Every decade has its handful of songs that are taboo, controversial, and inappropriate for younger listeners to hear. Naturally, that didn’t stop rebellious kids from listening anyway. Let’s dive into a few raunchy one-hit wonders that plenty of kids listened to behind their parents’ backs!
Videos by American Songwriter
1. “I’m Too Sexy” by Right Said Fred
Remember this hit from 1991? Dance-pop outfit Right Said Fred made it big with this taboo track with (somewhat) explicit lyrics. “I’m Too Sexy” was an enormous Eurodance hit that topped the charts worldwide, peaking at no. 1 on the US Hot 100, among other international charts. Sadly, Right Said Fred never had as big of a hit again, though the legacy of “I’m Too Sexy” lives on today.
2. “Baby Got Back” by Sir Mix-A-Lot
Few listeners would bat an eye at “Baby Got Back” by Sir Mix-A-Lot today. However, back in 1992, this song was considered quite a raunchy addition to the growing list of one-hit wonders at the time. This song is a campy, fun, and somewhat controversial ode to butts in all their glory. Unfortunately for Sir Mix-A-Lot, he never had a hit after “Baby Got Back” made it big.
3. “I Touch Myself” by Divinyls
I don’t think I need to explain why this hit by Divinyls was so taboo at the time of its release in 1990. A quick run-through of the lyrics will provide you with enough evidence. “I Touch Myself” was a huge success internationally, both in the band’s native Australia (where it hit no. 1) and the United States (where it hit no. 4). Divinyls did very well for themselves in Australia for years, but they never had a huge hit elsewhere after “I Touch Myself”.
4. “Pass The Dutchie” by Musical Youth
This reggae new wave track is still so much fun to listen to today, decades after it was released in 1982. However, to many, “Pass The Dutchie” by Musical Youth is considered one of the most taboo and raunchy one-hit wonders out there. This track doesn’t mention anything sexual or explicit, but it does celebrate smoking some good ol’ weed with your friends. This song was a no. 10 hit in the US, but Musical Youth never charted quite as high again.
Photo by Brian McLaughlin/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
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