1. The Knack
The Knack’s 1979 debut album Get the Knack was a smash hit, with the infectious single “My Sharona” topping the charts. The song became the ultimate anthem of the late ’70s, and the album itself went platinum. With their tight, power-pop sound, The Knack seemed poised to become the next big thing in rock music. But despite the huge success of their first record, their follow-up albums didn’t capture the same magic, and the band’s popularity quickly faded.
After the initial success, The Knack struggled to maintain momentum. Their second album, …But the Little Girls Understand, didn’t perform well, and by the early ’80s, the band had disbanded. The pressure to replicate their breakout hit was too much, and they never quite managed to recapture the same spark. Though they had a brief reunion in the ’90s, they never came close to the heights of Get the Knack.
2. The Runaways
The Runaways burst onto the rock scene in the mid-‘70s, led by the iconic Joan Jett and featuring a lineup of talented young women. Their 1976 self-titled album gave us songs like “Cherry Bomb,” which became an instant anthem for rebellious teens and made the band famous almost overnight. The Runaways were groundbreaking in their all-female lineup, paving the way for future generations of women in rock. Their music was gritty, raw, and full of youthful energy, and their live shows were legendary.
Despite the huge buzz surrounding their debut, the band struggled to follow up with consistent success. Internal tensions, personal issues, and management problems plagued the band, leading to their disbandment in 1979. Though Joan Jett went on to have a successful solo career, The Runaways’ brief but intense existence remains a chapter of rock history, and they never quite captured the same level of success after their initial impact.
3. Badfinger
Badfinger’s 1970 album No Dice delivered their biggest hit, “No Matter What,” a song that became an instant classic with its perfect blend of pop rock and emotional depth. Signed to the Beatles’ Apple Records, the band seemed poised for massive success, and their melodic sound and tight musicianship had all the hallmarks of a long-lasting career. Their future looked incredibly bright with both critical and commercial praise for their debut album.
However, despite their promising start, Badfinger couldn’t maintain the momentum. Internal conflicts, financial troubles, and management issues led to a series of setbacks. Their follow-up albums didn’t match the success of No Dice, and they soon found themselves in a downward spiral. Tragically, the band’s story is marred by personal struggles and the deaths of key members, and they never managed to recreate their initial success. Though Badfinger’s music remains highly influential, they are often remembered as one of rock’s greatest “what could have been” stories.
4. The Velvet Underground
The Velvet Underground, led by Lou Reed, made a huge impact on rock music in the late ’60s and early ’70s, but it was their 1972 album Transformer that brought them widespread attention. The album, produced by David Bowie and Mick Ronson, included the iconic hit “Walk on the Wild Side,” which became a staple of rock radio and earned the band critical acclaim. The Velvet Underground had a unique, experimental sound that blended art rock, avant-garde influences, and glam, all of which were ahead of their time.
However, despite the success of Transformer, the band’s mainstream popularity never fully took off. The Velvet Underground struggled with internal tension and frequent lineup changes. By the mid-’70s, their influence was undeniable, but they had largely faded from the public eye. After their brief mainstream success, they disbanded, and Lou Reed went on to pursue a solo career. Though Transformer remains a landmark album, The Velvet Underground never achieved long-term commercial success, leaving them as one of rock’s greatest cult bands with a legacy that lived on in influence, rather than chart-topping hits.
5. The Left Banke
The Left Banke’s 1966 hit single “Walk Away Renée” became a defining moment in ’60s pop music, showcasing their unique blend of baroque pop and catchy melodies. Their debut album, Walk Away Renée/Pretty Ballerina, was a critical success, and the band seemed destined for stardom with their intricate arrangements and poetic lyrics. They had a distinct sound that set them apart from other bands of the era, with lush orchestration and emotional depth that appealed to both pop fans and critics.
However, despite their early success, The Left Banke never managed to keep the momentum going. Their follow-up album didn’t reach the same level of success, and the band’s internal strife, including lineup changes and creative differences, led to their decline. They disbanded by the end of the decade, leaving behind only a few hits and a cult following. Although their music has been highly influential and appreciated in later years, The Left Banke’s brief moment in the spotlight remains a flash in the pan, and they never achieved sustained success.
6. Big Star
Big Star’s 1972 album #1 Record is now regarded as one of the most influential albums in rock history, despite the band’s lack of commercial success at the time. With their jangly guitars, catchy melodies, and heartfelt lyrics, they were ahead of their time, blending elements of power pop and folk rock. Tracks like “In the Street” and “Thirteen” showed off the band’s potential, and their sound has been hugely influential on later generations of indie and alternative rock bands.
But despite their critical acclaim, Big Star struggled to find an audience during their time together. Their follow-up album, Radio City, is often hailed as a masterpiece, but it failed to break through commercially. The band’s lineup was unstable, and by the mid-’70s, Big Star was essentially done. Although the band never achieved the widespread success they deserved during their active years, their influence has grown significantly over time, and they are now seen as one of the great lost gems of rock history.
