3 One-Hit Wonders From the 1980s With Melodies That Still Echo Decades Later

It’s one thing to write a song that gains the attention of the world in real-time. It’s another thing altogether to write a tune that makes an impact for generations. To be great in the moment and lasting over several eras—that’s the ultimate prize.

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But here below, we wanted to highlight three songs that did just that. We wanted to explore a trio of tracks from back in the day that have stood the test of time thanks to their glorious melodies. Indeed, these are three one-hit wonders from the 1980s with melodies that still echo decades later.

“Just The Two Of Us” by Grover Washington Jr. from ‘Winelight’ (1980)

Co-written by the great Bill Withers and co-produced by Grover Washington Jr., this track ended up on the latter’s 1980 LP, Winelight. There aren’t many songs in history that have ever matched this one’s melodic touch. “Just The Two Of Us” sounds like the sweetest note from loved one to loved one, passed over dinner light. It’s adoring, encouraging, and has stood the test of time like few other tunes. Indeed, as the offering’s lyrics come through the speakers, you are heartened.

“867-5309/Jenny” by Tommy Tutone from ‘Tommy Tutone 2’ (1981)

This track is just one of the catchiest of all time. If Tommy Tutone didn’t write hit songs in the 1980s, he had a real second life as a jingle composer for commercial ads. He knew how to pack a lot into a tight melodic package. These days, in the age of cell phones, we don’t have any phone numbers memorized. But we bet that if you had to call Jenny right now without hearing this song, you’d be able to dial her up. That’s the power of melody.

“Relax” by Frankie Goes To Hollywood from ‘Welcome To The Pleasuredome’ (1983)

This song from Frankie Goes To Hollywood boasts a melody that gets in your bones. But it does so untraditionally. This isn’t Bob Dylan or Donovan singing about the 1960s. This is a covert love song produced with echoes and synths. And yet, even though “Relax” is of the moment and cutting-edge for the 1980s, it’s also become something that’s lasted in our marrow and sinews and stays there.

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