If a band has the privilege (or curse, depending on how you look at it) of being a one-hit wonder, it’s clear that their claim to fame should be unforgettable. However, not every one-hit wonder has the enduring power to attract attention. These four songs are some of the most successful one-hit wonders of all time, still etched in our brains decades after they first hit the airwaves. Let’s take a look! Warning: These songs will definitely get stuck in your head.
1. “Tainted Love” by Soft Cell
Ah, the New Wave era. The ’80s were a very interesting time for the genre, and classic synthpop is one of the most notable English contributions to the New Wave as a whole. It’s also one of the most captivating wonders ever.
“Tainted Love” reached no. It peaked at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1981 and was a huge international hit. Fun fact: This one-hit wonder was actually a cover of Gloria Jones’ spiritual that was a huge hit in the 1960s.
2. “Come On Eileen” by Dexy’s Midnight Runners
Regardless of your age, where you grew up, or your personal musical tastes, chances are this classic folk song has been stuck in your head at least once in your life.
This famous 1982 track from Dixie’s Midnight Runners was the only source of fame for the English outfit, but it was a huge hit when it was first released! The music video for “Come On Eileen” was equally legendary.
3. “Who let the dogs out?” by Baha’a Al-Mujamal
If you were alive and conscious at the turn of the millennium, you know very well that “Who Let the Dogs Out?” by Baha Men was one of the most critically acclaimed wonders of 2000.
The Bahamian junkanoo band didn’t see much fame again after this massive international success, but they did receive a Grammy Award and earned spots on multiple movie soundtracks around that time. The song’s tropical and playful music video was very endearing as well. Who else misses super fun music and neighborly bubblegum pop like this?
4. “Take Me” by A-Ha
What’s a list of catchy wonders without mentioning this beloved 1985 hit? From the earworm melody to the pop culture-infused music video, A-Ha’s “Take On Me” made synth-pop internationally popular in the 1980s. And this high note? It’s unforgettable.
Photo by Vin Costello/Redferns
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