Access To Rock

Access To Rock

Access To Rock

Photo by Rich Fury/Getty Images for Coachella

We know ’em. We love ’em. They’re one-hit wonders. A musical artist who is successful with one hit song, but doesn’t have a comparable subsequent hit.

It’s okay. We love their music just the same. But maybe…just the ONE song… Seriously. Name another song by Tommy Tutone.

This isn’t necessarily a negative thing! One hit is better than NO hits, right? Right. Their impact on popular music will not be forgotten, even if it’s just for that one song.

The decade that seemed to breed the largest number of one-hit wonders was the 80s. Something about the big hair and spandex made for only temporary chart success.

One Hit Wonder Day is celebrated on September 25 every year. It’s a day that brings back memories and encourages you to give that one artist more attention for that one song. Nothing gives a healthy dose of nostalgia like a one-hit wonder.

We have compiled a list of 7 one-hit wonders that may make you go, “Oh right…THOSE guys!” These rock one-offs still get air-play to this day. The songs are still good, even if we can’t remember who wrote ’em.

So, without further ado, here are 7 iconic one-hit wonders we’d like to remember for the national day:

  • "Take On Me" - A-ha

    It’s an unforgettable melody with an even more unforgettable video. “Take On Me” quickly became an anthem of the 80s. Whether it annoys you or not, you gotta admit, it’s a great song.

  • "Come On Eileen" - Dexy's Midnight Runners

    It’s okay. You can admit to your sloppy sing-alongs to this one at bars or parties. We won’t judge. I’m pretty sure we’ve all done it. “Come On Eileen” is pretty much a perfect party song. The build-up, the repetitive lyrics, the “Too-ra-loo-ra/Too-ra-loo-rye-ay.” It’s a stellar one.

  • "Walk On The Wild Side" - Lou Reed

    Hey babe, take a “Walk On The Wild Side.” Did you know David Bowie helped produce this one in 1972? It became a counterculture anthem, and the song Lou Reed is most known for.

  • "Spirit In The Sky" - Norman Greenbaum

    Norman Greenbaum was very inspired by the popularity of gospel music at the time when he wrote “Spirit In The Sky.” That inspiration helped this song reach huge chart success. This song is a known one-hit wonder, and was rereleased by another one hit wonder, Doctor and the Medics.

  • "Your Love" - The Outfield

    Author’s Note: I’ve heard this song countless times. I had no idea it was even called “Your Love,” let alone that it was a one-hit wonder.

    Anyways, “Your Love” is about a boy whose girl, Josie, departs and goes away from him. In his loneliness, he tries to persuade another woman into just staying one night with him. In the end, she refuses him, wanting him to keep faithful to Josie.

  • "Rock And Roll, Hoochie Koo" - Rick Derringer

    “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo” was initially recorded by Johnny Winter in 1970 with his band “Johnny Winter And”, which included Rick Derringer. Rick took the song and released it himself in 1973, generating huge chart success.

  • "Stuck In The Middle With You" - Stealers Wheel

    The song is meant to be a parody of Bob Dylan’s paranoia, allegedly. Gerry Rafferty wrote this song to describe what it’s like to be brought into the big business of music. Its chart success peaked in 1972. It them disappeared for a while, and returned in 1992 after it was featured in Reservoir Dogs.

Sign me up for the 102.9 WMGK At Work Network email newsletter!

Join WMGK's At Work Network and get the latest rock news, exclusive presales, contests and more straight to you inbox.

*
*
By clicking "Subscribe" I agree to the website's terms of Service and Privacy Policy. I understand I can unsubscribe at any time.