1. “My Ding-a-Ling” – Chuck Berry (1972)
Let’s start with a fun one: Chuck Berry’s “My Ding-a-Ling.” Though Berry’s catalog is filled with rock classics like “Johnny B. Goode” and “Roll Over Beethoven,” this cheeky novelty song somehow became his only No. 1 hit. Berry was famously humorous, and “My Ding-a-Ling” gave him a playful hit that got everyone laughing—though not without a little eyebrow-raising!
2. “Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes)” – Edison Lighthouse (1970)
This sunshine pop tune is as breezy as it gets. Edison Lighthouse may have been a one-hit wonder, but “Love Grows” had that happy, infectious sound that could light up any room. It’s a feel-good song with a retro vibe that brings back images of flower-power fashion and groovy dance floors.
3. “Play That Funky Music” – Wild Cherry (1976)
If you spent any time in a disco in the late ’70s, you know this one. “Play That Funky Music” captured the essence of the era’s party scene. Wild Cherry’s funky anthem still pops up now and again, but it rarely gets the attention it deserves as the ultimate disco call to action.
4. “Afternoon Delight” – Starland Vocal Band (1976)
This one’s soft, sweet, and surprisingly risqué. “Afternoon Delight” is the song that took innocent-sounding harmonies and set them to playful lyrics about…well, let’s say afternoon fun. It went from a summertime hit to a bit of a ’70s punchline, but its mellow vibe is still delightful.
5. “The Night Chicago Died” – Paper Lace (1974)
With an upbeat, storytelling style, this song spun a fictionalized tale about a gangster shootout in Chicago. The UK band Paper Lace only had a couple of hits stateside, but “The Night Chicago Died” was massive, reaching No. 1. Its mix of drama and pop catchiness made it unforgettable to those who were around to hear it the first time.
6. “Magnet and Steel” – Walter Egan (1978)
Walter Egan’s “Magnet and Steel” has a unique place in soft rock history. It’s smooth, a little sultry, and very much a product of the late ’70s with its dreamy chorus and simple melody. Fleetwood Mac’s Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks even provided backing vocals on the track, but it’s Egan’s vocals that make it magnetic.
7. “Brother Louie” – Stories (1973)
“Brother Louie” tackled the hot-button issue of interracial love with bold lyrics and a funky groove. Though Stories was an American band, this track was originally a hit in the UK by the band Hot Chocolate. Stories’ cover struck a chord in the U.S., becoming their biggest hit with its soul and rock fusion.
8. “Rock Your Baby” – George McCrae (1974)
One of the earliest disco hits, “Rock Your Baby” was smooth and soulful. George McCrae’s falsetto soared on this track, and it helped set the tone for disco’s rise in the mid-to-late ’70s. It’s one of those songs that had the whole world dancing, even if it doesn’t get much radio play today.
9. “Ain’t No Woman (Like the One I Got)” – The Four Tops (1973)
This song brought Motown legends The Four Tops into the ’70s with a lush, soulful sound that fit perfectly into the era. It was a love anthem that mixed smooth harmonies with that classic Motown groove, and it became one of their last big hits. It’s an easygoing, heartfelt song that deserves a revisit.
10. “Lonely Boy” – Andrew Gold (1977)
Andrew Gold’s “Lonely Boy” is all about growing up and feeling misunderstood, with a catchy beat that belies its rather sad lyrics. The song captures that bittersweet ’70s sound, and if you’ve forgotten it, hearing it again will bring it back in an instant. Gold’s distinct voice and sense of humor give it a timeless feel.
11. “Undercover Angel” – Alan O’Day (1977)
This smooth, soft-rock number is a mix of fantasy and whimsy, making “Undercover Angel” a quintessential ’70s hit. Alan O’Day’s playful tune has that dreamy quality you might associate with songs from the era. It’s quirky, romantic, and just the right kind of cheesy, perfect for an easygoing listen.
12. “Rhinestone Cowboy” – Glen Campbell (1975)
Arguably the most iconic entry on this list, “Rhinestone Cowboy” captures the spirit of hope and resilience. Glen Campbell’s hit became an anthem of sorts for those who dared to dream big. It’s sentimental and hopeful, with lyrics that everyone could relate to, and it made Glen Campbell a country-pop crossover legend.
