7 Unforgettable One-Hit Wonders from the 70s That Will Make You Boogie
Ever heard a song on the radio, fell in love with it, and then never heard from the artist again? Yep, those are the one-hit wonders we’re talking about! The 70s brought us a colorful mix of disco, rock, and funk, making it an unforgettable decade in music.
These one-hit wonders might have had a brief moment in the spotlight, but their songs have left a lasting impact on our playlists. 🎶 So, which tunes skyrocketed to fame and then faded into the background, but still make you want to dance? Find out here.
You might remember dancing to these catchy tunes at a party or humming them while doing homework.
These tracks didn’t need a follow-up hit; they were perfect just as they were. Get ready to dive into a nostalgic trip as we revisit these seven unforgettable one-hit wonders from the 70s! Buckle up for some serious flashbacks and maybe even a few laughs. 🕺💃 Discover the stories behind the hits at this link.
1) “My Sharona” – The Knack
Remember that catchy tune you couldn’t escape in 1979? 🎸 Yep, that’s “My Sharona” by The Knack! Released as part of their debut album “Get the Knack,” this song became an instant hit and even topped the Billboard Hot 100.
Everyone was stuttering along to its infectious beat.
The band, formed in 1978, quickly became legends of the L.A. night club scene.
The Knack was like the cool kids at school—you wished you could hang out with them.
Doug Fieger, the lead singer, and Berton Averre co-wrote this earworm.
Inspired by Doug’s then-girlfriend Sharona Alperin, the tune made him seem like a love-struck teenage boy.
Talk about wearing your heart on your sleeve!
And guess who’s holding the album on the single cover? Yep, it’s Sharona herself! 📸 Fun fact: she posed before she and Doug even started dating.
That’s commitment, right? The story behind it adds another layer of charm to this classic.
Want to relive those glory days of one-hit wonders? Check it out here!.
You know you want to!
2) “Play That Funky Music” – Wild Cherry 🎸
In 1976, a band named Wild Cherry gave the world a funky gift: “Play That Funky Music.” This groovy tune quickly climbed to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 charts.
You couldn’t escape it! 🎶
Wild Cherry’s funky anthem became an instant classic.
It was everywhere—roller rinks, discos, even our parents’ car radios.
The catchy beat and memorable lyrics made sure of that.
You’d be hard-pressed not to dance when that song came on!
Despite their massive hit, Wild Cherry couldn’t replicate their success.
They faded from the charts as quickly as they skyrocketed to the top.
Yet, “Play That Funky Music” remains a timeless jam that still gets people dancing.
Want to relive the magic of Wild Cherry’s hit? Check it out here.
Get ready to “play that funky music, white boy!”
So next time you hear “Play That Funky Music,” crank it up.
It’s a reminder of the one-hit wonders who left us with a musical treasure. 🎤
3) “Afternoon Delight” – Starland Vocal Band
Ever had a craving that just couldn’t wait? The Starland Vocal Band sure did back in 1976 with their catchy hit, “Afternoon Delight.” This song isn’t just about a midday snack, unless… well, maybe it is. 🍑
You can’t help but sing along to those smooth harmonies.
Remember that feeling when you hear “Sky rockets in flight, afternoon delight”? Absolute gold.
The song was so popular, it even got the band two Grammy Awards. 😲
Talk about peaking early, though.
Winning Best New Artist is known as the “kiss of death” in the music world.
They nailed it, but only once.
If you want that song playing in your head forever, just click here! 🎶
So next time you’re looking for that perfect feel-good tune, give “Afternoon Delight” a play.
You’ll smile, sing along, and maybe even crave a snack.
4) “Spirit in the Sky” – Norman Greenbaum
You’re cruising down memory lane, and “Spirit in the Sky” by Norman Greenbaum pops on the radio. 🎸 This song is a whole vibe, transporting you straight to 1970.
With its unique mix of rock and gospel, it’s impossible not to groove along.
“Spirit in the Sky” reached No. 3 on the national charts in 1970 and sold over two million copies.
That’s pretty impressive for a one-hit wonder! 🌟 It’s hard to imagine the 70s without this anthem echoing at every party.
Norman Greenbaum came up with the song after watching gospel music on TV.
Who knew channel surfing could lead to a classic hit? You’ve got to admit, this song’s guitar riff is iconic. 🎶 If you’re curious to relive this piece of musical history, check it out here.
Even though Norman never scored another big hit, “Spirit in the Sky” keeps him rocking in our hearts forever.
This energetic jam has been covered countless times, proof of its lasting legacy.
So next time “Spirit in the Sky” starts playing, remember you’re listening to a true gem from the 70s! 🎙️
5) “Come and Get Your Love” – Redbone
🎸 If you’ve ever grooved to “Come and Get Your Love,” you’re not alone! This catchy tune by Redbone has had heads bopping since it first hit the airwaves in 1973.
You might not have heard much else from Redbone, but this song truly left its mark.
The band, known for their unique mix of rock, funk, and Native American rhythms, struck gold with this hit. “Come and Get Your Love” climbed the charts, even making it to the Top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Lolly Vegas, who wrote the song, filled it with an infectious energy that’s hard to resist.
Part of the song’s charm is its feel-good message.
With lyrics urging you to embrace who you are and love yourself, it’s a timeless anthem of self-acceptance.
Plus, the funky bassline and lively percussion make it impossible not to dance along.
Redbone’s “Come and Get Your Love” got a fresh burst of popularity when it was featured in the 2014 movie “Guardians of the Galaxy.”
🎬 Whether you’re dancing in your living room or cruising with Star-Lord, this song is a must-have on any playlist.
Check out more about Redbone’s classic hit here.
6) “Video Killed the Radio Star” – The Buggles
You might not know this, but The Buggles’ “Video Killed the Radio Star” wasn’t just a catchy tune; it was a prophecy! 🧐
The Buggles, a new wave group, dropped this hit in 1979, and it skyrocketed to the top of the UK charts on October 20th of that year. 🌟 Everyone was humming along to its unforgettable melody.
When MTV launched on August 1, 1981, guess what the first music video they aired was? Yup, this very song! 📺 The track signaled a huge shift in how people consumed music.
Trevor Horn and Geoff Downes, the brains behind The Buggles, created a sound that made you want to dance and ponder the future at the same time. 🎹 It’s not every day you get a song that feels both retro and ahead of its time.
What’s even crazier is that “Video Killed the Radio Star” was originally recorded by another band before The Buggles made it famous. 🤯 But let’s be real, it’s The Buggles’ version that stuck with us.
If you’re looking for a trip down memory lane or just fancy seeing the very first video that played on MTV, check it out here.
It’ll take you straight back to the ’70s and ’80s vibes! 💿
7) “Funkytown” – Lipps Inc.
Remember that time you couldn’t stop grooving to “Funkytown”? Lipps Inc. made sure you couldn’t sit still any longer. 🤸♂️
The song came out in 1980 and rocketed straight to the top of the charts.
Lipps Inc. was basically just one guy, Steven Greenberg, and a few friends.
Steven wrote, produced, and played most of the instruments.
Talk about multitasking!
Feeling bored in Minneapolis, Steven dreamt of a fun place with more excitement.
This dream turned into “Funkytown”.
He imagined New York City as this magical place where the party never stops.
Gotta make a move to a town that’s right for me!
Cynthia Johnson, a former beauty queen, provided the unforgettable vocals.
Can you believe she once held the title of Miss Black Minnesota? She nailed those high notes and made everyone want to hit the dance floor.
Lipps Inc. didn’t have another big hit, making them the epitome of a one-hit wonder.
But wow, what a hit! Even now, the song plays at parties, weddings, and anywhere else people need to get down.
In the mood to relive the vibe? Check out more about Funkytown and get ready to dance all over again! 💃🕺
The Cultural Impact of One-Hit Wonders
One-hit wonders from the 70s left a significant mark on music and culture.
These songs not only got stuck in our heads but also influenced future musical trends.
Why They Stick in Our Heads
Ever wonder why you can’t shake those catchy tunes? It’s because they bring back memories and emotions tied to a specific time.
Think of “Spirit in the Sky” by Norman Greenbaum.
Every time you hear it, you’re transported back to those classic 70s vibes.
Catchy hooks and unique sounds make these songs memorable.
Whether you were dancing to Wild Cherry’s “Play That Funky Music” or singing along to “Afternoon Delight” by Starland Vocal Band, these tracks have a way of embedding themselves in your brain.
The music videos helped too.
Even if they were cheesy, how could you forget the outfits and hairdos? Those visuals made the songs even more unforgettable. 🎶
Their Influence on Future Music
One-hit wonders didn’t just fade away—they left a lasting impact.
New artists often look back at these hits for inspiration.
You can hear echoes of 70s one-hit wonders in many pop and rock songs today.
Innovative sounds from tracks like “Play That Funky Music” inspired future genres.
The funk and disco elements helped shape everything from hip-hop to electronic dance music.
It’s like these songs planted seeds that later blossomed into new musical styles.
Even more, these hits showed that sometimes one great song is enough to change the music landscape.
So, the next time you hear a fresh tune, think about how it might just be the next big one-hit wonder. 🌟
Want to dive deeper into music history? Click here for more.
The Stories Behind the Hits
The ’70s gave us some unforgettable tracks with fascinating backstories.
Here, discover how these hits came to be and what happened to the artists who created them.
Unexpected Success Stories
Sometimes, the biggest hits come from the most unexpected places. “Spirit in the Sky” by Norman Greenbaum is one of those songs.
Greenbaum, inspired by Westerns, wrote it in just 15 minutes. 🚀 The song’s mix of rock and gospel made it soar to the top of the charts in 1970.
Another gem is “Venus” by Shocking Blue.
A Dutch band, they never expected their song to become a global hit. 🎸 Surprisingly, it reached #1 in the U.S., thanks in part to its catchy melody and intriguing lyrics.
What Happened Next?
After their hit, many one-hit wonders faded from the limelight.
Norman Greenbaum, for example, never replicated the success of “Spirit in the Sky.” He tried to continue his music career, but none of his other songs gained significant traction. 🎤
Shocking Blue also struggled to follow up on “Venus.” They released more music, but none matched the success of their big hit. 🌟 Despite this, their influence remains, and “Venus” is still celebrated widely.
Curious about more of these fascinating stories? Check this out. 🌌
