1. “Love Hurts” – Nazareth (1974)
“Loves Hurts” by Nazareth, a one-hit wonder from the ’70s, is an iconic rock ballad that delves into the bittersweet nature of love. Its heartfelt lyrics and haunting melodies convey the deep emotional turmoil that love can bring, resonating with listeners and cementing its status as a timeless classic.
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2. “Afternoon Delight” – Starland Vocal Band (1976)
With its light harmonies and upbeat melody, “Afternoon Delight” sounds sweet—until you realize it’s all about, well, a romantic afternoon. The innuendo flew over many heads, but the chorus was so catchy that we belted it out without a second thought. Though the Starland Vocal Band couldn’t recreate the magic after this hit, their ode to daytime fun remains an undeniably cheesy 70s staple.
3. “Seasons in the Sun” – Terry Jacks (1974)
This bittersweet tune by Terry Jacks was a tear-jerker, even if it was a little overly sentimental. “Seasons in the Sun” told the story of a man bidding farewell to his loved ones, and while the lyrics were somewhat grim, the melody was light and infectious. Despite its somber tone, it became a massive hit. It’s one of those songs that’s easy to make fun of—but even easier to sing along to.
4. “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia” – Vicki Lawrence (1972)
Before Vicki Lawrence became a TV star, she surprised everyone with this Southern Gothic murder ballad. “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia” had a twisty plot line about betrayal and revenge, wrapped in a country-pop package. It was melodramatic, sure, but that didn’t stop it from climbing the charts. It’s cheesy, yes—but in the best, most dramatic way possible.
5. “Kung Fu Fighting” – Carl Douglas (1974)
Everyone was Kung Fu fighting… at least in our heads, thanks to Carl Douglas’ “Kung Fu Fighting.” This disco-fueled anthem of the martial arts craze was impossible to escape in the mid-70s. With its catchy beat and unforgettable “Huah!” sound effect, it rocketed to the top of the charts. But let’s be real: the song was pure cheese, and that’s exactly why we still love it.
6. “Play That Funky Music” – Wild Cherry (1976)
If you’ve ever been to a wedding or a party in the last 40 years, you’ve likely danced to “Play That Funky Music.” Wild Cherry’s funky, disco-infused anthem was an instant hit, turning every dance floor into a funky, groovy scene. While the song is undeniably fun, the lyrics (“play that funky music, white boy”) and over-the-top delivery have earned it a place in the cheeseball hall of fame.
7. “Feelings” – Morris Albert (1974)
If ever there was a song that embodied cheesy soft rock, it’s Morris Albert’s “Feelings.” With its dramatic, drawn-out vocals and overly emotional lyrics, this ballad became the go-to song for anyone nursing a heartbreak in the 70s. Its tear-jerking sentiment is hard to resist, but let’s be honest, it’s also hard not to chuckle a little when you hear it now.
8. “In the Summertime” – Mungo Jerry (1970)
With its skiffle beat and carefree vibe, “In the Summertime” by Mungo Jerry was the ultimate summer anthem. It’s fun and bouncy, but the quirky vocals and simple lyrics (“when the weather’s fine, you got women, you got women on your mind”) make it undeniably cheesy. Still, it’s impossible not to feel a little sunnier when you hear it.
9. “Hooked on a Feeling” – Blue Swede (1974)
“Ooga chaka, ooga ooga…” Who could forget that unforgettable chant that kicks off “Hooked on a Feeling?” This Swedish band’s take on the BJ Thomas original was pure 70s kitsch. The strange mix of chanting and bubblegum pop made it an unlikely hit, and its cheesiness has only increased over the decades. But hey, we’re still hooked on it.
10. “Rock Your Baby” – George McCrae (1974)
Disco was just heating up in 1974, and George McCrae’s “Rock Your Baby” was one of its earliest hits. The song’s smooth rhythm and falsetto vocals were undeniably catchy, but it was also dripping in cheesiness. It set the stage for the disco boom to come, but its simplicity makes it a guilty pleasure more than a timeless classic.
11. “Magic” – Pilot (1974)
You couldn’t turn on the radio in 1974 without hearing “Magic” by Pilot. The upbeat melody and sugary lyrics (“Oh, ho, ho, it’s magic, you know!”) were pure pop perfection. But as infectious as it was, it was also, well, magical in a cheesy, bubblegum way. It’s the kind of song that gets stuck in your head whether you want it to or not.
12. “Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes)” – Edison Lighthouse (1970)
With its bouncy rhythm and catchy chorus, Edison Lighthouse’s “Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes)” was a pop confection that charmed the charts in 1970. The song is undeniably fun, but it’s also unapologetically cheesy. Those harmonies, the upbeat melody, and the saccharine lyrics make it a 70s one-hit-wonder we love to remember (and secretly sing along to).
13. “Puppy Love” – Donny Osmond (1972)
Donny Osmond’s teenage heartthrob status was sealed with his hit “Puppy Love.” This sugary ballad about young romance had tweens swooning across America. While Donny’s earnest delivery was heartfelt, the song’s over-the-top sentimentality makes it a little hard to take seriously now. Still, we’ll admit it’s hard to resist singing along whenever it pops up.
14. “Pop Muzik” – M (1979)
“New York, London, Paris, Munich—everybody talk about pop muzik!” With its quirky, synth-heavy sound, “Pop Muzik” by M was a futuristic take on the disco trend. The robotic vocals and repetitive lyrics made it a hit, but its weirdness also landed it firmly in the cheesy one-hit-wonder camp. We still bop our heads to it, though.
Looking back, these cheesy one-hit-wonders from the 70s are the ultimate guilty pleasures. They may not have stood the test of time as musical masterpieces, but their catchiness and over-the-top charm have earned them a special place in our nostalgic hearts. Whether we’re groaning or grooving, we can’t help but sing along.
