3 One-Hit Wonders Not From the US or UK You Probably Know by Heart

You may not realize it, but a large swath of music you love likely comes from two places—the United States and the United Kingdom. Indeed, it’s the English-speaking world that has influenced modern music perhaps the most. Pop songs, classic rock, hip-hop, and more all come from those two countries. But that doesn’t mean every one of our favorite tracks emanates from those dual locales.

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Yes, there are songs that have become cultural standards that have come from elsewhere. Below, that’s what we wanted to inspect. We wanted to highlight three one-hit wonders that don’t come from the US or the UK. A selection of one-hit wonders from countries beyond the norm. Indeed, these are three one-hit wonders we know you still love that don’t come from the US or UK.

“99 Luftballons” by Nena from ‘Nena’ (1983)

This track from the German-born band Nena was released around the world. Featuring the German language, the tune hit No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. Later, an English version was released, but that rendition failed to chart. Inspired by a literal balloon let go at a concert, the song paints a picture of many more flying up over the Berlin wall to find the others on the other side. In the 1980s, during the Cold War, there was a great deal of worry about what would happen in Europe. But this song imagined a world of connection and compassion, not frigid wartime friction.

“Nothing Compares 2 U” by Sinead O’Connor from ‘I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got’ (1990)

While the United Kingdom officially comprises England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, what it does not include is the part of Ireland that is home to the city of Dublin. And that is where the compelling singer Sinead O’Connor originates. While O’Connor boasts an illustrious musical career that affected millions, her sole track that landed on the Billboard Hot 100 top-40 is her cover of the Prince song, “Nothing Compares 2 U”. It’s a tune that made her a global sensation and hit No. 1 on the chart. And it’s one that many of us love to revisit these days and sing along with.

“Steal My Sunshine” by Len from ‘You Can’t Stop the Bum Rush’ (1999)

One of the catchiest songs from the late 1990s, this tune from the Canadian-born alt-rock band Len could be heard on radio stations and music video TV channels all around the world upon its release in 1999. It may not be a tune you recognize today by its title, but put it on for 10 seconds and you’ll see your toes begin to tap and your lips start to form the lyrical words. Officially, the offering hit No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it a delightful Canadian one-hit wonder for the ages.

Photo by Michel Linssen/Redferns