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

[dfwgator]

Billy Paul - Me and Mrs. Jones

[dfwgator]

Nope.

[Dr. Sivana]

He’s had a pretty long-running country career.

Of course, but I assume we weren't counting Country or Adult Contemporary or Dance Charts.

[yuleeyahoo]

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

Just perusing this list Golden Earing is listed as one for “Radar Love”. Meanwhile, “Twilight Zone” actually charted higher than “Radar Love”.

Charlie Daniels is listed for “The Devil Went Down to Georgia”, even though “Uneasy Rider” and “In America” both charted in the top 11.

Just because other top 40 hits by a group don’t immediately come to mind doesn’t make them “one hit wonders” in my humble opinion.

[dfwgator]

Were "The Archies"?

I mean they had a dog conducting them.

[ought-six]

Con McLean was hardly a one-hit wonder. His classic “Vincent” is arguably his best work.

[Dr. Sivana]

Natural High - Bloodstone

In that vein, "D.O.A. -- Bloodrock"

[ought-six]

BJ Thomas’ “Hooked on a Feeling” was released in 1968.

[Dr. Sivana]

I vote for BJ.

But BJ Thomas had a string of Top 10 hits, including some monster #1s (titles too long to list). He is NOT a one-Hit Wonder.

[Dr. Sivana]

96 tears by ? And the Mysterians

Great song, one-hit wonder, but '60s, NOT '70s.

[LeoTDB69]

Don McLean was not a one-hit wonder.

This. Don McLean was a brilliant musician and extremely talented. Vincent tears me up every time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wrNFDxCRzU

[yuleeyahoo]

True, my bar for a one hit wonder is a group that only had one song to make the top 40. Why top 40? Because that’s what Casey Kasem counted.

[dfwgator]

And he’s one of us.

[NautiNurse]

First I’ve ever heard that Melanie had another song.

[Fledermaus]

Reunion - Life is a Rock (But the Radio Rolled Me)

[ought-six]

Great album. Great band.

[dfwgator]

Good catch.

[dfwgator]

Starbuck - Moonlight, Feels Right. (Dig that marimba solo!)

[Dr. Sivana]

I mean they had a dog conducting them.

Well, "Jingle Bells" by The Singing Dogs was re-released in 1971, and all the singers are dogs. Heck, maybe Hot Dog (Jughead's dog) was one of them!

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

[ought-six]

“A Whiter Shade of Pale - Procol Harum”

Are you saying that Procol Harum was a one-hit wonder????? Have you ever heard “Conquistador?”