We love them, we hate them, we hate to love them. One-hit wonders are an essential color in the pop culture tapestry of history, with a brief inescapable moment in the center spotlight leading to – for the majority – total obscurity. Some one-hit wonders strike gold and stick with us through the ages, however, becoming a standard at weddings, sporting events, school dances and more forever more. Though the bands who created them never had a follow-up hit, their one shining moment still as recognizable as any icon accomplishment.
The music industry is packed to the rafters with one-hit wonders. Below are the top 50 – see if you can remember them all.
“Baby Got Back” – Sir Mix a Lot
“Somebody That I Used to Know” – Gotye
“Beds are Burning” – Midnight Oil
“Lean On Me” – Club Nouveau
“Party All The Time” – Eddie Murphy
“Tomorrow People” – Ziggy Marley And The Melody Makers
“Under The Milky Way” – The Church
“Catch Me I’m Falling” – Pretty Poison
“Maniac” – Michael Sembello
“Black Velvet” – Alannah Myles
“Just Got Paid” – Johnny Kemp
“Supersonic” – J.J. Fad
“What’s On Your Mind (Pure Energy)” – Information Society
“Breakout” – Swing Out Sister
“Toy Soldiers” – Martika
“Angel Eyes” – The Jeff Healey Band
“You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)” – Dead or Alive
“Break My Stride” – Matthew Wilder
“Dear God” – XTC
“What I Am” – Edie Brickell & New Bohemians
“Our House” – Madness
“I Ran (So Far Away)” – A Flock of Seagulls
“Come on Eileen” – Dexys Midnight Runners
“Da Butt” – E.U.
“867-5309 / Jenny” – Tommy Tutone
“We Don’t Have to Take Our Clothes Off” – Jermaine Stewart
“Der Kommissar” – After the Fire
“Don’t Worry, Be Happy” – Bobby McFerrin
“Two of Hearts” – Stacey Q
“Pass the Dutchie” – Musical Youth
“Easy Lover” – Philip Bailey (w/ Phil Collins)
“Mexican Radio” – Wall of Voodoo
“Take On Me” – A-Ha
“Buffalo Stance” – Neneh Cherry
“It Takes Two” – Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock
“Tainted Love” – Soft Cell
“I Melt With You” – Modern English
“The Safety Dance” – Men Without Hats
“Whip It” – Devo
“Cars” – Gary Numan
“Relax” – Frankie Goes to Hollywood
“Keep Your Hands To Yourself” – The Georgia Satellites
“My Sharona” – The Knack
“To Be With You” – Mr. Big
“Sex And Candy” – Marcy Playground
“What’s Up?” – 4 Non Blondes
“Tubthumping” – Chumbawamba
“Kung Fu Fighting” – Carl Douglas
“I’m Too Sexy” – Right Said Fred
“Groove Is In The Heart” – Deee-Lite
“I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” – The Proclaimers
