The Greatest One-Hit Wonder Songs of the '70s

Ranker Music ^ | 1/1/24 | Ranker Music

[DallasBiff]

We see flash-in-the-pan artists come and go with every decade, but one-hit wonders of the '70s ironically always seem to stick around. For example, you’ve probably heard the classics “American Pie” by Don McLean or “Spirit in the Sky” by Norman Greenbaum despite not knowing any of their other songs or discography. Below, music lovers have ranked the greatest songs of the '70s by one hit wonders in order to increase awareness for them—and also because they kick ass. So if you like “American Pie” or “Spirit in the Sky,” you’re sure to love the other one hit wonders of the '70s below. Also be sure to vote for your favorite '70s one-hit wonders below or add any you feel should be on the list

[EVO X]

I really hate these type of lists because they never define what a “one hit wonder” is

Jim Croce Bad, Bad Leroy Brown is the first thing that popped into my mind. He did have a few other hits like Time in a Bottle, but I had to look it up..

[dfwgator]

You’ve got Tony Burrows on this list three times with three different groups.

Five times actually:

1970: “My Baby Loves Lovin’” (White Plains)
1970: “Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes)” (Edison Lighthouse)
1970: “United We Stand” (Brotherhood of Man)
1970: “Gimme Dat Ding” (The Pipkins)
1974: “Beach Baby” (The First Class)

[dfwgator]

Ace (w/ Paul Carrack) - How Long?

[dfwgator]

Venus - The Shocking Blue

[odawg]

The Animals were not one-hit wonders. I noticed a few others were not. Stupid.

[George from New England]

McArthur Park - Richard Harris

[Disambiguator]

I sure heard “Tom Sawyer” on the radio a lot back in the day.

[Fledermaus]

1968 but close enough. I liked it.

From The Man Called Horse.

[OKSooner]

I never knew that. Thank you.

[dfwgator]

Rock radio isn’t Top 40.

[Disambiguator]

I never really paid attention to Top 40. Wasn’t that a manifestation of AM radio?

[dennisw]

I liked Stones and Led Zeppelin the 70s. But they were not one hit wonders. I saw both and their sound was too thin. The studio versions had lots of double tracking, creating a full and legitimate sound.
But up on stage there was (obviously) no double tracking of guitars etc. So I found them boring after 15 minutes. The Who were even worse live. Due to the sparse and thin sound.

These days Stones and Who bring at least 6 touring musicians on stage with them. To try to recreate their studio tracks. !00% recreation is not needed but at least go for 75-80%

[dfwgator]

The Who were even worse live. Due to the sparse and thin sound.

You must not have seen them around 1970. That was their peak live. I liked that their live sound was more raw than the studio versions.

[George from New England]

Everything Casey played as chart hits was 70s and later. His shows started 7-11-1970

So Close - Jack Holmes

The above song was a one-hit wonder and the only one that never truly hit the top40. It was the only mistake song played on American Top 40. Dec 19th, 1970 was the classic show date.

Stay Awhile — The Bells 1971

[Hatteras]

Radar Love, Golden Earing

[kawhill]

I don’t know where “Limelight” ever ended up, but thought it was a great tune, Geddy on bass guitar, Alex Lifeson on lead guitar, and the greatest drummer ever imo Neil Peart.

[George from New England]

Desiderata — Les Crane (the spoken word)

Toast & Marmalade for Tea - Tin Tin

Hallelujah - Sweathog

Chirpy Chirpy Cheep Cheep - Mac & Katie Kissoon

It’s A Cryin’ Shame

[Desparado]

And that album, It’s a Beautiful Day is priced at $100-150 today for collectors!

[dfwgator]

Desiderata — Les Crane (the spoken word)

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And then there was Deteriorata - National Lampoon (with Melissa Manchester on vocals)

[dfwgator]

Ajax Liquor Store - Hudson and Landry

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qoPXzsOcaxs