The term “one hit wonder” is used to refer to musical acts who’ve had a just about fifteen minutes of fame in the musical world. Artists such as Dexy’s Midnight Runners, Toni Basil, and Tommy Tutone are etched into memory for their singular, yet stellar contributions to the world of pop music. The 1980’s saw a plethora of such acts, contributing many memorable tunes to the songbook of the times. Herein is a listing of my top ten one hit wonders of the 80’s. Of course, the list is highly subjective. You may or may not agree with these choices or ranking, but you’ll surely remember at least a handful of them.
1-Mickey, Toni Basil
“Oh Mickey, you’re so fine, you’re so fine you blow my mind. Hey Mickey! Hey Mickey!”
This infectious song, written and sung by choreographer Toni Basil, is performed in the style of a cheer. The song hit number one in December of 1982, and was the singer’s only charting single of her career. The video for the song features Basil in full cheerleading regalia and is as memorable as the tune.
2-It’s Raining Men- The Weather Girls
This tune is featured on a lot of disco compilations, but the tune doesn’t really fit the disco mold. Recorded in 1982 by the Weather Girls (Martha Wash and Izora Armstead), this ditty still fills up dance floors everywhere whenever it’s played. The song never fared too well on the pop charts, peaking only at #46 on Billboard’s Hot 100, but its’ success lies in its longevity. The song’s been covered many times, most notably by RuPaul, Martha Wash, and Geri Halliwell and it’s simply great fun!
3-Come on Eileen, Dexy’s Midnight Runners
Another number one from 1982, this tune, replete with a Celtic-style fiddle as its main sound and Irish phrase “too rye ay”, was the only smash for this British pop group.
4-867-5309/Jenny, Tommy Tutone
Anyone who was around in 1982 could not forget these seven digits that made up the chorus of this#4 smash. The song became was so popular in its day that the number, which had been a valid telephone number in many area codes, had to be retired.
5-Whip It – Devo
This tune is a typical example of punk music’s metamorphosis into new wave. Complete with its signature bass riff, robotically spoken lyrics, and cracking whips, this tune was memorable. The song, released in 1980, reached the #14 position on the Billboard charts and has been featured in many pop culture venues, including movies, video games and television shows.
6-Genius of Love, Tom Tom Club
This classic was written and performed by Talking Heads founding members Tina Weymouth and Chris Frantz under the moniker of their side project, the Tom Tom Club. The tune represented a difference in style to Talking Heads that was more dance oriented. The song was a smash in the US, hitting #31 on Billboard’s Hot 100, and #1 on the magazine’s dance charts. It was also sampled in Mariah Carey’s 1995 hit “Fantasy.”
7-She Blinded Me with Science, Thomas Dolby
This song was the only chart making single from British new wave artist Thomas Dolby, peaking at #5 on Billboard’s Hot 100 in 1982. The song had a pure new wave feel, complete with a typically silly early style video and backing vocals by a ‘deranged’ scientist. “Good heavens Miss Akimoto, you’re beautiful!”
8-Don’t Worry, Be Happy, Bobby McFerrin
This one was way overplayed in 1988, but its spoken lyrics and island flavor had a way of ingraining itself into the listener’s brain, making it a smash. The video featured comedians Robin Williams and Bill Irwin at their silliest, and the number one song garnered three Grammy’s that year, including Song of the Year, record of the Year, and Best Male Vocal Performance.
9-I Melt with You, Modern English
This 1982 new wave song performed by the British band, Modern English, was a regularly featured video during MTV’s early days and is memorable for its simplistic sounds and catchy lyrics.
10-We Don’t Have to Take Our Clothes Off, Jermaine Stewart
This 1986 dance tune from one hit wonder Jermaine Stewart was catchy and dance floor friendly. The song took off after it was featured on the hit television series Miami Vice, peaking at #5 on the pop charts.
Honorable Mentions (in no particular order)
Der Kommissar, After the Fire (1982)
I Ran, Flock of Seagulls (1982)
Take On Me, Aha (1985)
Tainted Love, Soft cell (1981)
I Want Candy, Bow Wow Wow (1982)
Relax, Frankie Goes to Hollywood (1983)
Somebody’s Watching me, Rockwell (1984)
What I Am, Edie Brickell and the New Bohemians (1988)
Pass the Dutchie, Musical Youth (1982)
They Don’t Know, Tracey Ullman (1983)
I Just Died in Your Arms, cutting Crew (1986)
Black Velvet, Alannah Myles (1989)
Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/867-5309/Jenny
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Come_On_Eileen
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don’t_Worry,_Be_Happy
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genius_of_Love
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mickey_(song)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/It’s_Raining_Men
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/She_Blinded_Me_with_Science
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Tom_Club_(album)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/We_Don’t_Have_to_Take_Our_Clothes_Off
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whip_It
http://music-mix.ew.com/2009/04/vh1s-100-greate.html
