Released in 1974, Nazareth’s lead singer Dan McCafferty certainly sang his heart out with the legendary tune “Love Hurts.” The song, which instantly became a worldwide anthem for breakups and heartaches, was one of the most memorable and successful of its kind.
Nazareth’s band members were all Scottish, but their hit still topped charts in the U.S., Norway, and the Netherlands when it was released. Even though the song was a cover, McCafferty’s unmistakable yell over the otherwise soft ballad is what gives it the special something that made “Love Hurts” into one of the most epic heartbreak songs in history.
"Ride Captain Ride" by Blues Image
Blues Image was a cool Tampa-based band of rockers that released an incredible groove in April of 1970. "Ride Captain Ride" became the band's massive hit single, reaching number 4 in the US and Canadian charts.
The song told the story of '73 men who sailed up from San Francisco Bay. ' And why 73? Because that was the number of keys on band singer Mike Pinera's piano. Even though this was the only Blues Image smash hit, the song was later covered by famous band Blood, Sweat and Tears, and it had a second chance of fame thanks to being featured in the movie 'Anchorman'.
"O-o-h Child" by Five Stairsteps
In a time when the Vietnam War was at its worst and people were struggling to keep their hopes up, Five Stairsteps positive, heartwarming song, "O-o-h Child," was like a breath of fresh air. The 1970 hit filled the radio waves with much-needed hope, and listeners loved it.
The band was certainly unique, as they were all siblings that came from the soul music scene in Chicago. But one of them, singer Alohe, took the spirit of the '70s a little too literally; he left the band a few years after their hit came out to find enlightenment.
"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.
"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 who 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.