Most of you probably remember that a few posts ago here on Simple Man Music, I highlighted one hit wonders of the 70s. Today I'm back again with some of the most popular one hit wonders of the 80s. If you do a bit of research, the 80s was actually one of the time periods that had the most one hit wonders. It's hard to choose just a few, but here are some of the most popular ones from this decade.
"The Safety Dance" - Men Without Hats
One of the top one hit wonders of the 80s is no doubt "The Safety Dance." With a catchy tune, but a totally scary music video, it is definitely a tune that sticks in your head. Crank this one up and dance around your living room, your kitchen…grab the kids and dance…after all, "it's safe to dance."
"99 Red Ballooons" - Nena
Another of the one hit wonders of the 80s came from NENA. This was actually a new wave hit in Germany - a protest song in the era of the Cold War. It became popular in Germany and then made the charts in the United States as well. There is an interesting story behind this song, read it HERE.
"Angel Eyes" - The Jeff Healey Band
Jeff Healey's story is indeed an interesting one. A musician from Canada, he was blind, learning how to play guitar on his lap. He would later form the Jeff Healey Band. Although he has released quite a bit of other music, it was this song "Angel Eyes" that really became a big hit during the 80s. Many people have referred to Jeff Healy as "Angel Eyes" himself.
"Keep Your Hands to Yourself" - Georgia Satellites
This song is a favorite of mine - you just can't help but like this upbeat song by the southern rock band, Georgia Satellites. "Keep Your Hands to Yourself" is the song that they are known for and it hit #2 in the rock charts and the US Top 100 charts. When it comes to the one hit wonders of the 80s, this song just has to be on the list. The guitars are screaming, Rick Richards belts out the lyrics, and you can't help but sing along.
"Whip It" - Devo
"Crack that whip." You just can't get away from this one hit wonder of the 80s. In fact, it scored #15 on VH1s top one hit wonders of the 80s…big surprise. Teens of the 80s (and adults too) went nuts over this song. They didn't do much else that really got the attention of the nation, but this song was the one song they did succeed with, and we still remember it today. In fact, I bet you can even sing along…lol.
"It's Raining Men" - Weather Girls
Okay, for all you women out there, I know you remember this one. After all, we women can't forget a song that's all about "raining" down hot men. This song was actually offered to many of the female singing legends, but it was finally the Weather Girls, who accepted the song. Their version of the song became a hit, not only in the U.S., but it was considered an international hit. These girls didn't go much further, but hey, they got it all didn't they? After all, it rained men for them. "Hallelujah"
"Mickey" - Toni Basil
Toni Basil is known more today for her influence on dance and is one of the most incredible choreographers out there. She is also an actress, and many don't realize she has been involved in music as well. Although you probably haven't heard most of her music, her song "Mickey" was an international hit, and it's been featured in many different movies. It's one of those songs that just gets stuck in your head.
"Puttin on the Ritz" - Taco
Taco is actually a Dutch singer, and he was made famous by the one hit wonder, "Puttin on the Ritz." Although he did some other songs along the way, it was this song that made him famous and most people have only heard this song by him. Not only did it perform well on charts in the U.S., but it hit top chart positions in Norway and Sweden.
"Relax" - Frankie Goes to Hollywood
Frankie Goes to Hollywood was a dance pop band in England and "Relax" was their debut single. It hit #6 on the charts, the BBC banned the song, and then they hit the #1 spot for five weeks in a row. Interestingly enough, the song is still one of the top hit singles of all time in the UK.
I hope you have enjoyed this look at the one hit wonders of the 80s. What other one hit wonders do you remember? Feel free to let us know.
