3 of the Most Overqualified One-Hit Wonders That You’ll Ever Listen To

One-hit wonders aren’t necessarily indicative of skill level. In fact, it’s usually a testament to how strong an artist is able to be when firing on all cylinders. Their songs become so popular that they have trouble overcoming it, not because their talent decreases, but because the audience won’t let them.

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Many one-hit wonders are far overqualified for the term. The three artists and bands below are all far too talented to be resigned to one-hit wonderdrom. Nevertheless, these acts never could overcome the prestige of one of their songs.

[RELATED: 4 One-Hit Wonders You’ll Recognize From Just the First Note]

Gotye

Gotye’s “Somebody That I Used To Know” is a modern one-hit wonder. This song was everywhere in 2011—and for good reason. This song was made meticulously by the man behind the stage persona, Wouter “Wally” De Backer. The artist is a multi-instrumentalist, a producer, and an expert songwriter. All of that can be heard in this track. Unfortunately, he performed so well on this song that he was never able to match its success.

This song is art pop gold. It’s certainly a testament to Gotye’s unique vantage point as a songwriter and his ability to not only craft a catchy melody but do so in an intellectual way. This song is so perfect, it’s almost mathematical. That kind of perfection usually doesn’t invite competition.

Jeff Buckley

Jeff Buckley had a cult following that still hangs onto his every word. These listeners know much more than his famous cover of “Hallelujah.” But, for those who have only skimmed the surface of Buckley’s career, this Leonard Cohen homage is all that comes to mind.

While the success of Buckley’s “Hallelujah” is well deserved, calling him a one-hit wonder would be to obscure the rest of his talents. He was a vocal virtuoso, able to imbue a crazy amount of emotion. Not to mention his songwriting was paramount.

Fountains Of Wayne

Fountains Of Wayne’s “Stacy’s Mom” is pop-rock perfection. Pop hits require a listener come across them once and instantly remember them. This track nails that goal. It’s impossible not to have this song stuck firmly in your head anytime you hear it, giving credence to the band’s songwriting skill.

Not just any band can write a song like this. It’s a singular skill that is taken for granted because “Stacy’s Mom” has a novelty lean. If any other subject matter had been played over this genius melody and instrumentation, they might not have earned their one-hit wonder status.

(Photo by Michael Tran/FilmMagic)