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10 ’80s One-Hit Wonders You Totally Forgot

1980's one-hit wonders
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10 One-Hit Wonders From the ’80s You Forgot You Loved

The Hook That Lingers

The 1980s gave us big hair, neon fashion, and synth-heavy anthems that still echo today. But not every artist stuck around for a second round of fame. A one-hit wonder is an artist or group that scored a major hit—usually on the Billboard charts—before fading into obscurity. Their careers may have dimmed, but their songs still shine on throwback playlists, retro nights, and guilty pleasure karaoke sessions.

Here are 10 unforgettable one-hit wonders from the ’80s you probably forgot you loved—until now.

Dexys Midnight Runners – “Come On Eileen”

Album: Too-Rye-Ay
Release Date: 1982
Achievements: Hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100

Blending Celtic fiddle with blue-eyed soul, this UK band delivered a track so infectious it’s practically impossible not to clap along. “Come On Eileen” became an international smash but proved hard to follow up—leaving Dexys Midnight Runners forever linked to a single, suspenders-fueled moment in pop history.

 

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Taco – “Puttin’ On the Ritz”

Album: After Eight
Release Date: 1982
Achievements: Reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100

This theatrical rework of the Irving Berlin classic became a synth-pop novelty hit. Dutch singer Taco’s robotic delivery and flashy music video made “Puttin’ On a Ritz” a cable TV staple, but lightning didn’t strike twice for his stylized cabaret-pop sound.

Explore 1995’s One-Hit Wonders

 

Nena – “99 Luftballons”

Album: Nena
Release Date: 1983 (German), 1984 (English)
Achievements: No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 (English version)

A Cold War protest song disguised as a pop earworm, “99 Luftballons” became a rare international crossover hit sung in German. Despite the song’s heavy message, its bouncy melody made it an MTV favorite. Nena remained popular in Germany, but international audiences moved on after this megahit.

 

A Flock of Seagulls – “I Ran (So Far Away)”

Album: A Flock of Seagulls
Release Date: 1982
Achievements: Peaked at No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100

With a swirling guitar riff and outer-space aesthetic, this new wave anthem helped define the early days of MTV. While A Flock of Seagulls found success in the UK, this was their only major U.S. hit—and yes, that haircut is part of pop culture legend.

 

Baltimora – “Tarzan Boy”

Album: Living in the Background
Release Date: 1985
Achievements: Top 20 hit in the U.S. and major European success

An Italian studio project fronted by Northern Irish singer Jimmy McShane, Baltimora delivered one of the most recognizable jungle chants in pop. “Tarzan Boy” had a second life in ’90s movies, but the group didn’t chart again.

 

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Toni Basil – “Mickey”

Album: Word of Mouth
Release Date: 1981
Achievements: No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100

With cheerleader chants, a giant hair bow, and unshakable catchiness, “Mickey” was an explosion of pop attitude. Despite her background in choreography and acting, Toni Basil’s music career stayed rooted in this one spunky single.

 

Rockwell – “Somebody’s Watching Me”

Album: Somebody’s Watching Me
Release Date: 1984
Achievements: No. 2 on Billboard Hot 100

This eerie paranoia anthem featured uncredited vocals by Michael Jackson on the chorus—likely helping it climb the charts. Rockwell, son of Motown founder Berry Gordy, never repeated its success, but the song remains a Halloween staple.

 

Men Without Hats – “The Safety Dance”

Album: Rhythm of Youth
Release Date: 1982
Achievements: No. 3 on Billboard Hot 100

An anti-authoritarian anthem disguised as a synth-pop jam, “The Safety Dance” paired a nonsense chorus with a medieval-themed video. Despite its quirky charm, Men Without Hats’ follow-ups failed to capture lightning in a bottle again.

 

Thomas Dolby – “She Blinded Me With Science”

Album: The Golden Age of Wireless
Release Date: 1982
Achievements: No. 5 on Billboard Hot 100

A playful fusion of geek culture and new wave, this track brought synthesizers to the forefront. Thomas Dolby became known more for his innovations in music tech than as a performer, leaving this song as his singular chart triumph.

 

Bow Wow Wow – “I Want Candy”

Album: The Last of the Mohicans (EP)
Release Date: 1982
Achievements: Minor U.K. chart success; cult favorite in the U.S.

Originally a 1965 hit for The Strangeloves, this hyperactive cover version introduced Annabella Lwin’s rebellious energy to the MTV generation. Bow Wow Wow’s tribal beats and punk edge found limited mainstream success, but “I Want Candy” remains a go-to for retro compilations.

Vote Now: What’s your favorite ’80s one-hit wonder? Tag us on socials with your pick!

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