The 1970s were a whirlwind decade filled with unforgettable music that resonates today. Amidst the disco balls, bell-bottoms, and rock ‘n’ roll, some songs stood out not just for their catchy tunes but because they were the only hits their artists experienced.
These one-hit wonders encapsulate the essence of the 70s in a single track, leaving an indelible mark on the music scene. Here are 17 of the biggest one-hit wonders of the 1970s.
“In the Summertime” – Mungo Jerry (1970)
Janus Record Corporation/ Wikimedia CommonsKicking off our list is “In the Summertime” by Mungo Jerry. This breezy, feel-good track became an instant summer anthem upon its release.
Its skiffle beat and catchy chorus quickly climbed the charts, peaking at No. 1 in several countries. Though Mungo Jerry continued to make music, they never matched the success of this quintessential summer hit.
“Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes)” – Edison Lighthouse (1970)
Bell/ Wikimedia CommonsNext up is “Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes)” by Edison Lighthouse. This charming pop tune, characterized by its catchy melody and upbeat lyrics, became an international hit.
It reached No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains a beloved classic, often featured in movies and commercials to evoke a sense of nostalgia.
“Mississippi Queen” – Mountain (1970)
“Mississippi Queen” by Mountain is a hard-hitting rock anthem that enjoys regular airplay on classic rock stations.
With its iconic cowbell intro and gritty guitar riffs, the song captured the raw energy of the 1970s rock scene. Despite Mountain’s subsequent efforts, none of their other tracks reached the same level of acclaim.
“The Rapper” – The Jaggerz (1970)
The Jaggerz struck gold with “The Rapper,” a groovy track that topped the U.S. charts. Written by band member Donnie Iris, the song’s catchy rhythm and relatable lyrics made it a hit.
The song ‘The Rapper’ topped the Record World Charts and secured the second position on the Billboard Hot 100 in March 1970.” Although The Jaggerz continued to produce music, “The Rapper” remains their most significant contribution to the music world.
“Ride Captain Ride” – Blues Image (1970)
Blues Image’s “Ride Captain Ride” is a psychedelic rock tune about a captain and his crew sailing into the unknown. Its dreamy lyrics and memorable melody helped the song reach No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. The band disbanded shortly after, making this track their standout hit.
“Spirit in the Sky” – Norman Greenbaum (1970)
“Spirit in the Sky” by Norman Greenbaum is a timeless classic that blends rock and gospel elements. The song’s distinctive fuzz guitar riff and uplifting message earned it a spot on multiple charts worldwide. While Greenbaum had other minor hits, “Spirit in the Sky” remains his most enduring legacy.
“Stuck in the Middle with You” – Stealers Wheel (1973)
Stealers Wheel’s “Stuck in the Middle with You” gained renewed fame thanks to its inclusion in Quentin Tarantino’s film “Reservoir Dogs.”
With its playful lyrics and catchy tune, the song reached the 6th position on the Billboard Hot 100. Despite the band’s potential, they couldn’t duplicate the success of this hit.
“Kung Fu Fighting” – Carl Douglas (1974)
A few songs capture the spirit of the 70s, such as Carl Douglas’s “Kung Fu Fighting.” This infectious disco track topped the charts worldwide and became synonymous with the martial arts craze of the time. Though Douglas released other songs, none matched the global impact of “Kung Fu Fighting.”
“Seasons in the Sun” – Terry Jacks (1974)
“Seasons in the Sun” by Terry Jacks is a sad yet beautiful track that resonated deeply with listeners. Adapted from a French song, it reached No. 1 in multiple countries. Jack’s heartfelt rendition made it an unforgettable hit despite his struggles to replicate its success.
“The Hustle” – Van McCoy (1975)
Van McCoy’s “The Hustle” is a quintessential disco anthem that inspired a dance craze. The instrumental track’s groovy rhythm and catchy melody earned it a Grammy Award and top chart positions. McCoy’s subsequent releases didn’t achieve the same level of fame, cementing “The Hustle” as his defining hit.
“Afternoon Delight” – Starland Vocal Band (1976)
“Afternoon Delight” by Starland Vocal Band is a lighthearted, harmonious tune about afternoon trysts.
The song won five Grammy nominations and two awards and soared to the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100. Despite its initial success, the band couldn’t sustain its momentum, making this track its hallmark hit.
“Play That Funky Music” – Wild Cherry (1976)
Wild Cherry’s “Play That Funky Music” is a funky, danceable track that remains a staple at parties and events. The song reached the number-one spot on the charts and earned the band a place in music history. While Wild Cherry continued to perform, they never replicated the massive success of this funky hit.
“Dancing in the Moonlight” – King Harvest (1973)
“Dancing in the Moonlight” by King Harvest remains a beloved tune that uplifts listeners with its infectious melody and positive energy. The song’s popularity soared, peaking at No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
While King Harvest enjoyed some lesser-known triumphs, this track stands out as their most renowned masterpiece.
“Slow Ride” – Foghat (1975)
“Slow Ride” by Foghat is a rock anthem known for its driving rhythm and powerful guitar solos. The song became a staple of classic rock radio and reached No. 20 on the Billboard Hot 100. Despite releasing several albums, Foghat couldn’t surpass the popularity of “Slow Ride.”
“I Can See Clearly Now” – Johnny Nash (1972)
Johnny Nash’s “I Can See Clearly Now” is an uplifting track covered by several artists. With its optimistic message and infectious tune, it soared to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart. While Nash’s other works didn’t attain the same heights, this track remains his defining hit.
“All Right Now” – Free (1970)
Free’s “All Right Now” is a rock classic known for its catchy riff and energetic vocals. The song peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 and solidified the band’s place in rock history. Despite their talent, Free couldn’t replicate the success of this iconic track.
“All the Young Dudes” – Mott the Hoople (1972)
David Bowie wrote Mott the Hoople’s “All the Young Dudes,” which became the band’s biggest hit. The song’s glam rock style and anthemic chorus resonated with listeners, reaching No. 37 on the Billboard Hot 100. While the band had a devoted following, this track remains their crowning achievement.
