The ’70s had been undoubtedly 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 favored it or not, turned a sensation in itself. However whereas some artists made songs that grow 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 term perfectly, “A one-hit surprise is any entity that achieves mainstream recognition, 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 — possibly your favourite made the record!
“Spirit within the Sky” – Norman Greenbaum
Norman Greenbaum’s “Spirit within the Sky” is featured on the 1969 album of the identical title. 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 bought 2 million copies inside a yr of its launch.
Greenbaum informed The New York Instancesin 2006 that he was impressed to put in writing the tune after watching Porter Wagoner sing gospel on TV. “I believed, ‘Yeah, I might try this,’ realizing nothing about gospel music, so I sat down and wrote my very own gospel tune,” he mentioned.
“Kung Fu Preventing” – Carl Douglas
Carl Douglas’ “Kung Fu Preventing” was a homage to the “chopsocky” movie craze that swept the ’70s. Launched in 1974 within the U.Ok., “Kung Fu Preventing” turned a global hit that bought 11 million data worldwide.
“Kung Fu Preventing” is remembered as one of many best one-hit wonders ever. The tune largely overshadowed Douglas’s profession and because of this, it turned the one tune he was identified for. Although he had two extra gentle hits, together with the observe up “Dance The Kung Fu,” they by no means noticed success outdoors of the U.Ok.
“O-o-h Little one” – 5 Stairsteps
“O-o-h Little one” is a tune whose title you in all probability sing in your head as you learn it. Launched as a 1970 single by 5 Stairsteps, the tune 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 they’d a pair different minor hits on their discography, none matched the success of “O-o-h Little one,” which was their solely Prime 40 hit. The tune has retained its recognition all through the years for its constructive, 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 might be Pilot’s solely U.S. success, as their subsequent single “January” was solely widespread within the U.Ok. and Australia.
Pilot subsequently pale out of the American music season virtually as rapidly as they emerged, however individuals started wanting them up once more on the flip of the century. Renewed curiosity in “Magic” generated after Pillsbury used the tune in a 2007 industrial. 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 tune. Launched in 1979, it hit No. 1 on each the BillboardSizzling 100 and Soul Singles charts and earned the artist a Grammy nomination. The tune’s innuendo raised many eyebrows on the time, which is attention-grabbing as a result of it was initially written for 11-year-old Stacy Lattisaw.
R&B singer Frederick Knight initially wrote the tune for teenagers about speaking on the phone, however when Lattisaw signed with a unique label, he took the tune 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, however it remained on the top of recognition due to its suggestive lyrics. Launched in 1976, it topped theBillboardSizzling 100 and gained two of its 4 Grammy nominations, together with Greatest Association for Voices and Greatest New Artist.
Of the latter Grammy, founding member Invoice Danoff has mentioned, “[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 without doubt 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 underneath the Pyre imprint Daybreak Information, the one turned a worldwide hit. Charting at No. 3 on the BillboardSizzling 100, the British band bought 10 million copies and it has since been incessantly utilized in tv and films. The tune was launched as a maxi single in an image sleeve, which was uncommon on the time, making it a uncommon collector’s merchandise as we speak.
“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 tune of 1979. The worldwide hit was licensed Gold. Although technically it wasn’t their solely hit—their follow-up “Good Ladies Do not” peaked at No. 11—backlash in opposition to them prevented them from attaining the identical success.
Folks 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 actually harm the band’s recognition.
“Me and Mrs. Jones” – Billy Paul
Soul singer Billy Paul was in search of his massive 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, turning into licensed platinum upon promoting two million copies.
Billy Paul gained a Grammy for the tune, which has been lined 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 tune evoked a Black Energy message that did not bode properly with mainstream radio.
“You Gentle Up My Life” – Debby Boone
Debby Boone’s “You Gentle Up My Life” spent an unprecedented ten consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the BillboardSizzling 100 in 1977. Boone gained a Grammy for Greatest New Artist and an American Music Award for Favourite Pop Single.
“You Gentle Up My Life” was initially written for the 1977 movie of the identical title and sung by Kasey Cisyk. Boone’s cowl of the tune remains to be thought of to be within the high 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 tune 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 tune peaked at No. 5 on the BillboardSizzling 100 and No. 2 for 2 consecutive weeks on the disco charts. The tune is taken into account a crossover hit, because it was reportedly even performed at nation music radio.
The tune is broadly thought to be a disco monitor, particularly because it’s a couple of lady leaving a person to go to the disco. Nevertheless, Bridges herself reportedly did not even like disco. She by no means matched the success of “I Love the Nightlife,” due partially 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 tune was initially written by the brother of King Harvest drummer, Wells Kelly. King Harvest recorded the tune and launched the one, however disbanded after six months after it did not take off.
That’s, till Notion Information purchased the tune 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 kinds all through the ’70s, however the area of interest was largely thought of a fad outdoors of the Bronx, which is why massive file corporations weren’t producing any rap tracks. That started to vary with 1979’s “Rapper’s Delight” by The Sugarhill Gang.
Although the tune was barely in a position to break the Prime 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 tune, they had been a tough rock band who did not impress at a membership efficiency. This was as a result of disco was widespread 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 grow to be a funk band. Regardless of the success of “Play That Funky Music,” it will become Wild Cherry’s solely hit.
“Why Cannot We Reside Collectively” – Timmy Thomas
When children hear the bossa nova-style percussion and Lowrey organ initially of Drake’s 2015 banger “Hotline Bling,” what they’re truly listening to is the 1979 monitor “Why Cannot We Reside Collectively” by R&B musician Timmy Thomas.
Carried out utterly solo by Thomas, “Why Cannot We Reside Collectively” peaked at No. 3 on the U.S. charts in the course of the early ’70s. Of Drake sampling his largest hit, Thomas informed Spin, “Are you able to imagine, I had a top-three tune in 1973, of this similar music… and his is No. 4? That is unbelievable! Take into consideration how honored I ought to really feel that I might have [such success with] the identical tune, twice in a lifetime…”
“Pop Muzik” – M
British band M launched “Pop Muzik” in 1979. The tune 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 tune rapidly topped the Billboard Sizzling 100.
The band M is a mission of musician Robin Scott, who initially wrote “Pop Muzik” with a R&B and funk model. He later would say, “I used to be seeking to make a fusion of varied types 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 tune that begins out with an “ooga-chaka,” you are in all probability considering you are about to listen to “Hooked on a Feeling” by Swedish rock band Blue Swede. The tune toped the 1974 U.S. Billboard Sizzling 100 upon its launch, however what you may not have know is that Blue Swede did not actually write the tune.
“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 tune 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 tune would go on to succeed in No. 1 in 9 completely different nations. The tune was launched as a single on the group’s third album,Scorpion Dance.
The tune went on to promote multiple million copies within the US, incomes itself a gold file. Worldwide, the tune bought a complete of greater than 7.5 million copies. Immediately, it will possibly nonetheless be seen in numerous types of the media and is now the theme tune 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 might 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.Ok.
Beginning out as a blues-rock band, members of Free realized the necessity for an uptempo tune 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 in a position to 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 tune “How Lengthy?” The tune turned the one Ace is most identified for, regardless of 5-A-Facet—the album it got here from—doing properly in its personal proper.
Many followers of the tune believed that frontman Paul Carrack was singing a couple of dishonest accomplice, however in reality, he was singing concerning 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 tune, however it will 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 tune on the album till their supervisor informed them that it was going to be their largest hit.
In 2004, the tune was named No. 499 in Rolling Stones 500 Biggest Songs Of All Time and gained a 1976 NME Award For Greatest Single. Nevertheless, the band offers a whole lot of credit score to the DJs that performed t incessantly till it grew in recognition, turning into a global hit.
“Werewolves Of London” – Warren Zevon
“Werewolves of London” was a tune carried out by singer-songwriter Warren Zevon though it was composed by Zevon, LeRoy Marinell, and Waddy Wachtel. The tune was included on the album Excitable Boy in 1978, Zevon’s third solo album. The only was launched by Asylum Information and rapidly rose to grow to be #21 on the Prime 40 that Could.
On the tune, Zevon feedback ” I do not know why that turned such a success. We did not assume it was appropriate to be performed on the radio. It did not grow to be an albatross. It is higher that I deliver one thing to thoughts than nothing. There are occasions after I favor that it was “Bridge Over Troubled Water”, however I do not assume dangerous concerning the tune. I nonetheless assume it is humorous.”
“Black Betty” – Ram Jam
“Black Betty” is a twentieth century African American work tune that’s usually credited to Huddle “Lead Stomach” Ledbetter. Though there are quite a few recorded variations, the most well-liked by far is by the rock band Ram Jam in 1977. The band launched a recording of the tune with producer Jerry Kasenetz and Jeff Katz underneath Epic Information.
The tune turned instantly profitable, reaching No. 18 on the charts in america and the Prime 10 in Australia and the UK. Nevertheless, the tune 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 tune was launched by the British glam rock band T. Rex in 1971 off of their band Electrical Warrior. The monitor was written by the band’s frontman Marc Bolan, rapidly turning into the band’s second chart-topper on the UK Singles Chart.
In america, the hit tune was re-titled as “Bang A Gong (Get It On),” with the intention to keep away from confusion from a tune by the identical titled by the band Chase. In america, the tune peaked at No. 10 on the US Billboard Sizzling 100 charts and remains to be thought of to be a success to today.
“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 tune has been recorded and carried out by a wide range of artists through the years, essentially the most profitable model was by the rock band, Nazareth.
The group’s model of the tune broke the Prime 10 in america in 1975 and was No. 1 in Norway and the Netherlands. The group managed to take the tune’s catchy melody and moderately shallow lyrics and remodel it right into a rock ballad that has lasted by the ages to date.
“Sizzling Little one In The Metropolis” – Nick Gilder
Launched in June 1978, “Sizzling Little one Within the Metropolis” is a tune 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 america. For the tune, he gained 2 Juno Awards in Canada, and a Folks’s Selection Award in america.
In keeping with the Billboard E-book of #1 Hits, it held the file for the longest period of time to hit the No. 1 spot. Nonetheless, the tune went on to grow to be a platinum file.
“Stroll On The Wild Facet” – Lou Reed
“Stroll on the Wild Facet” was a tune 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 tune had references to transgender individuals, medicine, male prostitution, and different issues that the RCA would not enable, there was an edited model of the tune launched with out the reference to some sexual elements of the tune.
In 2010, the monitor was named 223 in Rolling Stone’s 500 Biggest Songs of All Time. Concerning the tune, Reed mentioned 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 tune “Le Moribond,” by Belgian singer-songwriter Jacues Brel, with the lyrics being re-written by American singer and poet Rod McKuen. Nevertheless, it turned a well-known hit after Canadian musician Terry Jacks recorded it alongside along with his spouse in 1973. After releasing the one in 1973 it made the Billboard Sizzling 100.
On March 2, 1974, the tune started a three-week run on the No. 1 spot and remained within the Prime 40 till Memorial Day weekend. Though the tune was Jacks solely hit in america, as we speak it’s remembered as a “dangerous piece of music” no matter its success.
“From The Starting” – Emerson, Lake & Palmer
From the start was a tune written by Greg Lake and carried out by the group Emerson, Lake & Palmer o (ELP). The tune was launched on their 1972 album Trilogy and went to succeed in No. 39 in america and was their highest-charting tune ever. The tune is best-known for its composition with the mixture of acoustic and layering of electrical guitar.
The monitor was sung by Lake with drummer Carl Palmer taking part in backup vocals. Through the years, the tune has been lined by a wide range of completely different bands though few have had a lot success with the tune.
“Caught In The Center With You” – Stealers Wheel
“Caught within the Center With You” is a tune written by Scottish musicians Gerry Rafferty and Joe Egan, and carried out it with their band Stealer’s Wheel. The band unveiled the tune throughout their efficiency on BBC’s Prime of the Pops in 1973.
The tune 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 tune was launched on the band’s debut album in 1972, and was produced by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. The tune bought 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 tune “Video Killed the Radio Star” was written by Trevor Horn, Geoff Downes, and Bruce Woolley. The monitor was first recorded by Bruce Woolley and The Digital camera Membership. Nevertheless, 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 Information and was on their first album The Age of Plastic. The tune was a hit and topped 16 completely different worldwide music charts and made it onto the Prime 40 in america.
“Cat’s In The Cradle” – Harry Chapin
“Cat’s within the Cradle” is a tune by people artist Harry Chapin from his album Verities & Balderdash. The tune was launched in 1974 and peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Sizzling 100 in December 1974, and was Chapin’s solely No. 1 tune. Immediately, it has grow to be generally known as a staple of people rock and was inducted into the Grammy Corridor of Fame in 2011.
The tune originated as a poem that was written by Harry’s spouse Sandra and was concerning the relationship between her first husband and his father. Chapin went on to say that the tune was about his relationship along with his personal father and that it “scared him to demise.”
“Layla” – Derek And The Dominos
“Layla” was a tune written by Eric Clapton and Jim Gordon that was initially launched by their blues band Derek and the Dominos. The tune was the thirteenth monitor for his or her solely studio albumLaylaand Different Assorted Love Songs from November 1970.
The tune was impressed by a seventh century love story from Arabia that Clapton realized about. Nevertheless, it was additionally impressed by Clapton’s love for Patti Boyd, spouse of his buddy and former Beatles member George Harrison. Layla was profitable upon its unique 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 tune written by rock artist Ted Nugent that was launched in Nay 13, 1977 off of the album of the identical title. The tune 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 tune of all time by VH1.
The tune is about STDs which most individuals are likely to not absolutely perceive. Nevertheless, the tune was widespread, and it made it onto the Billboard Sizzling 100 chart in america at No. 30. Fairly good for a moderately inappropriate tune.
“Please Come To Boston” – Dave Loggins
“Please Come Again to Boston” is a tune 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 high of the Billboard Straightforward Listening Chart.
At the moment, it was additionally nominated for a Grammy for the Greatest Male Pop Vocal Efficiency. Through the years, the tune has been lined by largely nation artists, most notably David Allen Coe and Joan Baez.
“Merciless To Be Variety” – Nick Lowe
“Merciless To Be Variety” is a tune by Nick Lowe launched as a single in 1979. The tune is co-written by Lowe and former bandmate Ian Gomm. It peaked at No 12 in each the UK and america in the summertime, in addition to Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. It’s one in all Lowe’s hottest works in america and is his solely tune to make it onto the Prime 40 chart.
Because it seems, the tune was written whereas in a former band, with Lowe stating that “I wrote that after I was with a band, Brinsley Schwarz, that I used to be with from the early ’70s to concerning the mid-’70s. … We recorded it on a demo, it by no means got here out, and after I signed to Columbia Information the A & R man (Gregg Geller) there on the time steered I file it once more. And I didn’t assume it will do something, however he form of bullied me into it.”
“I’ve Bought The Music In Me” – The Kiki Dee Band
Launched in 1974, “I’ve Bought the Music in Me” is a tune by The Kiki Dee Band. The hit tune was written by Bias Boshell, Kiki Dee’s keyboardist on the time. The tune reached the UK Singles Chart in September 1974 the place it peaked at No. 19 and stayed there for eight weeks straight.
In america on the Billboard pop chart, the tune reached to be No. 12 on October 19, 1974. Nevertheless, the tune 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 tune written by Gerald Jackson and Peter Jackson, however was carried out by Vicki Sue Robinson. The tune was featured on her debut album By no means Gonna Let You Go. The tune 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 tune additionally earned Robinson a Grammy nomination for Greatest Feminine Pop Vocal. The tune was additionally No. 1 on the disco chart for 4 weeks, and are nonetheless thought of to be among the finest disco songs ever launched.
“Lovin’ You” – Minnie Riperton
“Lovin’ You is a success single by Minnie Riperton from her album Excellent Angel in 1974. The tune was a success single and was written by Riperton and Richard Rudolph, it was produced by Stevie Surprise and Rudolph and the one 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 tune stays widespread as we speak, and is ranked because the No. 13 tune of all of 1975.
