Country One-Hit Wonders You Didn’t Know Were Just One-Hit Wonders

When you have a favorite artist, you likely think all of their songs are chart-toppers. So, why is that not the case with the rest of the world? That can be the case with well-known songwriters or those you simply personally cherish. It can happen in any genre, including the truth-telling, story-minded genre of country.

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We wanted to examine that very fact, and to do so with a trio of one-hit wonders in the country style. These three artists rocketed up the Billboard Hot 100 chart, but they were never quite able to find that same success again. Indeed, these are three country hits you didn’t know were merely one-hit wonders.

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“Achy Breaky Heart” by Billy Ray Cyrus from ‘Some Gave All’ (1992)

If you told people about Billy Ray Cyrus today, they would think the man was one of the most popular and greatest country songwriters of the 20th century. Not only did his 1992 single “Achy Breaky Heart” hit no. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100, but he’s also the father of iconic pop star Miley Cyrus and the featured guest on Lil Nas X’s smash hit “Old Town Road”. But in truth, Billy Ray only boasts the one Hot 100 chart-riser to his name as a solo artist. Shocked? Join the club.

“Just Got Started Lovin’ You” by James Otto from ‘Sunset Man’ (2007)

The Fort Lewis, Washington-born country artist James Otto released his sophomore album, Sunset Man, in 2007. And the lead single from that LP was “Just Got Started Lovin’ You”, which peaked at no. 27 on the Billboard Hot 100 thanks to its catchy beat, Otto’s deep voice, and the sexually suggestive lyrics. With that kind of combination, you’d think the crooning Cupid would have a quiver of hit song arrows. But as of now, it’s just the one.

“Who I Am” by Jessica Andrews from ‘Who I Am’ (2000)

Huntingdon, Tennessee-born country singer Jessica Andrews put it all out there with her 2000 single, “Who I Am”. The track, which hit no. 28 on the Billboard Hot 100, is a confident ode to herself. An indication that she is happy where she is, no matter the outcome, no matter the reward or the pitfall. It’s an admirable lesson and one many thought she might build on for more songwriting success. But no matter. Whatever comes for Andrews will be fine. Because at the end of the day, she explains, she knows who she is and she’s just fine that way.

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