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

[Alas Babylon!]

He also covered Roy Orbison's Cryin'. It charted at #6 in 1980.

[George from New England]

And then there was Dickie Goodman with a bunch of zero-hits.

[Alas Babylon!]

Sung by Mickey Thomas, who would go on to fame in Starship in the 80s.

[dfwgator]

Indeed.

[Alas Babylon!]

Also, I think I love you.

(not saying to you, Doctor...)

[21twelve]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Jm4LoOaAWI

Geddy’s highest ranking record (#16) wasn’t until 1981 so that doesn’t count for the 70’s. (Doesn’t count for RUSH either, but ten bucks is ten bucks, eh.)

[Desparado]

How about “Dance with Me” by Orleans?

[dfwgator]

They also had “Still The One”.

[Fair Paul]

Ariel by Dean Friedman and My Bellamy by Tee-Set.

[Mr. K]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXtSI3QSPTk

GROOVE ME BABY

[Ciaphas Cain]

I fully expect “2525” to get lots of airplay during the coming New Year’s celebrations.

[George from New England]

Jim Dandy - Black Oak Arkansas ‘73

Walk On The Wild Side - Lou Reed

Back When My Hair Was Short - Gunhill Road

Love For You - Sonoma (Hartford, CT hit)

[George from New England]

In The Year 2525

[ifinnegan]

“ They weren’t even a real band.”

The best one hit wonders seldom are.

[Dr. Sivana]

CW McCall - Wolf Creek Pass. not a one-hit-wonder.

That's why I gave him "Honorable Mention". Wolf Creek Pass only made #40, so he was close, but no cigar. Norman Greenbaum almost made the Top 40 with the follow-up to "Spirit in the Sky". "Canned Ham" was a regional hit inthe northeast, and my brother had the 45.

[Weirdad]

I agree, The Monkeys are surprisingly good, especially for starting out with little music experience the way they did.

Songs are really short often! Half hit wonders?

Although they are not actually one hit wonders, of course, they had a lot of hits.

[ShadowAce]

I had TOTALLY forgotten that song!

Thank you for reminding me.

[Dr. Sivana]

It was the only mistake song played on American Top 40. Dec 19th, 1970 was the classic show date.

So, what was the mistake? Did he play it as #40 or #39? 1970 predates the "Long Distance Dedication" so I think my #39 holds up in that department.

[conservaDave]

https://youtu.be/OMAIsqvTh7g?si=QhV8L8tSvby5b-NA

[Dr. Sivana]

I don’t know where “Limelight” ever ended up,

#55, #18 in Canada.