1. The Church – “Under the Milky Way”
Australian band The Church struck gold with “Under the Milky Way” in 1989, a dreamy, atmospheric song that became a lasting cult song worldwide. Despite the success of that track, their follow-up single “Metropolis” never achieved the same mainstream impact, and the band drifted back into relative obscurity. Though never matching their brief commercial peak, The Church continued making music and maintained a loyal cult following, embracing their status as artists outside the pop-hit treadmill.
2. M – “Pop Muzik”
The New Wave/synth-pop group M scored a massive hit with “Pop Muzik” in 1979, a quirky, catchy blend of synths and pop that just stuck in people’s heads. That song remains their defining legacy. In later years, the band (or rather its main figure, Robin Scott) didn’t manage to reproduce anything nearly as popular. Over time, “Pop Muzik” became more of a nostalgic anthem, remembered long after the band itself faded from the spotlight.
3. Fools Garden – “Lemon Tree”
The German band Fools Garden soared to international recognition with “Lemon Tree” in the mid-1990s, a wistful, melodic song that became a staple on radio and playlists long after release. Despite releasing more songs and albums after that hit, none came close to capturing global attention again. In interviews, members have admitted they expected more later on, but it never matched the reach of “Lemon Tree.” Still, the band continued making music, even if mostly outside mainstream eyes.
4. Ace – “How Long”
The band Ace, a British-rock ensemble of the 1970s, got huge success with their song “How Long,” a smooth, soulful track that climbed the charts and became their signature. But after three albums that failed to produce further hits, the group disbanded in 1977. Some members left the music industry altogether. One notable member, though, continued in music; he joined another band and carried on making music, but under a different name.
5. Semisonic – “Closing Time”
Semisonic touched a nerve in the late ’90s with “Closing Time,” a song that captured a mix of melancholy and hope, and became an anthem for many. That hit brought them fame worldwide, yet when subsequent singles and albums failed to match its success, the band drifted from mainstream attention. Over time, “Closing Time” became their defining legacy, a song many remember even when they forget the band’s name. Nonetheless, Semisonic remained active in music circles and retained a devoted fan base, even if the broad spotlight moved on.
6. A-Ha – Take On Me
A-Ha became globally famous in 1985 with “Take On Me,” driven by its groundbreaking rotoscope-animated music video. Although many listeners outside Europe consider them a one-hit wonder, the band actually enjoyed long-term success in their home region, scoring multiple charting singles and albums. In the U.S., however, nothing matched the explosive popularity of “Take On Me,” which has since exceeded one billion views on YouTube and remains a pop-culture touchstone. After their peak American success, A-Ha continued touring, recording albums, and even reunited after a short breakup. The band is still active today, releasing new music and performing internationally, proving that while American audiences may remember one song, their global legacy is far deeper.
7. Soft Cell – Tainted Love
Soft Cell exploded onto the early 1980s music scene with their synth-pop cover of “Tainted Love,” which became one of the decade’s most recognizable hits. Although the song dominated charts worldwide, the duo struggled to maintain that same commercial impact with later releases, particularly outside the UK. Their follow-up music saw modest success, but nothing reached the global reach of “Tainted Love.” Internal tensions and artistic differences eventually led to their split in 1984. In later years, Marc Almond built a respected solo career, while the duo reunited periodically for tours and new recordings. Today, they remain cult icons of the New Wave era, forever remembered for one of the most famous covers of all time.
8. Dexys Midnight Runners – Come On Eileen
Dexys Midnight Runners captured lightning in a bottle with their 1982 smash “Come On Eileen,” a Celtic-inspired pop anthem that dominated charts across the world. Despite releasing other songs, none achieved the same mainstream appeal, largely due to frequent lineup changes and shifts in musical direction led by frontman Kevin Rowland. The group disbanded in the mid-1980s, re-emerging in later years under the shortened name “Dexys.” While they continued making music appreciated by dedicated fans, “Come On Eileen” remained their defining cultural moment, frequently used in movies, sports events, and nostalgic playlists. Today, Dexys performs selectively, and Rowland continues creative projects, keeping the band’s legacy alive.
9. Chumbawamba – Tubthumping
Chumbawamba became an unexpected global sensation in 1997 with “Tubthumping,” a rousing anthem built on resilience and pub-chant energy. Although the band had been active since the early 1980s and had a deep political and punk-folk background, mainstream audiences mostly knew them for this single breakthrough. After “Tubthumping,” later songs never found the same commercial traction, especially in the U.S. The band continued evolving musically, shifting toward folk-based protest music before officially disbanding in 2012. Many members pursued activism and independent creative work. While their career was extensive and socially driven, pop culture remembers them most for one unforgettable, shout-along hit.
10. The Verve Pipe – The Freshmen
The Verve Pipe reached their peak in 1996 with “The Freshmen,” an emotional alternative-rock ballad that resonated deeply with listeners and became a major radio hit. Despite releasing other singles and albums, nothing matched the widespread success of that song. After their mainstream momentum slowed, the band continued touring and recording but largely outside the top-40 spotlight. In the 2000s, they shifted into family-friendly projects while keeping their adult-rock identity alive. Lead singer Brian Vander Ark also pursued solo work. Today, The Verve Pipe performs regularly and maintains a loyal fan base, but for many casual listeners, they are forever tied to one influential and reflective ’90s track.
11. Harvey Danger – Flagpole Sitta
Harvey Danger became a late-’90s standout when “Flagpole Sitta” exploded onto alternative rock radio in 1997. The song’s energetic style and memorable lyrics made it a staple of movies, TV shows, and early internet culture. Although the band released more music afterward, none achieved comparable commercial traction. Internal pressure, industry challenges, and changing musical trends eventually pushed them away from mainstream attention. The band went on hiatus in the early 2000s before officially disbanding in 2009. Lead singer Sean Nelson later pursued solo projects and writing. Today, “Flagpole Sitta” remains a cultural touchstone of ’90s alternative rock, keeping the band’s name alive long after their breakup.
12. New Radicals – You Get What You Give
New Radicals made a massive impression with their 1998 hit “You Get What You Give,” which mixed upbeat pop-rock with thoughtful lyrics and became one of the decade’s most enduring singles. Surprisingly, the group disbanded just a year later, largely due to frontman Gregg Alexander’s frustration with fame and the pressures of touring. Although the band was short-lived, Alexander found success writing and producing for other artists, including Grammy-winning work. The band briefly reunited in 2021 to perform at a U.S. presidential inauguration event, marking their first performance in more than two decades. Their single hit continues to resonate, cementing them as one of music’s most memorable one-album wonders.
13. The Buggles – Video Killed the Radio Star
The Buggles are forever tied to “Video Killed the Radio Star,” their 1979 synth-pop hit that became the first music video ever aired on MTV. The song brought them instant international attention, but their later releases never achieved the same cultural or commercial impact. After the band’s brief run, members Trevor Horn and Geoff Downes moved on to major careers in the music industry. Horn became one of the most influential producers of the 1980s, working with artists like Yes and The Art of Noise, while Downes joined prominent rock bands including Asia. Though their time as performers was short, their single hit left a lasting mark on pop history.
14. Blind Melon – No Rain
Blind Melon reached widespread fame in 1993 with “No Rain,” a gentle, melancholy alternative-rock song known for its iconic “Bee Girl” music video. The band showed promise for a long career, but tragedy struck when lead singer Shannon Hoon passed away in 1995. Amid grief and an uncertain future, the band struggled to continue. While remaining members attempted later projects, nothing matched the recognition of their early years. Blind Melon eventually reunited with a new vocalist, but their mainstream moment had already passed. Today, “No Rain” lives on as a defining early-’90s hit, symbolizing the band’s talent and the abrupt loss that halted their rise.
15. The Rembrandts – I’ll Be There for You
The Rembrandts became household names in 1994 when “I’ll Be There for You” became the theme song for the sitcom Friends. Although the duo had moderate success before, this track overshadowed their entire catalog, turning them into reluctant one-hit wonders in the public eye. Despite the massive popularity, the band never matched the cultural reach of that theme again. After experiencing the pressures of fame and disputes with their label, the duo briefly split before reuniting later to release new music. They continue performing today, though their association with Friends remains their defining legacy. For many listeners, it’s the unforgettable sound that opens every episode.
16. The Knack – My Sharona
The Knack became overnight stars in 1979 with “My Sharona,” a punchy, guitar-driven track that dominated global charts and became one of the most recognizable rock hits of its era. The band’s debut album soared, but their fast rise was followed by equally fast backlash from critics who felt the group resembled an overly polished, Beatles-styled marketing product. Their later albums never reached the same commercial height, and shifting musical tastes pushed them out of the spotlight by the early 1980s. The band reunited several times over the years, releasing new material and touring small venues until the passing of frontman Doug Fieger in 2010. Despite the ups and downs, “My Sharona” remains a timeless radio staple.
17. Toni Basil – Mickey
Toni Basil shot to worldwide fame in 1981 with “Mickey,” a high-energy cheerleader-style pop hit that became a defining anthem of the early MTV era. Although she had an extensive career before and after, working as a dancer, choreographer, and actress, she never replicated the chart success of “Mickey.” Still, Basil found long-term success in choreography, contributing to films, music videos, and stage performances for major artists. Her influence in the dance world is significant, even if pop fans remember her for a single unforgettable hit. Today she continues to work in creative fields, proving that her talents extended far beyond her brief moment at the top of the charts.
18. Baha Men – Who Let the Dogs Out
Baha Men reached global superstardom in 2000 with “Who Let the Dogs Out,” a catchy chant-driven track that became an international sensation, winning a Grammy and appearing in countless films and sporting events. Although the group remained active and continued releasing music, nothing matched the massive cultural impact of that single. The song itself unexpectedly overshadowed their broader discography and even their long history as a Caribbean junkanoo-influenced band. In later years, Baha Men toured internationally and performed at major events, leaning into the enduring popularity of their signature hit. The group continues performing today, supported by nostalgia and the track’s lasting place in pop culture.
19. Gotye – Somebody That I Used to Know
Gotye achieved a rare level of global dominance in 2011 with “Somebody That I Used to Know,” a minimalist art-pop duet with Kimbra that topped charts in dozens of countries. After the enormous success of the song and its parent album, Gotye chose not to pursue a commercial pop career in the typical way. Instead, he stepped back from mainstream music to focus on experimental projects and his band, The Basics. He has continued performing and releasing work selectively but has not released another studio album under the Gotye name. While he may be viewed as a one-hit wonder by casual listeners, his decision to prioritize artistry over fame shaped the quiet career that followed.
20. Los Del Río – Macarena
Los Del Río created one of the most recognizable dance songs in history with “Macarena,” which became a worldwide phenomenon in the mid-1990s. Although the Spanish duo had a long career in Latin music prior to their breakout, nothing compared to the global reach of this single, especially after the Bayside Boys remix turned it into a dance-floor staple. The song’s popularity was so massive that it overshadowed their decades of earlier work. Even though the duo continued recording and performing in Spain and Latin America, international audiences largely associate them with this one iconic hit. The “Macarena” remains a cultural fixture at parties, sporting events, and celebrations worldwide.
While many of these bands and performers continued making music, touring, or pursuing creative careers, their biggest songs remain the moments that connected with the world. These hits live on through radio, movies, nostalgia, and the memories listeners attach to them, proof that one song can truly last a lifetime.
This story 20 one hit wonder bands and what happened to them was first published on Daily FETCH
