I just saw that UltimateClassicRock.com came up with a list of “The Best One Hit Wonders of All Time”.
Of course, I had to check it out and give my opinion on their list!
Here’s the Top 10:
#10: Norman Greenbaum, “Spirit in the Sky”
I wonder how many drugs were involved in this song and video?
I just remember it being hard AF for me to get right on “Rock Band”. So, yeah, not my favorite. BUT Norman was a Goat farmer, so points for that.
#9: Eddy Grant, “Electric Avenue”
Let’s be real, the best part is the “Oh!” at the beginning.
#8: Tommy Tutone, “867-5309”
Only the most iconic phone number of all-time. I used to give it to guys in college. If they got it, then they qualified for a date. And I sang back-up on this song in cover bands too many times to remember.
#7: Modern English, “I Melt With You”
I still love this one. It just gives me happy vibes. And make me think of chocolate, thanks to the Hershey’s holiday commercial.
#6: Dexy’s Midnight Runner, “Come On Eileen”
One of the best sing-alongs EVER.
And I feel sorry for any girl named Eileen. For obvious reasons.
#5: NENA, “99 Luft Balloons”
Or 99 Red Balloons, for you non-German speaking folks.
You have to admit, this song is catchy AF. And one of my favorites to perform when I used to sing.
Possibly the most fun sounding political statement ever.
#4: Soft Cell, “Tainted Love”
This one is still one of my favorites.
Fun fact: it’s actually a cover song. British Soul singer Gloria Jones released it in 1965- it wasn’t a hit then, but Soft Cell put a cool spin on it and made it a smash.
Honestly, I love her version.
#3: Frankie Goes to Hollywood, “Relax”
Such a dirty song… it was actually banned by the BBC. Which, they show boobs in newspapers over there, so that’s saying something. It’s basically an instruction manual on getting off. But it’s catchy, so… and that shirt on the guy in the beginning of the video needs to be a few sizes bigger. It’s probably hard to relax while rocking that look.
#2: A-ha, “Take On Me”
The best high note ever.
Also, how many times has this song been sampled?
And I remember this music video being high-tech as hell when it came out.
#1: The Buggles, “Video Killed the Radio Star”
Of course, this music video was the offical kickoff to MTV, so naturally, it will live on in infamy.
The song, however? Dumb as all get out.
Interesting that most of the Top 10 are 80’s songs.
What a fickle (but fun as hell!) decade.
Here’s the full Top 40 One Hit Wonders: https://ultimateclassicrock.com/one-hit-wonders/
Honestly, I’m just salty that my favorite didn’t make the list.
Aqua, “Barbie Girl”
Don’t lie… you secretly love this song.
As you should.
What’s your favorite “One Hit Wonder”?
Did it make the list?
Dexy’s Midnight Runners Come on Eileen