3 One-Hit Wonders From the 70s That Just Totally Rock

When looking back on the catalog of 70s one-hit wonders that have sprung up in popular culture, the general sense is that most of them are a bit odd, strange, and unique. They’re songs that could be their own genres, or songs that display a singular musical touch or feeling. But among those peculiar tracks are also some traditional ones, believe it or not. Sometimes you can find a one-hit wonder—those songs that rocketed up the charts but whose authors couldn’t match that success again—that simply rocks. Indeed, that is what we have here today. These are three one-hit wonders from the decade of the 70s that just plain satisfy with rock goodness.

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“In the Summertime” by Mungo Jerry from ‘Electronically Tested’ (1970)

This 1970 track from the British-born songwriter and performer Mungo Jerry has such an infectious energy that when you put it on, you’ll see every person in the room start to sway. They may move their shoulders, bob their heads, etc. The artist’s voice and vibe are enough to give you an energetic boost, like a jolt to your system. And while Mungo Jerry doesn’t do it with heavy drums or pulsating electric guitars, this song, which hit no. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, gets to your rockin’ soul and gives it a big ol’ pat on the back.

“Layla” by Derek And The Dominos from ‘Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs’ (1971)

The sole song from the psychedelic rock band Derek And The Dominos to hit the Top 40, this track will rock your socks off. Push your hair back. Blow your mind. It’s a track that’s about the sheer power of love—or, at least, infatuation. While the tune was inspired by a story from 7th-century Arab literature, Derek And The Dominos lead guitarist Eric Clapton seemed to resonate with it, perhaps because he was in something of his own love triangle at the time. Either way, this song will take all the socks you have and knock them off your feet one by one.

“Stuck In The Middle With You” by Stealers Wheel from ‘Stealers Wheel’ (1972)

An acoustic-driven rocker that will have your insides feel like they were turned to seltzer. There is just a lovely effervescent quality to this song that has been used in TV and movies galore. Famously, the track was used in Quentin Tarantino’s 1992 debut film, Reservoir Dogs, during a torture scene. Anyone who has seen that movie can’t get that moment out of their heads. But at its core, this song just satisfies with plain rock goodness.

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