1. “Saturday Night” – Bay City Rollers
Back in 1975, Bay City Rollers had teens screaming with their plaid outfits and catchy chant of “S-A-T-U-R-D-A-Y Night!” The Scottish pop band became a phenomenon, often dubbed the “next Beatles” by the media. Their bubblegum rock sound was irresistible, and this song even topped the U.S. charts. For a moment, they were everywhere—on TV shows, magazine covers, and playing sold-out arenas.
But their fame was short-lived. As quickly as they rose, the group couldn’t sustain their momentum in the U.S. While still remembered in the U.K., “Saturday Night” and the Bay City Rollers largely vanished from mainstream American radio. For many, they’re a nostalgic flashback to plaid trousers and ’70s teen mania.
2. “Long Cool Woman (In a Black Dress)” – The Hollies
The Hollies were already a respected British band in the ’60s, but in 1972 they struck gold with “Long Cool Woman (In a Black Dress).” The swampy, Creedence-style rock track was unlike anything else they’d done, and it became a Top 10 hit in the U.S. The guitar riff and raspy vocals made it unforgettable, and it gave the band a fresh burst of success.
Still, despite its popularity, the song drifted out of heavy rotation. The Hollies continued to tour, but newer generations didn’t latch onto this single the way they did to other ’70s rock staples. Today, it’s one of those songs you recognize when it comes on, but you don’t hear nearly as often as you’d expect for how big it once was.
3. “Baker Street” – Gerry Rafferty
In 1978, Gerry Rafferty’s “Baker Street” seemed inescapable, thanks to that iconic saxophone riff. The song captured a moody, late-night vibe that resonated with listeners everywhere. It climbed the charts worldwide and made Rafferty a household name for a brief time.
But while the sax riff still pops up occasionally in commercials or movies, the song itself isn’t as commonly played as it once was. Rafferty never replicated its massive success, and “Baker Street” faded from regular radio playlists. It remains a gem of the ’70s, even if it’s rarely dusted off today.
4. “Come and Get Your Love” – Redbone
Redbone made history as one of the first Native American rock bands to find mainstream success, and “Come and Get Your Love” was their shining moment in 1974. Its groovy bass line and laid-back energy made it a huge hit, reaching the Top 5 in the U.S. For a while, you couldn’t avoid hearing it on radios across the country.
Yet after its initial chart run, the song slipped away from the spotlight for decades. Redbone themselves didn’t replicate the same level of fame, and “Come and Get Your Love” became more of a trivia answer than a staple. Only when Guardians of the Galaxy brought it back did a new generation rediscover it.
5. “Love Hurts” – Nazareth
This Scottish hard rock band had their biggest U.S. success with their 1975 power ballad “Love Hurts.” The raw emotion in the vocals struck a chord with millions of listeners, and it became a Top 10 hit. For a time, Nazareth looked like they might break into the same league as other hard rock heavyweights.
But after that one hit, they struggled to maintain a presence in the States. “Love Hurts” became their defining track, but it didn’t stick around as long as other power ballads of the era. These days, it’s remembered fondly by rock fans but doesn’t get the same love on the radio.
6. “Dream Weaver” – Gary Wright
With its swirling synths and ethereal sound, “Dream Weaver” felt futuristic when it came out in 1975. Gary Wright’s soft-rock anthem took listeners on a dreamy journey and soared to the Top 10. It was one of the songs that helped usher synthesizers into mainstream pop.
But despite its big impact at the time, the song quietly faded from airplay in later decades. Wright never matched its success, and “Dream Weaver” became more of a reference point than a frequent radio favorite. It’s a classic you might remember instantly, even though it doesn’t show up often anymore.
7. “Stuck in the Middle with You” – Stealers Wheel
This 1973 tune became a massive hit with its Dylan-esque vocals and catchy hook. “Clowns to the left of me, jokers to the right” was a line that everyone seemed to know at the time. Stealers Wheel looked like they might be the next big folk-rock group to break wide open.
Instead, the band fell apart after a couple of albums. The song itself disappeared for years until Quentin Tarantino famously revived it in Reservoir Dogs. Today, it’s recognized more because of that movie than its original chart-topping run.
8. “Fooled Around and Fell in Love” – Elvin Bishop
Elvin Bishop scored big in 1976 with this soulful ballad sung by Mickey Thomas, who later went on to join Jefferson Starship. It reached No. 3 and became one of those instantly recognizable love songs of the era. The emotional vocals and smooth guitar work made it perfect for slow dances and romantic radio requests.
But Bishop never had another hit of the same magnitude. As the years passed, the song slipped behind bigger ballads from the decade. It still gets a little recognition, but compared to its initial popularity, it’s largely vanished.
9. “Still the One” – Orleans
In 1976, Orleans released “Still the One,” a bright and cheerful track that became a staple of pop radio. It even got picked up for TV ads, further cementing its place in popular culture. For a while, it seemed like Orleans had carved out a permanent spot in soft-rock history.
Yet the band never reached that level of fame again, and the song’s constant presence eventually faded. While many remember the chorus, “Still the One” isn’t a song you hear often today. It remains tied to its time, loved in the moment but absent from most playlists now.
10. “I’d Really Love to See You Tonight” – England Dan & John Ford Coley
This smooth soft-rock hit reached No. 2 in 1976 and became a defining sound of the mid-’70s. Its easygoing lyrics about a casual romance struck a chord with listeners. England Dan & John Ford Coley became known for their harmonies and mellow vibe.
But their fame was short-lived, and while they had a few other minor hits, this was their peak. The song rarely makes appearances on radio today, despite how massive it was at the time. It’s one of those tracks you instantly recall if you were there, but younger listeners might never have heard.
11. “Sentimental Lady” – Bob Welch
Former Fleetwood Mac member Bob Welch scored a hit with “Sentimental Lady” in 1977. It was smooth, romantic, and perfectly fit the soft-rock wave of the era. With Christine McVie and Lindsey Buckingham helping out, it had all the hallmarks of a classic.
Yet despite the star power, the song didn’t endure. Welch never became a household name outside of Fleetwood Mac connections, and “Sentimental Lady” slipped away from radio play. It’s one of those “oh yeah” songs that pop up on rare soft-rock compilations.
12. “Mr. Blue Sky” – Electric Light Orchestra
Released in 1977, “Mr. Blue Sky” was one of ELO’s biggest hits, a bright, joyous tune that seemed destined to last forever. It was the soundtrack for sunny days, with Jeff Lynne’s soaring vocals and layered instrumentation. Fans adored its upbeat spirit and clever production.
Yet somehow, it fell out of heavy rotation for decades. It only really returned to the public’s radar in the 2000s after being featured in commercials and movies. For a long stretch, though, this once-ubiquitous anthem was practically invisible.
13. “Love is Like Oxygen” – Sweet
Known for glam rock hits like “Ballroom Blitz,” Sweet surprised listeners with the smooth, progressive sound of “Love is Like Oxygen” in 1978. It became a Top 10 hit and showed the band could evolve their style. Fans embraced it as one of their most sophisticated tracks.
But it ended up being their last big U.S. success. As glam rock faded, so did Sweet’s chart presence. “Love is Like Oxygen” largely disappeared from playlists, overshadowed by their earlier, louder hits.
14. “Ride Captain Ride” – Blues Image
This 1970 single was a Top 5 hit with its psychedelic rock sound and memorable chorus. Blues Image captured a sense of adventure that resonated with audiences at the time. The band seemed ready to keep the momentum going.
But it didn’t happen. After this hit, they quickly faded, and “Ride Captain Ride” became their one claim to fame. It’s a song you might remember if you hear it, but it doesn’t get the recognition it once did.
15. “Lido Shuffle” – Boz Scaggs
In 1976, Boz Scaggs lit up the charts with “Lido Shuffle,” a slick blend of rock, soul, and pop that perfectly captured the era’s energy. Coming off his Silk Degrees album, the song became a radio favorite and showed off Scaggs’ knack for catchy storytelling. For a while, it felt like he was on the verge of permanent superstardom.
But while Scaggs stayed respected as an artist, “Lido Shuffle” faded from heavy radio rotation over the years. His name isn’t as frequently mentioned as some of his contemporaries, and the song doesn’t get the same airplay it once did. Still, it remains a gem of ’70s pop-rock that fans light up when they hear again.
16. “Cool Change” – Little River Band
This Australian group had several hits in the ’70s, and “Cool Change” from 1979 was one of their most beloved. With its smooth harmonies and reflective lyrics, it felt timeless. It became a Top 10 hit in the U.S. and cemented their reputation as soft-rock masters.
But over time, “Cool Change” drifted out of heavy rotation compared to their other hits like “Reminiscing.” It’s still a beautiful song, but it doesn’t get the same spotlight. For many fans, it’s a forgotten favorite that deserves another listen.
