The term ‘one-hit wonder’ has always seemed a harsh judgement of musicians that reached a pinnacle of popularity. Most of us only could be so lucky to have hit that level in whatever we are looking to do. Yes, the money and stardom may or may not have been there or lasted, but haven’t you “won” when your creation is remembered by millions for decades?
Who else remembers hot cars, school dances, dressing up… And those early music film clips and events that in many ways shaped us and our ‘style.’
Clearly #WHW is associated with something special. These are not just songs, but experiences special enough to register in our lives in such a way that we have a special classification for them. Good on them!
And why did there really have to be a second hit? Is that just us being selfish? Many of these songs also were part of extremely popular movie soundtracks. Enough said. We are greedy!
So, I started to think about these successful artists popular during the 60s, 70s and 80s. Maybe you can add to this list, but I will start with my TOP 7!
A Flock of Seagulls (I Ran – 1982; Liverpool, UK)
The 80s and MTV would not have been the same without this band, its famous video, and those hairstyles that demanded we start thinking more about hair products.
The Knack (My Sharona – 1979; Los Angeles, USA)
This just brings back memories of 8 Track tapes in a muscle car with no aircon in summer.
Wild Cherry (Play That Funky Music – 1976; Ohio, USA)
This song bridged coolness with disco. Everybody knows this song, right? Globally. (And sadly probably can’t even sing the lyrics anymore without public retribution…)
Real Life (Send Me an Angel – 1989; Melbourne, Aus)
I have to mention this one as it is an Australian band that got caught up in the wrong time with other Aussie success stories at the time, but this was a big hit in the US that many may have forgotten.
Billy Paul (Me and Mrs. Jones – 1972; Philadelphia, USA)
This is a song that whenever you hear it, you just have to stop, listen, hear the soul and the meaning. Then you ask why you haven’t listened to it more.
Bruce Channel (Hey Baby – 1961; Texas, USA)
An all-time classic that seems to crop up now and again in classic movies! Simple is better sometimes.
The Sugarhill Gang (Rappers Delight – 1979; New Jersey, USA )
Using an existing recording (sampled from Chic’s ‘Good Times’), this song started the Rap genre as we know it, albeit light-hearted and original. Some of us spent hours and hours trying to learn all the words.
These people “WON” and we are lucky to have had these #WHW in our lives in our musical memories!
