3 One-Name One-Hit Wonders That Dominated the Charts

Sometimes all you need is one name. Sometimes a last name or a longer moniker just won’t do. Hey, when you’re good, you’re good. All you need is a single utterance to conjure your talents, your aura, your mystique. Such is the case of these artists below. Think: Adele, Gaga, and Snoop.

Videos by American Songwriter

Indeed, some performers you know by just a single name. Especially if those groups have a song that rocketed up the charts and reached millions of people. Case in point: these three one name one-hit wonders here who dominated Billboard‘s hallowed lists.

[RELATED: 3 Energetic One-Hit Wonders That Are Perfect To Dance Along To]

“Whip It” by Devo from Freedom of Choice (1980)

This silly song has a big message. It’s about triumphing over whatever challenges are in front of you. Got a problem? Conquer it—er, whip it. That’s what this Akron, Ohio-born new wave band wanted you to know when they released the their hit single, which peaked at No. 14 on the Billboard Hot 100. Sometimes an important message is best delivered with a little crazed, entertaining energy. A little carnival with the philosophical. And the one-word group Devo knew that here. On the tune, they sing,

Crack that whip
Give the past a slip
Step on a crack
Break your mama’s back

When a problem comes along
You must whip it
Before the cream sits out too long
You must whip it
When something’s going wrong
You must whip it

“What Is Love?” by Haddaway from The Album (1993)

An epic, almost over-the-top love song from the big voiced Haddaway, this song asks for a definition of what love is and why, if it its supposed to be so good, does pain have to be involved? Perhaps there is a kind of love without the hurt? Even if it lasts for just four minutes as this song plays. But with the success of this track, which hit No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100, the one-named Haddaway became a star. On the tune, he sings,

I don’t know why you’re not there
I give you my love, but you don’t care
So what is right?
And what is wrong?
Gimme a sign

What is love?
Baby, don’t hurt me
Don’t hurt me no more

“Barbie Girl” by Aqua from Aquarium (1997)

A song that had a resurgence this decade thanks to the movie Barbie, this track by the band Aqua based on the popular-yet-vapid plastic doll was a smash hit in the 1990s. The track, which peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100, remains part of the zeitgeist thanks to the aforementioned hit 2023 film. Who doesn’t want to sing about being pink colors and having easy lives once in a while? Indeed, on the song, lead vocalist Lene Nystrøm belts,

I’m a Barbie girl, in the Barbie world
Life in plastic, it’s fantastic
You can brush my hair, undress me everywhere
Imagination, life is your creation

I’m a blonde bimbo girl in a fantasy world
Dress me up, make it tight, I’m your dolly
You’re my doll, rock’n’roll, feel the glamour in pink
Kiss me here, touch me there, hanky panky

Photo by Steve Granitz Archive 1/WireImage