Every now and then, a song comes along that captures our hearts and becomes an instant hit. We all remember singing along to these catchy tunes, but do we know the stories behind them? These ten one-hit wonders left a mark on music history, and here’s a peek into the stories that brought them to life.
“Come On Eileen” — Dexys Midnight Runners, 1982
The infectious Celtic-flavored song “Come On Eileen” by Dexys Midnight Runners was an iconic hit of the 1980s. The band’s journey to creating this chart-topper wasn’t easy, leading to tensions within the group and a member leaving. This track remained their sole major hit.
“Rock Me Amadeus” — Falco, 1986
Austrian punk rocker Falco surprised everyone with “Rock Me Amadeus,” a song about Mozart’s life. Despite its German stanzas, the English chorus made it unforgettable. The song made history as the first German-language song to top charts worldwide.
“Video Killed The Radio Star” — The Buggles, 1979
The new wave pop band The Buggles gave us “Video Killed The Radio Star,” a song that turned into an artful music video itself. The track’s prescient lyrics rang true when its video became the first to air on MTV, changing the music landscape forever.
“Take On Me” — a-ha, 1985
Norwegian pop band a-ha’s 1985 hit “Take On Me” pioneered digital recording techniques, accompanied by a groundbreaking music video that charmed audiences. This track became synonymous with the 1980s music scene and a symbol of the band’s legacy.
Tubthumping — Chumbawumba, 1997
Chumbawumba’s 1997 hit “Tubthumping” emerged from a period of discouragement for the British rock band. The song’s empowering chorus resonated with listeners, becoming an anthem of resilience and climbing the charts.
“Tainted Love” — Soft Cell, 1981
Soft Cell’s Eurocentric synth-pop gem “Tainted Love” reimagined a classic song with an electronic twist. The band’s adaptation turned it into a dance hit that perfectly captured the essence of the 1980s.
“Somebody That I Used To Know” — Gotye, 2011
Gotye’s global hit “Somebody That I Used To Know” took the world by storm, earning critical acclaim and Grammy Awards. Despite his previous successes, this song became his signature, leaving an indelible mark.
“Baby Got Back” — Sir Mix-a-Lot, 1992
Sir Mix-a-Lot’s 1992 hit “Baby Got Back” challenged conventional notions of beauty and body image through its provocative lyrics and inclusive music video. The song soared to No. 1 on charts and earned a Grammy.
“Eye of The Tiger” — Survivor, 1982
Survivor’s iconic “Eye of The Tiger” was almost a different song altogether for the movie Rocky III. Despite this twist of fate, the song’s powerful anthem became synonymous with triumph, fueling Rocky’s training montage.
“Macarena” — Los Del Rio, 1996
“Macarena” by Los Del Rio swept the world with its dance craze and irresistible beat. The song was inspired by a Flamenco dancer’s performance and skyrocketed to global fame, leaving a lasting dance legacy.