Recent “One-Hit Wonders” That Were Able to Shed the Dreaded Label

In the music business being a one-hit wonder is the kiss of death. Fleeting fame, kitschy legacies, and a fall from grace are all what the title seemingly ensues. Musicians work too hard and give up too much of their lives to have this happen to them. However, the world is unfair and many musicians have succumbed to this fate resulting in a transient career.

Although, there have been some musicians who have been tagged with the label to then transcend it and become a focal voice in music. It’s rare and hard to do, but some have successfully shed the title and cemented themselves as talented musicians who go beyond what they are known for. That being so, here are three musicians who were once one-hit wonders until they weren’t.

1. Lil Nas X

After releasing “Old Town Road” in 2018, Nas X had little success and received the title of a one-hit wonder. The title was justifiable for some time, as Nas X’s single peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, whereas his later projects didn’t even make the charts. However, Nas X proved the public wrong as he scored two more No. 1 hits in 2021.

“Industry Baby” and “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” were the two songs that helped Nas X avoid this musical death sentence. In addition to reaching the No. 1 spot, both songs collectively stayed on the Billboard Hot 100 for 77 weeks. It is fair to say Lil Nas X proved the doubters wrong and shed himself of the dreaded label—something he’s not shy to publicize.

2. Lainey Wilson

It’s tough to look at Lainey Wilson’s talent and ever consider her a one-hit wonder. However, that is exactly what Playback.FM labeled her following the release of her first No. 1 hit, “Things A Man Oughta Know,” in 2021. However, as of today, that take is absolute blasphemy as Wilson is now the premier female country singer in the game.

Following her first hit, Wilson has scored seven No. 1 hits, won six CMA awards, and a Grammy. Furthermore, she also collaborated with music’s best on a plethora of occasions, and consequently, her music has turned to gold. It’s hard to believe anyone doubted Wilson for a second given that her laundry list of accolades could stretch all the way down Broadway.

3. Surf Curse

When Surf Curse re-released “Freaks” in 2021, their music was in one ear and out the other. Even though they had scored numerous chart appearances and became a viral song on TikTok, people believed their song was a fad and that it wouldn’t go anywhere. Well, it did and it all transpired very recently.

Three years after “Freaks,” Surf Curse has made their Billboard Hot 100 debut with their 2019 song “Disco.” Currently sitting at No. 91 on the chart, Surf Curses’ back and forth between fame and obscurity is rather unique given that there is seemingly no statute of limitations on their music’s appeal. Kudos to them for sticking their necks on the line and patiently waiting until it all came to fruition.

Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for MTV