10 of the Best One Hit Wonders from the 1980’s

1980. It was officially the end of the disco era. Yes, disco was dead.

Instead, the decade of the 80’s welcomed New Wave, techno and house dance music (an extension of disco), and the familiar pop brand listeners loved. Smooth jazz was rising. And, the 80’s can claim birth to the beginning of hip hop and rap. Among all these genres are the one-hit wonder acts.

Although one-hit wonders enjoy a trip to the Top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100 to qualify, some artists simply captured audiences and will be forever identified with their single song.

Here are my picks for 10 of the best one hit wonders of the 80’s and the year that the songs peaked:

Thomas Dolby “She Blinded Me With Science” (1983) A prophet is never accepted in his own hometown. Hey, try country. Such is the tale of Tom Dolby, New Wave extraordinaire and “scientist” of the synthesizer sound. His wonderfully wacky tune was more popular here in the US than back home in the UK. Two weeks at the #5 position on the Billboard Hot 100 made this a bona fide hit for Sir Dolby. Sorry, Brits. Big time mistake! Groove here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8IkO-G5ai4

Devo “Whip It” (1980) OK, so does anyone know what these dudes are singing about? “Crack that whip!” “Whip it good!” No biggie because Devo whipped up the Hot 100 chart, landing their New Wave wonder song at #14, synthesizers and all. Who says a song has to make sense? Anyway, I dig their flower pot hats! Ohio in the house here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIEVqFB4WUo

Sugarhill Gang “Rapper’s Delight” (1980) Rap and hip hop were alive and well in the US, but the Sugarhill Gang– Wonder Mike, Master Gee, and Big Bank Hank made it rock the world. Before it was all “said and sung” “Rapper’s Delight” was given position #251 on The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time list published by Rolling Stone magazine. VH1 topped that, placing the trio at #2 on their 100 Greatest Hip Hop Songs list. Bang bang boogie! “Rapper’s Delight” here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXp9cy6RfbM

Big Country “In A Big Country” (1983) Just because you come from the second largest nation in Great Britain doesn’t mean you can’t think big. Under the banners of New Wave, folk, and Celtic rock emerged a mighty group with a big name and an even bigger hit song. Big Country made it’s mark as Scottish rockers, rising out of the shadows of the Brits. Their unique sound? Bagpipes. Their only US hit topped the Hot 100 chart at a respectable #17. Check out their Celtic-style here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bw2o_Go4QWI

Tom Tom Club “Genius of Love” (1982) Upon the release of this hot single in the US, the Tom Tom Club immediately seized the Hot 100 chart conquering position #31, the Hot Soul Singles chart landing at #2, as well as the top spot (#1) on the Hot Dance Play chart. Very genius! Here’s some American New Wave to give those Brits a run for their money! Get your New Wave funk here: http://www.mtv.com/videos/tom-tom-club/106672/genius-of-love.jhtml

Double “Captain of Her Heart” (1986) Changing the pace a bit with a ballad, this is perhaps one of the most underrated hits of the 80’s. I included it because of its haunting melody and beautiful jazz sax and piano. The tune fits several genres: New Wave, jazz rock, rock, or pop. “Captain of Her Heart” was performed by Swiss musicians Kurt Maloo on guitar and vocals, Felix Haug on keyboard and drums–together they formed Double (pronounced Doo-blay). Listeners in the US loved it as the song climbed Billboard’s Hot 100 chart to rest at #16. From their album “Blue,” enjoy “Captain of Her Heart” here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YX-Ru1XkNZc

Toni Basil “Mickey” (1983) This lady does it all. She sings, writes songs, dances, choreographs; she is an actress, and what’s more, she directs films. I hope I didn’t forget anything, Toni! Oh, yeah, cheerleader, which inspired her to record this song. The only way to describe Basil’s one-hit wonder is: multi-million dollar seller, worldwide No. 1 hit! Go Mickey! Cheer here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSfnopkT37I

Tierra “Together” (1981) Previously recorded by The Intruders, LA’s Latin R&B; group Tierra put their signature style on this Gamble & Huff classic. As a result, their successful single shot to #18 on Billboard’s Hot 100; #9 on the R&B; charts. It’s a great song to snuggle up and listen to with the one you love. Togetherness here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vt0tq-rD38U

Patrice Rushen “Forget Me Nots” (1982) Singer, songwriter Rushen teamed up with fellow artists Terri McFaddin and Freddie Washington to create this R&B; hot single. Along with Washington’s grooving bass line, Gerald Albright adds his tenor sax to the mix. Considered a post disco sound that record execs refused to release, Rushen took matters into her own hands by releasing the album herself. Along with a Grammy nomination, she grabbed the #2 spot on Billboard’s pop chart, #5 on the R&B; chart, and #2 on the Dance Music/Club Play chart. Way to go! Ms. Rushen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2XhhuM9GZo

Peter Schilling “Major Tom (Coming Home)” (1983) Start the countdown–4,3,2,1. Major Tom is coming home! German musician Schilling put an extra twist on David Bowie’s 1969 classic “Space Oddity” with his one-time international New Wave dance hit. It’s “Euro-synthpop” at its best. Listen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1Hs2AQwDgA

Honorable Mention: I couldn’t leave this decade without mentioning two more one-hit wonders by a couple of acts from the UK. In the world of music they called the 80’s the second invasion of the British. They weren’t kidding! Add these to your play list:

Kajagoogoo “Too Shy” (1983) Where did they get that name? Alright, strange name but sultry music. And, take note. They are only a one-hit wonder here in the US where their tune rested at #5 on the Hot 100. Over in the UK, they cranked out more hits. Bloody good! Kajagoogoo here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKWbMJOIkUk

Junior “Mama Used to Say” (1982) He only needs one name. Why? Because the London native paved the way for 80’s British musicians as one of the first UK artists to successfully crack the US charts. The young lad’s single with that big brass sound landed at #2 on the R&B; charts. You’re a good listener, Junior! “Mama Used to Say” is here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwTTGnDcwoA