# 1972 No. 1 Hits Every 70s Kid Remembers

> Three iconic 1972 No. 1 hits that every 70s kid remembers.
- Title: 1972 No. 1 Hits Every 70s Kid Remembers · American Songwriter
- Summary: Three iconic 1972 No. 1 hits that every 70s kid remembers. Elton John's 'Crocodile Rock', Looking Glass's 'Brandy', and Neil Young's 'Heart Of Gold' were all…
- Keywords: elton john, looking glass, neil young, heart of gold, crocodile rock, brandy, 1972, pop music, rock music, music, culture, Hits
- Source: American Songwriter — https://americansongwriter.com/3-no-1-hit-songs-from-1972-that-every-70s-kid-remembers
- Author: Kat Caudill
- Published: 2026-10-08T17:30:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: elton john, looking glass, neil young, heart of gold, crocodile rock, brandy, 1972, pop music, rock music, music, culture
## Elton John's 'Crocodile Rock'
Elton John's 'Crocodile Rock' was his first US No. 1 hit in 1972, but Bernie Taupin admitted it isn't the song he wants people to remember him for.

> I'd much rather they remember me for songs like 'Candle in the Wind' and 'Empty Garden,' songs that convey a message...a feeling.
## Looking Glass's 'Brandy'
Looking Glass's 'Brandy' was written by Elliot Lurie and is a one-hit wonder that he still enjoys performing for fans.

> It's my one really big hit and if anybody comes out to see me, that's what they want to hear.
## Neil Young's 'Heart Of Gold'
Neil Young's 'Heart Of Gold' was his only US No. 1 hit in 1972, written while his back was injured.

> The only time it bothered me that someone sounded like me was when I was living in Phoenix, Arizona, in about '72.
## Key takeaway

Elton John's 'Crocodile Rock', Looking Glass's 'Brandy', and Neil Young's 'Heart Of Gold' were all No. 1 hits in 1972.