Back in Time Today
They had one huge hit—and then vanished from the charts. But for Baby Boomers, these one-hit wonders left an unforgettable imprint. Whether they blasted from a muscle car radio or spun endlessly on a turntable, these songs still get toes tapping and memories flooding back.
1. “Spirit in the Sky” – Norman Greenbaum (1969)
That fuzzed-out guitar riff and gospel-tinged chorus? Instantly recognizable. It’s the spiritual rock anthem no Boomer can resist.
2. “In the Year 2525” – Zager and Evans (1969)
A dystopian sci-fi song that somehow hit No. 1 during the Summer of Love. Haunting, weird, and totally unforgettable.
3. “Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye” – Steam (1969)
It wasn’t just a hit—it became a stadium chant. Boomers still belt it out whenever someone gets the boot.
4. “Venus” – Shocking Blue (1970)
Before Bananarama covered it in the ’80s, Shocking Blue gave Boomers this psychedelic rock-pop smash. She’s got it, yeah baby, she’s got it.
5. “Green-Eyed Lady” – Sugarloaf (1970)
Jazz fusion? Hard rock? Either way, that hypnotic organ riff still gets Boomers swaying.
6. “Play That Funky Music” – Wild Cherry (1976)
This funky anthem made even the stiffest dads want to get down. Still a wedding dance-floor favorite.
7. “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl)” – Looking Glass (1972)
Every Boomer knows the lyrics to this bittersweet sailor’s love song. It’s been melting hearts since the Vietnam War.
8. “Afternoon Delight” – Starland Vocal Band (1976)
So sugary-sweet it’s borderline indecent. Boomers know it’s about more than just daylight snacking.
9. “Magnet and Steel” – Walter Egan (1978)
Smooth, dreamy, and impossible to shake. Fleetwood Mac fans always perk up when this comes on.
10. “My Sharona” – The Knack (1979)
Pure power pop perfection. That chugging beat made it a Boomer dance-floor anthem—and a rite of passage for air-guitarists.
11. “Seasons in the Sun” – Terry Jacks (1974)
It’s sappy. It’s sad. It was absolutely everywhere—and it still makes Boomers teary-eyed.
12. “Black Betty” – Ram Jam (1977)
A blues-rock banger that hits like a freight train. Boomers crank this one up every time.
13. “You Light Up My Life” – Debby Boone (1977)
It was a wedding staple, a prom theme, and a cultural touchstone. Even Boomers who rolled their eyes knew every word.
14. “Don’t Give Up on Us” – David Soul (1976)
Yes, that David Soul—aka Hutch from Starsky & Hutch. This romantic soft rock ballad had Boomers swooning.
15. “The Rapper” – The Jaggerz (1970)
Not that kind of rapper. This funky soul tune about slick-talking guys was a massive hit before hip-hop even arrived.
16. “Pop Muzik” – M (1979)
Futuristic and totally weird, but incredibly catchy. Boomers danced to this at disco clubs in mirrored jumpsuits.
17. “Ariel” – Dean Friedman (1977)
Quirky, oddly specific, and totally lovable. Boomers in the know still grin at this cult classic love song about a vegetarian from Paramus.