These one-hit wonders were truly ahead of their time, and I’m still surprised none of these bands and artists produced another chart-topping hit. Sometimes, the music industry just doesn’t make much sense.
1. “Whip It” by Devo
When one thinks of America’s brand of new wave, one thinks of Devo. Despite being so memorable, this synth-pop outfit is considered a one-hit wonder with the song “Whip It”. This groundbreaking, somewhat edgy track was a no. 14 hit in the US, and the band never hit the Top 40 on the Hot 100 chart again.
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“Whip It” was definitely ahead of its time, boasting taboo lyrics and oddball visuals in its music video that influenced countless new wave bands that followed the song’s release in 1980.
2. “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” by Simple Minds
These one-hit wonders were ahead of their time with the iconic song “Don’t You (Forget About Me)”. Listeners likely remember this song as the song from the 1985 cult classic film Breakfast Club. An excellent new wave pop rock track, “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” was quite influential. Few songs have been so closely associated with a film. The hit set a new standard for soundtracks throughout the rest of the 20th century.
Simple Minds did pretty well for themselves, though. While this particular song is their only no. 1 hit in the US, they topped the UK charts and European charts well through the 1980s. Some wouldn’t consider them one-hit wonders at all.
3. “Lovin’ You” by Minnie Riperton
Minnie Riperton tragically passed away at the age of 31 in 1979, and I’m convinced she would have put out more hits if she just had a bit more time. Sadly, she is technically considered a one-hit wonder with the song “Lovin’ You”
This gorgeous soul-pop song was released in 1975 and was a no. 1 hit in the US and also ranked high in other countries. Riperton had additional hits make it to the US R&B charts, but she never had a high-charting hit on the Hot 100 again.
4. “Crazy” by Gnarls Barkley
Gnarls Barkley was the musical project of singer CeeLo Green and producer Danger Mouse. In the early 2000s, they were a huge deal. Nobody was making music quite like Gnarls Barkley. One of the most memorable one-hit wonders that were ahead of their time in the 2000s, this outfit made it big with their debut single “Crazy” in 2006.
“Crazy” blends neo-soul, psychedelia, electronica, and even funk together in a way that was not really heard of at the time. The track was a no. 2 hit in the US and a no. 1 hit in the UK. However, the duo never went beyond the Top 10 again.
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