Sometimes, so-called “one-hit wonders” get a bad reputation, as the bands and artists that sang them never really did much else. While that’s true by definition, that doesn’t mean that these songs can’t be absolute bangers! In fact, they normally are, because they wouldn’t be one-hit wonders otherwise! We’re feeling musical today, so let’s take a moment to appreciate the following iconic one-hit wonder songs that we boomers just can’t get out of our heads!
“Spirit in the Sky” by Norman Greenbaum
First up is “Spirit in the Sky” by Normal Greenbaum, an absolute classic! This 1969 track blends rock and gospel into something unforgettable, with the crunchy guitar riff pairing beautifully with lyrics about spirituality, creating a sound that’s both upbeat and reflective.
Add in the handclaps and the infectious energy, and this song really sticks with you. People loved how it walked the line between rebellious rock and feel-good harmony. It’s been so successful, in fact, that countless artists have covered it in tribute!
“Come on Eileen” by Dexys Midnight Runners
Next up simply has to be “Come on Eileen”. Few songs can spark instant joy like this one from 1982, thanks to its playful melody and unpredictable shifts in tempo. Seriously–it’s almost impossible not to sway along, especially when the violin intro builds into its catchy sing-along chorus.
“Tainted Love” by Soft Cell
Released back in 1981, this synth-pop gem is packed with heartbreak and edge. Marc Almond’s vocals and the moody beats combine to create something hauntingly memorable. The song, originally a 1960s soul hit, was transformed into a darker, electronic anthem, but this version’s dramatic flair and layered sound made it a true dancefloor staple.
“Play That Funky Music” by Wild Cherry
Do songs get much more iconic than this funky anthem from 1976!? Not really. It captures the irresistible groove of the disco era perfectly, primarily due to its funky bassline that pulls you in while the cheeky lyrics keep you hooked. The song’s backstory, about embracing funk to survive as a rock band, adds a playful layer of charm. Understandably, for Boomers, all of this combines to result in a real earworm!
“My Sharona” by The Knack
Another one-hit wonder that boomers can’t stop singing is “My Sharona” by The Knack, a song with a punchy beat and truly catchy guitar riff. Inspired by a real-life crush, the song brims with youthful energy and longing, and its rawness and playful vibe capture something timeless.
“Mickey” by Toni Basil
We absolutely love “Mickey” by Toni Basil, a 1982 cheerleading-inspired hit that is quirky and catchy. The chant-like chorus, paired with an energetic beat, made it an instant hit back in the Boomer days, and frankly, it’s still just as popular!
In particular, it became a favorite for parties and aerobics classes, embodying the upbeat vibe of its time. While Toni Basil had a background in choreography and film, her music career didn’t see the same enduring success, but even still, “Mickey” keeps her in the spotlight.
“In the Summertime” by Mungo Jerry
Few songs feel as carefree as this 1970 anthem about sunny days and simple pleasures. The jug band-style rhythm and playful lyrics create a nostalgic warmth, so for Boomers, it brings to mind lazy afternoons and road trips with windows down. Mungo Jerry’s unique sound set this track apart, making it a staple of summertime playlists, and while they continued making music, nothing else quite matched the charm of this one.
“Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl)” by Looking Glass
Next, this 1972 soft rock ballad tells the story of a love-torn sailor and a barmaid. Its storytelling approach, paired with smooth harmonies, drew listeners in easily, and the romantic yet bittersweet vibe kept us listening–even if the band never went on to do much else.
“Black Betty” by Ram Jam
How could we forget “Black Betty” by Ram Jam? This high-energy rock track from 1977 grabbed attention with its explosive rhythm and powerful vocals, despite so many bands attempting to cover it first.
Drawing from a traditional folk song, Ram Jam gave it a gritty, modern twist, and ‘70s Boomers loved the raw energy that it brought to house parties and long drives. Even if it was released today, we still think it would be a chart-topper.
“Afternoon Delight” by Starland Vocal Band
Another iconic one-hit wonder song that we had to mention is “Afternoon Delight” by Starland Vocal Band. A breezy 1976 tune, this turned an innocent phrase into something a little more cheeky, but its lush harmonies and soft folk-pop style still kept things feeling tasteful.
“Come and Get Your Love” by Redbone
A 1974 funk-infused hit that has an irresistible groove and laid-back vibe, “Come and Get Your Love” by Redbone is undeniably a one-hit-wonder. The catchy chorus and smooth rhythm made it a standout, and even though they weren’t around for long, the band, known for their Native American heritage, brought something truly unique to the rock scene.
“Video Killed the Radio Star” by The Buggles
Ah, “Video Killed the Radio Star”…what a track! This fantastic synth-heavy piece from 1979 marked a cultural shift, famously becoming the first video ever played on MTV–yes, really. Its futuristic sound and commentary on media evolution made it really quite iconic, leading the Boomers of today to remember it as a song that felt ahead of its time.
“Funkytown” by Lipps Inc.
Songs don’t come much catchier than “Funkytown”. The shimmering synths and disco groove of this 1980 hit made it an instant classic, and the lyrics about longing for a better place felt relatable to many of us. In particular, we loved its dancefloor-ready vibe and futuristic feel. No, they didn’t have another big hit, but Lipps Inc. still continues to energize parties and playlists with this song to this day!
“Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor
People often forget that “Eye of the Tiger” was written by a one-hit-wonder band, Survivor! Yes, this 1982 rock anthem became synonymous with determination and grit, thanks to its association with the Rocky films, but sadly, it didn’t seem like Survivor was determined to achieve much more.
Regardless, its driving beat and motivational lyrics made it a go-to workout track, and it definitely still is. Overall, its legacy as a power anthem keeps it alive in everything from sports events to motivational speeches.
“Seasons in the Sun” by Terry Jacks
This emotional ballad from 1974 captures the bittersweet essence of saying goodbye just perfectly–it’s a real tear-jerker. Notably, its simple melody and heartfelt lyrics struck a chord with listeners at the time, and although Terry Jacks didn’t see the same success again, this song still remains a sentimental favorite, and rightly so.
“Me and Bobby McGee” by Janis Joplin
Finally, though Janis Joplin’s career was anything but quiet, this 1971 release became her only chart-topping hit, and there’s something somewhat sad about that. Even so, the song’s soulful lyrics and raw delivery made it anything but forgettable. Listeners at the time loved its mix of wanderlust and heartache. Unfortunately, Joplin’s life was tragically cut short, so who knows how many future hits she would otherwise have produced?