10 70s One-Hit Wonders That Should Stay Forgotten

The 1970s produced some incredible music, but not every hit has aged well. While many ’70s songs still feel timeless, some one-hit wonders now seem cringeworthy or outdated. Here’s a look at ten of those forgotten tunes that were once popular but probably belong in the past.

1. “Afternoon Delight” by Starland Vocal Band

“Afternoon Delight” reached the top of the charts in 1976 with its catchy chorus and easygoing vibe. While it had a fun sound back then, the song’s lyrics about midday romance can feel awkward now. It’s no surprise that “Afternoon Delight” faded from the spotlight as tastes evolved.

Listeners today may find the lyrics a bit too direct for casual radio play. The track may still bring nostalgia for some, but its appeal has dimmed over the years, leaving it mostly as a ’70s memory.

2. “In the Year 2525” by Zager and Evans

This doomsday-themed song hit No. 1 in 1969 and continued to be popular into the early ’70s. It imagined a grim future, which might have fascinated listeners at the time, but its bleak tone feels heavy-handed now. The duo never managed to repeat this success with another hit.

Today, the song’s pessimistic lyrics and repetitive melody don’t hold up as well. While it’s an interesting relic of its time, “In the Year 2525” has lost much of its charm and relevance.

3. “Play That Funky Music” by Wild Cherry

Wild Cherry’s 1976 hit had everyone dancing with its infectious beat, but it quickly became overplayed. The song’s one-note style and repeated phrase turned it into a quick novelty. While it made a splash in the disco era, it’s less likely to inspire the same excitement now.

Its appeal wore off as the song became a party cliché. Though it has its place in disco history, “Play That Funky Music” hasn’t retained the same energy with newer generations.

4. “The Night Chicago Died” by Paper Lace

This song tells a dramatic story of gang violence and a police showdown, which captivated audiences in 1974. Its over-the-top lyrics and intense theme now come across as dated. Paper Lace never found similar success, and “The Night Chicago Died” drifted into obscurity.

What once seemed like an adventurous song now feels overly theatrical. The tale it tells doesn’t connect with listeners today, making it a relic from a different musical era.

5. “My Sharona” by The Knack

“My Sharona” was an unexpected hit with its memorable guitar riff, becoming a rock anthem in 1979. However, the lyrics and intensity now feel out of step with current tastes. Despite its huge success, The Knack struggled to follow up, and “My Sharona” ended up defining their brief moment.

The song may still spark memories for ’70s rock fans, but its place in pop culture has faded. Many now view it as more of a dated curiosity than a lasting classic.

6. “Kung Fu Fighting” by Carl Douglas

This 1974 hit rode the wave of martial arts mania but hasn’t aged gracefully. Its catchy beat made it popular, yet the song’s stereotyped lyrics seem out of place now. Though Carl Douglas had other songs, he’s mostly remembered for this playful but awkward tune.

“Kung Fu Fighting” may still come up at parties, but it’s rarely taken seriously. Today, it’s a reminder of a pop culture fad that didn’t have staying power.

7. “Seasons in the Sun” by Terry Jacks

With its somber melody and farewell theme, “Seasons in the Sun” was a sentimental favorite in 1974. However, the song’s repetitive structure and melancholy lyrics haven’t aged well. Terry Jacks became a one-hit wonder, and this tearful tune has faded from most playlists.

Listeners today might find the song overly dramatic. It’s one of those hits that was powerful at the time but feels overly sentimental now.

8. “Hooked on a Feeling” by Blue Swede

Blue Swede’s upbeat cover of “Hooked on a Feeling” gave the song a quirky ’70s twist, complete with “ooga-chaka” chants. While it was fun for its time, this odd arrangement has aged poorly. The Swedish band didn’t repeat the success, and the song’s charm wore off.

Today, the unusual chants and upbeat tempo seem out of place. “Hooked on a Feeling” has become more of a quirky footnote in music history than a lasting favorite.

9. “Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes)” by Edison Lighthouse

This sweet pop hit was catchy and light, capturing a brief moment in 1970. Yet, its sugary lyrics and simple tune feel somewhat stale today. Edison Lighthouse quickly faded from the charts, leaving “Love Grows” as their only real hit.

While it may bring nostalgia for a few, the song’s gentle simplicity doesn’t hold the same appeal now. It’s a lighthearted tune that has mostly stayed in the past.

10. “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl)” by Looking Glass

“Brandy” told the tale of a bartender in a seaport town and became an unexpected hit in 1972. Although it’s a fun song, the lyrics and melody feel tied to the ’70s. Looking Glass didn’t follow up with another hit, making this song their defining moment.

Today, it’s a bit of a novelty track, cherished by some but largely forgotten by most. “Brandy” stands as a reminder of a specific time and place in music.