3 One-Hit Wonders From the 1970s You Already Have Memorized

If there was a golden age for one-hit wonders, it began in the 1970s. The era boasted so many songwriters who composed tracks that raced up the charts (but who also might not have been able to match that same success later). It was an era when recorded music was exploding in popularity, and there were many trying to make it big.

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Below, we wanted to examine three one-hit wonders from the decade that still stand out in our minds. Below is a trio of songs by artists that somehow seem emblazoned onto our brains at birth. Indeed, these are three one-hit wonders from the 1970s we know you already have memorized.

“Hooked On A Feeling” by Blue Swede from ‘Hooked On A Feeling’ (1973)

Originally released by B. J. Thomas in 1968, this tune was covered by the band Blue Swede in 1973 for their LP of the same name. Their version hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and garnered Blue Swede some sweet success. More recently, the tune has been featured on the soundtracks for the popular films Reservoir Dogs in 1992 and Guardians Of The Galaxy in 2014. Opening with a grunting-like vocal line, the tune is indelible and instantly recognizable. We even think you have the chorus burned in your mind already!

“The Hustle” by Van McCoy & The Soul City Symphony from ‘Disco Baby’ (1975)

Of course, in the 1970s, disco was all the rage. And as a result, there were many disco one-hit wonders that rose to the top of the charts. In 1975, right smack-dab in the middle of the decade, Van McCoy & The Soul City Symphony released their iconic tune, “The Hustle”. Even just saying the title, you can hear the flutes and high-pitched melodies in your mind. Suddenly, your feet are inside roller-skates, and your living room is lit up with a disco ball shimmering. Before you know it, you’re doing the hustle!

“The Boys Are Back In Town” by Thin Lizzy from ‘Jailbreak’ (1976)

Another song you can conjure up in your mind as soon as you hear the title, this track released by the rock band Thin Lizzy in 1976 on their LP Jailbreak, is a romp. It’s been featured in commercials, TV shows, and movies, and just sums up that going-around-with-your-friends-in-a-car-with-nothing-else-to-do feeling of fun. If you ever have a reunion with old pals, this is the tune you want to put on the stereo as you all reconnect. Or just start singing it out loud at any given time, since you already have it memorized by heart!

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