3 Indie-Darling One-Hit Wonders From the 2000s

There are big smash hits and then there are indie darlings. Think of it like the movies: for every Titanic or Jaws there are smaller films like Good Will Hunting or Anora. The same thing happens in music. There are big bombastic works and then there are the quiet, critically acclaimed beloveds that still get their fair share of attention.

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Here below, we wanted to explore three of the latter. A trio of tracks considered indie darlings that rocketed up the Billboard charts in the 2000s. And while their composers may not have had the same success again, they remain important in the zeitgeist. Indeed, these are three indie-darling one-hit wonders from the 2000s.

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

“Don’t Know Why” by Norah Jones from Come Away With Me (2002)

In the early 2000s, when Norah Jones came onto the scene, she seemed to become instantly famous. Her breathy singing, smooth piano playing and alluring style brought her to the attention of millions and it was her debut single “Don’t Know Why” that kicked everything off. The tune, which is a cover of a 1999 Jesse Harris song, made her blossom from unknown to modern-day jazz star. And on the track, she sings,

I waited ’til I saw the sun
I don’t know why I didn’t come
I left you by the house of fun
Don’t know why I didn’t come
Don’t know why I didn’t come

“Heaven” by Los Lonely Boys from Los Lonely Boys (2004)

The debut single from the Texas-born brotherly rock trio showcases both their musicianship and knack for appealing to the masses. While their debut self-titled LP features long jams, instrumentals, and other flavors of song, it was “Heaven” that made them go from indie darling to mainstream attention and it even got them GRAMMY recognition. Singing with a pleasant touch, the boys open the song offering,

Save me from this prison
Lord, help me get away
‘Cause only you can save me now from this misery

I’ve been lost in my own place and I’m gettin’ weary
How far is heaven?
And I know that I need to change my ways of livin’
How far is heaven?
Lord, can you tell me

“Take Me Out” by Franz Ferdinand from Franz Ferdinand (2004)

In the 2000s all of your indie rock friends adored Franz Ferdinand. The band named after the central figure whose death kicked off World War I brought the electrified energy to the track and it subsequently appeared on every homemade mix CD until CDs were no longer in fashion. And on the tune, which was the second single released from the group’s self-titled LP, lead vocalist Alex Kapranos offers,

So if you’re lonely
You know I’m here waiting for you
I’m just a cross-hair
I’m just a shot away from you

And if you leave here
You leave me broken, shattered I lie
I’m just a cross-hair
I’m just a shot, then we can die

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