1. Hey! Baby — Bruce Channel
Hey! Baby was released in October 1962 and became a huge hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song is about a man trying to pick up a woman, and its catchy hook and simple lyrics helped make it a hit.
2. Wipe Out — The Surfaris
The Surfaris were an American surf rock band formed in Glendora, California in 1962. The group gained national prominence with their 1963 hit song “Wipe Out”, which reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song has been featured in many movies and television shows over the years.
3. The Lion Sleeps Tonight — The Tokens
With a classic sound that has been used in countless movies and TV shows, The Lion Sleeps Tonight is one of the most popular one-hit wonders of all time. The Tokens released the song in 1961 and it quickly became a worldwide hit. The song is based on a traditional African folk song and was adapted by American musician George David Weiss.
4. Hooked on a Feeling — Blue Swede
This 1972 ode to joy was originally written and recorded by B.J. Thomas in 1968, but it was Blue Swede’s version that went to number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in February 1974. The Swedish group’s cover of the song popularized the “ooga chaka” hook, which has since been used in countless other songs, TV shows, and movies.
5. Magic — Pilot
Magic was released in May 1976 and became a huge hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song is about a man who is trying to get over a woman he loves, and its catchy melody and simple lyrics helped make it a hit.
6. Video Killed The Radio Star — The Buggles
The Buggles released “Video Killed The Radio Star” in 1979, and the song quickly rose to the top of the charts. The song is about how television was slowly taking over as the primary form of entertainment, and how this was affecting the music industry.
7. Funkytown” — Lipps Inc.
This song was released in 1980 and was an instant hit. The song is about a city that is full of energy and excitement. The lyrics talk about how the city never sleeps and how there is always something going on. The song is upbeat and has a catchy beat that makes it hard to resist dancing along.
8. I’m Too Sexy — Right Said Fred
You might not think of Right Said Fred as a one-hit wonder, but “I’m Too Sexy” was their only song to crack the top 40 in the US. The song was a worldwide smash, reaching number one in six countries.
The song is an ode to self-confidence and self-love, and it’s clear that the band had a lot of fun making it. The video features the band members strutting their stuff in various outfits, and they even poke fun at themselves with lines like “I’m a model, you know what I mean.”
9. I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) — The Proclaimers
This Scottish duo’s ode to cross-country travel was an unlikely smash hit in the States, but its simple, infectious charm won over listeners everywhere. The Proclaimers’ career never really took off outside of this song, but “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” has remained a pop culture staple for decades.
10. It Feels So Good — Sonique
If there’s one thing that Sonique definitely knows how to do, it’s make a catchy tune. “It Feels So Good” is the perfect example of this, with its unforgettable melody and light, summery feel. The song was a huge hit in the UK, reaching the top spot on the charts, and it’s easy to see why. It’s the perfect song for a sunny day, and it’s sure to put a smile on your face.
11. The Reason — Hoobastank
With its angsty lyrics and melodic guitars, “The Reason” is the perfect song for anyone who’s ever felt misunderstood. The track propelled Hoobastank to fame in 2003, but sadly, it was their only hit. The band has since released five more albums, but they’ve never been able to recapture the magic of “The Reason.”
12. Just the Girl — The Click Five
The Click Five was a power pop band from Boston, Massachusetts, United States. The group formed in 2003 and released their debut album, Greetings from Imrie House, in 2005. The album spawned the singles “Just the Girl” and “Catch Your Wave”, which were both successful in multiple countries. The band’s second album, Modern Minds and Pastimes, was released in 2007. The album failed to match the commercial success of its predecessor, and The Click Five disbanded in 2010.
13. Absolutely (Story of a Girl) — Nine Days
Absolutely (Story of a Girl) is the debut single by American rock band Nine Days. It was released in 2000 as the lead single from their album The Madding Crowd. The song peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a top 40 hit in multiple countries. The song’s success helped the album The Madding Crowd reach platinum status.
14. Walking on Sunshine – Katrina and the Waves
This feel-good 80s tune was originally written and recorded by rock band The Rockin’ Berries in 1965, but it was Katrina and the Waves’ cover version that took the song to number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1985.
15. Don’t Worry, Be Happy – Bobby McFerrin
This song was released in 1988 and was originally written by Bobby McFerrin. The song is about staying positive and enjoying life, no matter what troubles you may be facing. The catchy tune and simple message made it an instant hit, spending four weeks at the top of the Billboard charts.
16. There She Goes – The La’s
The La’s were an English rock band from Liverpool, who were active from 1986 to 1992 and again from 2010 to present. The group was formed by Lee Mavers on lead vocals and guitar. The other members of the original lineup were John Power on bass guitar, Peter “Bev” Bevington on drums and Mike Badger on rhythm guitar. The La’s had a number of hits in the UK charts, but their only US top 40 hit was “There She Goes”. The song peaked at number 28 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1991.
17. California – Phantom Planet
If you’re a child of the early 2000s, then the opening guitar riff of “California” is probably burned into your brain. The song was inescapable in 2002, serving as the theme song for The O.C. It helped propel the band – and lead singer Alex Greenwald – to stardom, but they were never able to replicate the success of “California.” The song remains their only hit to date.
18. Closing Time – Semisonic
This song was released in 1998 and was a huge hit. It was written by the lead singer of the band, Dan Wilson. The song is about closing time at a bar and how everyone is trying to find someone to go home with. The lyrics are very clever and the song has a great hook. The song was so popular that it was used in a number of movies and TV shows.
19. I’ll Be There For You – The Rembrandts
This song was originally released by The Rembrandts in 1995, but it gained even more popularity when it was used as the theme song for the TV show Friends. The lyrics are all about friendship and support, which is probably why the song resonated so well with viewers of the show. Even today, almost 25 years after its release, the song is still popular and is often used in TV shows and movies to evoke a feeling of nostalgia.
20. Stacy’s Mom – Fountains of Wayne
One of the more recent one-hit wonders on this list, Fountains of Wayne’s “Stacy’s Mom” was an instant classic when it was released in 2003. The song is a perfect mix of pop and rock, with a catchy chorus that will stay stuck in your head for days. The song is about a young boy who has a crush on his friend’s mom, and while it may be a bit naughty, it’s also incredibly sweet. The video for the song features Rachel Hunter as the titular mom, and she is absolutely stunning.
21. Save Tonight – Eagle-Eye Cherry
This song was released in 1997 and was an instant hit. It was written by Eagle-Eye Cherry and was inspired by a breakup he went through. The song is about how he regrets not spending more time with his ex-girlfriend. The song has a great beat and is very catchy. The lyrics are also very relatable, which is probably why the song is still so popular today.
22. I Try – Macy Gray
Macy Gray’s “I Try” was one of the most popular songs of 2000 and earned her a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. The song is about the difficulties of relationships and trying to find someone who will love you for who you are. The song’s catchy hook and Gray’s unique voice make it a timeless classic.
23. Tainted Love – Soft Cell
This synthpop classic from 1981 is one of the most covered songs of all time, with everyone from Marilyn Manson to Rihanna giving it their own spin. The song was originally written and recorded by American singer-songwriter Gloria Jones in 1964, but it was Soft Cell’s reworked version that made it a global hit. The band added a slower tempo and a catchy bassline to create a dark and danceable track that perfectly captured the zeitgeist of the early ’80s.
24. Norman Greenbaum – Spirit in the Sky
This song is a classic example of a one-hit wonder. It was released in 1969 and reached the top of the charts, but Greenbaum never had another hit song. Spirit in the Sky is still popular today, thanks to its catchy tune and positive lyrics. The song has been covered by many artists over the years, including Garth Brooks and The Grateful Dead.
25. Mambo No. 5 – Lou Bega
There’s something about the infectious beat of “Mambo No. 5” that just makes you want to get up and dance. The song was a massive hit in 1999, thanks in part to its catchy melody and Bega’s smooth vocals. The track remains popular today and is often played at parties and clubs.
26. Barbie Girl – Aqua
Aqua’s “Barbie Girl” is one of the most well-known one-hit wonders of all time. The song was released in 1997 and quickly became a global sensation, thanks to its catchy hooks and playful lyrics. The song is about a girl who fantasizes about being a Barbie doll, and it remained popular for years after its release.
27. Macarena – Los Del Rio
This song was originally released in Spain in 1995, and quickly became a worldwide phenomenon. The Macarena dance craze took over the world, with everyone from celebrities to politicians getting in on the fun. The song is still popular today, and is often played at parties and weddings.
28. Whoomp (There It Is) – Tag Team
This song was released in 1993 and it was an instant hit. The song is about a party and how to get the party started. The song is still popular today and is often played at parties.
29. My Sharona – the Knack
My Sharona was released in 1979 and was an instant hit. The song is about a young man’s infatuation with a girl named Sharona. The song spent 16 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and peaked at number 1. The Knack never had another hit song, but My Sharona remains a classic to this day.
30. The Twist – Chubby Checker
This song was originally released in 1960 and became a global sensation. The Twist dance craze swept the world, and everyone from teenagers to adults was doing the twist. The song is still popular today, and is often played at parties and weddings.
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