“The Hustle” by Van McCoy
One of the biggest and most famous dance songs of the 70s, “The Hustle,” took the world by storm in 1975. This massive hit by Van McCoy, who unfortunately passed away at a young 39 years of age, reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and the Hot Soul Singles chart.
McCoy’s song will live on forever as the official song that your drunken uncle dances to at a wedding, the after-hours nightclub that just doesn’t want to close for the night, and basically, every other situation when you just cannot stop dancing.
"(I Never Promised You a) Rose Garden" by Lynn Anderson
Not only did Lynn Anderson's "(I Never Promised You a) Rose Garden" reach number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, it won a Grammy in 1970 and became a hit around the world. Written by Joe South, it was country music singer Lynn Anderson who recorded and made the song famous.
A sweet-voiced Anderson sings about someone who reminds their sweetheart that love is a combination of 'sunshine and rain.'
"The Night The Lights Went Out In Georgia" by Vicki Lawrence
You might know TV legend Vicki Lawrence from her character in the extremely successful show, 'The Carol Burnett Show', and its spin-off 'Mama's Family. But many don't know that Vicki also made her debut in the music world with her 1973 hit song, "The Nights the Lights Went out in Georgia".
Even though Lawrence was definitely a one-hit-wonder when it came to music, it was a huge win. Her song was a thrilling story of murder and mystery in the South, and the unique chorus made it a country music staple.
"My Sharona" by The Knack
"My Sharona" is one of those songs that everybody knows the chorus to - even today. It is simply one of the most catchy tunes ever! The riff, the drums, the bass- all work in perfect harmony to create a song that stays stuck in your head for days. It's no surprise that this song by The Knack topped all charts back in 1979, and they were set to top them again with another single, "Good Girls Don't." But it never happened.
The Knack was very hated by some people who claimed the popular song was about underaged girls, and there was even a famous California-based artist named Hugh Brown who started a 'Knuke the Knack' campaign against them. Other people said they were mediocre Beatles imitators.
"Dynomite" by Bazuka
If you were born in the 60s, you might remember the famous 1974 American sitcom, 'Good Times'. And if you do, you'll know exactly where Jimmie Walker's famous catchphrase "Dynomite!" came from. Perhaps this also helped the 70s R&B group Bazuka to reach number 10 on the US Billboard chart with their song "Dynomite".
The group, formed by record producer Tony Camillo, released their self-titled album in 1975, and its hit single was the famous "Dynomite". Even though Bazuka didn't top the charts again, this one-hit wonder is definitely worth mentioning for its funky grooves and unique dance rhythms.