1. “Muskrat Love” – Captain & Tennille
This quirky tune about two muskrats in love was a novelty hit that didn’t age well. While it had its charm in the ’70s, the odd subject matter and repetitive melody might explain why it’s rarely heard on the radio today.
2. “Billy Don’t Be a Hero” – Bo Donaldson and The Heywoods
A melodramatic tale of a young man going off to war, this song was a big hit in its day. But its over-the-top sentimentality and somewhat preachy tone have kept it from regular rotation in the decades since.
3. “Afternoon Delight” – Starland Vocal Band
While it’s known for its catchy chorus, the song’s suggestive lyrics about midday romance have made it more of a nostalgic oddity than a regular hit. It’s fun for a trip down memory lane but doesn’t quite fit into modern playlists.
4. 16. “Convoy” – C.W. McCall
This novelty hit capitalized on the CB radio craze of the ’70s, telling the story of a trucker convoy in a playful, catchy way. While it was fun and uniquely tied to its era, its highly specific theme and somewhat campy style make it more of a nostalgic curiosity than a timeless classic.
5. “The Night Chicago Died” – Paper Lace
This dramatized and historically inaccurate song about a fictional battle between Al Capone and the police was a chart-topper. Its theatrical flair and hokey lyrics make it more of a curiosity than a classic.
6. “Disco Duck” – Rick Dees
This novelty disco track about a dancing duck was undeniably fun, but it’s one of those songs that most people don’t feel the need to hear again. Its goofy nature is more likely to provoke a laugh than a dance move today.
7. “Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree” – Tony Orlando and Dawn
This sentimental song about a man returning home from prison was a massive hit, but its syrupy sweetness has relegated it to the vaults of time. It’s an artifact of its era but doesn’t see much love in modern times.
8. “Seasons in the Sun” – Terry Jacks
A farewell song that was a massive hit despite—or perhaps because of—its melancholy tone. Its saccharine delivery of a grim subject doesn’t lend itself to frequent airplay, making it more of a one-hit wonder in nostalgia circles.
9. “Feelings” – Morris Albert
Known for its overly emotional delivery, “Feelings” became the butt of many jokes and parodies over the years. Its cheesy reputation has kept it out of most playlists, despite its initial popularity.
10. “You Light Up My Life” – Debby Boone
This ballad was a major hit, but its earnestness and saccharine quality make it less appealing to modern listeners. It’s the kind of song that’s remembered more for its accolades than its presence on current airwaves.
11. “In the Year 2525” – Zager and Evans
A dystopian song predicting humanity’s future downfall, this track was a hit for its futuristic vibe but hasn’t aged gracefully. Its bleak message and dated sound make it more of a relic than a radio staple.
12. “Run Joey Run” – David Geddes
A melodramatic tale of star-crossed lovers and tragedy, this song was a hit for its narrative, but its overly dramatic and somewhat ridiculous story hasn’t stood the test of time.
13. “Brand New Key” – Melanie
A playful, double-entendre-laden song about roller skates and keys, it was charming in its time but feels a bit too quaint and gimmicky for today’s tastes.
14. “Playground in My Mind” – Clint Holmes
With its repetitive chorus sung by a child, this tune was a hit in the ’70s but quickly fell out of favor due to its overly simplistic and somewhat cloying nature.
15. “My Ding-a-Ling” – Chuck Berry
This novelty song about a boy’s toy had an undeniable humor appeal, but its suggestive lyrics and simplistic tune mean it’s not exactly a timeless classic. It remains a cheeky footnote in Chuck Berry’s legendary career.
These songs, while they captured the quirky and experimental spirit of the ’70s, have largely disappeared from regular rotation. Whether it’s due to their odd themes, overly sentimental lyrics, or just plain dated vibes, they offer a snapshot of a unique time in music history—one that perhaps isn’t missed as much as others.
