75 Best One Hit Wonders Ever
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“Physical” – Olivia Newton-John
Song Year: 1981
“Physical” by Olivia Newton-John is a quirky and playful 80s pop song that is all about getting fit and feeling good. The upbeat tune, complete with a catchy synth riff and suggestive lyrics, make it a guilty pleasure for many.
The song topped the charts in 1981, and its popularity only grew with its iconic video, featuring Newton-John working out in leg warmers and a crop top. The song remains a classic of 80s pop culture and is a staple of workout playlists everywhere, despite the artist’s lack of success following the release of the track.
“Mambo No. 5” – Lou Bega
Song Year: 1999
Lou Bega's “Mambo No. 5” was a quirky, catchy hit in 1999, reaching number three on the US charts. The song was a mix of Latin-style mambo and pop music, and was highly influential in the Latin pop movement of the late 90s. Despite being a one-hit wonder in the US, Bega's catchy tune was a global success, topping charts in several countries.
“Kiss Me” – Sixpence None the Richer
Song Year: 1999
Released in 1999, “Kiss Me” by Sixpence None the Richer was a dreamy, folksy love song that quickly climbed the charts. The song's popularity was boosted by its inclusion in the soundtrack to the popular teen film “She's All That.” Although the band was unable to follow up the success of “Kiss Me,” the song remains a nostalgic favorite for many 90s music fans.
“Livin' La Vida Loca” – Ricky Martin
Song Year: 1999
In 1999, Ricky Martin burst onto the international music scene with the upbeat, infectious Latin pop hit “Livin' La Vida Loca.” The song was a massive success, topping charts in multiple countries and launching Martin's career as a global pop star. Despite his continued success, “Livin' La Vida Loca” still remains Martin's biggest hit to date.
“The Middle” – Jimmy Eat World
Song Year: 2001
“The Middle” by Jimmy Eat World was a defining song of the early 2000s emo-pop movement. The song's infectious, upbeat melody and catchy chorus quickly made it a hit, reaching number five on the US charts in 2001. Although Jimmy Eat World continued to release successful albums, “The Middle” remains the band's most well-known and beloved song.
“Every Breath You Take” – The Police
Song Year: 1983
“Every Breath You Take” by The Police is a song that, on the surface, appears to be a romantic ballad. However, the lyrics have a sinister undertone and have been interpreted as being about obsession and stalking.
The song's melody is slow and haunting, making the lyrics even more unsettling. However, despite its dark themes, “Every Breath You Take” is undeniably catchy and memorable. The combination of Sting's smooth vocals and the band's tight instrumentation creates a haunting yet addictive sound that has stood the test of time. In the end, despite its somewhat negative themes, the song is a classic of 80s pop that still resonates with audiences today.
“Smooth” – Santana ft. Rob Thomas
Song Year: 1999
The collaboration between Carlos Santana and Matchbox Twenty frontman Rob Thomas on “Smooth” was a huge commercial success. Released in 1999, the song spent twelve weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100 chart, winning a Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. The track's fusion of Santana's Latin-inspired guitar work and Thomas' melodic vocal hooks made it a standout hit of the late 90s.
“Informer” – Snow
Song Year: 1993
Snow's “Informer” was a massive worldwide hit, reaching the top of charts in several countries in 1993. The reggae-influenced track, which features Snow's signature blend of dancehall and ragga, was the Canadian rapper's only major hit and remains one of the most recognizable one-hit wonders of the 90s.
Despite criticism for its repetitive lyrics, “Informer” remains a classic party anthem and continues to be played at events and clubs around the world.
“Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)” – C&C Music Factory
Song Year: 1991
C&C Music Factory's “Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)” was a massive hit in 1991, reaching the top of charts around the world and becoming one of the defining songs of the early 90s dance and club scene.
The track's catchy hooks, energetic beats, and legendary music video solidified its status as a classic one-hit wonder. Even though it was heavily criticized for its repetitive lyrics, the song remains a gem of 90s dance playlists and continues to be played at parties and clubs.
“Push It” – Salt-N-Pepa
Song Year: 1987
Salt-N-Pepa's “Push It” was a groundbreaking hit when it was released in 1987, becoming one of the first successful female rap songs and paving the way for the growth of the genre.
Its catchy chorus and energetic beats helped it reach the top of charts in several countries and solidified Salt-N-Pepa's status as pioneers of the female rap movement. While the group had other hits throughout their career, “Push It” remains their signature song and a classic one-hit wonder of the 80s.
“Funky Town” – Lipps Inc.
Song Year: 1980
With its catchy disco-infused beat and upbeat lyrics, “Funky Town” by Lipps Inc. became a massive hit in 1980, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries. The song's unique sound and positive vibe made it a staple of dance floors around the world and helped to solidify the popularity of disco music during the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Despite the popularity of “Funky Town,” Lipps Inc. never achieved similar success with any of their other releases, making them a classic example of a one-hit wonder.
