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Here's a list of songs considered to be "one hit wonders" over the past few years. I will admit I don't know some of them, but others, the cheesy and sometimes mind bashing lyrics and melody reverberates around my head. Some or them however, I wish that the artist had gone on to make more songs, that wonder was great!
How can Phyllis Nelson 'Move Closer' be deemed a one hit wonder. I remember singing that at youth discos smooching with.... yes myself and Spiller - Groovejet was a great song.
Whats your favourite "one hit wonder" and is there any you would have like to have seen more from the artist. Or is there a wonder you think should be on this list or one that definitely shouldn't.
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1970 Lee Marvin Wand'rin' Star
1970 Norman Greenbaum Spirit In The Sky
1970 Matthew's Southern Comfort Woodstock
1971 Clive Dunn Grandad
1973 Simon Park Orchestra Orchestra Eye Level
1975 Typically Tropical Barbados
1976 J.J. Barrie No Charge
1977 Floaters Float On
1978 Althia & Donna Uptown Top Ranking
1978 Brian & Michael Matchstalk Men & Matchstalk Cats & Dogs
1979 Anita Ward Ring My Bell
1979 Lena Martell One Day At A Time
1980 Fern Kinney Together We Are Beautiful
1980 M*A*S*H Theme From Mash
1980 St. Winifred's School Choir There's No One Quite Like Grandma
1981 Joe Dolce Music Theatre Shaddap You Face
1982 Charlene I've Never Been To Me
1985 Phyllis Nelson Move Closer
1987 Steve 'Silk' Hurley Jack Your Body
1987 M/A/R/R/S Pump Up The Volume
1988 Robin Beck The First Time
1990 Partners In Kryme Turtle Power
1991 Hale & Pace The Stonk
1994 Doop Doop
1996 Dunblane Knockin' On Heaven's Door
1997 TeletubbiesTeletubbies Say Eh-oh!
1998 Chef Chocolate Salty Balls
1999 Mr. Oizo Flat Beat
1999 Baz Luhrmann Everybody's Free (To Wear Sunscreen)
2000 Black Legend You See The Trouble With Me
2000 Spiller Groovejet
2000 Rui da Silva Touch Me
2001 DJ Pied Piper Do You Really Like It
2002 Las Ketchup The Ketchup Song (Asereje)
2003 Tomcraft Loneliness
2003 Michael Andrews feat. Gary Jules Mad World
2004 Frankee F.U.R.B (F U Right Back)
2004 3 Of A Kind Babycakes
2004 Eric Prydz Call On Me
2005 Steve Brookstein Against All Odds
2005 Nizlopi The JCB Song
2006 Chico It's Chico Time
2006 Orson No Tomorrow
2006 Ne-Yo SoSick
2006 Gnarls Barkley Crazy
Edited by Detomah As Found another groovy list to go with this one:
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99 Red Balloons – Nena (1984)
HIGHEST CHART POSITION: 1
This classic anti-war song played on '80s fears of impending nuclear doom. The lyrics in the song told the story of red balloons triggering an apocalyptic overreaction by the military. Apocalyptic overreaction was also triggered here in the UK when Nena lifted her arms on 'Top of the Pops' to reveal... hairy armpits!
All By Myself – Eric Carmen (1976)
HIGHEST CHART POSITION: 12
The soundtrack for single women everywhere, this power ballad was originally penned by Eric Carmen and based on a classical theme by Rachmaninoff. It was more recently popularised by Celine Dion and the familiar opening scene of 'Bridget Jones's Diary'.
Always Look on the Bright Side of Life – Monty Python (1991)
HIGHEST CHART POSITION: 3
Over a decade after Monty Python's Life of Brian, 'Always Look on the Bright Side of Life' was resurrected by Radio 1's Simon Mayo. Back on the airwaves over ten years after it was recorded, the song's huge popularity helped it to number three in 1991. Our very British sense of stoicism means the song is still regularly heard at times of strife, having been sung by a crowd in Manchester in 1993 upon hearing the city had lost their bid for the Olympics, and is often heard at rainy football matches all over the nation.
Axel F – Harold Faltermeyer (1985)
HIGHEST CHART POSITION: 2
This 80s instrumental smash hit was better known for being the theme tune to the Hollywood blockbuster 'Beverly Hills Cop'. A remix of the classic reached number one in the UK charts in May 2005 after being teamed with the Crazy Frog ringtone - sparking a raft of complaints from crazy parents.
Because I Got High – Afroman (2001)
HIGHEST CHART POSITION: 1
Afroman, AKA Joseph Foreman, emerged from the mists of obscurity with the single 'Because I Got High' in 2001. The song details Afroman's inability to clean his room, go to court or attend class, all because of "reefer madness". Unsurprisingly, the song was used in the film featuring fellow stoners Jay and Silent Bob, Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back. Afroman is now a reformed Christian, often finishing songs with a note on how he found Jesus.
Big In Japan – Alphaville (1984)
HIGHEST CHART POSITION: 8
German band Alphaville, who were very much of the same school of music as synth pop/new romantics Ultravox and Visage, spent 13 weeks in the charts with this song. The band consisted of Marian Gold, Bernhard Lloyd and Frank Mertens. They are still recording and touring around Europe although their chart success with 'Big in Japan' has never been repeated.
Brimful of Asha – Cornershop (1998)
HIGHEST CHART POSITION: 1
In 1997, Cornershop shot into the UK charts with the song 'Brimful of Asha' reaching the lofty heights of?number 60! Things changed however when DJ Norman Cook remixed the track for re-release in 1998. The remix topped the chart, selling a staggering 208,000 copies in seven days! The track was perhaps the first classic fusion of eastern music and western style and featured lyrics about Bollywood playback singer, Asha Bhosle.
Can You Dig It? – Mock Turtles (1991)
HIGHEST CHART POSITION: 18
Hailing from Manchester (and featuring Steve Coogan's brother, Martin) The Mock Turtles followed the long line of success stories that had come from the city during the heights of 'Madchester'. The track faltered at number 18 in the UK chart at the time of release, but lives on past The Mock Turtles' demise thanks to recent Vodafone ads featuring David Beckham.
Centrefold – J Geils Band (1982)
HIGHEST CHART POSITION: 3
Nanananananananananananan na na naaaa. The catchy hook was only one reason for this song's success - another was the catchy story behind the lyrics. The chorus line of 'my angel is the centrefold!' was written about a band member's reaction to opening up a girlie mag and finding his school sweetheart wearing nothing but the staples that held the pages together.
Chocolate Salty Balls – Chef (1998)
HIGHEST CHART POSITION: 1
Isaac Hayes, voice of Chef in post-watershed cartoon series South Park, is used to being on top? of the charts (ahem). He hit the number four spot in 1971 with 'Theme From Shaft'. But it seems Chef is the man who really hits your spot, topping the chart in 2000. Hayes and Chef share other interests too, Isaac authoring a cookbook, owning two restaurants and a leading brand of barbecue sauce!
Doctorin' The Tardis – The Timelords (1988)
HIGHEST CHART POSITION: 1
A bizarre mix of Gary Glitter and Doctor Who inspired this hit by The Timelords. The infamous Bill Drummond (of KLF fame) was behind the track and followed the song's success with a book that outlined a step-by-step guide to hit-making - with a money-back offer if anyone had a hit by following the rules. After reading the book an Austrian band called Edelweiss duly did have a hit? not sure if they got their money back though!
Don't Worry Be Happy – Bobby McFerrin (1988)
HIGHEST CHART POSITION: 2
The one time singer of the 'Cosby Show' theme tune, Bobby McFerrin had a hit in 1988 with this catchy Jazz influenced a-cappella tune. The upbeat nature of this track ironically tempted someone to start a well known internet rumour that Bobby was actually very depressed and had committed suicide. A rumour that the very alive Bobby obviously denies!
That's right, this 1999, chart-topping hit was indeed made by filmic-maestro Baz 'Moulin Rouge' Luhrmann! Luhrmann's surprise CV-side note is widely mistaken for a 1997 Kurt Vonnegut commencement speech at a US college. In fact the lyrics were taken from a column published in The Chicago Tribune in 1997. The song even had a special seal of approval from the Bishop of Liverpool who said at the time that he believed 'Everybody's Free' carried an important moral message.
Fire – Crazy World of Arthur Brown (1968)
HIGHEST CHART POSITION: 1
This scorching single hit the number one slot worldwide with singer Arthur Brown at the helm, well known for his flaming helmet, sacrilegious robes and bizarre on-stage antics, which included setting himself and sometimes the rest of the venue on fire.
F*** U Right Back – Frankee (2004)
HIGHEST CHART POSITION: 1
F.U.R.B. was in response to Eamon's girlfriend-dumping song 'F*** It (I Don't Want You Back)'. Frankee, we were led to believe, was Eamon's angry ex-lover and this was her reply. 'F.U.R.B. (F*** U Right Back)' used the same musical arrangement but different lyrics in order to put Frankee's side of the story forward. The song out-sold Eamon's original and shot to number one in the UK. Mystery still surrounds whether the pair actually knew each other or whether it was just a well-managed publicity stunt.
Groove is in the Heart – Dee-Lite (1990)
HIGHEST CHART POSITION: 2
New York group Deee-Lite deee-lited the charts in 1990, reaching number two with this dance-tastic disco favourite. Consisting of then-married couple Lady Miss Kier and Super DJ Dmitri along with their mate from Tokyo Jungle DJ Towa Tei, they roped in Q-Tip (from rap group A Tribe Called Quest) and legendary bass player Bootsy Collins to help on the song. The track is still popular 15 years on and consistently manages to be a real dance floor filler.
I'll Be There For You – The Rembrandts (1995)
HIGHEST CHART POSITION: 3
Better known as the theme song for the TV show Friends, the Rembrandts released this insanely catchy number on their album a year after the show first aired and it became a huge hit. Although The Rembrandts wrote most of their own songs, this one was actually written specifically for the show by Michael Skloff and Allee Willis, which meant most of the money from the sales of this 'one hit wonder' didn't even go to the band!
I'm The Urban Spaceman – Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band (1968)
HIGHEST CHART POSITION: 5
A number five hit in 1968 for the Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band which included, of all things, a cross-legged tap dancer on drums, a spoon player, a robot inventor and a guitarist with a duck on his head. A major part of the band's success was their role on TV's early Monty Python prototype Do Not Adjust Your Set and they also received a little help from producer Apollo C. Vermouth, better known as Paul McCartney.
It's Raining Men – The Weather Girls (1984)
HIGHEST CHART POSITION: 2
This gay anthem was originally turned down by both Barbra Streisand and Diana Ross, but became a huge hit for duo Martha Walsh and Izora Rhodes, aka The Weather Girls. Wash's powerful voice went onto feature on many familiar dance records such as C&C Music Factory's 'Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)'. However Martha was often uncredited on such tracks and replaced in music videos by models and actresses. It's only in the past few years that she's finally been acknowledged as the amazing voice behind these releases.
Japanese Boy – Aneka (1981)
HIGHEST CHART POSITION: 1
Scottish folksinger Mary Sandeman dressed as a Japanese Geisha to land this number one hit in 1981 using the pseudonym 'Aneka'. After this taste of stardom, Mary chose to pack up her kimono and wig and head back to a quieter life north of the border.
Je T'Aime – Jane Birkin and Serge Gainsbourg (1969)
HIGHEST CHART POSITION: 1
This provocative little number was the first time a foreign language record achieved such success in the UK. The song was banned by broadcasters in Spain, Sweden, Brazil and Britain and condemned across the world as immoral, not least by the Vatican. It was so saucy that original co-vocalist Brigitte Bardot refused to approve its release. Scandalous singer Serge Gainsbourg soon found a willing partner in British Jane Birkin and it became the first French song on our list to climb to number one.
Jilted John – Jilted John (1978)
HIGHEST CHART POSITION: 4
Memorably introduced on Top of the Pops as "one of the most bizarre singles of the decade", Jilted John's eponymous tale of teen angst, rejection and confrontation went to number four in the chart. Actor Graham Fellows' bratty rendition follows the adventures of John, Gordon the Moron and Julie, and remains one of the most memorable singles of British punk/new wave.
Joe Le Taxi – Vanessa Paradis (1988)
HIGHEST CHART POSITION: 3
Although her subsequent acting and modelling success overshadowed her pop career, French singer Vanessa Paradis, aka Mrs Johnny Depp, was only 15 when she shot to fame with her first single 'Joe le Taxi'. The song detailed the drinking habits, dancing exploits and nightly wandering of the mysterious Joe. Vanessa received mixed reviews from French critics so uprooted to London where she found fleeting success on the UK pop scene.
Kung Fu Fighting – Carl Douglas (1974)
HIGHEST CHART POSITION: 1
In need of a quick B-side, Jamaican born Carl Douglas recorded 'Kung Fu Fighting' in a mere ten minutes. The song was written about the Kung Fu craze sweeping UK culture courtesy of films like Bruce Lee's 'Enter the Dragon' and David Carradine's TV series 'Kung Fu'. Spotting a potential hit, the track was quickly elevated to the A-side and went on to sell over nine million copies worldwide.
Louie Louie – The Kingsmen (1964)
HIGHEST CHART POSITION: 26
Considered by some to be the 'party anthem of the universe', The Kingsmen's cult hit was recorded for $36 and became a national hit in 1964. Whilst US fans campaigned for the track to become the state song for Washington, its immortality became inevitable when it was banned from the radio and investigated by the FBI for what were considered lewd and immoral lyrics.
Lovin' You – Minnie Riperton (1975)
HIGHEST CHART POSITION: 2
Famed as 'the lady with the high voice', this track by Minnie Riperton reached great heights when it was released from her 1974 album Perfect Angel. 'Lovin' You' was produced by Stevie Wonder and dedicated to Minnie's young daughter, Maya. Noted for her extreme vocal range, Minnie's 'whistle voice' has been mimicked - but never bettered - by acts such as Mariah Carey.
MacArthur Park – Richard Harris (1968)
HIGHEST CHART POSITION: 4
A miniature symphony of a song, MacArthur Park was the first top 40 hit to run over seven minutes in length. With a long orchestral break and emotional lyrics involving a soggy cake and a forgotten recipe, the song divided listeners so much that some (misguided fools) even voted it the worst song ever. It has been recorded more than 50 times, including a disco version by Donna Summer, which made it to number one in the 70s.
Mambo No 5 – Lou Bega (1999)
HIGHEST CHART POSITION: 1
After a trip to Miami at the age of 18, German born David Lubega became fascinated by the mambo kings of the '30s and '40s. Splitting his surname in half, adopting white pin-stripe suits and a Borsalino hat, he remodelled himself as smooth-crooner Lou Bega. His mambo inspired single shot to number one and remained in the charts for 15 weeks!
Matchstalk Men and Matchstalk Cats and Dogs – Brian and Michael (1978)
HIGHEST CHART POSITION: 1
Manchester boys Mick Coleman and Brian Burke drew their inspiration for the song 'Matchstalk Men and Matchstalk Cats and Dogs' from the people featured in the paintings of Salford artist L.S. Lowry. Both the song and the paintings are pieces of social commentary from the industrial city. The song featured the backing vocals of the St Winifred's School Choir and the music of the Tintwistle Brass Band, and was recorded in nearby Stockport.
Mickey – Toni Basil (1982)
HIGHEST CHART POSITION: 2
The anthem of cheerleaders everywhere, Mickey was the sole hit for choreographer and actress Toni Basil back in 1982. Toni was the first artist to both perform and choreograph the video for a hit song. The track started life as an album track called 'Kitty' for 70s UK band Racey.
Contesting the purist sentiments of "The best things in life are free," this catchy experimental track by concept group 'The Flying Lizards' features the monotone vocals of Deborah Upton demanding, "I want money!" (Perhaps an early premonition of the eighties yuppie culture that was to follow.) Recorded in an industrial fridge on a budget of five pounds, the single sold more copies in 1979 than any other release by Virgin Records that year and continues to feature heavily in film soundtracks and on compilation CDs.
Monster Mash – Bobby Boris Pickett & the Crypt Kickers (1973)
HIGHEST CHART POSITION: 3
One of the most popular novelty records of all time, Monster Mash was created by Bobby Pickett, who had been spoofing Master of Horror Boris Karloff since he was nine years old. When the impression later became a popular part of his club act he decided to put it to music, and this rock and roll Halloween anthem was born. It is resurrected annually on countless radio and TV stations and has even been made into a film featuring Bobby himself.
Coventry-based Lieutenant Pigeon recorded this early 70s chart topper in the living room of band member Rob Woodward's mother's house. Rob's mum Hilda must have liked the song, as she ended up joining the band on piano! After an initial release the record disappeared without a trace. Enter the Belgians! The song was used as the theme tune for a current affairs programme in Belgium and started to rocket up the charts in that country. After a swift re-release in the UK the same happened here.
My Boy Lollipop – Millie (1964)
HIGHEST CHART POSITION: 2
One of the oldest one hit wonders on the list, this song was released in 1964 and gave Millie Small instant fame at the tender age of 18 with what became the best selling ska record in history. Her success was instrumental in the creation of Island Records (the label taking its name from Millie's homeland of Jamaica), the label that went onto bring us artists like Bob Marley and U2.
My Favourite Waste of Time – Owen Paul (1986)
HIGHEST CHART POSITION: 3
Owen Paul shot up to number three in the charts by charming the nation with his guitar-laden jangle-pop and the mullet to end all mullets. Owen later disappeared to what he believed to be a quiet suburb of Beverly Hills. Unfortunately his peace and quiet was shattered when he found himself living right next door to the Osbournes!
My Sharona – The Knack (1979)
HIGHEST CHART POSITION: 6
Inspired by a very hot girlfriend, 'My Sharona' became a smash hit in 1979, went gold in eight weeks, and has remained The Knack's signature song ever since. The Knack continue to play together today whilst M-m-m-my Sharona herself now lives in LA as an estate agent to the stars.
My Toot Toot – Denise la Salle (1985)
HIGHEST CHART POSITION: 6
This song was originally a Grammy award winning hit in the US for its composer, Zydeco legend Rockin' Sidney, in 1984. A year later it was the cover of 'My Toot Toot' by respected American blues vocalist Denise LaSalle that hit the charts in the UK. What exactly was Denise's 'Toot Toot' though? In time honoured rock and roll style, the song has connotations of both drugs and sex, but the truth is that Toot Toot is from the Cajun phrase for 'sweetheart' - 'mࠣhere tout-tout'. Ah!
Pop Muzik – M (1979)
HIGHEST CHART POSITION: 2
Released under the mysterious enigma 'M' in 1979, Pop Muzik aimed to squeeze the last 25 years of pop history into just one song. This was achieved to some extent, with the track going gold on both sides of the Atlantic, selling over six million copies. A remixed version of the song was used by U2 to open their Popmart tour.
Pump Up the Volume – MARRS (1987)
HIGHEST CHART POSITION: 1
'Pump Up The Volume' was a turning point in popular music. It was the first big British-made house hit, and the first UK number one to contain samples from other songs. Familiar samples on the record included sounds from both Public Enemy and Eric B & Rakim. The song started a heated debate on sampling and changed the sound of the charts forever.
Rapper's Delight – Sugarhill Gang (1979)
HIGHEST CHART POSITION: 3
Often mistaken to be the first ever rap record. It wasn't - but it was the first rap record to chart! For this reason alone the importance of Rapper's Delight can't be overstated. When it comes to hip-hop, this record opened the floodgates. Using the great disco track 'Good Times' as a backing, The Sugarhill Gang were little known at the time, and were accused of stealing their lyrics from a fellow rap artist. The track recently inspired yet another one hit wonder, 'The Ketchup Song'.
Rock Me Amadeus – Falco (1986)
HIGHEST CHART POSITION: 1
Peaking at number one in the UK, the track was inspired by the 1984 film Amadeus. Unbeknownst to many, Falco was a bit of a Mozart himself, a child prodigy who went on to become one of the richest and most successful artists in Austria. Although he died tragically in a car accident, his legacy lives on in with this international hit record.
Save Your Love – Renee and Renato (1982)
HIGHEST CHART POSITION: 1
Italian tenor Renato Pagliari (of the 'Just One Cornetto' advert fame) shot to stardom with 'Save Your Love' in 1982, a romantic duet with Hilary Lester. This hit single shared the world wide top ten with Duran Duran, Michael Jackson, Paul McCartney and Lionel Ritchie. Today Renato owns a restaurant in the Midlands and regularly performs on cruise ships.
Shaddap Your Face – Joe Dolce (1981)
HIGHEST CHART POSITION: 1
After relocating to Australia from America, being dumped by his wife and finding himself penniless in a foreign country, Joe Dolce released 'Shaddap You Face', the tale of an Italian teenager who is constantly berated by his mother for his laziness. It became number one in 15 countries with over 35 foreign language cover versions being spawned.
Since Yesterday – Strawberry Switchblade (1984)
HIGHEST CHART POSITION: 5
Recorded by Strawberry Switchblade, a Scottish female duo, this pop classic was a top five smash in 1984. Although their success has never been repeated, the band has a cult following which enjoyed a revival in the early 90s when the song was re-released and covered in Japan.
Something in the Air – Thunderclap Newman (1969)
HIGHEST CHART POSITION: 1
The 60s rock group formed by jazz pianist Andy 'Thunderclap' Newman, singer/drummer John 'Speedy' Keen and 16-year-old guitarist Jimmy McCulloch was discovered by none other than Pete Townshend of The Who. Thunderclap reached the number one spot with the song that Graham Fellows, who also has a one hit wonder on our chart with 'Jilted John', claims is his all-time favourite!
IT CAME FROM? the Midlands! Jas Mann, the founder of Babylon Zoo and self confessed sci-fi lover, fell from the sky and into the charts, crash landing at number one in 1996. Like something from another world it became the fastest-selling single in UK history at the time, moving 250,000 copies in one week. Spaceman rocketed in popularity following a Levi's ad campaign in which the sped-up part of the track was used.
Spirit in the Sky – Dr & the Medics (1986)
HIGHEST CHART POSITION: 1
This spiritual song has been a one hit wonder twice over. Originally written and recorded by Norman Greenbaum in the late sixties, it was re-recorded by Doctor & The Medics in the UK in the 80s, and was one of the final hits for Pop Idol Gareth Gates.
Stand By Me – Ben E King (1961)
HIGHEST CHART POSITION: 1
An all time classic, this award-winning ode to friendship and devotion has earned a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, been voted one of the American Songs of the Century and was honoured with a Grammy Hall of Fame Award. The song wasn't a huge hit when first released in 1961. However, it was re-released in 1986 to coincide with the film of the same name and climbed all the way to the top of the charts.
Sugar Sugar – The Archies (1969)
HIGHEST CHART POSITION: 1
Long before Gorillaz or The Chipmunks, Sugar Sugar was a number one hit for The Archies, a group made up of cartoon characters who appeared on a Saturday morning kids TV show. Knocking the Rolling Stones off the number one US spot, this song also beat off competition from The Beatles, Elvis Presley and David Bowie to remain at the top spot in Britain for eight weeks. The song has since sold a staggering 10 million copies worldwide.
Sunny – Bobby Hebb (1966)
HIGHEST CHART POSITION: 12
This optimistic song was supposedly written by Bobby Hebb as a final celebratory goodbye following the death of his brother. 'Sunny' was released three times in 1966 by Hebb, Cher, and Georgie Fame. It went onto be much covered in many genres from jazz to disco with notable versions released by the likes of Frank Sinatra, Dusty Springfield and Boney M.
The One & Only – Chesney Hawkes (1991)
HIGHEST CHART POSITION: 1
Floppy-haired and baby-faced Chesney's most famous single, 'The One and Only' from the film Buddy's Song, spent five glorious weeks at number one in 1991, bringing Chesney the acclaim that his film character so craved. Life imitating art in the world of teendom.
The Safety Dance – Men Without Hats (1983)
HIGHEST CHART POSITION: 6
Canadian new wave synth pop collective Men Without Hats was formed in 1980 by brothers Ivan and Stefan Doroschuk. This track was the band's reaction to the ban that many clubs placed on mosh pits - very popular in their native post-punk Canada. Hence the lyrics "you can dance if you want to."
There She Goes – The La's (1990)
HIGHEST CHART POSITION: 13
This song was released by The La's twice (after not charting the first time around) and finally reached number 13 in 1990. It was later covered by US band 'Sixpence None the Richer' in 1999 and has featured on a number of TV programmes and ad campaigns. Dark rumours have long circulated that the song is actually about drug addiction. Great tune though!
Punky pop duo Shampoo shot to fame in the early nineties when school discos around the country started pumping out the enormously infectious 'Trouble'. Although the first to initially coin the term 'girl power', the girls themselves were mocked in England for their disposable, tacky image. They must have been gutted then that the Spice Girls swooped in and adopted their catchphrase a year later. Their disappointment was probably cushioned by the fact that they found huge success in Japan - catapulting them onto the UK Women's Rich List above Liz Hurley and Naomi Campbell in 1996.
Turning Japanese – The Vapors (1980)
HIGHEST CHART POSITION: 3
A song often rumoured to be a euphemism for masturbation; 'Turning Japanese' was the second single from The Vapors and became a major hit, reaching number three on the UK charts in March 1980. Managed by The Jam's Bruce Foxton, the band struggled to repeat their success and disbanded soon after.
Two Pints of Lager & A Packet of Crisps Please – Splodgenessabounds (1980)
HIGHEST CHART POSITION: 7
This song was written by the band's singer Max Splodge after he got told 'Time, Gentlemen Please!' when trying to order a final pint. Their 'high energy comedy punk' debut climbed to number seven in the charts in the summer of 1980.
Video Killed the Radio Star – The Buggles (1979)
HIGHEST CHART POSITION: 1
A true piece of pop history, the video for Buggles' song launched MTV America in August 1981, forever changing the face of the music industry and the entire way in which we conceive a single. An early synth pop gem, the song describes the medium of video taking over at the expense of the traditional transistor, and topped the charts in 16 countries. Following the single, band members Geoff and Trevor had success in the prog-rock outfit Yes.
Who Let the Dogs out – Baha Men (2000)
HIGHEST CHART POSITION: 2
This song reached number two in the charts and came from the band's debut album (which went triple platinum in the US!). The song also won a Grammy in 2000 for Best Dance Recording. Here in the UK, The Baha Men disappeared into obscurity shortly after the song left the charts. It remains infamous, however, as the tune Victoria Beckham allegedly sang when Jordan walked into the room!
Woo Hoo – The 5.6.7.8's (2004)
HIGHEST CHART POSITION: 28
Discovered by Kill Bill Director Quentin Tarantino (and subsequently featured in the film), 'Woo Hoo' by Japanese cartoon character-like retro garage band The 5,6,7,8's flew into the public consciousness in 2004. It took on cult status later that year when it was whistled around the campsites of major summer festivals such as Glastonbury and Reading.
Your Woman – White Town (1997)
HIGHEST CHART POSITION: 1
Jyoti Mishra was the name behind White Town. The track 'Your Woman' was written and recorded in Mishra's bedroom and was picked up by chance by then Radio 1 DJ Mark Radcliffe. After playing the track on his show, sales went though the roof, selling 47,000 copies in the UK and over 450,000 in the US.
Listed as seen on Channel 4's greatest one hit wonders show.
lol I remember some of them, I remember hearing that Frankee song on my last day of high school and if I remember Eamon released pretty much the exact same song to rival lol, difference was that Eamon tried to continue and Frankee just died out, she was fit though.
I didnt make the list! Im sure that they will go on and make lots more hits. I've never heard of them but as im not up to date on popular music (being an oldie) it doesn't mean they aren't any good.
I just thank my lucky stars that teletubbies didn't make any more songs! PHEW
Theres no mention of Vanilla Ice, who is one of the legends of 1 hit wonders. Equally no mention of MC Hammer.
These are supposed to be 1 hit wonders, ie. a song which is suprisingly uber popular but they fail to repeat the suprise success. Things like "dunblane" are surely a deliberate 1 off tribute performance, not a 1 hit wonder. Its more like a list of people who have only released 1 song into the charts.
Gnarls and Ne-oh are just new acts that havent had time for success yet.
I didnt make the list! Im sure that they will go on and make lots more hits. I've never heard of them but as im not up to date on popular music (being an oldie) it doesn't mean they aren't any good.
I just thank my lucky stars that teletubbies didn't make any more songs! PHEW
I sincerely hope not, their song "Crazy" is seriously doing my nut in 'cause the *******s on every single radio station are playing it too damn often.
One Hit Wonders
and Spiller - Groovejet was a great song.
Im sure that they will go on and make lots more hits. I've never heard of them but as im not up to date on popular music (being an oldie) it doesn't mean they aren't any good.
Some great songs in that list...
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