3 One-Hit Wonders That Have Next-Level Guest Features

When we think of one-hit wonders, we often understand the songs to be composed and performed by an artist or band. But what about those rare versions that include guest features? Sometimes a hit track needs an outside voice to bring it up a notch, to take things to the next level. It doesn’t happen often, but there are several examples.

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Here below, we wanted to examine three such offerings. Let’s dive into a trio of one-hit wonder tracks that also include performances from artists not part of the core songwriting unit. Indeed, these are three one-hit wonders that include guests who raise the bar to an essential level.

“Somebody That I Used to Know” by Gotye, Featuring Kimbra From ‘Making Mirrors’ (2011)

This smash hit from 2011 comes from the Australian-based singer Gotye and features the New Zealand vocal talent Kimbra. For those looking for the quintessential breakup song, look no further. It’s a track that succinctly sums up the dynamic post-split where two people who were in love suddenly just become acquaintances. While Gotye shines on the song, it wouldn’t nearly have the force and power that it did without Kimbra’s voice as the co-lead. Like a rom-com film, you really need both parts.

“Facts Of Love” by Jeff Lorber, Featuring Karyn White From ‘Private Passion’ (1986)

When producer and keyboard player Jeff Lorber linked up with vocalist Karyn White, the two had a hit on their hands. The quintessential 1980s song might make you want to put on your legwarmers and prepare to jazzercise your troubles away. But the hit single wouldn’t have gotten off the ground in the same way without White’s sublime and era-specific vocal performance. That’s for sure.

“I Got 5 On It” by Luniz, Featuring Michael Marshall From ‘Operation Stackola’ (1995)

An indelible rap track from the golden age of the genre in the 1990s, this song about pooling cash for a little relief continues to be part of the zeitgeist today. This tune’s been included in films like Us and The Last Black Man In San Francisco. The melodic rap track was produced and composed by a slew of people. It also features the Berkeley, California-born vocalist Michael Marshall, who adds a lyrical touch that brings the tune from there to here.

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