The ’70s had been positively an unforgettable time for music. Hits from this decade not solely put new spins on rock and R&B however the world was additionally propelled into disco, which whether or not you preferred it or not, grew to become a sensation in itself. However whereas some artists made songs that turn out to be quintessential ’70s hits, sadly, their success would barely final a yr on the U.S. charts, not to mention the last decade.
For readability, a one-hit-wonder does not essentially imply the artist reached the primary spot on the Billboard charts. Wikipedia explains the time period completely, “A one-hit surprise is any entity that achieves mainstream reputation, usually for just one piece of labor, and turns into identified among the many normal public solely for that momentary success. The time period is mostly utilized in regard to music performers with just one hit single that overshadows their different work.”
Learn on to see should you keep in mind these one-hit wonders of the ’70s — perhaps your favourite made the checklist!
“Spirit within the Sky” – Norman Greenbaum
Norman Greenbaum’s “Spirit within the Sky” is featured on the 1969 album of the identical identify. By April 1970, it reached No. 3 on the BillboardSizzling 100, a listing it lasted on for 15 weeks. The only went gold when it offered 2 million copies inside a yr of its launch.
Greenbaum instructed The New York Instancesin 2006 that he was impressed to jot down the track after watching Porter Wagoner sing gospel on TV. “I believed, ‘Yeah, I may try this,’ understanding nothing about gospel music, so I sat down and wrote my very own gospel track,” he stated.
“Kung Fu Combating” – Carl Douglas
Carl Douglas’ “Kung Fu Combating” was a homage to the “chopsocky” movie craze that swept the ’70s. Launched in 1974 within the U.Okay., “Kung Fu Combating” grew to become a global hit that offered 11 million data worldwide.
“Kung Fu Combating” is remembered as one of many best one-hit wonders ever. The track largely overshadowed Douglas’s profession and in consequence, it grew to become the one track he was identified for. Although he had two extra delicate hits, together with the comply with up “Dance The Kung Fu,” they by no means noticed success exterior of the U.Okay.
“O-o-h Youngster” – 5 Stairsteps
“O-o-h Youngster” is a track whose title you in all probability sing in your head as you learn it. Launched as a 1970 single by 5 Stairsteps, the track peaked at No. 8 on the BillboardSizzling 100 charts that summer season.
Chicago-based 5 Stairsteps had been thought of the “First Household of Soul,” consisting of siblings Alohe, Clarence Jr., James, Dennis, and Keni Burke. Although that they had a pair different minor hits on their discography, none matched the success of “O-o-h Youngster,” which was their solely High 40 hit. The track has retained its reputation all through the years for its optimistic, uplifting message.
“Magic” – Pilot
Scottish rock group Pilot launched their single “Magic” in 1974. Promoting upwards of 1 million copies, it was licensed Gold inside a yr, peaking at No. 5 on U.S. charts. It will be Pilot’s solely U.S. success, as their subsequent single “January” was solely well-liked within the U.Okay. and Australia.
Pilot subsequently light out of the American music season virtually as rapidly as they emerged, however individuals started trying them up once more on the flip of the century. Renewed curiosity in “Magic” generated after Pillsbury used the track in a 2007 business. Selena Gomez additionally sang a canopy two years later whereas she was nonetheless on Disney Channel’s Wizards of Waverly Place.
“Ring My Bell” – Anita Ward
“Ring My Bell” was Anita Ward’s solely hit track. Launched in 1979, it hit No. 1 on each the BillboardSizzling 100 and Soul Singles charts and earned the artist a Grammy nomination. The track’s innuendo raised many eyebrows on the time, which is fascinating as a result of it was initially written for 11-year-old Stacy Lattisaw.
R&B singer Frederick Knight initially wrote the track for teenagers about speaking on the phone, however when Lattisaw signed with a distinct label, he took the track to Ward. She initially did not prefer it, insisting it ought to capitalize on the disco pattern, however even she did not need too many suggestive lyrics, since she began out as a gospel singer.
“Afternoon Delight” – Starland Vocal Band
Starland Vocal Band’s “Afternoon Delight” was counseled for its harmonies, but it surely remained on the peak of recognition due to its suggestive lyrics. Launched in 1976, it topped theBillboardSizzling 100 and gained two of its 4 Grammy nominations, together with Finest Association for Voices and Finest New Artist.
Of the latter Grammy, founding member Invoice Danoff has stated, “[That] was mainly the kiss of demise and I really feel sorry for everybody who’s gotten it since.” The next yr, the band hosted a CBS selection present, The Starland Vocal Band Present, however had been unable to match the success of “Afternoon Delight.”
“Within the Summertime” – Mungo Jerry
“Within the Summertime” by Mungo Jerry is likely one of the quintessential songs of summer season. When individuals envision summer season and its inherent carefree spirit, that is in all probability one of many songs that involves thoughts, particularly should you grew up within the ’70s.
Launched in 1970 below the Pyre imprint Daybreak Data, the only grew to become a worldwide hit. Charting at No. 3 on the BillboardSizzling 100, the British band offered 10 million copies and it has since been steadily utilized in tv and flicks. The track was launched as a maxi single in an image sleeve, which was uncommon on the time, making it a uncommon collector’s merchandise at present.
“My Sharona” – The Knack
The Knack’s debut single “My Sharona” was topped the BillboardHot 100 for 5 consecutive weeks, and have become the No. 1 track of 1979. The worldwide hit was licensed Gold. Although technically it wasn’t their solely hit—their follow-up “Good Women Do not” peaked at No. 11—backlash in opposition to them prevented them from attaining the identical success.
Individuals known as them ‘Beatles rip-offs,’ additionally perceiving their songs to be about teenaged women when the members of the band themselves had been a lot older. Such accusations led San Francisco artist Hugh Brown to launch a “Knuke the Knack” marketing campaign, which definitely harm the band’s reputation.
“Me and Mrs. Jones” – Billy Paul
Soul singer Billy Paul was on the lookout for his huge break when producers Gamble and Huff helped him create “Me and Mrs. Jones.” The only remained within the No. 1 spot on the charts for the final three weeks of 1972, changing into licensed platinum upon promoting two million copies.
Billy Paul gained a Grammy for the track, which has been coated all through the years by the likes of the Dramatics, Freddie Jackson, and Michael Bublé. Sadly, Paul’s follow-up single, “Am I Black Sufficient for You?,” did not match its predecessors’ success. The track evoked a Black Energy message that did not bode properly with mainstream radio.
“You Mild Up My Life” – Debby Boone
Debby Boone’s “You Mild Up My Life” spent an unprecedented ten consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the BillboardSizzling 100 in 1977. Boone gained a Grammy for Finest New Artist and an American Music Award for Favourite Pop Single.
“You Mild Up My Life” was initially written for the 1977 movie of the identical identify and sung by Kasey Cisyk. Boone’s cowl of the track remains to be thought of to be within the prime ten songs of all songs which have charted on the BillboardSizzling 100. She subsequently took on a rustic profession, however by no means matched the success of the track that made her well-known.
“I Love The Nightlife” – Alicia Bridges
Lovers of disco would keep in mind Alicia Bridges’ “I Love the Nightlife” from 1978. The track peaked at No. 5 on the BillboardSizzling 100 and No. 2 for 2 consecutive weeks on the disco charts. The track is taken into account a crossover hit, because it was reportedly even performed at nation music radio.
The track is extensively considered a disco observe, particularly because it’s a couple of lady leaving a person to go to the disco. Nonetheless, Bridges herself reportedly did not even like disco. She by no means matched the success of “I Love the Nightlife,” due partly to her refusal to do a full disco album.
“Dancing In The Moonlight” – King Harvest
“Dancing within the Moonlight” was the one main hit of French-American rock group King Harvest. The track was initially written by the brother of King Harvest drummer, Wells Kelly. King Harvest recorded the track and launched the only, however disbanded after six months after it did not take off.
That’s, till Notion Data purchased the track and re-released it worldwide. In 1972, “Dancing within the Moonlight” peaked at No. 13 on the BillboardSizzling 100. As a band, King Harvest did not do a lot after their preliminary success since their subsequent singles did not take off.
“Rapper’s Delight” – Sugarhill Gang
Rap was in its earliest varieties all through the ’70s, however the area of interest was largely thought of a fad exterior of the Bronx, which is why huge file firms weren’t producing any rap tracks. That started to vary with 1979’s “Rapper’s Delight” by The Sugarhill Gang.
Although the track was barely capable of break the High 40 on U.S. charts, it nonetheless launched rap to mainstream audiences. After the success of “Rapper’s Delight,” The Sugarhill Gang by no means had one other hit within the U.S., however they did have a glimmer of lasting success in Europe.
“Play That Funky Music” – Wild Cherry
“Play That Funky Music” was a No. 1 single on the BillboardSizzling 100 when it debuted in 1976. Earlier than Wild Cherry got here out with the track, they had been a tough rock band who did not impress at a membership efficiency. This was as a result of disco was well-liked on the time and one viewers member shouted, “Play some funky music, white boy.”
Frontman Rob Parissi took the heckler’s remark to coronary heart, taking the band again to the drafting board to turn out to be a funk band. Regardless of the success of “Play That Funky Music,” it might become Wild Cherry’s solely hit.
“Why Cannot We Dwell Collectively” – Timmy Thomas
When youngsters hear the bossa nova-style percussion and Lowrey organ firstly of Drake’s 2015 banger “Hotline Bling,” what they’re really listening to is the 1979 observe “Why Cannot We Dwell Collectively” by R&B musician Timmy Thomas.
Carried out utterly solo by Thomas, “Why Cannot We Dwell Collectively” peaked at No. 3 on the U.S. charts throughout the early ’70s. Of Drake sampling his largest hit, Thomas instructed Spin, “Are you able to imagine, I had a top-three track in 1973, of this similar music… and his is No. 4? That is unimaginable! Take into consideration how honored I ought to really feel that I might have [such success with] the identical track, twice in a lifetime…”
“Pop Muzik” – M
British band M launched “Pop Muzik” in 1979. The track maybe ushered in a brand new sound and is credited as one of many first songs within the rising “New Wave” style. After debuting in North America, the track rapidly topped the Billboard Sizzling 100.
The band M is a venture of musician Robin Scott, who initially wrote “Pop Muzik” with a R&B and funk fashion. He later would say, “I used to be trying to make a fusion of assorted kinds which one way or the other would summarise the final 25 years of pop music. It was a deliberate level I used to be making an attempt to make.”
“Hooked On A Feeling” – Blue Swede
Everytime you hear a track that begins out with an “ooga-chaka,” you are in all probability pondering you are about to listen to “Hooked on a Feeling” by Swedish rock band Blue Swede. The track toped the 1974 U.S. Billboard Sizzling 100 upon its launch, however what you won’t have know is that Blue Swede did not actually write the track.
“Hooked on a Feeling” was initially sung by American pop artist B.J. Thomas in 1968, however his model peaked at No. 5. Blue Swede’s model is definitely a canopy of one other cowl, sung by British pop star Jonathan King, who injected the track with the “ooga chaka” introduction.
“Venus” – Surprising Blue
“Venus” was launched written by Dutch musician Robbie van Leeuwen in 1969 and was launched by his band Surprising Blue in 1970. The track would go on to succeed in No. 1 in 9 totally different nations. The track was launched as a single on the group’s third album,Scorpion Dance.
The track went on to promote multiple million copies within the US, incomes itself a gold file. Worldwide, the track offered a complete of greater than 7.5 million copies. At present, it might nonetheless be seen in varied types of the media and is now the theme track for the corporate Gillette Venus.
“All Proper Now” – Free
“All Proper Now” charted at No. 4 on the Billboard Sizzling 100 when it debuted in 1970. It will be essentially the most profitable hit in America by the British band Free. The truth is, it wasn’t till “All Proper Now” that Free noticed any success, even of their native U.Okay.
Beginning out as a blues-rock band, members of Free realized the necessity for an uptempo track after a efficiency in Durham. They completed their set and the applause died down earlier than they even left the stage. Sadly, Free wasn’t capable of follow-up “All Proper Now” with one thing equally as profitable.
“How Lengthy?” – Ace
In 1974, British band Ace reached No. 3 on the Billboard Sizzling 100 with their track “How Lengthy?” The track grew to become the one Ace is most identified for, regardless of 5-A-Aspect—the album it got here from—doing properly in its personal proper.
Many followers of the track believed that frontman Paul Carrack was singing a couple of dishonest accomplice, however actually, he was singing in regards to the band’s bassist Terry Comer. Carrack penned “How Lengthy?” when he found that Comer was secretly working with the Sutherland Brothers and Quiver. Comer went again to the band to carry out the track, however it might find yourself being Ace’s solely hit.
“The Boys Are Again In City” – Skinny Lizzy
“The Boys Are Again In City” was a single from the Irish rock band Skinny Lizzy, launched in 1976 off of their album Jailbreak. Initially, they determined to not put the track on the album till their supervisor instructed them that it was going to be their largest hit.
In 2004, the track was named No. 499 in Rolling Stones 500 Best Songs Of All Time and gained a 1976 NME Award For Finest Single. Nonetheless, the band provides a whole lot of credit score to the DJs that performed t incessantly till it grew in reputation, changing into a global hit.
“Werewolves Of London” – Warren Zevon
“Werewolves of London” was a track carried out by singer-songwriter Warren Zevon though it was composed by Zevon, LeRoy Marinell, and Waddy Wachtel. The track was included on the album Excitable Boy in 1978, Zevon’s third solo album. The only was launched by Asylum Data and rapidly rose to turn out to be #21 on the High 40 that Might.
On the track, Zevon feedback ” I do not know why that grew to become such successful. We did not assume it was appropriate to be performed on the radio. It did not turn out to be an albatross. It is higher that I carry one thing to thoughts than nothing. There are occasions once I favor that it was “Bridge Over Troubled Water”, however I do not assume dangerous in regards to the track. I nonetheless assume it is humorous.”
“Black Betty” – Ram Jam
“Black Betty” is a twentieth century African American work track that’s usually credited to Huddle “Lead Stomach” Ledbetter. Though there are quite a few recorded variations, the preferred by far is by the rock band Ram Jam in 1977. The band launched a recording of the track with producer Jerry Kasenetz and Jeff Katz below Epic Data.
The track grew to become instantly profitable, reaching No. 18 on the charts in the US and the High 10 in Australia and the UK. Nonetheless, the track additionally began some political debates, with civil rights teams and the Congress of Racial Equality calling for a boycott.
“Bang A Gong (Get It On)” – T. Rex
Initially titled “Get It On,” the track was launched by the British glam rock band T. Rex in 1971 off of their band Electrical Warrior. The observe was written by the band’s frontman Marc Bolan, rapidly changing into the band’s second chart-topper on the UK Singles Chart.
In the US, the hit track was re-titled as “Bang A Gong (Get It On),” with a view to keep away from confusion from a track by the identical titled by the band Chase. In the US, the track peaked at No. 10 on the US Billboard Sizzling 100 charts and remains to be thought of to be successful to at the present time.
“Love Hurts” – Nazareth
“Love Hurts” was initially written by American songwriter Boudleaux Bryant though it was first recorded by the Everly Brother in 1960. Though the track has been recorded and carried out by quite a lot of artists through the years, essentially the most profitable model was by the rock band, Nazareth.
The group’s model of the track broke the High 10 in the US in 1975 and was No. 1 in Norway and the Netherlands. The group managed to take the track’s catchy melody and somewhat shallow lyrics and rework it right into a rock ballad that has lasted by way of the ages to this point.
“Sizzling Youngster In The Metropolis” – Nick Gilder
Launched in June 1978, “Sizzling Youngster Within the Metropolis” is a track by English-Canadian musicians Nick Gilder. It was a single off of his album Metropolis Nights that peaked on the No. 1 spot in each Canada and the US. For the track, he gained 2 Juno Awards in Canada, and a Individuals’s Selection Award in the US.
Based on the Billboard Guide of Number one Hits, it held the file for the longest period of time to hit the No. 1 spot. However, the track went on to turn out to be a platinum file.
“Stroll On The Wild Aspect” – Lou Reed
“Stroll on the Wild Aspect” was a track off of Lou Reed’s second solo album titled Transformer in 1972. The album was produced by David Bowie and Mick Ronson. As a result of the track had references to transgender individuals, medicine, male prostitution, and different issues that the RCA would not permit, there was an edited model of the track launched with out the reference to some sexual points of the track.
In 2010, the observe was named 223 in Rolling Stone’s 500 Best Songs of All Time. Relating to the track, Reed stated that “I do know my obituary has already been written. And it begins out, “Doot, di-doot, di-doot…”
“Seasons In The Solar” – Terry Jacks
“Seasons within the Solar” is an English-language adaptation of the track “Le Moribond,” by Belgian singer-songwriter Jacues Brel, with the lyrics being re-written by American singer and poet Rod McKuen. Nonetheless, it grew to become a well-known hit after Canadian musician Terry Jacks recorded it alongside together with his spouse in 1973. After releasing the only in 1973 it made the Billboard Sizzling 100.
On March 2, 1974, the track started a three-week run on the No. 1 spot and remained within the High 40 till Memorial Day weekend. Though the track was Jacks solely hit in the US, at present it’s remembered as a “dangerous piece of music” no matter its success.
“From The Starting” – Emerson, Lake & Palmer
From the start was a track written by Greg Lake and carried out by the group Emerson, Lake & Palmer o (ELP). The track was launched on their 1972 album Trilogy and went to succeed in No. 39 in the US and was their highest-charting track ever. The track is best-known for its composition with the mixture of acoustic and layering of electrical guitar.
The observe was sung by Lake with drummer Carl Palmer taking part in backup vocals. Over time, the track has been coated by quite a lot of totally different bands though few have had a lot success with the track.
“Caught In The Center With You” – Stealers Wheel
“Caught within the Center With You” is a track written by Scottish musicians Gerry Rafferty and Joe Egan, and carried out it with their band Stealer’s Wheel. The band unveiled the track throughout their efficiency on BBC’s High of the Pops in 1973.
The track went on to chart at No. 8 on the UK Singles Chart and peaked a No. 6 on the US Billboard Sizzling 100, making it a global hit. The track was launched on the band’s debut album in 1972, and was produced by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. The track offered over a million copies and had a resurgence after it was featured within the movie Resevoir Canine.
“Video Killed The Radio Star” – The Buggles
The track “Video Killed the Radio Star” was written by Trevor Horn, Geoff Downes, and Bruce Woolley. The observe was first recorded by Bruce Woolley and The Digicam Membership. Nonetheless, it was later recorded by the British group the Buggles with Horn and Downes.
It was launched as their single on September 7, 1979 by Island Data and was on their first album The Age of Plastic. The track was successful and topped 16 totally different worldwide music charts and made it onto the High 40 in the US.
“Cat’s In The Cradle” – Harry Chapin
“Cat’s within the Cradle” is a track by people artist Harry Chapin from his album Verities & Balderdash. The track was launched in 1974 and peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Sizzling 100 in December 1974, and was Chapin’s solely No. 1 track. At present, it has turn out to be referred to as a staple of folks rock and was inducted into the Grammy Corridor of Fame in 2011.
The track originated as a poem that was written by Harry’s spouse Sandra and was in regards to the relationship between her first husband and his father. Chapin went on to say that the track was about his relationship together with his personal father and that it “scared him to demise.”
“Layla” – Derek And The Dominos
“Layla” was a track written by Eric Clapton and Jim Gordon that was initially launched by their blues band Derek and the Dominos. The track was the thirteenth observe for his or her solely studio albumLaylaand Different Assorted Love Songs from November 1970.
The track was impressed by a seventh century love story from Arabia that Clapton realized about. Nonetheless, it was additionally impressed by Clapton’s love for Patti Boyd, spouse of his good friend and former Beatles member George Harrison. Layla was profitable upon its authentic launch and is taken into account to be one of many best rock songs of all time.
“Cat Scratch Fever” – Ted Nugent
“Cat Scratch Fever” is a track written by rock artist Ted Nugent that was launched in Nay 13, 1977 off of the album of the identical identify. The track is finest identified for it is simplistic but efficient guitar riff in addition to its melody. In 2009, it was ranked because the thirty second finest laborious rock track of all time by VH1.
The track is about STDs which most individuals are inclined to not absolutely perceive. Nonetheless, the track was well-liked, and it made it onto the Billboard Sizzling 100 chart in the US at No. 30. Fairly good for a somewhat inappropriate track.
“Please Come To Boston” – Dave Loggins
“Please Come Again to Boston” is a track that was written and recorded by singer-songwriter David Loggins. It was launched as his first single on his album Apprentice (In a Musical Workshop) in 1974. Produced by Jerry Crutchfield, it stayed at No. 5 on the Billboard Sizzling 100 chart for 2 weeks, and one week on the prime of the Billboard Straightforward Listening Chart.
At the moment, it was additionally nominated for a Grammy for the Finest Male Pop Vocal Efficiency. Over time, the track has been coated by principally nation artists, most notably David Allen Coe and Joan Baez.
“Merciless To Be Sort” – Nick Lowe
“Merciless To Be Sort” is a track by Nick Lowe launched as a single in 1979. The track is co-written by Lowe and former bandmate Ian Gomm. It peaked at No 12 in each the UK and the US in the summertime, in addition to Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. It’s certainly one of Lowe’s hottest works in the US and is his solely track to make it onto the High 40 chart.
Because it seems, the track was written whereas in a former band, with Lowe stating that “I wrote that once I was with a band, Brinsley Schwarz, that I used to be with from the early ’70s to in regards to the mid-’70s. … We recorded it on a demo, it by no means got here out, and once I signed to Columbia Data the A & R man (Gregg Geller) there on the time steered I file it once more. And I didn’t assume it might do something, however he type of bullied me into it.”
“I’ve Received The Music In Me” – The Kiki Dee Band
Launched in 1974, “I’ve Received the Music in Me” is a track by The Kiki Dee Band. The hit track was written by Bias Boshell, Kiki Dee’s keyboardist on the time. The track reached the UK Singles Chart in September 1974 the place it peaked at No. 19 and stayed there for eight weeks straight.
In the US on the Billboard pop chart, the track reached to be No. 12 on October 19, 1974. Nonetheless, the track did even higher in Canada and peaked at spot No. 9.
“Flip The Beat Round” – Vicki Sue Robinson
“Flip the Beat Round” is a disco 1976 track written by Gerald Jackson and Peter Jackson, however was carried out by Vicki Sue Robinson. The track was featured on her debut album By no means Gonna Let You Go. The track was launched because the album’s single and landed at No. 10 on the Billboard pop chart and No. 73 on the soul chart.
The track additionally earned Robinson a Grammy nomination for Finest Feminine Pop Vocal. The track was additionally No. 1 on the disco chart for 4 weeks, and are nonetheless thought of to be the most effective disco songs ever launched.
“Lovin’ You” – Minnie Riperton
“Lovin’ You is successful single by Minnie Riperton from her album Excellent Angel in 1974. The track was successful single and was written by Riperton and Richard Rudolph, it was produced by Stevie Marvel and Rudolph and the only was launched in 1975.
On April 5, 1975, the album reached the No. 1 spot on the US Billboard Sizzling 100, No. 2 on the UK Singles chart, and No. 3 on the Billboard R&B chart. The track stays well-liked at present, and is ranked because the No. 13 track of all of 1975.
