Some songs you want to shout from the rooftops. They’re tunes the world loves far and wide. Songs that are as much a part of the fabric of culture at large as they are any musical library. And then there are songs you want to listen to with your windows rolled up, your phone face covered or in the privacy of your own home.
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We wanted to focus on those songs here. More specifically, we wanted to dive into three one-hit wonders from the 1990s. You know, those songs that rose up the charts but whose composers never saw quite the same success again. Indeed, these are three one-hit wonders from the 1990s that you’ll want to listen to in the privacy of your own home.
“Rump Shaker” by Wreckx-N-Effect from ‘Hard Or Smooth’ (1992)
While the chorus “All I wanna do is zoom-a-zoom-zoom-zoom in a pum pum, just shake ya rump!” is incredibly catchy and incredibly satisfying to sing, it may not be the phrase you want to belt out at the top of your lungs in the middle of an office building or while taking the elevator up to your apartment. We all like rumps, but making that part of your public personality is, well, a tad risky. So, check this song out with a pair of nice noise-cancelling headphones and enjoy the rump shaking when you get home from work.
“Achy Breaky Heart” by Billy Ray Cyrus from ‘Some Gave All’ (1992)
Over time—or maybe it happened in the moment—this song has become the butt of many jokes. Perhaps that’s what happens when you sing a chorus that uses the phrase “achy breaky”. It does sound a little bit like baby talk. But nevertheless, the country song was a giant crossover hit for Billy Ray Cyrus (father of Miley). Still, it may not be the top pick for you to play in public. If you like the tune, it’s one more to keep under your hat. It’s somehow uncool to dig this tune, so don’t let your guard down—check it out with the doors and windows shut!
“I Touch Myself” by Divinyls from ‘Divinyls’ (1990)
Not only is this song one to hear behind closed doors, it’s also one that deserves the NSFW label. We’re all adults here—we can handle the intimate subject matter. Still, though, the track’s subject matter isn’t exactly dinner time conversation or something you want to bring up with the folks in your workplace. So, instead of doing that, just put on this sticky Divinyls hit in the comfort of your own living room or while strolling down the street with your earbuds. It’s just safer that way!
Photo by Brian McLaughlin/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images









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