I am also going to go with "Mickey" by Toni Basil. Saw her on TV last night and she looked amazing for someone in her 70s.
Also, Donny Iris wouldn't be considered a one hit wonder. Off the top of my head, there was "Love Is Like A Rock," and "Sweet Merilee" that charted. He had enough songs to have a "Best Of Donny Iris" album and still tours a little. He is also in his 70s and his voice still sounds great. (Saw him a couple of years ago.) But yeah, "Ah Lea" was good. So many little girls were named "Aleaah" because of it.
Somebody I Used to Know by Gotye .... just try not to sing along with that mofo!! It’s a shame tho, because the album it’s on is great & I expected more good stuff from him.
Hot by Sara Ozelle - from the EuroTruck Simulator 2 trailer. Does that count as a Hit? Maybe not but the song and the trailer both tickle the hell out of me and leave me smiling. Love it.
My first response was to say that Dropkick Murphy is NOT a one hit wonder but then I thought... do they get airplay? I know they have a large fan base but have no idea if they've ever had a "hit" Anyways, yeah, brilliant song.
Life in a Northern Town... damn, guess who's gonna be listening to the 80s channel on Sirius tomorrow? So many good songs being mentioned today, I can't keep track!
Turning Japanese, the vapors Mexican Radio Wall of Voodoo
There are a lot of bands that were one hit wonders in the states, but had lots of hits in the UK, like Soft Cell with Tainted Love, so not sure if they can be named or not!
The Passions 'I'm in Love (With a German Film Star.) Also, @Mistress T - I saw The Climax Blues Band in concert at what was then Liverpool Polytechnic. They were so good! I had their album as well.
I've got the classic "One Hit Wonder," late '80s, #1 song, only song to ever chart from the band:
"Right Here, Right Now," by Jesus Jones. Monster one-hit wonder. A song that totally captured its moment, as the Berlin wall had recently come down and everything seemed full of promise.
It's a huge song from my early 20s, when I was most involved in the music scene, my BF was a rock critic, and everybody in my circle had that album and played it all the time and the single was everywhere on the radio. Then we all got sick of it, but for about a month Jesus Jones was everything--that album's a scorcher.
Runner up would be "Beach Baby" or "Brandy." My parents even had that album and there was a second very good song on it, not as good as "Brandy" (what is?) but still a very catchy song with good harmonies. I tried to find it a while back, couldn't figure out which song it was.
@mercyprosperity, the Cowsills had two singles that reached #2 on the Billboard chart. Their second one was "Hair" in 1969. I love the moment in "Hair" when the little kid sings "and spaghetti". Check it out.
Signs by five man electrical band, I'm not in love-10cc, and Ride Captain Ride-blues image, and Tighter and Tighter by Alive and Kicking . Good picks @unknown, neal and bunny bunny. Cheap tricks whole album was a hit to me. 💖
Those are great ones. All recorded in 1970 except 10cc. Others from around then (with recording dates):
Baby, It's You by Smith (1969) Ooh Child by the Five Stairsteps (1970) I'd Love to Change the World by Ten Years After (1971) Thunder and Lightning by Chi Coltrane (1972) So Very Hard to Go by Tower of Power (1972)
I'm late to the party. Sick. Cough, sniff, limp-wristed hand clasped to forehead
DJ can you play the following for me?
They're Coming To Take Me Away: Napoleon XIV Video Killed The Radio Star: Buggles Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick: Ian Dury & The Blockheads (not quite a one-hit, but humour me, I'm poorly)
For those who don't know, if you aren't seeing the comments in nested order and want to, add "?m=1" to the URL, after "html". I'm posting this because I just replied to four other comments without indicating who wrote most of them.
Escape (The Pina Colada Song) by Rupert Holmes, Play That Funky Music by Wild Cherry (I would ask to be put back on hold if that was the hold music), 500 Miles by The Proclaimers, Tainted Love by Soft Cell, Take On Me by A-ha, Baby Got Back by Sir Mix-A-Lot, Possum Kingdom by The Toadies, I Want Candy by Bow-wow-wow, What's Going On by 4 Non-Blondes, Sex and Candy by Marcy Playground, In The Meantime by Spacehog, Epic by Faith No More, In A Big Country by Big Country, No Rain by Blind Melon, Bittersweet Symphony by The Verve, What I Am by Edie Brickell and New Bohemians, Knock On Wood by Lipps Inc., Rapper's Delight by The Sugarhill Gang
There, I think I named a bunch of forgotten but awesome one hit wonders. :-)
Here are some others from the 1969-1972 period, with recording dates:
Take a Letter, Maria by R.B. Greaves (1969) The Rapper by the Jaggerz (1969, probably) All Right Now by Free (1970) Me and Mrs. Jones by Billy Paul (1972) Why Can't We Live Together by Timmy Thomas (1972) If Loving You Is Wrong, I Don't Want to Be Right by Luther Ingram (1972)
@Sd Anntie, good one by the Chambers Brothers. Recorded in 1967, a bit earlier than I had thought.
Reminded me of another good one, "Get Together" by the Youngbloods, which I didn't realize was recorded in 1966! It was released first in 1967 and didn't get much airplay, but was then used in a public service announcement, was re-released in 1969, and went to #5 on Billboard. I knew about the 1967 release, but I didn't know it was recorded in 1966. Wow.
Another act that recorded the song, originally titled "Let's Get Together", was We Five. Although their version charted, that success was based on the momentum created by their one true hit, "You Were on My Mind", recorded and released in 1965. A great song and performance.
Get Together is another favorite.I thought they had more hits and I do remember that public service announcement! Excellent memory Doug. I have all a mish mash of 60 70 80 and 90 on my spotify faborites.
Safety Dance by Men Without Hats.
ReplyDeleteMen without Hats had at least 2 hits, did they not? Safety Dance and Land Down Under.
DeleteStill a good answer. :)
Down Under is by Men at Work. I used to get them confused all the time because of the names
DeleteMoonlight Feels Right
ReplyDeleteor Midnight at the Oasis
+1 I came to say that.
ReplyDelete*safety dance*
ReplyDeleteAh Leah by Donnie Iris
ReplyDeleteHouse of Pain - Jump Around
ReplyDeleteMickey by Toni Basil.
ReplyDeleteIce ice baby
ReplyDeleteSame, listening to it right now at work 😅
DeleteTrue by Spandau Ballet
ReplyDeleteSteal My Sunshine...Len.
ReplyDeleteI though for sure sandybrook was going to say Sandy by Larry Hall
ReplyDeleteI'm too sexy
ReplyDeleteRight Said Fred
99 red balloons by Nena
ReplyDeleteOh but I love them all! :)
ReplyDeleteI don't think Vanilla Ice is a one hit wonder. Play that Funky Music hit #4 on Billboard's Hot 100
ReplyDeleteNot sure if sinead’s Nothing compares to U counts. Also Just bust a move by young MC.
ReplyDeleteI Melt With You.
ReplyDeleteTubthumping by Chumbawumba. The song is terrible, but catchy as all hell...
ReplyDelete"I get knocked down, but I get up again...."
Seriously, though?
ReplyDeleteTorn--Natalie Imbruglia
Sweet
ReplyDeleteFox On the Run ♪
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBdFA6sI6-8
Tangerine Speedo- Caviar
ReplyDeleteI dont know that song Lurky the only Sandy song I know is Springsteens and its not really the title
ReplyDeleteI am also going to go with "Mickey" by Toni Basil. Saw her on TV last night and she looked amazing for someone in her 70s.
ReplyDeleteAlso, Donny Iris wouldn't be considered a one hit wonder. Off the top of my head, there was "Love Is Like A Rock," and "Sweet Merilee" that charted. He had enough songs to have a "Best Of Donny Iris" album and still tours a little. He is also in his 70s and his voice still sounds great. (Saw him a couple of years ago.) But yeah, "Ah Lea" was good. So many little girls were named "Aleaah" because of it.
Somebody I Used to Know by Gotye .... just try not to sing along with that mofo!! It’s a shame tho, because the album it’s on is great & I expected more good stuff from him.
ReplyDeleteYup yup yup! Came here to say this one too!!
DeleteAnd is it just me, or did Donnie Iris remind anyone else of a rock n roll version of Eugene Levy?
ReplyDeleteThey had a couple of minor hits but Walk Away Renee by the Left Banks is an all time favorite.
ReplyDeleteDriver's Seat by Sniff 'n the Tears
ReplyDeleteCome on Eileen - Dexy and the midnight runners.
ReplyDeleteShe Sheila by the Producers.
ReplyDelete"Turn Up the Radio" by Autograph
ReplyDeleteshe drives me crazy by fine young cannibals
ReplyDeleteFade Into You by Mazzy Star
ReplyDeleteThe Groove is in the Heart by Deelite.
ReplyDeleteAt last...I have found my people!! 😂😂😂
ReplyDeleteGroove is in the heart Dee-Lite
ReplyDeleteCrash by The Primitives - I love that song. The Paris Jackson blinds on here always make me think of it.
ReplyDeleteSteal my Sunshine by Len - as mentioned above. Back when hair in two little buns was cuuuuuuuute!
Suspicious Minds by some guy called Presley. Can't remember his first name...
oh1 Yes!
ReplyDeleteHot by Sara Ozelle - from the EuroTruck Simulator 2 trailer. Does that count as a Hit? Maybe not but the song and the trailer both tickle the hell out of me and leave me smiling. Love it.
"Flagpole Sitta", Harvey Danger.
ReplyDeleteAlong with many of the ones mentioned above... Autograph, Donny Iris, Sweet...
Sailing up to Boston by the Dropkick Murphys - from The Departed soundtrack. Was it released? Was it a hit? dunno, but brilliant song.
ReplyDeleteMy first response was to say that Dropkick Murphy is NOT a one hit wonder but then I thought... do they get airplay? I know they have a large fan base but have no idea if they've ever had a "hit"
DeleteAnyways, yeah, brilliant song.
*I'm Shipping up to Boston
Delete@Low Key Yes, Men Without Hats had another hit, Pop Goes the World.
ReplyDeleteLand Down Under was by Men at Work. Close!
Thanks for the clarification, Neil!
DeleteStop the Cavalry by Jona Lewie - because it will soon be that time of year again...
ReplyDeleteAnd Happy Birthday! - was that ever released? Surely a hit and most of us love it...
Shipping up to Boston then! Ta!
@Low Key: Land Down Under was by Men at Work 😋
ReplyDeleteCrowded House with Don’t Dream it’s Over
My bad, Satan!
DeleteAlso, Katrina Nd the Waves with Walking on Sunshine!
ReplyDelete@Satan 666 Crowded house had a bigger hit with Weather with you.I
ReplyDeleteAny of the hits by Iggy Azaelia 😉
ReplyDeleteNo Myth by Michael Penn
ReplyDeleteOr
Life in a Northern Town by Dream Academy.
Life in a Northern Town... damn, guess who's gonna be listening to the 80s channel on Sirius tomorrow?
DeleteSo many good songs being mentioned today, I can't keep track!
Most of the songs mentioned here!
ReplyDeleteT'Pau Heart and Soul
Stacy Q Two Of Hearts
Animotion Obsession
+3 @Jennifer!
DeleteTimothy
ReplyDelete2525
Everything Everything by Dramarama
ReplyDeleteLOVE this one too! Great pick!
DeleteSpirit in the Sky, Norman Greenbaum.
ReplyDeletePictures of Matchstick Men, Status Quo.
ReplyDeleteIncense and Peppermints, Strawberry Alarm Clock. (RIP Ed King.)
ReplyDeleteClimax Blues Band, "I love you" and this band certainly not one hit wonder, but "Rainbow" by the Stones.
ReplyDeleteCarl Douglas - Kung Fu Fighting
ReplyDeleteLooking Glass - Brandy (You're A Fine Girl)
Miguel Brown - So Many Men (So Little Time)
Turning Japanese, the vapors
ReplyDeleteMexican Radio Wall of Voodoo
There are a lot of bands that were one hit wonders in the states, but had lots of hits in the UK, like Soft Cell with Tainted Love, so not sure if they can be named or not!
I want you to want me - Cheap Trick
ReplyDeleteAnd a cheesy one - Every Time I think of you - the Babys
Pop Muzik - M
Cars - Gary Numan
Funky Town - Lipps Inc
Am I the Same Girl - Barbara ACklin
There are so many I could go on forever!
Signs by Tesla
ReplyDelete1990
Groove is in the heart Dee-lite
ReplyDeleteMy Shooz I Can't Wait
ReplyDeleteThere were soooooooo many good ones in the 80's!!
*Nu Shooz
ReplyDeleteA song called Redlight, from the original Fame soundtrack, not sure who the artist is.Also, Kayleah by Marillion. Ok, now I am done.
ReplyDeleteOh I love that song (Kayleah)!
DeleteThe Passions 'I'm in Love (With a German Film Star.) Also, @Mistress T - I saw The Climax Blues Band in concert at what was then Liverpool Polytechnic. They were so good! I had their album as well.
ReplyDeleteGoodbye Horses by Q Lazzarus
ReplyDeleteMy Sharona - The Knack.
ReplyDeleteKim Wilde "You Keep Me Hanging On"
ReplyDeleteLife in a Northern Town- Dream Academy
ReplyDeleteSugar Sugar
ReplyDelete867-5309 Tommy TuTone
ReplyDeletePretty Poison - Catch Me I'm Falling
ReplyDeleteI'm Digging Your Scene by the Blow Monkeys
ReplyDelete867-5309/Jenny by Tommy Tu-tone
ReplyDeleteThey Don’t Know by Tracey Ullman
Kim Wilde also had Kids In America bigger than Keep Me....Hanging On.
ReplyDeleteSomebody's watching me
ReplyDeleteRockwell
I've got the classic "One Hit Wonder," late '80s, #1 song, only song to ever chart from the band:
ReplyDelete"Right Here, Right Now," by Jesus Jones. Monster one-hit wonder. A song that totally captured its moment, as the Berlin wall had recently come down and everything seemed full of promise.
It's a huge song from my early 20s, when I was most involved in the music scene, my BF was a rock critic, and everybody in my circle had that album and played it all the time and the single was everywhere on the radio. Then we all got sick of it, but for about a month Jesus Jones was everything--that album's a scorcher.
Runner up would be "Beach Baby" or "Brandy." My parents even had that album and there was a second very good song on it, not as good as "Brandy" (what is?) but still a very catchy song with good harmonies. I tried to find it a while back, couldn't figure out which song it was.
I adored that Jesus Jones album. "I'm Burning" is a great song.
DeleteI object. SO many of those named here had more than one hit! As for me, I could never pick just one.
ReplyDeleteNothing Compares to You
ReplyDeleteAnother Groove Is in the Heart can here.
ReplyDeleteRadar Love - Golden Earring
ReplyDelete
ReplyDelete"The Rain, the Park and Other Things"
- The Cowsills
(Rest well, Bill and Barry)
@mercyprosperity, the Cowsills had two singles that reached #2 on the Billboard chart. Their second one was "Hair" in 1969. I love the moment in "Hair" when the little kid sings "and spaghetti". Check it out.
DeleteAfternoon Delight by Starland Vocal Band.
ReplyDeleteToo Shy/Kajagoogoo
ReplyDeleteGood one. The instrumental bridge part of that song is nice.
DeleteHey little girl / syndicate of sound
ReplyDeleteToo many to choose from. Lies by Knickerbockers.
ReplyDeletemaking my way downtown
ReplyDeleteSigns by five man electrical band, I'm not in love-10cc, and Ride Captain Ride-blues image, and Tighter and Tighter by Alive and Kicking . Good picks @unknown, neal and bunny bunny. Cheap tricks whole album was a hit to me. 💖
ReplyDeleteThose are great ones. All recorded in 1970 except 10cc. Others from around then (with recording dates):
DeleteBaby, It's You by Smith (1969)
Ooh Child by the Five Stairsteps (1970)
I'd Love to Change the World by Ten Years After (1971)
Thunder and Lightning by Chi Coltrane (1972)
So Very Hard to Go by Tower of Power (1972)
One more- hey DJ-world famous supreme team!!!
ReplyDelete"A Whiter Shade of Pale" by Procul Harum.
ReplyDeleteProcul Harum also had "Conquistador" in 1972, #16 in the U.S.
DeleteGreen Tambourine by the Lemon Pipers.
ReplyDeleteI'm late to the party. Sick. Cough, sniff, limp-wristed hand clasped to forehead
ReplyDeleteDJ can you play the following for me?
They're Coming To Take Me Away: Napoleon XIV
Video Killed The Radio Star: Buggles
Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick: Ian Dury & The Blockheads (not quite a one-hit, but humour me, I'm poorly)
Two Princes by the Spin Doctors
ReplyDeleteFor those who don't know, if you aren't seeing the comments in nested order and want to, add "?m=1" to the URL, after "html". I'm posting this because I just replied to four other comments without indicating who wrote most of them.
ReplyDeleteEscape (The Pina Colada Song) by Rupert Holmes, Play That Funky Music by Wild Cherry (I would ask to be put back on hold if that was the hold music), 500 Miles by The Proclaimers, Tainted Love by Soft Cell, Take On Me by A-ha, Baby Got Back by Sir Mix-A-Lot, Possum Kingdom by The Toadies, I Want Candy by Bow-wow-wow, What's Going On by 4 Non-Blondes, Sex and Candy by Marcy Playground, In The Meantime by Spacehog, Epic by Faith No More, In A Big Country by Big Country, No Rain by Blind Melon, Bittersweet Symphony by The Verve, What I Am by Edie Brickell and New Bohemians, Knock On Wood by Lipps Inc., Rapper's Delight by The Sugarhill Gang
ReplyDeleteThere, I think I named a bunch of forgotten but awesome one hit wonders. :-)
10cc had at least one other hit called Things we do for love. Rupert Holmes had a song called Him that must charted because I can sing it to you.
ReplyDeleteI'd choose Brandy (you're a fine girl) or Moonlight Feels Right or City of New Orleans
@anne mott, good point about 10cc. They were a two-hit wonder.
DeleteFancy by Iggy Azaelia
ReplyDeletesorry ao late ..I got 3
ReplyDelete1. Putting On The Ritz - Taco
2. Brandy (You're a Fine Girl) - Looking Glass
3. Mexican Radio - Wall of Voodoo
Here are some others from the 1969-1972 period, with recording dates:
ReplyDeleteTake a Letter, Maria by R.B. Greaves (1969)
The Rapper by the Jaggerz (1969, probably)
All Right Now by Free (1970)
Me and Mrs. Jones by Billy Paul (1972)
Why Can't We Live Together by Timmy Thomas (1972)
If Loving You Is Wrong, I Don't Want to Be Right by Luther Ingram (1972)
Thanks for info on 10cc. Good picks Doug. How about Time has come th change by the Chambers Brothers
ReplyDelete@Sd Anntie, good one by the Chambers Brothers. Recorded in 1967, a bit earlier than I had thought.
DeleteReminded me of another good one, "Get Together" by the Youngbloods, which I didn't realize was recorded in 1966! It was released first in 1967 and didn't get much airplay, but was then used in a public service announcement, was re-released in 1969, and went to #5 on Billboard. I knew about the 1967 release, but I didn't know it was recorded in 1966. Wow.
Another act that recorded the song, originally titled "Let's Get Together", was We Five. Although their version charted, that success was based on the momentum created by their one true hit, "You Were on My Mind", recorded and released in 1965. A great song and performance.
OMG a fun "Your Turn" with lots of great comments and camaraderie and not a single political or religious slur! So Nice!
ReplyDeleteGet Together is another favorite.I thought they had more hits and I do remember that public service announcement! Excellent memory Doug. I have all a mish mash of 60 70 80 and 90 on my spotify faborites.
ReplyDeletefavorites. The midspellings.
ReplyDelete