40 Of Our Favorite One-Hit Wonder Songs Of The 1970s

Drummer Nigel Olsson featured in the one-hit wonders songs of the 1970s article

Feature Photo: B. Kim Hagar, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Putting together a list of one-hit wonders can be a bit tricky. The term “one-hit wonder” often carries a negative connotation, implying that a band or artist only achieved fleeting success. However, having just one hit does not diminish their musical accomplishments. Many bands and artists considered one-hit wonders have enjoyed long, successful careers, often known more for their albums than for individual singles. Any true rock fan knows countless bands never had a chart-topping hit but still became some of the most beloved names in classic rock history.

However, to the casual fan, many of the artists listed here are remembered only for their one popular single. These are groups and artists that, at least in the United States, didn’t see widespread album sales but instead made their mark with a memorable 45 or were heard on a popular compilation record or CD. Our selection focuses on songs from artists who may not have garnered a massive mainstream following but often cultivated a dedicated cult fan base, as well as some who were quickly forgotten. Many of these songs are also some of our personal favorites from the 1970s, capturing the essence of that decade’s music scene.

# 40 – “Chick-A-Boom (Don’t Ya Jes’ Love It)” – Daddy Dewdrop (1971)

We thought this one would be the perfect opener to this list. Released in 1971 on Daddy Dewdrop’s self-titled album, “Chick-A-Boom (Don’t Ya Jes’ Love It)” was written by Janice Lee Gwin and Linda Martin and performed by Richard “Dick” Monda under the name Daddy Dewdrop. The song had originated with the animated television series Groovie Goolies before Monda re-recorded it as Daddy Dewdrop, and his version reached number nine on the Billboard Hot 100.

# 39 – “Put Your Hand in the Hand” – Ocean

“Put Your Hand in the Hand” was released in 1971 by the Canadian gospel-rock band Ocean on their debut album Put Your Hand in the Hand. Written by Gene MacLellan and first recorded by Anne Murray, Ocean’s version climbed to number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and became the band’s signature hit. Its upbeat melody and inspirational lyrics helped make it one of the defining pop-gospel records of the early 1970s, and Ocean released two albums before disbanding in 1975.

# 38 – “Billy Don’t Be a Hero” – Bo Donaldson and the Heywoods

Released in 1974, “Billy Don’t Be a Hero” became a massive hit for Bo Donaldson and the Heywoods, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100. Written by Mitch Murray and Peter Callander, the song tells the story of a young man who goes off to war despite the pleas of the woman he leaves behind. Paper Lace released the song first and took it to number one in the UK, but in the United States the Bo Donaldson and the Heywoods version became the far more successful recording.

# 37 – Chevy Van – Sammy Johns

Thinking back about how much I hitchhiked when I was a teenager in the 1970s blows my mind because of how dangerous that really was. But we didn’t think like that back then. We just wanted to get where we were going, and we were too young to drive. Recorded and first released in 1973, then re-released in 1975, “Chevy Van” became a soft rock hit for singer-songwriter Sammy Johns, reaching number five on the Billboard Hot 100. Featured on his self-titled debut album and written by Johns himself, the song became one of the best-known “van songs” of the decade and captured the freewheeling spirit associated with 1970s road culture.

# 36 – “It Never Rains in Southern California” – Albert Hammond

Released in 1972, “It Never Rains in Southern California” became Albert Hammond’s signature hit, reaching number five on the Billboard Hot 100. The song was featured on his album of the same name and was co-written by Hammond and Mike Hazlewood. Its lyrics describe the struggles of an aspiring musician in Los Angeles, contrasting the sunny California image with the harsher realities of trying to make it in show business.

# 35 – Please Come To Boston – Dave Loggins

Released in 1974, “Please Come to Boston” became a soft rock classic, reaching number five on the Billboard Hot 100 and number one on the Easy Listening chart. Written by Dave Loggins and featured on Apprentice (In a Musical Workshop), the song follows a man moving from Boston to Denver to Los Angeles while asking his love to join him, only to be told to come home. Loggins, a second cousin of Kenny Loggins, released several albums and built a long songwriting career, but “Please Come to Boston” remained his best-known solo hit.

# 34 – “Lotta Love” – Nicolette Larson

“Lotta Love” was released in 1978 and became Nicolette Larson’s signature hit, reaching number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 and topping the Adult Contemporary chart. Written by Neil Young and featured on Larson’s debut album Nicolette, her version used a bright pop-rock arrangement that contrasted with Young’s more subdued recording. Larson continued releasing albums and working with artists such as Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt, but she never matched the pop-chart success of “Lotta Love.”

Read More: Top 10 Nicolette Larson Songs

# 33 – “I Can Help” – Billy Swan

Released in 1974, “I Can Help” was a breakout hit for singer-songwriter Billy Swan. Written by Swan and produced by Chip Young, the song reached number one on both the Billboard Hot 100 and the country chart and appeared on Swan’s debut album I Can Help. Recorded at Young’un Sound Studio in Nashville, the easygoing track became Swan’s defining hit and also found major success internationally, while Swan continued working as a songwriter and musician with artists including Kris Kristofferson and Carl Perkins.

# 32 – “Tighter, Tighter” – Alive ‘N Kickin’

Released in 1970, “Tighter, Tighter” became the standout hit for the Brooklyn-based band Alive ‘N Kickin’. Written and produced by Tommy James and Bob King, the song peaked at number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 and gave the band its only major U.S. chart success. Released on the album Alive ‘N Kickin’, the track blends pop rock and blue-eyed soul and features the distinctive vocals of Pepe Cardona and Sandy Toder.

# 31 – “Gold” – John Stewart

“Gold” was released in 1979 on John Stewart’s album Bombs Away Dream Babies. Written by Stewart, the former Kingston Trio member scored his biggest solo hit when the song reached number five on the Billboard Hot 100, with Stevie Nicks contributing backing vocals and Lindsey Buckingham also contributing to the album. We almost didn’t want to put John Stewart on this list because he released so many albums and had such a long career, but “Gold” remains the single most casual listeners associate with his solo work.

# 30 – “Midnight At The Oasis” – Maria Muldaur

Released in 1973 on the album Maria Muldaur, “Midnight at the Oasis” was written by David Nichtern and reached number six on the Billboard Hot 100. Maria Muldaur’s sultry vocals and Amos Garrett’s memorable guitar work helped make the song one of the most recognizable pop hits of the era, and it later appeared in films including The Ice Storm.

# 29 – Kung Fu Fighting – Carl Douglas

“Kung Fu Fighting” by Carl Douglas was released in 1974 and became a surprise global hit. Written by Douglas and produced by Biddu, the song appeared on Kung Fu Fighting and Other Great Love Songs and reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 as well as the charts in the UK and several other countries. Its infectious disco beat and martial-arts theme caught the era’s fascination with kung fu films, and none of Douglas’s later singles matched its enormous success.

# 28 – “Nice to Be with You” – Gallery (1972)

Written by Jim Gold and released in 1972 on Gallery’s album Nice to Be with You, “Nice to Be with You” reached number four on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Easy Listening chart. The song’s breezy, feel-good sound captured the laid-back spirit of early-1970s pop and became Gallery’s defining hit.

# 27 – “Driver’s Seat” – Sniff ‘n’ the Tears (1978)

“Driver’s Seat,” released in 1978 on the album Fickle Heart, was written by lead singer Paul Roberts and became Sniff ‘n’ the Tears’ only major U.S. hit, reaching number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1979. The band went on to release several albums, while “Driver’s Seat” remained their signature song and later appeared in films including Boogie Nights.

# 26 – “Thunder Island” – Jay Ferguson (1977)

Released in 1977 as the title track of Jay Ferguson’s album Thunder Island, the song was written by Ferguson and produced by Bill Szymczyk, with Joe Walsh contributing slide guitar. It became Ferguson’s biggest solo hit when it reached number nine on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1978. Ferguson, formerly of Spirit and Jo Jo Gunne, later moved into television and film composition, including writing the theme music for The Office.

# 25 – “My Angel Baby” – Toby Beau (1978)

“My Angel Baby,” released in 1978 on the album Toby Beau, was written by band members Danny McKenna and Balde Silva. The song reached number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Easy Listening chart, giving Toby Beau its only Top 40 pop single and establishing the track as one of the better-known soft rock hits of the late 1970s.

# 24 – “Dancin’ Shoes” – Nigel Olsson (1978)

Nigel Olsson, best known as Elton John’s longtime drummer, released “Dancin’ Shoes” as a single in late 1978, with the song appearing on his 1979 album Nigel. Written by Carl Storie and produced by Paul Davis, the single reached number 18 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1979. Olsson released several solo records alongside his work with Elton John, but none matched the popularity of “Dancin’ Shoes.”

# 23 – “Magnet and Steel” – Walter Egan (1978)

Walter Egan released “Magnet and Steel” in 1978 on his album Not Shy. Written by Egan, the song was inspired by Stevie Nicks and featured Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham among the backing vocalists, with Egan, Buckingham, and Richard Dashut involved in the production. The track became Egan’s biggest hit, reaching number eight on the Billboard Hot 100, and remained his signature song even as he continued recording and performing for decades.

# 22 – “The Night Chicago Died” – Paper Lace

Written by Peter Callander and Mitch Murray and released in 1974, “The Night Chicago Died” reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains Paper Lace’s most famous U.S. recording. The British band was also known for recording “Billy Don’t Be a Hero,” which became a number-one UK hit for Paper Lace before Bo Donaldson and the Heywoods took their own version to number one in the United States.

# 21 – “Wildfire” – Michael Martin Murphey

Released in 1975 on the album Blue Sky – Night Thunder, “Wildfire” was written by Michael Martin Murphey and Larry Cansler. The song reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and number one on the Adult Contemporary chart. Known for its haunting piano introduction and vivid storytelling, it remains one of Murphey’s most iconic recordings even though he went on to release dozens of albums and score additional country and pop hits.

# 20 – “Dancing In The Moonlight” – King Harvest

Released in 1972 on the album Dancing in the Moonlight, the song was written by Sherman Kelly and became a U.S. hit in 1973, peaking at number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100. King Harvest, an American band that had re-formed in France, never matched the success of this feel-good recording, which has remained a durable early-1970s pop favorite.

# 19 – “Smile A Little Smile For Me” – The Flying Machine

Released in 1969, “Smile a Little Smile for Me” was written by Tony Macaulay and Geoff Stephens and became the Flying Machine’s signature hit, peaking at number five on the Billboard Hot 100 during the fall of 1969. The British group had only a brief run in the pop spotlight, and this melodic recording remained by far its best-known song.

# 18 – “Magic” – Pilot

Well, here is one that a commercial has pretty much ruined. Released in 1974 on From the Album of the Same Name, “Magic” was written by Pilot members David Paton and Billy Lyall. The song reached number five on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains Pilot’s most recognizable U.S. hit, decades before its melody was adapted for the familiar Ozempic advertising campaign.

# 17 – “Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes)” – Edison Lighthouse

Released in 1970, “Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes)” was written by Tony Macaulay and Barry Mason and became the first new UK number-one single of the 1970s. It also reached number five on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. The recording later appeared on Edison Lighthouse’s album Already, while the studio-created group never again approached the song’s international success.

# 16 – “Ride Captain Ride” – Blues Image

Released in 1970 on the album Open, “Ride Captain Ride” was written by Mike Pinera and Frank Konte. The song reached number four on the Billboard Hot 100 and became Blues Image’s defining hit. The band disbanded not long afterward, but the recording has remained a classic rock radio staple.

# 15 – “Beach Baby” – First Class

Released in 1974, “Beach Baby” was featured on the album of the same name and written by John Carter and Gillian Shakespeare. The song reached number four on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a signature summer anthem of the 1970s. I wonder how many people thought this was the Beach Boys.

# 14 – “Seasons in the Sun” – Terry Jacks

Released in 1974 on the album Seasons in the Sun, this melancholy track became Terry Jacks’ signature hit. The song began as Jacques Brel’s French-language “Le Moribond,” with Rod McKuen later creating the English adaptation. Jacks’ version reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped charts in several other countries, and although he continued recording and producing music, he never again matched its enormous international popularity.

# 12 – “Drift Away” – Dobie Gray

Released in 1973 on the album Drift Away, “Drift Away” was written by Mentor Williams and became one of Dobie Gray’s best-known recordings, reaching number five on the Billboard Hot 100. Gray had already scored a major hit in the 1960s with “The ‘In’ Crowd,” but “Drift Away” became his most enduring legacy and has been covered many times, including a successful 2003 version by Uncle Kracker featuring Gray.

# 11 – “Black Betty” – Ram Jam

Ram Jam released “Black Betty” in 1977 on the band’s self-titled debut album, turning a traditional African-American work song long associated with Lead Belly into a hard-driving rock hit. The Ram Jam version peaked at number 18 on the Billboard Hot 100, and although the band released two studio albums, “Black Betty” remained by far its most recognizable recording.

# 10 – “Hooked on a Feeling” – Blue Swede

Blue Swede’s version of “Hooked on a Feeling” became famous for its “ooga-chaka” chant, an element borrowed from Jonathan King’s 1971 cover of the Mark James song first recorded by B.J. Thomas. Released in the United States in 1974, Blue Swede’s recording reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, making the group the first Swedish act to top that chart. The song later gained another generation of listeners through its prominent use in the 2014 film Guardians of the Galaxy.

# 9 – “In the Summertime” – Mungo Jerry

Written by lead singer Ray Dorset, “In the Summertime” was released in 1970 as Mungo Jerry’s debut single and later appeared on Electronically Tested. The song reached number one in the UK and many other countries and peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. Mungo Jerry released numerous albums and had additional success overseas, but for many American listeners this carefree skiffle-influenced hit remains the band’s defining song.

Read More: Top 10 Mungo Jerry Songs

# 8 – “Vehicle” – The Ides Of March

“Vehicle,” written by lead singer Jim Peterik and released in 1970 on the album Vehicle, reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and became the Ides of March’s biggest hit. Peterik later found even greater success as a songwriter and member of Survivor, co-writing songs including “Eye of the Tiger.”

# 7 – “New York Groove” – Ace Frehley

Released in 1978 on Ace Frehley’s self-titled solo album, “New York Groove” was written by Russ Ballard and had first been recorded by the British band Hello. Frehley’s version reached number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became the biggest solo hit released from the four simultaneous 1978 KISS solo albums, remaining a signature song for the longtime KISS guitarist.

# 6 – “How Long” – Ace

Written by lead vocalist Paul Carrack and released in 1974 on the album Five-A-Side, “How Long” reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and became Ace’s signature hit. Carrack later built a long career as a solo artist and as a member of groups including Squeeze and Mike + The Mechanics.

Read More: 10 Essential Paul Carrack Songs

# 5 – “Shannon” – Henry Gross (1976)

Released in 1976 on the album Release, “Shannon” was written by Henry Gross after a conversation with Beach Boys member Carl Wilson about Wilson’s dog named Shannon, who had died. The song reached number six on the Billboard Hot 100 and became Gross’s best-known single. Gross, formerly of Sha Na Na, continued recording and performing for decades, but “Shannon” remained the song most closely associated with his solo career.

# 4 – “Moonlight Feels Right” – Starbuck (1976)

“Moonlight Feels Right” was Starbuck’s debut single, first released in late 1975 before breaking nationally in 1976. Written by lead vocalist and keyboardist Bruce Blackman, the song reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of the defining soft rock hits of the summer of 1976. Starbuck released three studio albums and scored additional chart records, but “Moonlight Feels Right” remained the band’s biggest hit.

# 3 – “Hold Your Head Up” – Argent

“Hold Your Head Up” was released in 1972 by the British rock band Argent on the album All Together Now. Written by Rod Argent and Chris White, the song became the group’s biggest U.S. hit, reaching number five on the Billboard Hot 100 and number five on the UK Singles Chart. Rod Argent was already well known for his earlier work with The Zombies, and this track gave his new band its most enduring international success.

Read More: Top 10 Argent Songs

# 2 – “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl)” – Looking Glass

Released in 1972 on Looking Glass’s self-titled debut album, “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl)” was written by band member Elliot Lurie and reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100. The song tells the story of a barmaid named Brandy and the sailor she loves, whose first devotion remains the sea. Looking Glass released two albums and did score another Top 40 single, but nothing approached the success or lasting popularity of “Brandy,” which later found another generation through Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.

# 1 – My Sharona – The Knack

I think we got the number one spot right with this one. Released in 1979 as the lead single from The Knack’s debut album, Get the Knack, “My Sharona” was written by Doug Fieger and Berton Averre and reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, where it stayed for six weeks. Inspired by Fieger’s relationship with Sharona Alperin and powered by one of the decade’s most recognizable guitar riffs, the song turned The Knack into an overnight sensation. Produced by Mike Chapman, “My Sharona” became a defining power-pop record of the late 1970s and later enjoyed another wave of attention through films such as Reality Bites.

Read More: Top 10 Songs From The Knack