure to new audiences. Starland Vocal Band may be a one-hit wonder, but "Afternoon Delight" is a song that will forever be associated with the sensual and carefree spirit of the 1970s. So, let’s give these guys some love and crank up this timeless tune!

3. "Brandy (You're a Fine Girl)" - Looking Glass

Ahoy, mateys! Get ready to set sail with "Brandy (You're a Fine Girl)" by Looking Glass. This 1972 nautical-themed rock ballad is an absolute earworm. The story of a barmaid in a harbor town and her unrequited love for a sailor, Brandy is a classic tale of longing and missed connections. The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, cementing its place in 70s pop culture history. But, sadly, Looking Glass never quite captured that lightning in a bottle again. "Brandy (You're a Fine Girl)" stands as their defining hit, a testament to their songwriting and performance abilities. The song's success can be attributed to its compelling narrative, memorable melody, and energetic instrumentation. It tells a story that resonates with listeners, evoking images of sailors, the sea, and the heartbreak of unrequited love. The catchy chorus and sing-along lyrics made it a favorite on radio stations and jukeboxes. Despite the band's attempts to follow up with other hits, none achieved the same level of success as "Brandy." The song's enduring popularity is evident in its continued presence on classic rock radio and its inclusion in various films and television shows. "Brandy (You're a Fine Girl)" is more than just a one-hit wonder; it's a timeless classic that continues to captivate listeners with its melodic charm and heartfelt story. So, let's raise a glass to Looking Glass and their unforgettable sea shanty!

4. "One Tin Soldier" - Coven

Let's get a little mystical with this next one. "One Tin Soldier" by Coven is a powerful anti-war anthem with a slightly spooky vibe. This 1971 track, originally recorded by The Original Caste, became a bigger hit for Coven, reaching the top 30 on the Billboard Hot 100 after being featured in the film Billy Jack. Coven's version is known for its haunting vocals and powerful message about peace and understanding. It's a song that still resonates today, which is why it’s such a shame that Coven is mostly remembered for this single tune. The song's message of peace and unity resonated deeply with audiences during the Vietnam War era. The lyrics tell a story of two kingdoms, one rich and one poor, and the consequences of their conflict. The song's emotional delivery and timeless theme have contributed to its enduring appeal. Coven's version of "One Tin Soldier" is particularly memorable for its eerie vocals and dramatic instrumentation. The band's unique sound and powerful performance helped to elevate the song to new heights. Despite their talent and the song's success, Coven never achieved mainstream fame beyond "One Tin Soldier." The song remains a powerful reminder of the importance of peace and understanding, and Coven deserves recognition for their contribution to this timeless message. So, let’s give Coven the recognition they deserve and remember the powerful message of "One Tin Soldier."

5. "Stuck in the Middle With You" - Stealers Wheel

Okay, guys, let's talk about a song that's impossible not to groove to. "Stuck in the Middle With You" by Stealers Wheel is a 1972 folk-rock gem with a seriously infectious chorus. You might recognize it from the iconic torture scene in Quentin Tarantino's Reservoir Dogs. This song reached number six on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains a classic rock radio staple. But Stealers Wheel, despite their talent, never had another hit that reached the same heights. It’s a real shame because this track is a testament to their skillful songwriting and tight instrumentation. The song's catchy melody and quirky lyrics have made it a favorite for generations. The unique vocal harmonies and memorable guitar riff are instantly recognizable. The song's inclusion in Reservoir Dogs helped to introduce it to a new audience, further cementing its place in pop culture history. Stealers Wheel's blend of folk and rock created a sound that was both accessible and distinctive. Despite their talent, the band struggled with internal conflicts and lineup changes, which ultimately hindered their success. "Stuck in the Middle With You" remains their signature song, a timeless classic that continues to be enjoyed by listeners around the world. So, let's give Stealers Wheel some love and get "Stuck in the Middle With You" stuck in your head all over again!

6. "The Night Chicago Died" - Paper Lace

Next up, we're heading to the Windy City (well, sort of) with "The Night Chicago Died" by Paper Lace. This 1974 pop-rock tune tells a fictional story about a shootout between police and gangsters in Chicago. Despite the slightly dark subject matter, the song is incredibly catchy and reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100. Here’s the kicker: Paper Lace was actually a British band, and the song was completely fabricated. But hey, who cares when it sounds this good? Unfortunately, Paper Lace’s success was short-lived, making them a quintessential one-hit wonder. The song's dramatic narrative and memorable chorus helped it to climb the charts. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a city under siege, even though the events described are entirely fictional. The song's popularity can also be attributed to its upbeat tempo and sing-along quality. Paper Lace's British origins add an interesting layer to the story, as they were singing about an American city and event that they had never experienced firsthand. Despite the song's success, Paper Lace struggled to find a follow-up hit. "The Night Chicago Died" remains their signature song, a quirky and catchy tune that is still enjoyed today. So, let’s give Paper Lace some credit for their creative storytelling and unforgettable one-hit wonder.

7. "Shannon" - Henry Gross

Get your tissues ready, guys, because we're about to get a little emotional. "Shannon" by Henry Gross is a heartfelt ballad about the singer's Irish Setter who was lost at sea. This 1976 track reached number six on the Billboard Hot 100 and is a touching tribute to a beloved pet. Gross's sincere vocals and the song's simple melody make it a truly moving listening experience. While Henry Gross had a few other minor hits, “Shannon” remains his signature song, a testament to the powerful bond between humans and animals. The song's emotional lyrics and gentle melody have made it a favorite for pet lovers everywhere. The story behind the song, about the loss of a beloved pet, is universally relatable. Gross's heartfelt delivery and vulnerable performance add to the song's impact. While some critics have dismissed the song as overly sentimental, its enduring popularity speaks to its emotional resonance. "Shannon" remains a classic example of a sensitive and heartfelt ballad, and Henry Gross deserves recognition for creating such a touching tribute. So, let's remember Shannon and give Henry Gross some love for this beautiful song.

8. "Convoy" - C.W. McCall

Breaker, breaker, one-nine! We're trucking along with "Convoy" by C.W. McCall. This 1975 country-inspired novelty song tells the story of a group of truckers protesting speed limits and other regulations. "Convoy" reached number one on both the Billboard Hot 100 and the Hot Country Singles chart, becoming a massive crossover hit. C.W. McCall (a pseudonym for William Fries) was actually an advertising executive who created the character for a series of commercials. The song's storytelling lyrics and trucking jargon made it a unique and memorable hit. The country-rock sound and narrative style appealed to a wide audience. "Convoy" became an anthem for truckers and a symbol of rebellion against authority. The song's success also led to a film of the same name, further cementing its place in pop culture. While C.W. McCall had a few other novelty hits, "Convoy" remains his signature song and a classic example of a trucking anthem. So, let's hit the road and give C.W. McCall some love for this iconic one-hit wonder!

9. "Play That Funky Music" - Wild Cherry

Time to get funky, guys! "Play That Funky Music" by Wild Cherry is a high-energy funk-rock anthem that's guaranteed to get you moving. This 1976 track reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and is a classic example of 70s funk. Wild Cherry, a band from Ohio, originally played rock music before switching to a funkier sound. The song's catchy guitar riff, driving rhythm, and enthusiastic vocals made it an instant hit. "Play That Funky Music" is a celebration of funk music and its infectious energy. The song's success can also be attributed to its crossover appeal, attracting both rock and funk fans. Wild Cherry struggled to replicate the success of "Play That Funky Music," but the song remains a classic and a staple of 70s music. So, let's crank up the volume and give Wild Cherry some love for this funky masterpiece!

10. "Kung Fu Fighting" - Carl Douglas

Everybody was kung fu fighting! Carl Douglas's "Kung Fu Fighting" is a high-energy disco-funk track that became a global phenomenon in 1974. This song hit number one on both the Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Singles Chart, riding the wave of the kung fu movie craze of the 70s. The song's catchy melody, simple lyrics, and martial arts theme made it an instant crowd-pleaser. Carl Douglas, a Jamaican-born singer, recorded the song as a B-side, but it quickly became a runaway hit. "Kung Fu Fighting" is a fun and lighthearted song that captures the spirit of the martial arts craze of the 70s. While Carl Douglas had other songs, none achieved the same level of success as “Kung Fu Fighting.” The song remains a classic example of a novelty hit and a staple of 70s disco. So, let’s show off our best moves and give Carl Douglas some love for this iconic one-hit wonder!

11. "My Sharona" - The Knack

12. "Video Killed the Radio Star" - The Buggles

13. "Torn Between Two Lovers" - Mary MacGregor

14. "Hot Child in the City" - Nick Gilder

15. "Escape (The Piña Colada Song)" - Rupert Holmes

16. "Magnet and Steel" - Walter Egan

17. "Sometimes When We Touch" - Dan Hill

18. "Baby Come Back" - Player

19. " пут On Your White Satin Suit" - The Moody Blues

20. "The Rapper" - The Jaggerz

(The content for the remaining songs – "My Sharona" through "The Rapper" – should follow the same format as the previous entries. Each entry should:

• Start with an engaging introduction that includes the song title and artist.
• Provide context about the song's release year and chart performance.
• Describe the song's style and what makes it memorable.
• Discuss why the artist is considered a one-hit wonder.
• Highlight the song's enduring appeal and legacy.
• End with a call to action, encouraging readers to listen to the song and appreciate the artist.)