The 1970s Songs That Are Impossible Cover

The 1970s gave us a wild mix of music across genres—rock, disco, pop, new wave—you name it. And with that came a wave of one-hit wonders. Some were catchy, some were quirky, and a few were so unique that covering them today feels almost impossible. The following three songs fall into that category.

Musicians are always welcome to try their hand at these tracks—but honestly, even the most talented artists might have a hard time recapturing the magic of the originals.

“Lovin’ You” by Minnie Riperton
Few songs from the ’70s are as instantly recognizable as “Lovin’ You.” It’s beautiful, dreamy, and features that iconic whistle note that stops people in their tracks.

As the original article puts it:

“I dare you to try to hit Minnie Riperton’s whistle note in this song. Unless you’re Ariana Grande or Mariah Carey, it’ll probably be impossible. I’m not convinced those two pop stars could do it, either.”

Riperton had other standout tracks like “Les Fleurs” and “Inside My Love,” but “Lovin’ You” was her only song to crack the Top 40. In fact, it went all the way to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1975. That vocal performance? Untouchable.

“Short People” by Randy Newman
On paper, “Short People” seems like a song anyone could play—it’s musically simple. But there’s one major problem: no one sings quite like Randy Newman.

As the article notes:

“While this song is simple enough for any musician to cover, nobody would be able to do it like Randy Newman did. His voice is extremely distinct, and that’s what made this song such a hit. Well, that and his excellent storytelling, which showcases the stupidity of prejudice.”

Love or hate his vocal tone, Newman’s voice carries a kind of charm and character that’s tough to replicate. “Short People” peaked at No. 2 in 1977, and while Newman had a long career filled with acclaimed work, none of his other songs cracked the Top 40—except for “The Blues,” a 1982 duet with Paul Simon that reached No. 51.

“Pop Muzik” by M
Here’s a song that truly captures the futuristic spirit of late-’70s pop. “Pop Muzik” isn’t just a track—it’s an experience. But covering it? That’s a tall order.

In the words of the original writer:

“I can’t think of a more unique song from the tail end of the ’70s. You can give this song a shot if you want, but its particular combination of vocals, synthesizers, and instrumentation is not an easy one to duplicate. It’s the product of excellent songwriting, sure, but it’s also the product of very specific equipment available at the time.”

“Pop Muzik” was a genre-defying smash, landing at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1979. But M (aka Robin Scott) never reached those heights again—and no one has truly replicated that weird, wonderful energy since.

Some Songs Just Can’t Be Touched

These three hits may have only topped the charts once, but they left a lasting impression. Whether it’s a whistle note, a one-of-a-kind voice, or a sound built on vintage gear, some one-hit wonders from the ’70s are just too special to recreate.

So if you’re thinking about doing a cover, go ahead and try. Just don’t be surprised if the originals still win.