3 One-Hit Wonders That Personify the Idiosyncratic 1980s

Perhaps more than any decade over the past 100 years, the 1980s were the most unique. From the final years of disco to the birth of rap music to the prominence of synth-driven rock, the era was unlike any other before it or since. And when it comes to the one-hit wonders from the 1980s, they truly sum up the decade’s sound in remarkable ways.

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One-hit wonders are, by nature, singular. They are tracks that had success on the charts but their composers never quite could follow it up with another popular song. They also often tap into a feeling or mood of the time in which they came out. The result is that many one-hit wonders are like mini time capsules from the 1980s. Here below, we wanted to explore three of them that particularly personify the 80s.

“Tainted Love” by Soft Cell from ‘Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret’ (1981)

Along with the genres listed above, new wave was another sound that rose to prominence in the 1980s. The melodic, ethereal genre produced a great number of hits in the decade, including the track “Tainted Love” by the British-born band Soft Cell. The synth-driven tune has since been used in movies, television shows and commercials thanks to its eerie sound, percussive beat, and sticky lyrics. For a decade that came after the raucous rock-driven 70s and before the grunge-filled 90s, it’s wild to think that this was one of the most popular tunes.

“Whip It” by Devo from ‘Freedom Of Choice’ (1980)

There was a time when some people thought Devo was a band of actual robots. The group didn’t shy away from the idea, either, especially in their music, which sounded like it was made by some outer space electrical being. With catchy, off-kilter rhythms and lyrics that could have been written by Conky from Pee-wee’s Playhouse, Devo sums up the 1980s like none other. And “Whip It”, with its fast-paced, strange lyrics and repetition is just one example of what they brought to the table as one-hit wonders from the 1980s.

“I Melt With You” by Modern English from ‘After The Snow’ (1982)

Speaking of new wave music, here is yet another example of the sound. There is something about Modern English lead singer Robbie Grey’s voice that makes this a 80s staple. This song could easily be in a John Hughes movie… though it probably was in several, played as some teenager contemplates their future while things everywhere are changing. Oh no, it’s graduation day! But what about my high school sweetheart? Cue: Modern English. Putting this song on transports you to the early 80s in a snap. There really aren’t any one-hit wonders from the 1980s quite like Modern English.

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