"Looking For The Next Best Thing" by Warren Zevon

Warren Zevon was a singer and songwriter from Chicago who is largely considered a one-hit wonder thanks to his classic "Werewolves Of London" peaking at #21 in 1978. A lot of people don't know that members of Fleetwood Mac (Mick Fleetwood and John McVie) supplied the rhythm section on this tune.

Zevon actually had one additional chart hit: "A Certain Girl," which featured Jackson Browne on backing vocals, topped out at #57 in 1980. Zevon's uncommercial style kept radio away, but he was admired by many critics and fellow artists. His songs have been covered, most notably by Linda Ronstadt (who took "Poor Poor Pitiful Me" to #31 in 1978, and sampled by Kid Rock, who used "Werewolves Of London" on his #23 hit from 2008, "All Summer Long."

"Looking For The Next Big Thing" is an overlooked gem in his catalogue that can be found on his 1982 album, "The Envoy." Zevon passed away in 2003 at the age of 56 after a bout with cancer.

"Philadelphia" by Neil Young

You'd never know of the legendary influence of Neil Young just by looking at his track record on the Top 100. Young has had an interesting career over the decades, beginning in 1965 with his time in the Mynah Birds, which featured Rick James on vocals. From 1966-1969 he was in Buffalo Springfield. Outside of adventures as a part of Crosby, Stills & Nash, he's been primarily a solo artist (sometimes with his band, Crazy Horse), earning him adoration from more recent acts like Pearl Jam, who christened Young as the "Godfather of Grunge."

Young first hit the charts as a solo artist in 1970 when "Cinnamon Girl" went to #55. His breakthrough hit arrived in 1972 when the classic "Heart Of Gold," which features Linda Ronstadt and James Taylor on backing vocals, soared to #1. He followed this up with what would become his last Top 40 hit to date: "Old Man," which got to #31 later that year. His last chart appearance was when "Little Thing Called Love" stalled at #71 in 1983.

Despite not breaking onto the charts, many of Young's rockers and ballads have become familiar classics, including "Down By The River," "The Needle And The Damage Done," "Southern Man," "Rockin' In The Free World," and "Harvest Moon."

"Philadelphia" showcases Young's softer side and may just be one of the most beautiful songs ever written that most people have forgotten about or never heard. It can be found on the soundtrack to the 1993 movie of the same name.

"You're No Good" by Dee Dee Warwick

Dee Dee Warwick is the younger sister of Dionne Warwick, both of whom are cousins of Whitney Houston. Lots of vocal prowess in this family!

Dee Dee did not have the illustrious career of Dionne, but it's not for lack of talent. Dee Dee did a ton of backup vocals for others, and nearly cracked the Top 40 in 1966 when "I Want To Be With You" landed at #41.

Her version of "You're No Good" is also worth a spin. The version of the song most people are familiar with is Linda Ronstadt's, which went to #1 in 1975. Dee Dee's version was released in 1963 and it's stunning that it didn't claim the top spot first.

Dee Dee passed away in 2008 at the age of 66.

"I Can't Let Go" by Linda Ronstadt

Rediscovering magnificent songs like this make the work I put into this blog worth every minute. Originally of The Stone Poneys, Linda Ronstadt quickly made a name for herself as a solo artist with a lovable voice. She racked up so many hits in the 70s that she is ranked the 24th most successful artist of the decade. Some highlights of her 70s chart career include the #1 smash "You're No Good" the #2 smash "When Will I Be Loved," the #3 smash "Blue Bayou," and the #5 smash "It's So Easy."

Her hot streak continued in the 80s with big ones such as "How Do I Make You" (#10) and "Hurt So Bad" (#8), and then a couple monster duets with James Ingram that both reached #2: "Somewhere Out There" and "Don't Know Much."

Oh, and her backing band from the early 70s made out pretty well, too...they became The Eagles.

"I Can't Let It Go" comes from her 1980 record, "Mad Love," one that is good from start to finish and always a treat to hear again.

"Ooo-eee" by Nicolette Larson

Nicolette Larson was a talented session vocalist for a wide range of artists, from Neil Young to Linda Ronstadt to Van Halen. She also recorded several records as a solo artist, but aside from "Lotta Love," which soared to #8 in 1978, major chart success mysteriously eluded her.

"Ooo-eee" is a simple but catchy love song from her 1980 album called "Radioland." Strangely, not even help from her friend Linda Ronstadt (who sings backing vocals) could help get this tune onto the chart. Her last chart appearance was in 1982 when her cover of "I Only Want To Be With You" reached #53.

Sadly, Larson passed away in 1997 at the age of 45 from cerebral edema.

"Through Different Eyes" by Rosemary Butler

Sounding just like Pat Benatar, the terrific Rosemary Butler was robbed as a solo artist. She got her start in high school in an all-girl band called the Ladybirds on bass and vocals. They ended up opening for the Rolling Stones, but Butler left to join a hard rock outfit named Birtha.

Butler became an accomplished back up vocalist and sang on many well-known records. She's recorded with the likes of Linda Ronstadt, Jackson Browne, and Bonnie Raitt. She released a solo album in 1983 called "Rose", but it failed to chart. "Through Different Eyes" is just one of many great cuts from this underrated record (which also features Linda Ronstadt returning the favor as a guest vocalist).