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Top 10 One Hit Wonders of All Time

top 10I recently wrote about Burt Bachrach who had 76 top 40 hits. Incredible. On the other end of the spectrum, how is it that a group/person can record an all-time great record, one of the best of all time, but then never even come close to having a hit again? But that’s what being a one hit wonder is all about. They caught lightning in a bottle. A great song and then…poof.

The list below was compiled with deep thought by one of the greatest musical minds of our time (me). Some of these can also be found on the definitive top 20 records of all time Struming, another must read. But if you disagree with this excellent compilation, feel free to offer your own suggestions.

So in reverse order here they are: The top one hit wonders of all time.

10 Jenny 867-5309–Tommy Tutone
This song has a memorable hook that proves that a sung phone number with a catchy tune can easily be remembered. Hey advertisers: pay attention.

9 True–Spandau Ballet
This much is true…I can’t get this song out of my head

8 Whip It–Devo
Flower pots hats and all. Devo rocks.

7 Blinded Me with Science–Thomas Dolby
Great beginning. Great song.

6 Los Bravos–Black is Black
I want my baby back.

5 Take on Me–Aha
Loved the video which had the pencil drawings dissolve into real life. Lots of ads ripped off this technique in the 80s.

4 I’m Too Sexy–Right Said Fred
Do your little thing on the catwalk. Love the double clap too.

3 Brandy–Looking Glass
Great song from a Jersey band. Played at Rutgers often during the early 70s. Had a minor follow up hit in Jimmy Loves Marianne, but not noteworthy enough. So a one hit wonder they are.

2 98.6–Keith
It’s good to have you back again.

dancing1 Dancing in the Moonlight–King Harvest
Everybody’s feeling warm and bright –it’s such a fine and natural sight–Everybody’s dancing in the moonlight
This is a wonderful song from 1972. Can’t help but smile every time I hear it. It has been covered by many and was used in the movie classic Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa in 2013.

So that’s my list. Did I miss any?




More Strumings

3 Comments

  1. Nancy says:

    Lonny don’t forget about Spirit in the Sky; One Tin Soldier!! Boy did I ever used to get all worked up over One Tin Soldier – as a teenager during the war I thought it was so “all that”.

  2. Don Sherow says:

    Don’t overlook the Trashmen with their only #1 hit – “Surfin’ Bird”

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