Great One Hit Wonders of 1979

Like I did with 1978, I thought I would take a moment to talk about the a few of the one hit wonders of 1979. Those who were famous for that one song but even the album that it appeared on didn't warrant its own spot here on 80smetalman's blog. Although there is an exception to the rule in the post, so without any further procrastination, here we go!.

Amii Stewart

You're all probably thinking that I lost the plot here. I know that Amii Stewart's 1979 hit "Knock On Wood" was a disco song. However, I have decided to include it because throughout the whole disco era of the late 1970s, this was the only disco song I almost, sort of, kind of liked. It did have a catchy bass line which is why I never immediately reached for the volume knob to turn it down when it came on the radio. Funny thing was that when I was in the service on liberty in Toulon, France in 1982, she played a disco there and this was the song used to advertise her appearance.

Patrick Hernandez

Keeping in the French theme, the second one hit wonder of 1979 tribute goes to French singer Patrick Hernandez for his hit "Born to Be Alive." Like "Knock on Wood," this song wasn't a hard rocking song but unlike it, it wasn't disco either. I just thought and so did many others at the time, that it was a good fun song that didn't take itself seriously. I also liked the guitar bit in the musical interlude between the verses. Ten years ago, I saw him being interviewed on television and he fully acknowledges the fact that he was a one hit wonder and he seemed quite proud of that accomplishment.

The Boomtown Rats

I'll be the first person to say that the Boomtown Rats are not one hit wonders. The only reason I included them here is because their song "Don't Like Mondays" wins my favourite song of 1979 award and is up there in the all time list. Back in 2000, I used to follow a metal band around the pubs of Bristol, England and although many of their originals were quite good, I liked the fact that they did an excellent cover of "Don't Like Mondays." Saying that, I will give the Boomtown Rats the respect they deserve and visit their 1979 album in the very near future.

There could have been more hits in that year but these are the ones I knew the most. I can point to the three months I was on Parris Island, South Carolina where I was starved musically as the reason why. Still two of the songs here are still worth a good listen and if I'm in the right mood, I can listen to "Knock On Wood" as well.

Next Post: Saxon

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