3 One-Hit Wonders With Out-of-This-World, Face-Melting Guitar Solos

When it comes to rock songs, it seems like we’re always waiting for the big, mind-blowing guitar solo. Sometimes it never comes. But sometimes it’s the thing that parts the clouds, opens your heart, and let’s you enjoy the music like its some sort of fountain of youth.

Videos by American Songwriter

Here below, we wanted to explore three songs—well, not just three songs; three one-hit wonders that feature soul-shattering guitar solos. Indeed, these are three one-hit wonders with out-of-this-world, face-melting guitar playing.

“My Sharona” by The Knack from Get the Knack (1979)

A love song from the late 1970s, this rock ode features a memorable bass line and guitar riff that build until the lyrics take over. But then the guitar solo kicks in less than two minutes into the jam and you realize this isn’t just a commercial dalliance. It’s a song written by real artists who know what they’re doing from all angles. And it hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. But then the guitars come in again for the second dose just before the three-minute mark. Like wax to a flame: melted.

“Smooth Criminal” by Alien Ant Farm from Anthology (2001)

A cover of the iconic Michael Jackson song, this punk version features electric guitars and screaming vocals. But the music video shows a slice of American life with backyard concerts and wrestling rings. The track also includes a big electric guitar solo, which comes in at the 2:30 mark. It blisters and bolts and brings the energetic song, which hit No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100, to a new level. Pay attention to it, though, because it hits quick.

“No Rain” by Blind Melon from Blind Melon (1993)

When your music video for your hit single opens with a tap-dancing bee, you know you have to back it up with some power. And Blind Melon’s “No Rain,” which hit No. 20 on the Billboard Hot 100, does just that. The whole song is lovely and melodic but then the lead guitar kicks in around 2:20 and while it might be simple and almost conversational, it’s impeccable. It meanders with a goofy grin and ends with a flourish of fun. It’s one of the reasons this was a smash all over 1990s radio.

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