There are few things I love more than one hit wonders from the '90s. Every decade has its fair share of one hit wonders, but there is something extra special about the ones in the '90s. Each of these songs bring back so many memories and I still love each of these songs today. We just can’t get enough of the one hit wonders from the '90s!
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1. Mambo No. 5 – Lou Bega
"Mambo No. 5" is one of my favorite one hit wonders from the '90s. The music itself was composed in 1949, but Lou Bega gave the song new life when he recorded it with lyrics in 1999. The jive song his a '50s flare that is unbelievably catchy. In the US, the song peaked at #3 on the Billboard Charts, but "Mambo No. 5" topped the charts all over Europe.
2. Closing Time – Semisonic
In 1998, Semisonic released "Closing Time" – their first and only hit single. Although the lyrics would have you believe the song is about the end of a night at the bar, the song was actually written about the preparation of fatherhood. The song reached the top of the Modern Rock Tracks charts and was even nominated for a Grammy Award for the Best Rock Song.
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3. Tubthumping – Chumbawamba
You may not recognize the song by the name "Tubthumping," but I guarantee you’d know the chorus, “I get knocked down, but I get up again!” The song reached number one all around the world and peaked at #6 in the US when it was released as a single in 1997.
4. The Freshman – the Verve Pipe
The Verve Pipe recorded "The Freshman" several times before they finally recorded it to be released as a single in 1997. It has been debated whether the song is about suicide or abortion, but the writer of the song, Brian Vander Ark, revealed the song was nothing more than poetic license. The song reached #5 on the Billboard charts in the US.
5. What’s up? – 4 Non Blondes
Linda Perry wrote the song "What’s Up?" for the band she was in at the time, 4 Non Blondes. Despite the song’s name, the lyrics never feature the words “what’s up.” The song peaked at number one in many European countries when it was released in 1993. "What’s Up?" was the only successful single from the band and in my opinion it is one of the greatest one hit wonders of all time.
The song “What’s Up?” was released by 4 Non Blondes in 1993 and quickly became a hit in Europe, reaching number one in many countries. It was the only successful single from the band and is now considered one of the greatest one hit wonders of all time.
The song was written by Linda Perry, who was a member of 4 Non Blondes at the time. Despite its title, the song’s lyrics never feature the words “what’s up”. The song’s lyrics talk about the struggles of life and how to overcome them. The song’s music video was directed by Morgan Lawley and features the band performing the song in a warehouse.
The song has been covered by many artists over the years, including Pink, who recorded a live version of the song for her 2001 album, “M!ssundaztood”. The song has also been featured in many movies and television shows, including the hit comedy “Friends”.
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6. Save Tonight – Eagle-Eye Cherry
"Save Tonight" was the leading single off of Eagle-Eye Cherry’s debut album. The song was released in 1997 to radio success. The song landed at #5 on the charts in the US. To this day, "Save Tonight" remains Eagle-Eye Cherry’s most successful song.
7. Breakfast at Tiffany’s – Deep Blue Something
Deep Blue Something gave us the classic one hit wonder "Breakfast at Tiffany’s" in 1995. The song is the band’s only hit. Ultimately, it reached #5 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song is about a guy who is about to break up with his girlfriend but then recalls the great time they had together watching the Audrey Hepburn flick, Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
The '90s was a decade of great music and some of the most memorable one-hit wonders of all time. Deep Blue Something's 1995 hit "Breakfast at Tiffany's" is certainly one of them. The song is about a man who is about to break up with his girlfriend, but then remembers the good times they shared together watching the classic movie Breakfast at Tiffany's starring Audrey Hepburn.
The song was a huge success, reaching #5 on the Billboard Hot 100, and it remains a timeless classic to this day. It's a song that still resonates with many people who have experienced a break-up, and it will likely remain a beloved part of '90s music history for many years to come.
Deep Blue Something was an American alternative rock band from Denton, Texas. They formed in 1993, and released their first album, 11th Song, in 1995. It was a moderate success, but it was their follow-up single "Breakfast at Tiffany's" that put them on the map. The song was featured in the movie Empire Records and was also included in the soundtrack for the video game Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.
8. Bitter Sweet Symphony – the Verve
English rock band The Verve released "Bitter Sweet Symphony" in 1997. The song was inspired by the Rolling Stones’ song "The Last Time." Although the song only reached #12 on the charts, the song has become a classic. The song was nominated for several VMAs and even received a Grammy nom.
The Verve's "Bitter Sweet Symphony" is a classic 90s one hit wonder that was released in 1997. The song was written by Richard Ashcroft and was inspired by the Rolling Stones' song "The Last Time." Although it only reached #12 on the charts, the song has become a classic and is still widely known today. The song was nominated for several MTV Video Music Awards and even received a Grammy nomination.
The song was also featured in the 1999 film Cruel Intentions. It became the soundtrack for the movie and was a huge success. The song was featured in several other movies, including The Beach, The Matrix Reloaded, and The Social Network.
The song is known for its melodic and melancholic sound. The lyrics are about life's struggles and the bittersweet feeling of being in love. The song has a strong message about how life is full of ups and downs and that it's important to take the good with the bad.
9. Sex and Candy – Marcy Playground
"Sex and Candy" was Marcy Playground’s breakthrough song and remains their only hit – and a massive hit it was! The racy song spent 15 weeks at the top of the Modern Rock Tracks Chart. "Sex and Candy" was one of the biggest hits of 1997 and remains one of the best one hit wonders of the '90s.
Listening to all of these one hit wonders from the '90s sure has brought back so many memories. Although I love the hits of today, nothing can compare to '90s music. What other one hit wonders from the '90s can you think of? Share them with us in the comments!
