7 70s One-Hit Wonders We’re Glad Disappeared

The 1970s were known for their wide range of music styles, from disco to rock to soul. Amid the memorable hits, some songs soared to fame before quickly fading away, along with the artists behind them. Here are seven one-hit wonders from the ’70s that most listeners don’t miss today.

1. “Afternoon Delight” by Starland Vocal Band

“Afternoon Delight” became a surprise hit in 1976, with its smooth harmonies and gentle melody. Despite its success, many found the song’s lyrics awkwardly suggestive. It quickly became the butt of jokes, especially as the band failed to match its success with a follow-up. The Starland Vocal Band’s attempts to stay in the spotlight didn’t pan out, and they soon disappeared from the charts. While some listeners might remember it fondly, others were glad the band’s fame was brief.

2. “Play That Funky Music” by Wild Cherry

Wild Cherry’s “Play That Funky Music” was everywhere in 1976, blending rock with a heavy funk groove. It had a catchy beat that kept people dancing. Yet, Wild Cherry couldn’t recreate the magic in their later releases. Their follow-up songs failed to gain much attention, leaving the band remembered only for this one song. The repetitiveness of “Play That Funky Music” made it wear out quickly, and most listeners didn’t mind when the band disappeared.

3. “In the Summertime” by Mungo Jerry

“In the Summertime” by Mungo Jerry became an anthem of warm weather in 1970. Its catchy rhythm and laid-back lyrics made it a summer favorite. Despite the song’s popularity, Mungo Jerry struggled to produce another hit. The band’s unique skiffle style quickly lost its appeal, and their attempts to recapture their initial success went unnoticed. The carefree vibe of the song seemed to only work once, and many were fine with not hearing more of the same from them.

4. “The Night Chicago Died” by Paper Lace

Paper Lace hit it big with “The Night Chicago Died” in 1974, a song telling a dramatic story of gangster days in Chicago. While it became a radio hit, critics found the historical inaccuracies distracting. The band’s overly dramatic storytelling fell flat in their later efforts, and they struggled to maintain interest. Paper Lace faded quickly, and listeners were content to let their overly theatrical style stay in the past.

5. “Seasons in the Sun” by Terry Jacks

Terry Jacks struck gold with “Seasons in the Sun” in 1974, a melancholic farewell song. Its sentimental lyrics struck a chord, but some found it overly sappy and emotionally heavy. The song’s somber tone didn’t help Jacks build a broader audience, and his follow-up efforts never caught on. Listeners soon tired of the tearful tune, and Terry Jacks quietly left the pop scene, leaving his hit as a nostalgic memory for some and a forgettable moment for others.

6. “Feelings” by Morris Albert

Morris Albert’s “Feelings” was a ballad that became a staple of easy-listening radio in 1975. Its slow melody and emotional delivery were a hit at the time, but many later considered it overly dramatic and cheesy. Morris Albert struggled to shake off the “one-hit wonder” label, as his attempts at similar ballads failed to capture interest. Today, “Feelings” is often seen as a relic of an era, and few were sorry when Albert faded from the charts.

7. “Kung Fu Fighting” by Carl Douglas

Carl Douglas’s “Kung Fu Fighting” brought a playful martial arts theme to the dance floor in 1974. It was fun for a moment, but the novelty wore off quickly. The song’s playful lyrics and funky rhythm had a unique charm, yet Douglas couldn’t replicate the success. Attempts to build on the novelty factor fell flat, and “Kung Fu Fighting” became the only hit in his career. Many listeners didn’t mind when the trend faded, leaving Douglas as a quirky footnote in music history.