The 1980s was an iconic era for music, brimming with unforgettable tunes and unique sounds. However, amidst the thriving music scene, some bands stood out with a single hit that defined their career, earning them the title of “one-hit wonders.” In this blog post, we’ll explore some of these bands, their hit songs, and what they’ve been up to since their fleeting brush with fame.
1. A-Ha: “Take On Me”
Norwegian synth-pop band A-Ha rocketed to fame with their 1985 hit “Take On Me.”
The band rose to prominence in the mid-1980s, led by Paul Waaktaar-Savoy (guitars and vocals), Magne Furuholmen (keyboards, guitars, and vocals), and Morten Harket (lead vocals).
The song, coupled with its groundbreaking rotoscope-style music video, became a global phenomenon. After this success, A-Ha continued to produce music, maintaining popularity in Europe, though they never replicated their initial success in the U.S. The band split in 2010 but reunited in 2015 and continues to tour and release music, albeit with a more mature sound.
2. Dexys Midnight Runners: “Come On Eileen”
British band Dexys Midnight Runners are often remembered for their 1982 hit “Come On Eileen.” This catchy tune with its distinctive Celtic fiddle line became a chart-topper in several countries. Post their one-hit wonder status, the band experienced multiple lineup changes and released several albums with modest success. They officially disbanded in 1987 but have reunited occasionally for tours and performances.
3. Soft Cell: “Tainted Love”
Soft Cell, an English synth-pop duo, gained immense popularity with “Tainted Love” in 1981. The song, a cover of a 1964 soul track, became synonymous with the ’80s sound. Although they had other minor hits, none matched the success of “Tainted Love.” The duo split in 1984 but have reunited several times since the early 2000s, releasing new music and touring, appealing to both old fans and new generations.
4. Flock of Seagulls: “I Ran (So Far Away)”
A Flock of Seagulls is perhaps as well known for their unique hairstyles as for their 1982 hit “I Ran (So Far Away).” The song was a significant success in the U.S. and symbolized the new wave movement. While they released several albums afterward, none captured the public’s attention like their debut album. The band experienced lineup changes and eventually dissolved in the late ’80s. However, they have experienced a resurgence in recent years, with various incarnations of the band touring and capitalizing on the nostalgia for ’80s music.
5. Toni Basil: “Mickey”
Toni Basil leapt into the spotlight with her cheerleader-themed hit “Mickey” in 1982. Although Basil was an accomplished dancer and choreographer, “Mickey” was her only hit as a singer. Post her music career, she returned to her roots in choreography and has worked on numerous films, music videos, and live performances. She remains a respected figure in the dance world and occasionally appears in nostalgia-based music events.
6. Big Country: “In a Big Country”
Scottish rock band Big Country’s 1983 hit “In a Big Country ” was a unique blend of alternative rock and Scottish folk, featuring bagpipe-like guitar sounds. While they enjoyed moderate success in the UK, they couldn’t replicate their international success beyond this hit. The band continued to record and perform until the early 2000s. After the tragic passing of their lead singer Stuart Adamson, the band underwent several changes but still performs with a new lineup.
7. The Buggles: “Video Killed the Radio Star”
The Buggles, with their 1979 hit “Video Killed the Radio Star,” hold the distinction of having the first music video ever played on MTV. Despite this groundbreaking achievement, they never had another hit of similar magnitude. The band members, Trevor Horn and Geoff Downes, moved on to other successful music projects. Horn became a renowned producer, working with bands like Yes and Art of Noise, while Downes joined the band Asia.
8. Tommy Tutone: “867-5309/Jenny”
Tommy Tutone 1982 hit “867-5309/Jenny ” became famous not just for its catchy tune but also for the phone number in its title, which led to countless prank calls. The band failed to produce another hit and faded from the mainstream music scene. However, they continued to perform and record music, enjoying a cult following. The song “867-5309/Jenny” remains a staple on classic rock and ’80s music playlists.
9. Men Without Hats: “The Safety Dance”
Canadian new wave band Men Without Hats burst onto the scene with “The Safety Dance” in 1983. The song became an anthem for the anti-establishment movement, known for its memorable music video and catchy chorus. After their initial success, the band struggled to maintain momentum but continued making music.
10. Modern English: “I Melt With You”
Modern English, a British new wave band, gained international acclaim with “I Melt With You” in 1982. The song, known for its romantic and upbeat tune, became a staple on alternative rock stations. Despite releasing several albums afterward, Modern English couldn’t replicate the success of “I Melt With You.” They disbanded in 1987 but later reformed and continue to tour, playing their hit song to nostalgic audiences worldwide.
11. Nena: “99 Luftballons”
German band Nena, led by singer Gabriele Kerner, became internationally famous with “99 Luftballons” in 1983. The song, sung in German, was a rare instance of a non-English track becoming a global hit. Nena continued to have success in Germany but remained a one-hit wonder elsewhere. After the band disbanded in 1987, Kerner pursued a solo career and remains a prominent figure in German pop music.
12. Bow Wow Wow: “I Want Candy”
Bow Wow Wow, a British new wave band formed by Malcolm McLaren, is best known for their 1982 hit “I Want Candy.” The band’s music was characterized by African-influenced rhythms and an energetic, punk-rock style. Despite their initial success, they failed to produce another chart-topping hit and disbanded in the mid-’80s.
13. The Weather Girls: “It’s Raining Men”
The Weather Girls, a female duo consisting of Martha Wash and Izora Armstead, rose to fame with “It’s Raining Men” in 1982. The song became a disco anthem and a favorite in the LGBT community. Although they never replicated this success, Martha Wash went on to have a successful career in dance music, lending her powerful vocals to several hits in the ’90s.
14. Cutting Crew: “(I Just) Died in Your Arms”
British rock band Cutting Crew hit the charts with “(I Just) Died in Your Arms” in 1986. This ballad, known for its catchy chorus and emotive lyrics, was their only major international success. The band continued to release music but could not capture the public’s attention as they had with their hit single. They disbanded in the early ’90s but later reformed and continue to perform, mostly in nostalgia-driven concerts and events.
15. Animotion: “Obsession”
Animotion, an American synth-pop band, is best known for their 1984 hit “Obsession.” The song, famous for its catchy beat and distinctive synth sounds, was widely played in dance clubs and on radio. Despite releasing more music, Animotion couldn’t replicate the success of “Obsession.” The band underwent several lineup changes and eventually faded from the mainstream music scene but still performs occasionally.
16. Dead or Alive: “You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)”
British band Dead or Alive, led by flamboyant singer Pete Burns, achieved international fame with “You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)” in 1984. The song, with its high-energy beat and memorable chorus, became a dance club favorite. While they had other minor hits, none reached the level of their signature song. The band continued to record and perform until Pete Burns’ passing in 2016.
17. Kajagoogoo: “Too Shy”
Kajagoogoo, a British new wave band, reached the top of the charts with “Too Shy” in 1983. The song, known for its catchy bassline and distinctive synthpop sound, was their only major international hit. The band experienced internal conflicts and lineup changes, leading to a decline in their popularity. They disbanded in the late ’80s but have since reunited for various nostalgia tours and events.
18. The Vapors: “Turning Japanese”
The Vapors, a British new wave band, are best remembered for their 1980 hit “Turning Japanese.” The song, with its catchy riff and unique theme, became a cult favorite. Despite its success, the band struggled to find further commercial success and disbanded after releasing just two albums. In recent years, they have reunited for some live performances, appealing to fans of classic ’80s new wave music.
Final Words
These ’80s bands, known for their one-hit wonders, played a significant role in shaping the music of their era. Their hit songs left a lasting impression and continue to evoke nostalgia. While many of these bands couldn’t repeat their initial success, they each followed unique paths, ranging from continued music careers to entirely different ventures. Their stories highlight the fleeting nature of fame in the music industry, but also the enduring impact a single song can have. These bands remind us that success in the music world can be both momentary and timeless, captured in the tunes we still cherish and remember.