The 1970s gave us unforgettable musical masterpieces, but it wasn’t all Hotel California and Superstition. Every now and then, a song managed to climb its way to the top of the charts, leaving us scratching our heads and wondering, “How on earth did this happen?” Maybe it was the catchy (and often annoying) hooks, a fluke of timing, or a novelty that struck the right chord—temporarily. Here are the worst #1 hits of the ’70s that still have us baffled.
1. “Disco Duck” by Rick Dees (1976)
A disco parody with a Donald Duck voice? Somehow, this novelty track took over dance floors and airwaves for a hot minute. While disco was undeniably king, this song feels like a fever dream that makes you question the ’70s obsession with goofy gimmicks.
2. “You’re Having My Baby” by Paul Anka (1974)
This ode to fatherhood and motherhood sounded sweet on paper, but it’s hard to ignore the cringe factor. Between the overly sentimental lyrics and the tone that borders on possessive, it hasn’t aged gracefully—and even back then, it left plenty of people rolling their eyes.
3. “Seasons in the Sun” by Terry Jacks (1974)
A maudlin, overly saccharine goodbye song that ruled the charts longer than it had any right to. The tune might have resonated with the melancholy vibe of the decade, but these days, it’s more likely to send you running for the “skip” button.
4. “Muskrat Love” by Captain & Tennille (1976)
A bizarre ode to muskrats? Yes, this was a thing, and yes, it hit #1. The odd lyrics combined with squeaky sound effects made it a puzzling choice for listeners then—and an even more puzzling listen now.
5. “The Streak” by Ray Stevens (1974)
This novelty track about streaking (a popular trend of the time) was undeniably catchy, but it’s basically a musical inside joke that has long outstayed its welcome. Fun for a laugh once or twice, but a chart-topping hit? Really?
6. “Knock Three Times” by Tony Orlando and Dawn (1971)
A simplistic love song with repetitive lyrics, this one feels like bubblegum pop at its most basic. While undeniably catchy, its over-the-top earnestness makes it tough to take seriously—and even harder to remember why it was so beloved.
7. “Afternoon Delight” by Starland Vocal Band (1976)
The harmonies are lovely, but the overly saccharine ode to daytime intimacy walks the line between sweet and silly. Once its novelty wore off, it became more of a joke than a genuine favorite.
8. “Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree” by Tony Orlando and Dawn (1973)
Based on a sentimental story, this song struck a chord with its audience at the time, but its repetitive melody and overly sentimental vibe make it feel more cloying than classic today.
9. “Billy, Don’t Be a Hero” by Bo Donaldson and the Heywoods (1974)
A cheesy anti-war ballad that aimed for heartfelt and landed squarely in melodrama. Its theatrical tone and saccharine lyrics make it more of a punchline now than the anthem it hoped to be.
10. “Convoy” by C.W. McCall (1975)
Truckers had their moment in the ’70s, and this novelty country track capitalized on the CB radio craze. Fun for a laugh, but not exactly what you’d call timeless music.
11. “One Bad Apple” by The Osmonds (1971)
A Jackson 5-style tune from the less-edgy Osmonds, this one hit big with its bubblegum charm. But let’s be honest—it’s hard to remember, even harder to listen to, and impossible to understand as a #1 hit.
12. “Pop Muzik” by M (1979)
An experimental track that embraced the new wave sound, this one pushed the boundaries of pop—but in a way that makes it feel like an oddity now rather than a timeless hit.
These songs, whether overly sentimental, wildly bizarre, or just plain corny, are proof that sometimes the charts aren’t about timeless talent but rather capturing a fleeting moment. Do any of these hits make your cringe playlist—or do you secretly still love them?
