Although “Put Your Hand in the Hand” might sound like an odd title for a song, that didn’t stop it from becoming number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Now, once you know that the song was a gospel pop song, the title starts to make more sense.
For those who din’t live through the 70s, Christian pop became mainstream music back in 1971, with the help of musicals like ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’, and Ocean, a Canadian gospel rock band, decided to capitalize on it. It was a very soft and Christian hit single, and Ocean’s only one.
"The Boys Are Back in Town" by Thin Lizzy
Even if you're not a 70's child, you must have heard the rocking Thin Lizzy song, "The Boys Are Back in Town". Thin Lizzy was a rock band that formed in Ireland and they had a wildly successful hit with this 1976 classic. It was named one of the 500 greatest songs of all time by Rolling Stones magazine and reached number 12 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Ironically, Thin Lizzy didn't want to release the song at first, saying that they weren't planning on putting it on that particular album. However, after their manager heard it, they saw a golden opportunity, and boy, were they right. However, this was the last US hit these rockers produced.
"Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes)" by Edison Lighthouse
Edison Lighthouse was another British pop band from the 70s that sand saccharine tunes about love. Featuring British pop prince Tony Burrows, the band's "Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes)" reached number one on the UK Singles Chart in 1970, and stayed there for five whole weeks.
It went on to reach number 5 on the US Billboard Hot 100, and even though the band broke up in 1977, they will always have their one big hit single.
"Angel in Your Arms" by Hot
Even though you may only be familiar with Barbara Mandrell's 1985 version of "Angel in Your Arms", it was originally written and recorded by Hot, in 1977. This country music hit topped the US Billboard Hot 100 chart at number 6, and went on to top R&B and other charts across the country.
The sassy song became a popular hit, maybe because it told the story of a woman that wants her lover to know he's not the only one cheating around town. Good for her, and good for Hot, who managed to have at least one hit song through their career.
"Love Jones" by Brighter Side of Darkness
Formed in 1971, in Chicago, Illinois, the R&B and soul group Brighter Side of Darkness definitely had its fifteen minutes of fame. And this is already impressive considering their lead singer, Darryl Lamont, was only 12 years old! Their 1972 hit single "Love Jones", topped the charts and was certified gold by the RIAA.
The hit soul song became so popular that it was even parodied by Cheech and Chong, who called their version "Basketball Jones". Funnily enough, the spoof managed to reach one spot higher on the charts. Sadly, Brighter Side of Darkness disbanded in 1974.