Some one-hit wonders are so memorable that listeners can recognize them from the very first note. That’s definitely the case for these four hit songs, even if you’re not the biggest fan of the musicians who produced them. Let’s get a healthy dose of nostalgia, shall we?
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1. “Macarena” by Los Del Rio
The second that keyboard kicks in, you know you’re in for the dance craze of the century. “Macarena” by Los Del Rio, specifically the Bayside Boys remixed version, was an enormous hit back in the 1990s. The dance-pop tune, as well as its accompanying dance choreography, was a no. 1 hit on the Billboard US Hot 100 chart and charted well in other countries.
Los Del Rio only charted once more in 1996 with a Christmas-themed reimagining of the song. After that, Los Del Rio never had another hit again.
2. “Who Let The Dogs Out” by Baha Men
Probably the most direct of one-hit wonders that fans will recognize with the first note, that iconic scream of “Who let the dogs out?!” is burned into the brain matter of 90s and 00s kids around the world. This breakbeat hit was all over the place in 2000. And it charted quite high in the US and across Europe.
Baha Men never had as big of a hit again, but at least their one claim to fame has aged well.
3. “Take On Me” by A-Ha
No matter your age, when that glittering synth sets in, you know exactly what you’re in for. The introduction to “Take On Me” by A-Ha is as memorable now as it was back in 1984 at the height of the new wave movement.
A-Ha was far from a one-hit wonder in their native Norway and across Europe. However, “Take On Me” was the band’s only Top 10 hit in the US, where it peaked at no. 1.
4. “It Takes Two” by Rob Base & DJ EZ Rock
If you listened to this hip hop hit back in 1987, you probably know that somewhat creepy intro all too well. A very memorable entry on our list of one-hit wonders that fans can recognize by the first note, “It Takes Two” by Rob Base & DJ EZ Rock kicks off with an odd-sounding synth and a pitched-down voice saying, “Right about now, you’re about to be possessed.” After that, the sample-soaked song kicks in with a bang.
“It Takes Two” made it to no. 36 on the Hot 100 and ranked even higher on other US and UK charts. Unfortunately, the famed duo behind the song never had as big of a hit again.
Photo by David Benito/Getty Images
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