ONE HIT WONDERS, THE TOP TEN
The definition of a one hit wonder is a song that you associate with one band. In the US, a song is defined as a "hit" when you make the top 40, but thats not as fun as getting a number one and not reaching those heights again. This list will display the best example of bands that have been defined and remembered for one song.
10. Cornershop- Brimful Of Asha (Fatboy Slim Remix)
The song was no more than average before Norman Cook (AKA Fatboy Slim) put his magic fingers to the ultimate test. Since 1997, the Leciester and Wolverhampton outfit could not be more grateful as they are still touring 13 years later with 'Brimful Of Asha' being their signature song.
9. Chesney Hawkes- The One And Only
'I AM THE ONE AND ONLY'. Those opening lyrics to Chesneys swan song would get anybody off their seats. The song was on the soundtrack for his film 'Buddy's Song' but I think we all know the song more than the film. It topped the UK charts and climbed to the top ten in the US. Nearly twenty years have passed and Chesney still performs his classic, most recently at a private birthday for Duncan Bannatyne.
8. Crazy World Of Arthur Brown- Fire
A sixties One Hit Wonder for you now and we give you Arthur Brown. Videos of Arthur Brown performing this song show the entertainer wearing a burning helmet. The only problem with this was the helmet burned incredibly quick, and since the helmet was tightly secured on Arthur's head, he suffered considerable pain. Luckily for him the song was 2 minutes 44 seconds long.
7. The Buggles- Video Killed The Radio Star
Famously the first music video to appear on MTV, The Buggles never reached the heights again after 'Video Killed The Radio Star'. Obtaining the top spot in 16 countries, The Buggles soon broke up went down new paths.
6. The Vapors- Turning Japanese
I've heard many stories of what this song means, mainly the reaction a male's face makes when he masturbates. The lead singer has explained its to do with 'the cliches about angst and youth and turning into something you didn't expect', so basically masturbation. The Vapours knew they struck gold with this track and decided to release it second so they didn't become one hit wonders, good job with that.
5. Black- Wonderful Life
Best known nowadays for being in adverts like Cadbury's and Emirates Airlines, it became Black's signature song in the mid-80s. Although the song was not a success initially in 1985, they re-released it a year later under a different record label and it shot up the charts.
4. Noah And The Whale- 5 Years Time
Although they are a relatively new band, Noah and the Whale climbed the charts when they re-released their first single 5 Years Time in the summer of 2008. About to release their 3rd album, the single remains their only popular track as it stands, officially putting them in the 'One Hit Wonder' category for now.
3. The Archies- Sugar, Sugar
The first cartoon band in action here with the summer anthem from the 60s 'Sugar, Sugar'. The song was first offered to The Monkees but they turned it down, still they didn't really need it, or did they?
2. New Radicals- You Get What You Give
The New Radicals were only around for a short time in the late 90s but they managed to stay in our lives with this upbeat song. The song was more successful here reaching the top 5 as people loved its optimistic attitude as the song itself is about not being fake.
1. Europe- The Final Coutdown
The ultimate One Hit Wonder it has to be said. Europe have successful built a legacy off of this song, great song nonetheless. With a few albums since the 80s, none of their tracks can and will ever be better.
By Dean Woodhosue
