These one-hit wonders topped the charts before they were used in TV commercials. However, their inclusion in those ads likely did them a few favors. Let’s take a look at a few famous one-hit wonders that you probably know by heart that made it to a number of television commercials through the years!
Videos by American Songwriter
1. “Spirit In The Sky” by Norman Greenbaum
“Spirit In The Sky” by Norman Greenbaum was famously featured in a Gatorade commercial back in the day. The commercial features Tiger Woods playing golf on the moon.
This boogie rock anthem was a no. 3 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart back in 1970. Unfortunately, Norman Greenbaum never quite matched the commercial success of “Spirit In The Sky” again.
2. “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” by The Proclaimers
These one-hit wonders have been featured in a few different TV commercials. However, the most famous use of “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” by The Proclaimers in an ad has to be this Budweiser commercial that aired during the Super Bowl in 2015. It’s a celebration of horses and dogs, and features a slowed-down, glittering version of The Proclaimers’ hit 1988 song.
“I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” by The Proclaimers peaked at no. 3 on the US Hot 100, and ranked even higher on other international charts. Despite the song’s success, The Proclaimers never had as big of a hit again.
3. “Take On Me” by A-Ha
Few one-hit wonders have been used in commercials, memes, and pop culture in general as much as “Take On Me” by A-Ha. I had to pick one, so I went with this famous VW USA commercial that featured the synthpop hit. VW has always been great about producing memorable commercials, and this one has to be one of the most memorable.
A-Ha was far from a one-hit wonder in Europe. However, “Take On Me” was the Norwegian outfit’s only Top 10 hit in the United States.
4. “Tubthumping” by Chumbawamba
“Tubthumping” by Chumbawamba is one of the most memorable songs on this list, and it has aged pretty well. It’s still a huge pub song today, and you just can’t beat that motivational message behind the tune. This song was used in a commercial for National Accident Helpline in the UK, and it’s become a bit of a fan favorite over the last decade or so.
Photo by Ebet Roberts/Redferns/Getty Images
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