The 1970s were a wild ride for music. From the rise of disco and punk to the dominance of rock, the decade saw the birth of genre-bending experimentation and timeless classics. But for every band that dominated the charts, some artists struck gold just once. These 70s one-hit wonders may have only had their moment in the spotlight, but their songs remain etched in the era’s pop culture.
One of my absolute favorite things to do with music is to try to listen to it again for the first time. In fact, I’ve always said that if I could have any superpower, it would be to be able to hear any song again for the first time. Sure, it’s all a bit sentimental and probably foolish to give up the ability to fly, but that’s how much music means to me.
So please do me a favor and try to hear these songs again for the first time. We remember pieces of lyrics or a general vibe, but there is so much beautiful nuance to these songs that we often lose when we’ve heard them too many times.
Here are 25 unforgettable 70s one-hit wonders that took the world by storm and never let go, along with the albums that introduced them to the world.
1. “Play That Funky Music” – Wild Cherry (1976)
Album: Wild Cherry
Chart Performance: #1 on the Billboard Hot 100
Legacy: A dancefloor staple, this funky anthem immortalized Wild Cherry, even if they never struck gold again. The bassline alone is enough to fill a room with energy.
2. “Afternoon Delight” – Starland Vocal Band (1976)
Album: Starland Vocal Band
Chart Performance: #1 on the Billboard Hot 100
Legacy: This soft, harmonious ode to daytime romance became a cultural touchstone, later revived in Anchorman. It’s both cheesy and unforgettable.
3. “Spirit in the Sky” – Norman Greenbaum (1970)
Album: Spirit in the Sky
Chart Performance: #3 on the Billboard Hot 100
Legacy: This gospel-infused rock anthem has appeared in countless films and commercials, cementing its place as a spiritual rock classic.
4. “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl)” – Looking Glass (1972)
Album: Looking Glass
Chart Performance: #1 on the Billboard Hot 100
Legacy: A quintessential 70s love song, it gained a new generation of fans after being featured in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.
5. “Hooked on a Feeling” – Blue Swede (1974)
Album: Hooked on a Feeling
Chart Performance: #1 on the Billboard Hot 100
Legacy: The “ooga chaka” intro became an earworm for decades, reintroduced to pop culture by Guardians of the Galaxy.
6. “Magic” – Pilot (1974)
Album: From the Album of the Same Name
Chart Performance: #5 on the Billboard Hot 100
Legacy: With its soaring vocals and feel-good vibes, “Magic” became a defining track of 70s pop-rock.
7. “Seasons in the Sun” – Terry Jacks (1974)
Album: Seasons in the Sun
Chart Performance: #1 on the Billboard Hot 100
Legacy: A tear-jerker ballad, this song captured the melancholy side of 70s pop. Love it or hate it, you can’t ignore its impact.
8. “In the Summertime” – Mungo Jerry (1970)
Album: Electronically Tested
Chart Performance: #3 on the Billboard Hot 100
Legacy: The ultimate carefree summer anthem, this breezy hit is a time capsule of sunny 70s vibes.
9. “Dancing in the Moonlight” – King Harvest (1973)
Album: Dancing in the Moonlight
Chart Performance: #13 on the Billboard Hot 100
Legacy: This mellow, feel-good track has become a staple of nostalgic playlists, transporting listeners back to simpler times.
10. “Black Betty” – Ram Jam (1977)
Album: Ram Jam
Chart Performance: #18 on the Billboard Hot 100
Legacy: With its high-octane riffs and wild energy, “Black Betty” became a rock classic and a stadium favorite.
11. “Kung Fu Fighting” – Carl Douglas (1974)
Album: Kung Fu Fighting and Other Great Love Songs
Chart Performance: #1 on the Billboard Hot 100
Legacy: This martial arts-inspired disco hit became a pop culture phenomenon, blending camp with irresistibly funky beats.
12. “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia” – Vicki Lawrence (1973)
Album: The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia
Chart Performance: #1 on the Billboard Hot 100
Legacy: A dramatic, storytelling ballad, this song proved that Vicki Lawrence’s talents extended far beyond comedy.
13. “Me and You and a Dog Named Boo” – Lobo (1971)
Album: Introducing Lobo
Chart Performance: #5 on the Billboard Hot 100
Legacy: This folksy tune about traveling with a canine companion captured the hearts of 70s soft rock fans.
14. “Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes)” – Edison Lighthouse (1970)
Album: Already
Chart Performance: #5 on the Billboard Hot 100
Legacy: A light and breezy pop hit, this song became a hallmark of early 70s bubblegum pop.
15. “Rock Your Baby” – George McCrae (1974)
Album: Rock Your Baby
Chart Performance: #1 on the Billboard Hot 100
Legacy: Often considered one of the first disco hits, “Rock Your Baby” helped pave the way for the genre’s dominance.
16. “Beach Baby” – The First Class (1974)
Album: The First Class
Chart Performance: #4 on the Billboard Hot 100
Legacy: This nostalgic ode to California summers blended British pop with American beach culture for a perfect 70s vibe.
17. “My Sharona” – The Knack (1979)
Album: Get the Knack
Chart Performance: #1 on the Billboard Hot 100
Legacy: A new wave anthem with unforgettable riffs, this hit captured the edgier side of late 70s rock.
18. “Moonlight Feels Right” – Starbuck (1976)
Album: Moonlight Feels Right
Chart Performance: #3 on the Billboard Hot 100
Legacy: This smooth yacht-rock hit is a staple for anyone longing for a 70s tropical escape.
19. “Don’t Leave Me This Way” – Thelma Houston (1977)
Album: Any Way You Like It
Chart Performance: #1 on the Billboard Hot 100
Legacy: A disco classic that still dominates dance floors, this track became Thelma Houston’s signature song.
20. “Drift Away” – Dobie Gray (1973)
Album: Drift Away
Chart Performance: #5 on the Billboard Hot 100
Legacy: A soulful rock anthem about finding solace in music, “Drift Away” has been covered countless times but remains tied to Dobie Gray’s heartfelt version.
21. “The Hustle” – Van McCoy & The Soul City Symphony (1975)
Album: Disco Baby
Chart Performance: #1 on the Billboard Hot 100
Legacy: A disco instrumental that defined an era, “The Hustle” inspired a dance craze that still gets people moving.
22. “Thunder Island” – Jay Ferguson (1978)
Album: Thunder Island
Chart Performance: #9 on the Billboard Hot 100
Legacy: With its tropical vibes and memorable guitar riffs, this song became a soft rock staple.
23. “The Rapper” – The Jaggerz (1970)
Album: We Went to Different Schools Together
Chart Performance: #2 on the Billboard Hot 100
Legacy: This catchy, upbeat track was a precursor to 70s pop-rock hits and showcased The Jaggerz’s knack for storytelling.
24. “Shannon” – Henry Gross (1976)
Album: Release
Chart Performance: #6 on the Billboard Hot 100
Legacy: Inspired by the death of a dog, this heartfelt ballad captured the softer side of 70s rock.
25. “Stuck in the Middle with You” – Stealers Wheel (1973)
Album: Stealers Wheel
Chart Performance: #6 on the Billboard Hot 100
Legacy: A quirky rock hit, this song found new life in Reservoir Dogs and remains a beloved 70s classic.
70s One-Hit Wonders Playlist on Spotify
For those of you who would prefer to listen to this list on Spotify, we’ve got you covered.
Why These Songs Still Matter
Though these artists may have only had one major hit, their songs capture the essence of 70s music — from disco to rock to folk. These tracks serve as cultural time capsules, bringing back memories of the decade’s unique sound and style. Whether you’re reliving the golden days or discovering these tracks for the first time, these 70s one-hit wonders prove that sometimes, one song is all it takes to make history.
