10 Cheesy One-Hit Wonders From 1970s That Fans Chewed Up

A colorful decade full of wild fashion, groovy moves, and, of course, some unforgettable music. Yes, that’s the 70s! Lots of memorable hits topped the charts but there are also one-hit wonders that had everyone singing along. These tunes in their cheesy glory did leave a mark on our hearts and playlists. Let’s take a trip back in time and revisit 10 one-hit wonders from the ’70s. Who knows you may even still love them a little today.

Dancing in the Moonlight
Released in 1972, King Harvest’s “Dancing in the Moonlight” simply gives that feel-good, sun-kissed anthem that makes you want to kick off your shoes and just dance. With its smooth, easygoing groove and catchy chorus, no wonder it became an instant hit. This song is perfect for summertime chilling, to say the least. Though King Harvest didn’t stick around the charts for long can keep you company whenever you need some good vibes.

Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl)
Looking Glass struck gold with “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl)” in 1972. This song was about a barmaid with a sailor’s heart that everyone seemed to love. With its folksy rock sound and a chorus that practically begs to be sung along to, this 70s tune quickly climbed the charts. Looking Glass never had another hit but “Brandy” remained a beloved ’70s classic featured in movies and nostalgia playlists.

Mr. Big Stuff
“Mr. Big Stuff” came out swinging in 1971 with Jean Knight’s sassy delivery combined with a funky beat. The song’s confident, no-nonsense attitude made it a hit connecting with anyone tired of dealing with a know-it-all. Jean Knight didn’t have another chart-topping track after “Mr. Big Stuff” but the song kept its place as a funk favorite.

All Right Now
“All Right Now” by Free was a rock powerhouse that hit the airwaves in 1970. Fans couldn’t get enough of its hard-hitting guitar riff and rebellious energy. Thus, it became an anthem for rock lovers. Though Free couldn’t repeat the success of this classic, it remains a timeless staple on rock radio stations after.

The Hustle
When “The Hustle” hit the scene in 1975, disco fever was in full swing. And that’s when Van McCoy’s instrumental track became a phenomenal soundtrack. The song’s funky beat and catchy melody had everyone doing “The Hustle” on dance floors across the country. McCoy might not have given us another big hit, but this disco gem still gets people “hustling” when it comes on.

Love Hurts
Nazareth gave us a rock ballad for the ages with “Love Hurts” in 1975. A song that wears its broken heart on its sleeve, this track simply caught listeners with its raw emotions and powerful vocals. If anyone’s nursing a heartbreak, this is a popular music choice. Even though Nazareth rocked out on plenty of other tracks, this one remains their most memorable.

Rapper’s Delight
“Rapper’s Delight,” released by the Sugarhill Gang in 1979, wasn’t just a one-hit wonder, it was the start of something big. This infectious track brought rap to mainstream audiences for the first time, and it was impossible not to groove to it. While the group never had another hit quite like this, the track is still a groundbreaking jam that opened doors for hip-hop.

You Light Up My Life
Debby Boone lit up the charts in 1977 with “You Light Up My Life,” a tender ballad that became a favorite for weddings, graduations, and slow dances. The song’s sweet sentimentality and Debby Boone’s heartfelt delivery made it a smash hit, staying at number one for ten weeks. This song has remained a go-to for many romantic moments.

O-O-H Child
“O-O-H Child” by the Five Stairsteps came out in 1970 and quickly became an anthem for hope and perseverance for many. The song’s comforting lyrics and smooth harmonies have a way of making listeners feel like everything’s going to be okay.

My Sharona
“My Sharona” burst onto the scene in 1979, bringing a punky edge and infectious beat that made it a rock anthem overnight. With its unforgettable guitar riff and cheeky lyrics, it quickly made its way up the charts and later became a ’70s classic. Though The Knack couldn’t repeat the magic, “My Sharona” still gets people up on their feet each time.

These one-hit wonders might be a little cheesy, but they’re the kind of songs that just stick with you. Love them or cringe at them, you can’t deny they helped define the sound of the ’70s. And honestly, who doesn’t love a good blast from the past?