1. “Seasons in the Sun” – Terry Jacks
This melancholy ballad was absolutely everywhere in 1974, striking a chord with listeners who couldn’t resist its bittersweet farewell lyrics. It had that haunting melody that somehow managed to feel both uplifting and devastating at the same time. Terry Jacks might not have been a household name before this release, but for a brief moment he had one of the biggest songs in the world. Everyone seemed to have the single, and radio stations spun it on repeat.
As quickly as it arrived, though, it faded away. Jacks never repeated the massive success of this track, and it became one of those songs you only hear when someone pulls out a ’70s compilation CD. Despite its disappearance from the mainstream, it left behind a legacy of nostalgia. Many who grew up in the era can still hum every word. Today, it’s a musical time capsule of the emotions that made the ’70s so unique.
2. “Billy Don’t Be a Hero” – Bo Donaldson and the Heywoods
In 1974, this song dominated the airwaves with its anti-war message wrapped in an incredibly catchy pop melody. The chorus was instantly memorable, and teenagers found themselves singing along even if they didn’t fully grasp the story. It gave Bo Donaldson and the Heywoods their moment of pop glory. For a summer, they were everywhere, popping up on TV shows and radio countdowns.
But their fame was short-lived, and the group never captured lightning in a bottle again. “Billy Don’t Be a Hero” fell out of rotation as tastes changed and disco swept the charts. Now, when it resurfaces, it feels like stepping back into a very specific slice of history. The tune may have vanished from regular playlists, but it remains a fascinating reminder of how quickly a band could rise and fall in the ’70s.
3. “Afternoon Delight” – Starland Vocal Band
When this cheeky track debuted in 1976, it shocked and delighted listeners with its suggestive lyrics hidden under sugary harmonies. The song was so catchy that people sang along without even realizing the playful double meanings. It shot straight to the top of the charts and even earned the band a Grammy. For a brief period, Starland Vocal Band seemed poised for stardom.
Yet their career stalled almost as soon as it began. None of their follow-up songs captured the same spark, and “Afternoon Delight” became their defining moment. Over time, it slipped into obscurity except for the occasional pop culture joke. Still, anyone who remembers the summer it came out can recall how unavoidable it was. It’s the perfect example of a ’70s song that everyone loved in the moment but rarely hears today.
4. “The Night Chicago Died” – Paper Lace
This dramatic tale of gangsters and shootouts captured imaginations in 1974, even though it was completely fictional. Paper Lace, a British band, delivered it with such conviction that some listeners thought it was based on real events. The song became a smash in the U.S., giving the group an unexpected hit far from home. Its pulsing beat and memorable chorus made it an instant favorite.
But the band couldn’t sustain that success. Aside from this track and “Billy Don’t Be a Hero” (which they also recorded but didn’t break through with in America), they quickly faded from the charts. “The Night Chicago Died” became a quirky one-hit wonder that people forgot about as the decade rolled on. Today, it sounds almost theatrical compared to other pop of the era. That sense of drama is part of why it stood out, but also why it didn’t last.
5. “Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes)” – Edison Lighthouse
This upbeat 1970 single was as light and catchy as they come. With its jangly guitar, cheerful vocals, and sweet lyrics, it became one of those songs that felt impossible not to sing along to. Edison Lighthouse seemed poised for stardom after it shot to number one in the U.K. and broke into the U.S. charts. For a little while, their sunny pop sound was exactly what radio listeners wanted.
But the success didn’t last, and the group became another case of a one-hit wonder. “Love Grows” slipped into the background as the ’70s moved toward harder rock and disco. Today, it feels like a forgotten bubble of joy from the start of the decade. For those who remember it, though, hearing it again is like being instantly transported back to a carefree moment in time.
6. “Undercover Angel” – Alan O’Day
Alan O’Day wasn’t a big name, but in 1977 he gave the world this quirky, dreamy pop tune. The lyrics told the story of a fantasy love that felt whimsical and a little mysterious. It resonated enough with listeners to shoot to number one, making O’Day a surprise star. For a few months, the song felt like a fresh and fun addition to the charts.
But O’Day never managed to replicate the magic. “Undercover Angel” slipped into the background as disco fever took over. Still, the song has a charm that makes it memorable to those who heard it during its heyday. Today it’s a deep cut that instantly transports you back to the softer, more playful side of ’70s pop.
7. “Don’t Give Up on Us” – David Soul
In 1976, actor-turned-singer David Soul surprised everyone by topping the charts with this tender ballad. Best known at the time as Hutch from Starsky & Hutch, he suddenly had a number one hit in America and the U.K. The song’s heartfelt delivery and romantic lyrics made it a favorite at weddings and school dances alike. Soul’s unexpected shift into pop stardom was a big part of the fun, and fans loved seeing a TV star shine in a different way.
But his music career never reached those heights again. “Don’t Give Up on Us” remained his signature tune, while his later singles fizzled out quickly. Over time, the track slipped off regular radio playlists, becoming one of those forgotten ’70s love songs. Still, anyone who lived through its moment remembers how sweet and unavoidable it was. It’s a perfect example of how a star from another world could suddenly own the charts for a season.
8. “Playground in My Mind” – Clint Holmes
Clint Holmes struck gold in 1972 with this simple, catchy tune. The song’s childlike chorus made it stand out, with many kids and parents singing along. It wasn’t complicated, but that was part of its charm. Holmes became a household name briefly, enjoying the ride of a hit single.
But the novelty wore off quickly. “Playground in My Mind” fell off the charts, and Holmes moved on to other work in entertainment. While he found success in live performances, the song didn’t linger on the radio. Today, it’s remembered mainly by those who grew up during its run. It’s a sweet, fleeting reminder of how whimsical pop could be in the ’70s.
9. “Me and You and a Dog Named Boo” – Lobo
In 1971, Lobo delivered this easygoing tune that felt like a road trip in song form. With its laid-back vibe and singable chorus, it quickly climbed into the top 5 on the Billboard charts. People connected with the simplicity of the story, about traveling, freedom, and companionship. It became one of those songs you couldn’t escape that year, showing up everywhere from radio to jukeboxes.
But while Lobo had a handful of other modest hits, none of them carried the same cultural weight. “Me and You and a Dog Named Boo” became the defining song of his career, yet it slowly faded from rotation. Today, it’s remembered fondly by those who grew up in the era, but younger listeners might not even recognize it. Still, its warm, nostalgic feel captures a very specific slice of ’70s life that fans cherish.
10. “I’d Really Love to See You Tonight” – England Dan & John Ford Coley
This soft rock duo took the charts by storm in 1976 with this smooth, romantic single. Its conversational lyrics and mellow groove made it an instant favorite on both pop and easy-listening stations. Couples claimed it as their own, and the song became a fixture at summer gatherings. For a while, England Dan & John Ford Coley seemed destined to be mainstays of the decade.
But their fame didn’t stretch much beyond a few signature songs, with this one towering over the rest. While beloved in its moment, it eventually slipped away as other soft rock acts took over. You don’t hear it often today, though the melody is unforgettable once it starts playing. It’s a perfect reminder of how ’70s pop could balance sentiment and simplicity in a way that still feels timeless.
11. “Magnet and Steel” – Walter Egan
Walter Egan struck gold in 1978 with this smooth, dreamy hit. Backed by Fleetwood Mac members Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks on harmonies, it had just the right blend of California cool and soft rock polish. The song reached the top 10 and earned heavy airplay, making Egan a recognizable name for a brief moment. Fans couldn’t get enough of its romantic tone and breezy feel.
But his later efforts never broke through the same way. “Magnet and Steel” became his one shining success, and over time it vanished from mainstream playlists. It still surfaces occasionally on soft rock retrospectives, reminding listeners of late ’70s radio’s mellow side. For those who lived through it, the song feels like a sun-soaked memory of drives with the windows down.
12. “Right Back Where We Started From” – Maxine Nightingale
This 1976 track burst onto the charts with energy, fusing soul and pop into a danceable anthem. Maxine Nightingale’s powerful vocals carried the song straight into the top 5 in both the U.S. and the U.K. It was bright, catchy, and impossible not to move to, making it a party favorite. For a season, it felt like she might become a household name.
But despite the promise, Nightingale’s career never hit those heights again. “Right Back Where We Started From” became her calling card, eventually fading as disco and other dance genres took over. Today, it’s often rediscovered through movies and commercials, where its upbeat vibe still shines. It’s a great reminder of how one perfect track can make an artist unforgettable, even if only for a moment.
13. “Fooled Around and Fell in Love” – Elvin Bishop
This soulful ballad from 1976 became a surprise hit thanks to the soaring vocals of Mickey Thomas, who sang lead for Elvin Bishop’s band at the time. Its heartfelt lyrics and rich delivery made it resonate deeply with listeners. The song climbed into the top 5 and became a staple of the era’s soft rock sound. For Bishop, it was the defining moment of his career in the mainstream spotlight.
But after the success of this single, Bishop never had another comparable pop hit. “Fooled Around and Fell in Love” lived on in wedding playlists and movie soundtracks but disappeared from radio rotations. Still, its legacy endures, and the opening chords remain instantly recognizable. It’s one of those songs that defined mid-’70s romance but has since slipped quietly into nostalgia.
14. “How Long” – Ace
Released in 1975, this British band’s hit blended rock and blue-eyed soul into something irresistible. With Paul Carrack’s smooth vocals at the front, “How Long” quickly became a top 20 hit in the U.S. Its sleek production and catchy hook gave it staying power through that year, and Ace seemed like they could become big players in the pop scene.
But the group dissolved soon after, and Carrack went on to other projects like Squeeze and Mike + The Mechanics. “How Long” remained their only true hit, eventually fading into the background of ’70s playlists. Today, it’s more often remembered for Carrack’s later success than for Ace itself. Still, when it pops up, it’s a reminder of how one great song can outlive the band that created it.
