4 One-Hit Wonders Who Changed Pop Culture Forever

One-hit wonders hit the music scene and leave their legacy behind with just one song. The following four one-hit wonders, though, influenced pop culture in a major way for various reasons with their single claim to fame. Let’s take a look, shall we?

Videos by American Songwriter

“Warm Leatherette/T.V.O.D.” by The Normal

Remember this utterly bizarre synth-pop song from 1979? “Warm Leatherette/T.V.O.D.” by The Normal might be a deep cut to today’s generation of listeners, but back in the day, this song was a pretty hefty hit. It also happens to be The Normal’s only release. The tune is both notably disturbing and particularly fun to dance to. That would be a trend that would continue on with new wave as a broad genre, and The Normal definitely influenced that trend, at least partially.

“Pop Muzik” by M

“Pop Muzik” by M is a delightful synth-pop song from 1979. Like The Normal’s hit tune, “Pop Muzik” was the only major hit for M. The music video for this song, similarly, was quite a standout hit among fans. The song itself is repetitive and addictive, with a formula that would go on to dominate much of the early iterations of electronic pop music of the 1980s.

“Mambo No. 5” by Lou Bega

Dance music didn’t know what hit it when Lou Bega debuted “Mambo No. 5” in 1999. This song is still in rotation today for a reason, and it’s a staple tune for playlists at weddings, family reunions, birthdays, and dance parties in the United States and beyond. Technically a cover of a Perez Prado song from decades prior, Lou Bega’s version was a danceable hit.

“Lovin’ You” by Minnie Riperton

This entry on our list of one-hit wonders who influenced pop culture should never have been a one-hit wonder. Minnie Riperton was a force, and she deserved way more recognition than she got for her magical voice and soothing songs.

“Lovin’ You” has aged quite well through the years and is still referenced in pop culture today. Just as well, I’ll be bold and say that Minnie Riperton walked so that pop stars known for hitting those whistle notes (Mariah Carey, Ariana Grande) could run.

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