20 Underrated One-Hit Wonders From The 70s You Need To Hear

Aug 29, 2025 by Axel Sørensen 60 views

The 1970s, a golden era for music, gifted us with countless iconic songs and artists. But lurking beneath the surface of mega-hits and superstar names, there's a treasure trove of one-hit wonders – those artists who briefly graced the charts with a catchy tune before fading from the mainstream spotlight. Guys, many of these songs are absolute gems, showcasing the decade's diverse musical landscape, from glam rock to disco and soulful ballads. These one-hit wonders deserve more than just a fleeting moment in the sun; they deserve a revisit and a place in our regular playlists. So, let's dive into a journey of musical discovery and give some much-needed love to 20 of the most underrated one-hit wonders from the '70s!

Rediscovering the Magic of 70s One-Hit Wonders

Before we delve into the list, let's talk about why these songs and artists often get overlooked. The music industry is a whirlwind, constantly churning out new talent and trends. It's easy for artists to get lost in the shuffle, especially if they don't have the massive backing of a major label or the luck of consistent chart success. Sometimes, a great song just needs a second chance to find its audience. Perhaps the timing wasn't right initially, or maybe it was overshadowed by other hits. Whatever the reason, many of these one-hit wonders possess a unique charm and musicality that still resonates today.

Think about it: the 70s were a time of incredible experimentation in music. Genres were blending, artists were pushing boundaries, and the sheer variety of sounds was astounding. This fertile ground produced some truly unique songs, and many of those are tucked away in the one-hit wonder category. We're talking about tracks that make you want to groove, sing along, and maybe even dust off those old bell-bottoms. We’re not just throwing together a list of forgotten songs; we’re curating a collection of musical time capsules. Each of these tracks offers a glimpse into the diverse soundscape of the 1970s, a decade that continues to influence music today. By revisiting these songs, we’re not just indulging in nostalgia; we’re also celebrating the creativity and innovation that defined an era.

The List: 20 Underrated One-Hit Wonders

Alright, guys, let’s get to the good stuff! Here are 20 one-hit wonders from the 70s that we think deserve a serious re-listen:

"Spirit in the Sky" - Norman Greenbaum (1969/1970): Okay, technically released in '69, but it peaked in 1970, so we're including this rock and roll gospel masterpiece. That fuzz guitar intro is instantly recognizable, and the spiritual lyrics combined with the driving beat make for a truly unforgettable track. It’s a song that transcends genres and generations, a testament to its enduring appeal. Norman Greenbaum’s legacy may primarily rest on this single track, but what a track it is! The song’s blend of religious themes and rock sensibilities was groundbreaking at the time, and it continues to resonate with listeners today. It's a song that makes you want to raise your hands and sing along, even if you're not particularly religious. The infectious energy of “Spirit in the Sky” is undeniable, making it a perfect example of a one-hit wonder that deserves a permanent place on your playlist.
"In the Summertime" - Mungo Jerry (1970): This feel-good, skiffle-infused anthem is the epitome of summer vibes. Its infectious rhythm and carefree lyrics make you want to grab a cold drink and soak up the sun. It’s pure, unadulterated joy in musical form. Mungo Jerry captured the essence of summer in this track, creating a timeless classic that still sounds fresh today. The song’s simplicity is its strength, with its catchy melody and sing-along chorus making it an instant earworm. “In the Summertime” is the perfect soundtrack for a lazy summer afternoon, a reminder of carefree days and endless possibilities. It’s a song that instantly transports you to a sun-drenched beach, even if you’re stuck in the middle of winter. The song's global success is a testament to its universal appeal, proving that a great summer anthem can transcend cultural boundaries.
"Hot Child in the City" - Nick Gilder (1978): This power-pop gem is a sultry and catchy tune about the allure of a mysterious woman in the city. Gilder's vocals are fantastic, and the driving beat makes it impossible not to tap your foot. Nick Gilder's “Hot Child in the City” is a perfect example of late-70s power-pop, a genre that blended the energy of punk with the melodic sensibilities of pop. The song’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of urban nightlife and the allure of a captivating woman, while the music is infectious and danceable. It’s a song that’s both edgy and accessible, making it a perfect example of a one-hit wonder that should have been a multi-hit artist. Gilder’s talent as a songwriter and performer is evident in this track, making it a standout example of the era’s musical diversity. The song's enduring popularity is a testament to its quality, proving that a well-crafted pop song can stand the test of time.
"Play That Funky Music" - Wild Cherry (1976): A white funk band that struck gold with this infectious groove. It's a classic dance track that still gets people moving on the dance floor today. Wild Cherry's “Play That Funky Music” is a testament to the power of funk music and its ability to transcend racial boundaries. The song’s infectious rhythm and catchy lyrics made it a massive hit in the 1970s, and it continues to be a staple on dance floors today. The band’s unlikely success story, a group of white musicians who embraced funk music, is a testament to their talent and their ability to connect with audiences. “Play That Funky Music” is more than just a dance track; it’s a cultural phenomenon that celebrates the joy of music and the power of rhythm. The song's legacy is a reminder that music can break down barriers and bring people together.
"Afternoon Delight" - Starland Vocal Band (1976): This controversial but undeniably catchy song is a smooth, harmony-laden track about… well, you can probably guess. Its suggestive lyrics and mellow vibe made it a huge hit. Starland Vocal Band's “Afternoon Delight” is a perfect example of a song that’s both catchy and controversial. Its suggestive lyrics, which hinted at an afternoon tryst, caused a stir when it was released, but its smooth harmonies and mellow vibe made it an instant hit. The song’s success is a testament to its musicality and its ability to capture a particular moment in time. “Afternoon Delight” is a song that’s both playful and seductive, a perfect soundtrack for a romantic encounter. The song’s legacy is a reminder that music can be both entertaining and provocative, pushing boundaries and challenging social norms.
"Brandy (You're a Fine Girl)" - Looking Glass (1972): A sweet and melancholic ballad about a barmaid in a port town. It's a beautifully written song with a timeless quality. Looking Glass’s “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl)” is a classic example of a 1970s soft-rock ballad, a genre known for its melodic sensibilities and emotional lyrics. The song tells the story of a barmaid who longs for a sailor, capturing the bittersweet feeling of unrequited love. Its beautiful melody and heartfelt lyrics have made it a timeless classic, a song that continues to resonate with listeners today. “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl)” is more than just a love song; it’s a story song that paints a vivid picture of a particular time and place. The song's enduring popularity is a testament to its quality, proving that a well-crafted ballad can stand the test of time.
"Shannon" - Henry Gross (1976): A touching tribute to a beloved Irish Setter dog. It's a sentimental song that resonates with anyone who has ever loved a pet. Henry Gross's “Shannon” is a heartfelt tribute to a dog, a song that resonated with pet lovers around the world. Its simple melody and emotional lyrics capture the bond between humans and their animal companions, making it a timeless classic. The song’s success is a testament to its sincerity and its ability to tap into universal emotions. “Shannon” is more than just a pet song; it’s a song about love, loss, and the enduring power of friendship. The song's legacy is a reminder that music can be a powerful way to express grief and celebrate the lives of those we’ve lost.
"One Piece at a Time" - Johnny Cash (1976): This fun and quirky country tune tells the story of a disgruntled auto worker who steals parts from the factory to build his own Cadillac. Johnny Cash's “One Piece at a Time” is a classic example of country storytelling, a song that tells a humorous and relatable tale. Its quirky lyrics and catchy melody made it a hit for Cash in the 1970s, and it continues to be a fan favorite today. The song’s success is a testament to Cash’s ability to connect with audiences through his storytelling and his down-to-earth persona. “One Piece at a Time” is more than just a novelty song; it’s a social commentary on the working class and the desire for the American dream. The song's legacy is a reminder that country music can be both entertaining and thought-provoking.
"Kung Fu Fighting" - Carl Douglas (1974): An undeniably catchy disco-infused novelty song that capitalized on the martial arts craze of the 70s. Carl Douglas’s “Kung Fu Fighting” is a classic example of a novelty song that captured the zeitgeist of its time. Its disco-infused beat and martial arts theme made it a global hit in the 1970s, and it continues to be a popular party song today. The song’s success is a testament to its catchiness and its ability to tap into popular culture trends. “Kung Fu Fighting” is more than just a novelty song; it’s a cultural artifact that reflects the martial arts craze of the 1970s. The song's legacy is a reminder that music can be a fun and lighthearted way to engage with popular culture.
"Seasons in the Sun" - Terry Jacks (1974): This bittersweet and sentimental song about saying goodbye to loved ones was a massive hit, despite its somewhat morbid lyrics. Terry Jacks’s “Seasons in the Sun” is a bittersweet ballad that resonated with audiences around the world. Its sentimental lyrics, which deal with themes of death and loss, made it a massive hit in the 1970s, despite its somewhat morbid subject matter. The song’s success is a testament to its emotional power and its ability to tap into universal experiences. “Seasons in the Sun” is more than just a sad song; it’s a meditation on life, death, and the importance of cherishing our loved ones. The song's legacy is a reminder that music can be a powerful way to process grief and celebrate the lives of those we’ve lost.
"The Rapper" - The Jaggerz (1970): This early example of a rap-influenced song tells the story of a smooth-talking player. It's surprisingly funky and ahead of its time. The Jaggerz's “The Rapper” is a fascinating example of early rap influence in pop music. Its storytelling lyrics and funky groove were ahead of their time, making it a unique and memorable one-hit wonder. The song’s success is a testament to its originality and its ability to blend genres. “The Rapper” is more than just a novelty song; it’s a precursor to the rap music that would dominate the charts in the decades to come. The song's legacy is a reminder that musical innovation often comes from unexpected places.
"Vehicle" - The Ides of March (1970): A brass-rock anthem with a memorable horn section and driving beat. It's a high-energy track that's perfect for a road trip. The Ides of March’s “Vehicle” is a high-energy brass-rock anthem that’s perfect for a road trip. Its memorable horn section and driving beat make it an instantly recognizable and enjoyable track. The song’s success is a testament to its energy and its catchy melody. “Vehicle” is more than just a driving song; it’s a celebration of freedom and the open road. The song's legacy is a reminder that music can be a powerful way to evoke feelings of excitement and adventure.
"Magnet and Steel" - Walter Egan (1978): This smooth and mellow soft-rock tune features backing vocals from Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac. Walter Egan’s “Magnet and Steel” is a smooth and mellow soft-rock tune that’s perfect for a relaxing evening. Its catchy melody and the backing vocals from Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac make it a standout track. The song’s success is a testament to its musicality and its star power. “Magnet and Steel” is more than just a soft-rock song; it’s a showcase of musical talent and collaboration. The song's legacy is a reminder that great music often comes from the blending of different styles and influences.
"Right Back Where We Started From" - Maxine Nightingale (1975): A high-energy disco-pop track with a catchy chorus and infectious beat. It's a perfect example of 70s dance music. Maxine Nightingale’s “Right Back Where We Started From” is a high-energy disco-pop track that’s perfect for the dance floor. Its catchy chorus and infectious beat make it an instant classic of 1970s dance music. The song’s success is a testament to its energy and its ability to get people moving. “Right Back Where We Started From” is more than just a disco song; it’s a celebration of life and the joy of dancing. The song's legacy is a reminder that music can be a powerful way to express happiness and connect with others.
"My Sharona" - The Knack (1979): While bordering on the 80s, this power-pop anthem with its unforgettable opening riff and suggestive lyrics is a classic one-hit wonder. The Knack's “My Sharona” is a power-pop anthem that straddles the line between the 1970s and 1980s. Its unforgettable opening riff and suggestive lyrics made it a massive hit, solidifying its place as a classic one-hit wonder. The song’s success is a testament to its energy and its catchy melody. “My Sharona” is more than just a power-pop song; it’s a cultural touchstone that evokes the energy and excitement of the late 1970s. The song's legacy is a reminder that music can be a powerful way to capture a specific moment in time.
"Stuck in the Middle With You" - Stealers Wheel (1973): This folk-rock gem is best known for its use in the movie Reservoir Dogs, but it was a catchy hit in its own right. Stealers Wheel's “Stuck in the Middle With You” is a folk-rock gem that gained renewed popularity after its use in the movie Reservoir Dogs. Its catchy melody and quirky lyrics made it a hit in the 1970s, and its resurgence in the 1990s solidified its place as a cult classic. The song’s success is a testament to its quality and its ability to connect with audiences across generations. “Stuck in the Middle With You” is more than just a folk-rock song; it’s a cultural touchstone that evokes feelings of nostalgia and intrigue. The song's legacy is a reminder that music can have a life beyond its initial release.
"Escape (The Piña Colada Song)" - Rupert Holmes (1979): This quirky and romantic song tells the story of a couple who unknowingly answer each other's personal ads. Rupert Holmes’s “Escape (The Piña Colada Song)” is a quirky and romantic song that tells a story about a couple who unknowingly answer each other’s personal ads. Its catchy melody and humorous lyrics made it a hit in the late 1970s, and it continues to be a popular song today. The song’s success is a testament to its originality and its ability to tell a compelling story. “Escape (The Piña Colada Song)” is more than just a romantic song; it’s a commentary on relationships and the search for connection. The song's legacy is a reminder that music can be a powerful way to explore complex human emotions.
"Sometimes When We Touch" - Dan Hill (1977): A power ballad with raw emotion, exploring the complexities of intimacy. Its passionate delivery made it a standout hit. Dan Hill's “Sometimes When We Touch” is a power ballad that explores the complexities of intimacy with raw emotion. Its passionate delivery and heartfelt lyrics made it a standout hit in the 1970s, and it continues to be a popular song for those seeking emotional connection. The song’s success is a testament to its honesty and its ability to tap into universal feelings. “Sometimes When We Touch” is more than just a power ballad; it’s an exploration of the human heart and the challenges of vulnerability. The song's legacy is a reminder that music can be a powerful way to express and process difficult emotions.
"Baby Come Back" - Player (1977): This smooth and catchy soft-rock ballad about heartbreak features a memorable chorus and heartfelt vocals. Player's “Baby Come Back” is a smooth and catchy soft-rock ballad about heartbreak. Its memorable chorus and heartfelt vocals made it a hit in the 1970s, and it continues to be a popular song for those dealing with lost love. The song’s success is a testament to its melody and its emotional resonance. “Baby Come Back” is more than just a heartbreak song; it’s an anthem for those seeking reconciliation and a second chance. The song's legacy is a reminder that music can be a source of comfort and hope in times of emotional distress.
" пут’t I Love the Nightlife (Disco ‘Round)" - Alicia Bridges (1978): A disco classic capturing the energy and excitement of the 70s nightlife scene. Its infectious beat and powerful vocals make it a must-hear. Alicia Bridges's “I Love the Nightlife (Disco 'Round)” is a disco classic that captures the energy and excitement of the 1970s nightlife scene. Its infectious beat and powerful vocals made it a hit, and it remains a must-hear for disco enthusiasts. The song’s success is a testament to its energy and its ability to transport listeners to the dance floor. “I Love the Nightlife (Disco 'Round)” is more than just a disco song; it’s a celebration of nightlife and the freedom of expression. The song's legacy is a reminder that music can be a powerful way to create a sense of community and belonging.

Give These One-Hit Wonders a Listen!

So, there you have it, guys! 20 fantastic one-hit wonders from the 70s that deserve a place on your playlist. From funky grooves to soulful ballads and everything in between, these songs showcase the incredible diversity and creativity of the decade. Take some time to explore these tracks, share them with your friends, and help these underrated artists get the recognition they deserve. Who knows, you might just discover your new favorite song!

The beauty of music lies in its ability to connect us to different times, emotions, and experiences. These one-hit wonders offer a unique window into the 1970s, a decade that continues to inspire and influence music today. By revisiting these songs, we not only rediscover forgotten gems but also gain a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of musical history. So go ahead, dive in, and let the magic of these one-hit wonders transport you back to the groovy days of the 70s!