1. Relax – Frankie Goes to Hollywood (1983)
When “Relax” burst onto the scene, it came with controversy and undeniable energy. Its bold lyrics led to a ban on British radio, which only fueled its popularity further. With a driving beat and provocative style, it quickly became a club anthem that pushed boundaries. Frankie Goes to Hollywood briefly tasted success with other tracks, but none ever matched the cultural explosion of this one. Its blend of daring lyrics and infectious rhythm cemented it as a moment where shock and music combined perfectly. To this day, “Relax” remains an instantly recognizable reminder of the daring spirit of the 80s and how rebellion sometimes fuels unforgettable hits.
2 Play That Funky Music – Wild Cherry (1976)
One-hit wonders were the ultimate flash of pop culture magic. These songs blasted from radios, filled roller rinks, and became part of our lives, only to disappear with just one unforgettable track left behind. Some were quirky novelties, others genuine masterpieces, but every one is etched into memory. Wild Cherry’s “Play That Funky Music” was one of those unforgettable moments. With its funky groove and catchy chorus, it became a disco-era staple, hitting number one on the charts and filling dance floors everywhere. The band never managed to recreate its success, but the song continues to live on as a time capsule of pure 70s funk, the kind that still makes people move when it plays.
3. Afternoon Delight – Starland Vocal Band (1976)
Few songs captured the slightly cheeky but soft harmonies of the 70s better than “Afternoon Delight.” Its sweet, playful tone about stolen romantic moments in the daytime caught listeners off guard and turned it into an unlikely chart topper. The Starland Vocal Band even won a Grammy for Best New Artist after its release, but their fame quickly fizzled. Despite attempts to keep the magic alive, nothing matched the innocent yet daring charm of this one tune. Today, it still appears on nostalgic playlists and movie soundtracks, reminding everyone of how one song can perfectly bottle up a cultural mood. Even decades later, this carefree anthem shines with the lighthearted spirit that defined much of its time.
4. Video Killed the Radio Star – The Buggles (1979)
In 1979, The Buggles gave the world a futuristic anthem with “Video Killed the Radio Star,” a song that felt like a playful prediction of what technology might do to music. It became forever etched in history as the very first video ever played on MTV in 1981. The quirky synth sounds and lyrics about change hit the right cultural nerve, turning it into a worldwide sensation. Despite the enormous success of that single, The Buggles never matched it again. Still, the song remains both a warning and a celebration of how quickly music evolves, proof that one creative spark can outlive an entire career and still feel relevant many years later.
5. My Sharona – The Knack (1979)
The Knack seemed like they were destined to take over rock when “My Sharona” exploded onto the charts. Its driving guitar riff, bold lyrics, and sing-along chorus turned it into one of the biggest songs of the late 70s. Everyone knew the name Sharona, and everyone could hum the tune after just one listen. Unfortunately, the band never found another hit to reach the same dizzying heights. Decades later, the song still finds life in commercials, movies, and party playlists, its punchy rhythm keeping it alive for new generations. While The Knack faded, their single unforgettable anthem continues to prove that sometimes one song is all it takes to leave a permanent mark.
6. Funkytown – Lipps Inc. (1980)
When Lipps Inc. released “Funkytown,” it was like they captured lightning in a bottle. The track’s irresistible groove, robotic vocals, and futuristic disco feel made it a worldwide dance floor sensation. Everywhere you turned in 1980, from nightclubs to roller rinks, this song was playing and pushing people to the floor. But like so many one-hit wonders, Lipps Inc. couldn’t find another song to match its reach. Still, the magic of “Funkytown” never truly left. It is now a staple on retro playlists, instantly pulling people back to the vibrant, glittering nights of disco’s final days. Even today, its playful energy can make a crowd start moving in seconds, reminding everyone of its timeless appeal.
7. Turning Japanese – The Vapors (1980)
The Vapors scored a surprising global hit with “Turning Japanese,” a quirky new wave tune that mixed catchy hooks with an oddly mysterious title. Its upbeat rhythm and distinctive sound made it instantly recognizable, and it raced up the charts in the early 80s. For years, fans speculated about the meaning behind the lyrics, but the band insisted it was simply about teenage angst and love. Regardless of interpretation, it was a track that stuck, defining a moment in time. Unfortunately, The Vapors couldn’t recreate the magic, leaving this one cultural flash as their mark. Today, it remains a fun reminder of how unusual but catchy pop can suddenly take over.
8. 99 Luftballons – Nena (1983)
When Nena released “99 Luftballons,” it quickly became a global anthem that mixed pop with a haunting Cold War backdrop. Originally recorded in German, the song’s catchy beat and serious message about nuclear tension struck a chord worldwide. Its English version also found success, but it was the unique mix of innocence and fear in the German lyrics that truly made it memorable. Nena remained a star in her home country, but this was the only track that resonated globally. The image of balloons floating skyward became a symbolic reflection of fragile peace. Even now, it is instantly recognizable as one of the most iconic one-hit wonders of the 80s.
9. Come On Eileen – Dexys Midnight Runners (1982)
With its fiddle-driven melody and boisterous chorus, “Come On Eileen” swept across radio waves in the early 80s like a storm. It was a song that felt alive, pulling people to sing and dance along, and it went straight to the top of the charts. The image of the band in their rugged overalls and spirited energy became inseparable from the track itself. Sadly, Dexys Midnight Runners struggled to find a follow-up that matched the success. Still, the song has never left wedding playlists, party anthems, or nostalgic radio hours. It remains a joyful reminder of how a single track can capture the carefree essence of youth and celebration perfectly.
10. Tainted Love – Soft Cell (1981)
Soft Cell brought a darker, moodier edge to pop when they covered “Tainted Love” in 1981. With its minimalist synth beats and dramatic vocals, it struck a very different tone from the bright disco that came before. The song captured the moody shift into new wave perfectly, turning it into a huge hit across the globe. While Soft Cell did release other songs, nothing ever matched the haunting power and reach of this one track. Even decades later, it remains a staple on retro playlists, its hypnotic rhythm instantly transporting listeners back to the early 80s when synth-driven pop was taking over. It endures as a perfect example of one-hit wonder magic.
11. Mickey – Toni Basil (1982)
“Oh Mickey, you’re so fine, you’re so fine you blow my mind” became one of the most memorable chants of the early 80s. Toni Basil turned a simple cheerleading rhythm into a global pop anthem, complete with a colorful video that played endlessly on MTV. Its high energy and repetitive hook made it irresistible, instantly embedding it into popular culture. While Basil had a respected career in choreography and dance, her singing career never took off beyond this single song. Still, “Mickey” continues to show up in commercials, sports arenas, and parties, proving that even one playful, slightly campy track can live on far longer than anyone ever imagined when it was first recorded.
12. The Safety Dance – Men Without Hats (1982)
Canadian band Men Without Hats gave the world one of the quirkiest yet catchiest one-hit wonders with “The Safety Dance.” Its electronic beats, unusual lyrics, and medieval themed video made it unforgettable. Audiences quickly embraced the odd but fun rhythm, turning it into an MTV staple and a dance floor favorite. The message behind it was about freedom of expression, not simply a silly dance as many assumed. Despite releasing other music, the band never achieved another major hit. Today, the song still sparks smiles with its quirky charm and instantly recognizable chorus, a reminder that music does not always need to make sense to stick around for decades and keep people moving.
13. Puttin’ on the Ritz – Taco (1983)
Taco gave new life to an old Irving Berlin classic when he released “Puttin’ on the Ritz” in 1983. His synth heavy version took the familiar standard and dressed it in electronic beats, making it stand out in an era defined by experimentation. The accompanying video, with its theatrical flair, became a hit on MTV and helped the song climb the charts. Although Taco never managed to create another mainstream success, this single track secured him a place in pop history. It remains a favorite among retro music fans who appreciate its playful mix of vintage style and 80s energy, proving that sometimes one unusual combination can make a brief but unforgettable mark.
14. Somebody’s Watching Me – Rockwell (1984)
Rockwell’s “Somebody’s Watching Me” turned paranoia into pop perfection in 1984. The song’s eerie atmosphere, paired with a chorus sung by Michael Jackson, made it instantly catchy and unforgettable. It soared up the charts and quickly became a hit that captured the slightly spooky energy of the decade. Unfortunately for Rockwell, his follow up attempts never matched this single’s massive success, leaving it as his defining moment in music. The track continues to resurface every Halloween as a playlist favorite, reminding listeners of its haunting charm. It stands as a perfect example of how one song, with the right mix of timing and atmosphere, can outlive an entire career in the spotlight.
15. Obsession – Animotion (1984)
Animotion struck gold in the mid 80s with their song “Obsession,” a sultry and synth driven anthem that became one of the most recognizable tracks of the era. The lyrics were bold and the rhythm pulsed with everything people loved about 80s pop. It climbed into the Top 10 and cemented itself as a nightclub and radio favorite. Unfortunately, the band struggled to follow up with anything of equal success, leaving “Obsession” as their only true hit. Today, the song still plays in nostalgic playlists, capturing the essence of mid 80s pop culture. It may have been their only major success, but its lasting energy has secured a permanent place in music memory.
16. Axel F – Harold Faltermeyer (1984)
In 1984, Harold Faltermeyer delivered one of the most iconic instrumental hits of the decade with “Axel F.” Known as the theme to Beverly Hills Cop, the song’s synthesizer melody became instantly recognizable around the world. The film’s success gave the tune even more staying power, and it raced up the charts on its own. Faltermeyer worked extensively on soundtracks but never achieved another pop hit of this magnitude. Still, the legacy of “Axel F” continues, having been remixed and sampled many times over the years. It remains tied to 80s nostalgia and proves that even without lyrics, a single catchy melody can define an artist’s place in popular culture.
17. Tarzan Boy – Baltimora (1985)
Baltimora’s “Tarzan Boy” brought jungle calls and upbeat synth rhythms to radio in the mid 80s, creating a fun and slightly silly dance track that became a global hit. The song’s playful chorus and lighthearted energy made it a party favorite and secured its place as a signature one hit wonder. While Baltimora faded quickly and never delivered another success, this tune lived on through its use in commercials, movies, and even sports arenas. Its cheerful beat remains instantly recognizable, the kind of track that makes people smile even if they do not know the name of the band behind it. Sometimes one joyful tune is all it takes to secure musical immortality.
18. Walking on Sunshine – Katrina and the Waves (1985)
Few songs radiate pure joy like “Walking on Sunshine.” Released in 1985, it captured the feel good spirit of the decade with its upbeat tempo and happy lyrics. It was impossible not to smile or dance when it came on, and it quickly became a worldwide anthem of positivity. Although Katrina and the Waves released other songs, nothing matched the reach of this one track. Over the years it became a go to for commercials, films, and wedding playlists. The song remains a timeless celebration of happiness, its energy as strong today as it was at release. For many, it represents everything bright and unforgettable about 80s pop culture at its peak.
19. She Blinded Me with Science – Thomas Dolby (1982)
Thomas Dolby turned geek culture into pop fun with his quirky track “She Blinded Me with Science.” Released in 1982, the song mixed offbeat lyrics with playful synth beats and even literal shouts of the word “science.” It quickly became a cult favorite on MTV, its eccentric video making it even more memorable. While Dolby continued his career in music and technology, he never achieved another chart topping hit. This one track, however, has lived on as his signature, celebrated for its humor and originality. It stands as proof that one bold experiment, even if never repeated, can secure an artist a permanent place in the world of pop nostalgia.
20. I Ran (So Far Away) – A Flock of Seagulls (1982)
“I Ran (So Far Away)” became a defining new wave anthem when A Flock of Seagulls released it in 1982. Its dreamy guitar riffs, synth layers, and soaring chorus captured the spirit of the time perfectly. The song was made even more memorable by the band’s unusual hairstyles, which became an inseparable part of their identity. Although the group never managed to achieve another global hit, this single track ensured their legacy. It remains a staple on 80s playlists and continues to spark recognition the moment it plays. One song and one unforgettable look were enough to make their name last long beyond their short time in the spotlight.
One-hit wonders weren’t failures; they were flashes of lightning. Each one captured a moment in time, soundtracked our lives, and became immortal even if the artists themselves didn’t stay in the spotlight.
This story 20 One-Hit Wonders That Defined the 1970s and 1980s was first published on Daily FETCH
