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The ‘JRZ Airstaff Shares All Their 80’s Favorites

The ‘JRZ Airstaff Shares All Their 80’s Favorites

The ‘JRZ Airstaff Shares All Their 80’s Favorites

10 One-Hit Wonders Of The 80’s

By Barbara Farragher
LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 19: Musician Toni Basil speaks onstage during Dizzy Feet Foundation's Celebration Of Dance Gala at The Music Center on July 19, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Angela Weiss/Getty Images for Dizzy Feet Foundation)

According to Wikipedia a one-hit wonder is any entity that achieves mainstream popularity, often for only one piece of work, and becomes known among the general public solely for that momentary success, Speaking of General Public, who could remember their fizzy hit, “Tenderness?” The 80’s had a bunch of one hit wonders like “Tenderness,” thanks to MTV.

VOTE: 80 Essential Hits From The ’80s

Here are my 10 One Hit Wonders of the 80’s:

 

  • 1.

    Frankie Goes to Hollywood had a hit with “Relax.”  Most 80’s teens had at least one FRANKIE SAYS RELAX t-shirt probably won on the boardwalk!

  • 2.

    With a cool monotone vibe and electronic beat, Gary Numan gave us a great one-hit wonder “Cars.” According to Songfacts, TV series that have used this song in some form include The Simpsons, Family Guy, South Park and Two and a Half Men.

  • 3.

    How many times did you try and call “867-5309”? Tommy Tutone had us singing and dialing all through the decade.

  • 4.

    Did you know “Mickey” by Toni Basil was a cover song? Yep! It was originally done in 1979 and called Kitty. The video played repeatedly on MTV and caused a lot of cheering and clapping.

  • 5.

    I have to admit one of my least favorite one-hit wonders from the 80’s is “Come on Eileen” by Dexy’s Midnight Runners. It was a huge #1 hit and even knocked Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” out of the #1 spot so I am outnumbered for sure.”

  • 6.

    “Don’t Worry Be Happy” by Bobby Mc Ferrin put a cool Caribbean pep in your step. It’s still hard to believe he used only his body to make the record-no instruments at all.

  • 7.

    “The Safety Dance” by Men Without Hats was perfect synth-pop and was a huge hit in 1983.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjPau5QYtYs

  • 8.

    From entertaining audiences as a dancing puppet in Disneyland to selling one million copies in 1986 Stacey Q had a huge hit with “Two of Hearts”. She was even featured in an episode of Facts of Life that same year.

  • 9.

    A very catchy one-hit wonder from the 80’s was Pretty Poison’s “Catch Me I’m Falling”. The track was part of the soundtrack to Hiding Out, a 1987 movie staring Jon Cryer. The dancey beat takes you right back to the decadent decade.

  • 10.

    The uplifting love song “I Can’t Wait” by Nu Shooz was the best type of ear candy. As soon as you hear that opening beat your toes can’t help but tap.

One-hit wonders have been around for decades. It’s nice to stop off in the 80’s and reminisce about the joy of waiting for your favorite videos to show up on MTV or see your favorite couples dance to these catchy tunes on Dance Party USA or the more local Dancin’ on air!

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