1. “Spirit in the Sky” by Norman Greenbaum (1969)
Just hearing the opening riff instantly transports you to the late ’60s. “Spirit in the Sky” had a gritty, psychedelic sound that captured the spiritual awakening of the era. Norman Greenbaum’s lone hit was edgy yet uplifting, with a guitar riff that was practically made for endless radio play. It’s the kind of song that lingers in your head long after it’s over.
2. “In the Summertime” by Mungo Jerry (1970)
With its laid-back beat and catchy jug band vibe, “In the Summertime” defined the ultimate feel-good, carefree vibe of early ’70s summers. Mungo Jerry’s unique blend of blues and skiffle brought sunshine to every radio it played on, and the song’s chilled-out groove captured the essence of lazy, warm days.
3. “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl)” by Looking Glass (1972)
This song about a sailor’s love for a barmaid named Brandy had the world singing along in the early ’70s. Its folksy storytelling and catchy chorus made it a radio staple, perfectly capturing the decade’s fascination with free-spirited romance. Looking Glass gave us an anthem of bittersweet love, but they never quite captured magic like this again.
4. “Hooked on a Feeling” by Blue Swede (1974)
Blue Swede’s version of “Hooked on a Feeling” took B.J. Thomas’s soulful hit and injected it with a Swedish twist—and a “ooga-chaka” chant that no one can forget. With a playful and funky sound, this one-hit wonder summed up the quirky fun of the mid-’70s. Every time it plays, it’s impossible not to belt out that unforgettable intro.
5. “Play That Funky Music” by Wild Cherry (1976)
This track made everyone want to hit the dance floor. Wild Cherry nailed that funky, soul-infused rock sound, and “Play That Funky Music” became an instant anthem for every disco-loving fan. It’s a song that has stood the test of time and is still irresistible, but Wild Cherry never quite reached this funky pinnacle again.
6. “Afternoon Delight” by Starland Vocal Band (1976)
Sweet, harmonized, and just a little bit cheeky, “Afternoon Delight” was the surprise hit that made Starland Vocal Band a brief sensation. With lyrics that sounded innocent but were anything but, the song captured the free-spirited, love-filled vibe of the late ’70s. It’s a time capsule of the era’s playful, laid-back romance.
7. “My Sharona” by The Knack (1979)
Few songs defined the late ’70s like “My Sharona,” a raw, guitar-driven rock hit that took over the airwaves. The Knack’s breakout song had an infectious beat and a rebellious edge that appealed to the youth of the day. It was a hint of the new wave movement on the horizon and a reminder of just how captivating one great riff can be.
8. “Funky Town” by Lipps Inc. (1980)
“Funky Town” wasn’t just a song—it was a journey to a place where disco met early electronic. This song came just as the ’70s faded into the ’80s, and it captured the futuristic sounds of the time. Lipps Inc. gave us a taste of the synthesizer-heavy tracks that would soon dominate the decade, creating a dance classic for the ages.
9. “I Melt with You” by Modern English (1982)
With a unique new wave vibe, “I Melt with You” was Modern English’s dreamy hit that became synonymous with ’80s romance. It was heartfelt, yet cool—a love song that was less about sentimentality and more about feeling. The song’s unique rhythm and lyrics made it a staple of ’80s nostalgia and a track that still pulls at the heartstrings.
10. “Come on Eileen” by Dexys Midnight Runners (1982)
This Celtic-inspired anthem was all about energy and emotion, with a joyful beat that took you from zero to dancing in seconds. “Come on Eileen” became one of the most recognized songs of the ’80s, but Dexys Midnight Runners never managed to reach the same level of mainstream success. The song’s catchy melody and distinct vocals remain unforgettable.
11. “Take On Me” by A-ha (1985)
No list of unforgettable one-hit wonders would be complete without this Norwegian new wave classic. “Take On Me” was propelled to fame by its iconic, sketch-style music video. A-ha captured the intensity of young love, and the high-energy chorus still feels fresh. It’s a song that continues to resonate, yet A-ha never recreated this magic on the charts.
12. “The Final Countdown” by Europe (1986)
With its dramatic synthesizers and stadium-sized energy, “The Final Countdown” is pure ’80s rock. Europe’s only big U.S. hit, the song has lived on in sports events and TV shows, becoming the ultimate “get hyped” anthem. That massive sound and over-the-top delivery makes it unforgettable and distinctly of its time.
13. “Venus” by Shocking Blue (1969)
Before Bananarama’s famous ’80s cover, Shocking Blue’s original “Venus” was the definitive version that took the world by storm. This Dutch rock band mixed fierce guitar riffs with Mariska Veres’s powerful voice, creating a psychedelic pop-rock hit that topped charts worldwide. Its mysterious lyrics and catchy chorus made “Venus” a huge success, but it was their only big U.S. hit.
14. “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” by The Proclaimers (1988)
Though it didn’t hit the U.S. charts until the ’90s, this Scottish anthem by The Proclaimers is an unforgettable mix of commitment, romance, and catchy hooks. With its unique vocal style and unforgettable chorus, the song is a beloved shout-along tune, and despite the Proclaimers’ continued success in the U.K., it’s their iconic track in America.
15. “Black Betty” by Ram Jam (1977)
Ram Jam’s “Black Betty” is a gritty, high-energy rock anthem that turned heads in the late ’70s. With its pounding beat and rough-edged vocals, this reimagined folk tune quickly became an instant classic. The song’s raw energy and driving rhythm have kept it alive in pop culture over the decades, but Ram Jam was never able to recreate that same spark on the charts.
These one-hit wonders captured the spirit of their times and became unforgettable, even if the artists behind them didn’t continue to fill the charts. Each song on this list remains a time machine, giving us a snapshot of the moment when they ruled the airwaves.
