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

[DallasBiff]

I know throw sh!t at me, but I think The Partridge Family's song "I think I Love You" was the best one hit wonder of the 70's.

The 70's were not that bad.

Mods pull at your discretion

[George from New England]

I see Hooked On A Feeling ... no way to tell if its the original BJ Thomas one or the dorky Blue Suede one. Ooga-chaka ooga-ooga

I vote for BJ.

[George from New England]

Although BJ Thomas was not a one-hit wonder.
My bad.

[dfwgator]

Don McLean was not a one-hit wonder.

[NautiNurse]

Melanie's Brand New Key

[MayflowerMadam]

My Sharona (late ‘70s). The Knack.

[dfwgator]

The Knack also had “Good Girls Don’t”

[CatOwner]

There are a handful of songs on that list that make me wonder why they were a hit. Ugh!.

Play That Funky Music by Wild Cherry was a favorite, but even more so after learning about some of the history that went into the creation of the song.

[MayflowerMadam]

Brandy - Looking Glass

[MayflowerMadam]

Oh, I never heard of that one.

[NautiNurse]

Don McLean was not a one-hit wonder.

Yep. Vincent.

[OKSooner]

"White Bird", from an album called It's a Beautiful Day.

No flip side, no second album, no nothing. Just one album with kind of a cult following.

[Clutch Martin]

I liked Roxy Music, they would whip out show tunes and other stripped down chart toppers.

“I Think I Love You” was a big AM hit for the P-fam, bubble gum was still alive and well.

[moovova]

Layla.

Think I’d categorize ANYTHING Eric Clapton is in...as “Lifetime Wonder”.

[BipolarBob]

"Stairway to Heaven" - Led Zeppelin
"Slow Ride" - Foghat

[jagusafr]

“Hey Baby, I’m the Telephone Man” - Merri Wilson
“2525” - Zager and Evans

[Dilbert San Diego]

Are we talking about only 1 time certain singers or groups hit the top 40 charts? Charlie Daniels had quite a few hits but he’s a country singer, isn’t he? So many of his populsr songs apparently didn’t cross over.

Also Harry Chapin had a number of albums, but limited success if we define this based on hot 100 or top 40 charts.

[dfwgator]

Natural High - Bloodstone

[musicman]

“The Rapper” by The Jaggerz (Donnie Iris)

[dfwgator]

Chapin had Taxi, and Cats In the Cradle