music

15 One Hit Wonders That Might Live In Your Head Rent Free

Rick Kern, WireImage

Published May 24, 2023

The world of music is a vast cosmos that provides a launchpad for many artists to create unforgettable masterpieces. However, some musicians leave an indelible mark on the world with a single song before fading into the annals of music history. These are the 'one hit wonders', artists who rise to stardom, illuminate the world with their talent, and then disappear, leaving behind a legacy encapsulated in a single song.

One hit wonders are musical artists who have achieved success with a single hit song, but without any comparable follow-up hits. They often become iconic for their one song and can be remembered long after their time in the spotlight has passed. This article explores fifteen of the most unforgettable one hit wonders.

15. Vanilla Ice

Biggest Hit: "Ice Ice Baby" (1990)

Biggest Album: To The Extreme (1990)

In the early 90s, Vanilla Ice hit the music scene with "Ice Ice Baby," a catchy rap song that leaned heavily on its sampled bassline from Queen and David Bowie's "Under Pressure". The single was a global success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming the first hip-hop song to do so.

14. The Buggles

Biggest Hit: "Video Killed The Radio Star" (1979)

Biggest Album: The Age of Plastic (1980)
The British band The Buggles released "Video Killed the Radio Star" in 1979, becoming the first ever video to be broadcasted on MTV. The song, a commentary on technology's impact on the music industry, peaked at number one in 16 countries, but the band failed to repeat this success.

13. Los Del Rio

Biggest Hit: "Macarena" (1993)

Biggest Album: Fiesta Macarena (1995)

"Macarena", a Spanish dance song by Los Del Rio, turned into an international phenomenon in the mid-90s. Its infectious beat and easy-to-learn dance led to it becoming one of the longest running No. 1 hits of all time. The song also peaked at No. 1 in 11 other countries.

12. Soft Cell

Biggest Hit: "Tainted Love" (1981)

Biggest Album: Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret

The British duo Soft Cell recorded a synth-pop version of Gloria Jones' "Tainted Love". The record-breaking song became an instant hit, topping charts worldwide. Despite their attempt to replicate this success, Soft Cell was unable to produce another chart-topper in the US. They did, however, manage to score several more hits in the UK. So they are sort of, kind of one hit wonders

11. A-ha

Biggest Hit: "Take On Me" (1985)

Biggest Album: Hunting High and Low
Norwegian synth-pop band A-ha's "Take On Me" is renowned for its high-pitched chorus and innovative music video. The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 and became a symbol of 80s music culture.

10. The Weather Girls

Biggest Hit: "It's Raining Men" (1982)

Biggest Album: Success (1983)
"It's Raining Men" by The Weather Girls became a cult classic in the 80s, showcasing a dance-pop groove that remains popular in clubs today. Despite several attempts, the duo was unable to match the success of this song.

9. Carl Douglas

Biggest Hit: "Kung Fu Fighting" (1974)

Biggest Album: Kung Fu Fighting and Other Great Love Songs
Carl Douglas' "Kung Fu Fighting" is a song that needs no introduction. Its catchy hook and amusing lyrics drove the song to the top of the charts in 1974. Douglas never hit the charts again, but his one hit continues to be a cultural phenomenon.

8. The Proclaimers

Biggest Hit: "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" (1988)

Biggest Album: Sunshine on Leith (1989)
Scottish duo The Proclaimers saw their song "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" become a global hit, particularly in America. The song, with its distinctive Scottish accents and catchy tune, became a one-hit wonder despite the band's ongoing career in the UK.

7. Nena

Biggest Hit: "99 Luftballons" (1983)

Biggest Album: 99 Luftballons (1984)
German band Nena's anti-war protest song "99 Luftballons" became an unexpected hit in the US and UK when an English version was released. Despite their continued success in Germany, Nena is considered a one hit wonder internationally.

6. Dexys Midnight Runners

Biggest Hit: "Come On Eileen" (1982)

Biggest Album: Too-Rye-Ay (1982)
"Come On Eileen" by Dexys Midnight Runners combined Celtic folk with pop to create a unique sound that rocketed the song to number one in both the US and UK. The band continued making music but never managed to replicate this success.

5. Right Said Fred

Biggest Hit: "I'm Too Sexy" (1991)

Biggest Album: Up (1991)

Right Said Fred's "I'm Too Sexy" became a global phenomenon in the early 90s. The British duo's tongue-in-cheek commentary on male vanity was loved by audiences, but they couldn't repeat the success with subsequent releases. Shout out to Jay-Z and Drake for helping keep this gem alive.

4. Blind Melon

Biggest Hit: "No Rain" (1992)

Biggest Album: Blind Melon (1992)

"No Rain," released by Blind Melon, has one of the most iconic music videos of the 90s. The song brought the band sudden success, which they were unable to replicate before the tragic death of their lead singer, Shannon Hoon.

3. Sir Mix-a-Lot

Biggest Hit: "Baby Got Back" (1992)

Biggest Album: Mack Daddy (1992)

"Baby Got Back" made Sir Mix-a-Lot one of the most popular hip-hop one hit wonders of all time. The song's candid celebration of women with ample backside caused controversy but also shot it to number one on the Billboard Hot 100.

2. Baha Men

Biggest Hit: "Who Let The Dogs Out?" (2000)

Biggest Album: Who Let The Dogs Out? (2000)
The Baha Men unleashed "Who Let The Dogs Out?" in 2000, creating an international sensation. The song won a Grammy, and while the Baha Men continued to release music, they could never match the worldwide success of their canine-themed hit.

1. Foster The People

Biggest Hit: "Pumped Up Kicks" (2011)

Biggest Album: Torches (2011)

"Pumped Up Kicks" by Foster The People managed to combine a catchy tune with dark lyrics in a way that resonated with listeners. Despite the band's ongoing work, none of their other songs have achieved the international recognition of their debut single.

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