Artists with only one truly great song?

Probably true. It IS a great song, though I don't think I've ever actually heard another Norman Greenbaum tune.

Definitely true.

 

of course! stupid me, Ok, Ben E is off the list, Sorry Mr. King

 

to the OP, are you thinking of really just one good song, or songs that were one hit wonders?.
Even some one hit wonders still had some fine tunes, I guess it's a fine line exactly.
I mentioned 'Golden Earring' before, as that was the only hit they had in Australia, otherwise
they are unknown, not to say they don't have great songs. Just want to clarify the direction
of the OP.

 

for the rocknroll n rockabillys out there:
Johnny Restivo - The Shape I'm In

 

Yeah..i dont know why 'golden lights' was included on 2 compilation albums ..Marr hated it as well.
The only smiths songs i can do without are "golden lights" " death at ones elbow" and "work is a four letter word"

 

Tenacious D but after that the best they could manage was a tribute to it.

 

Fair enough, it's a good song and this is all subjective at the end of the day. IMO You Get What You Give is their one truly 'great' song.

 

"Butthurt Fanboy" by the Trolls

 

Procol Harum is almost all magic

 

What does one hit wonder have to do with the quality of the rest of the catalogue? Arlington is one of the all time greats

 

Can't believe no one mentioned "BLUE CHEER" and their psych cover of "Summertime Blues". They are still getting mileage out of that one.

 

The Spirit in the Sky album is a good early singer-songwriter album. I haven't heard his other albums but some of them have had good reviews.

 

"Don't Call Us, We'll Call You" was about as great.

 

America - Horse With No Name

 

I disagree. The Verve have several great songs in their catalog. It's a shame if people think that's the only good song.

 

You're absolutely correct!

 

Ventura highway , Tin man , Sandman , Daisy jane, Lonely people , Sister Golden hair etc - although I think their best songs are not their hits

 

Mungo Jerry: In the Summertime.

 

Lurie was trying to write another song like "Brandy" to ensure radio play so they could push their second album. He didn't love either song to be honest because he felt it didn't represent the band's sound.

 

Paris Angels - Perfume. I have a soft spot for the whole "Sundew" album, a neglected Madchester relic, but this is the only songs of theirs that I'd make great claims for; I'd put it up there with the best of New Order.

 

A few great songs, "A Whiter Shade of Pale" not necessarily being the greatest.

 

My nomination. Three albums, but only one song worth remembering. Similar to many one hit wonders let go by their record companies after failing to repeat their earlier success.

 

By the standard implied by many of the replies in this thread, I too disagree. It depends on what great means.