Which Decade Had the Most One Hit Wonders?

Every decade sees its fair share of one-hit wonders, but what decade has the most? Well, the research was done and it has delivered a definitive answer. Find the officially tally, below. Would you have thought this decade produced the lion’s share of one-hit wonders?

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Which Decade Had the Most?

Many people guess that the 1980s produced the most one-hit wonders. At any rate, the “flash in the pan” pop songs that came out of the ’80s have proved to be the most memorable. Despite that connotation, the research revealed that another decade reigned supreme: the 1960s.

The pop music market in the ’60s was all about making as many hits as quickly as possible. Record labels manufactured artists and groups to have the greatest chance of success–at least for a little while. Labels knew how to find hits, but musicians weren’t treated as long-term projects. The powers that be were interested in fresh faces and fresh songs. After they earned that one hit, the labels (and subsequently the audience) lost interest.

Given this, it’s really no surprise that the ’60s had the most one-hit wonders. Find a list of throwback hits you may have forgotten about, HERE.

Tall and tan and young and lovely
The girl from Ipanema goes walking
And when she passes, each one she passes goes “aah”

When she walks, she’s like a samba
That swings so cool and sways so gentle that
When she passes, each one she passes goes “ooh”

What Decade Has the Least?

Surprisingly, the 1980s had the least amount of one-hit wonders, according to the research. Despite the sheer numbers, the one off hits that came out of this decade proved to be the most memorable.

[RELATED: 4 More Times a One-Hit Wonder Was Actually a Masterpiece]

The ’80s one-hit wonders managed to earn their musicians name recognition despite their brief stints in the limelight. Bands like Baltimora and Kajagoogoo nearly surpassed the one-hit wonder label, despite their physical track record. Their songs became more than just immediate hits, they became timeless anthems.

Tongue tied or short of breath
Don’t even try
Ooh, try a little harder
Something’s wrong you’re not naive
You must be stronger
Ooh, baby try

Hey girl
Move a little closer

You’re too shy, shy, hush-hush, eye to eye
Too shy, shy, hush-hush, eye to eye
Too shy, shy, hush-hush, eye to eye
Too shy, shy, hush-hush

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