I personally wasn’t born until 1989 so I missed some of the best one hit wonders of the 80’s. Since I wasn’t around when many of these songs came out, my parents made it their mission to make sure I was cultured in good 80’s music. They would blast these songs and many more in the car driving down the road, or in the house while we were cleaning! So hopefully my list of the best one hit wonders of the 80’s are right on target!
Snapshot Survey
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Please subscribe for your personalized newsletter:
1. Dexy's Midnight Runners - Come on Eileen
On iTunes at: itunes.apple.com
With the electric beat and big hair of the 80’s, who would have thought that this Celtic style song would make a lasting impression! Especially with a bunch of guys singing in overalls! I mean Come on Eileen, you can find a better-dressed guy! Despite the overalls, Dexy's Midnight Runners ran their way to #1 on Hot 100 Chart, making it one of the best one hit wonders of the 80’s.
2. A Flock of Seagulls - I Ran (so Far Away)
On iTunes at: itunes.apple.com
After watching this music video, I feel as if the room is spinning. A Flock of Seagulls may have flopped in their home country the United Kingdom, but here in the States, I Ran (So Far Away) became a hit! I Ran made it to #9 on the Hot 100 chart and can still be heard playing on 80’s radio stations across the country.
Frequently asked questions
3. A-Ha - Take on Me
On iTunes at: itunes.apple.com
A-Ha's Take One Me is another one of the best one hit wonders of the 80’s that made it to #1 on the Hot 100 chart! Whoever would have thought you could fall in love with a comic strip man? A-Ha's upbeat music and the creative music video paid off for them to be remembered throughout the years!
4. Devo - Whip It
On iTunes at: itunes.apple.com
What are they whipping? I can’t ever seem to understand this song. I like the beat and the video is unique. Devo just proves that a song doesn’t have to make any sense to land on the Hot 100 chart. Whip it whipped its way to the #14 and earned to be on the best one hit wonders of the 80’s.
5. Toni Basil - Mickey
On iTunes at: itunes.apple.com
Every time I hear this song, I think of a cheerleader. Toni Basil made this song the unofficial cheerleader theme song! I like this song and it catchy beat, but who would have thought this would have made #1 on the Hot 100 chart? As talented as Toni Basil is, I shouldn’t be surprised. Go Mickey!
6. Tommy Tutone - 867-5309/Jenny
On iTunes at: itunes.apple.com
I may not have been around in 1982 but I know these numbers by heart! I am sure whoever had this number back in 1982, received so many phone calls asking for Jenny. I wonder if any of the people who had this number were actually named Jenny? No matter, you can’t call anyone anymore looking for Jenny. This number was called so much that it is officially retired! This catchy song dialed it way up to #4 on the Hot 100 chart!
7. Modern English - I Melt with You
On iTunes at: itunes.apple.com
This post-punk and new wave band may not have made it high on the Hot 100 chart, reaching #78. The song didn’t gain popularity until it gained airplay on MTV. You know when they just played music videos, as my parents like to remind me! It also gained popularity when it was included in the closing credits of the movie Valley Girl.
8. Soft Cell - Tainted Love
On iTunes at: itunes.apple.com
There have been many versions of Tainted Love and the one that I know the best is by Marilyn Manson. Soft Cell’s version of Tainted Love was one I heard on occasion with my parents. Soft Cell ranked #8 of the Hot 100 chart with Tainted Love. I can’t say I have a favorite between Marilyn and Soft Cell. I will listen to both!
9. Frankie Goes to Hollywood - Relax
On iTunes at: itunes.apple.com
I know this song so well! It may be the number of films that it has been played in. When this song came out, it was a very controversial. It may have been the attire that Frankie Goes to Hollywood wore. Sailor cap, leather vest, shaved head and rubber gloves. Sounds like something out of Fifty Shades! Either way, the song was a huge hit and made it to #10 on the Hot 100 chart.
There were so many songs that came out in the 80’s that were great. I only did the 9 best one hit wonders of the 80’s so I couldn’t list them all. What did you think of my list? What are some one hit wonders that I didn’t mention?
Comments
Taylor: Something by bowie or queen should be on here lol
Cloe: So many of these aren't one hit wonders, they had lots of hits! Get facts right first maybe?
Taylor: And come on Eileen is amazing!!!
Sarah: flock of seagulls also werent one hit wonders. wishing (i had a photograph of you) fantastic tune.
Sandra: I remember all of these.
Neecey: As a Brit - I found this list very interesting. Dexys Midnight Runners, A-ha (they were HUGE), Soft Cell and Frankie Goes to Hollywood were all really big in the UK and had tons of major hits between them: A-ha had 10 top 30 singles. Frankie goes to Hollywood had 3 number ones and a number two and a number four. Soft Cell had 9 top 30 singles. I guess it shows the big difference in tastes between the UK and the US in the 80s.
Jacinda: Wake me up before you go go is another :)
:
Feedback Junction
Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge