Top 10 80s One Hit Wonders You Forgot Were AWESOME

For better or worse, these hits defined careers. For this list, we’ll be ranking the more obscure, deep cut one hit wonders from the 1980s. Our countdown includes Don Johnson, Alannah Myles, Cutting Crew, and more! Can you think of any we missed? Let us know in the comments!
Watch more great 80s videos here:
Top 10 Things That Were Popular In The 1980s: • Top 10 Things That Wer...
Top 10 Things You Forgot Happened In The 1980s: • Top 10 Things You Forg...
Top 10 Cringiest Things From The 80s: • Top 10 Cringiest Thing...
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#Music
#OneHitWonders
#80s
#Songs
#80sMusic
#80sSongs
#80sOneHitWonders
#Pop
#Rock
#Throwback

[@WatchMojo]

Can you think of any we missed? Let us know in the comments! For more content like this, click here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z5abZYJmp7Z2rLc

[@johnnyfountainS]

Tiffany's I think we're alone now. I sang Tifffany's song on my channel.

[@bluesywalker501]

OMC - How Bizarre

[@militaryrelic]

Aha - "Take on Me" (1984)

[@Cartman8402]

John Farnham You're The Voice!

[@rondar.8746]

Shannon was not singing R & B that style of music she sang and wrote is called Freestyle music in the 80s/ Dance Pop.

[@maryh.2849]

“Turning Japanese” by The Vapors, “She Blinded Me With Science” by Thomas Dolby & “Hey Mickey” by Toni Basil come to mind…classic 80’s songs & videos!

[@VirgilJohnson-gc6vd]

Turning Japanese still sounds fantastic

[@noyb12345]

Remember that when you make your own video

[@airbendingeagle2358]

Wouldn't be 80's without those songs

[@bradcsuka5054]

Thomas Dolby had two other Top 40 hits (Hyperactive and Europa & the Pirate Twins; granted both barely made the top 40), so I guess it depends on how we define "one hit wonder".

[@user-gz1eq3xf2g]

@@VirgilJohnson-gc6vd I rather like news at 10 by the vapours

[@Scene68]

There is no denying, for those who were blessed to have experienced it, the 1980s was hands down the best decade in entertainment, movies, and music.

[@javierzepeda4464]

I always say this.

[@oopsitsdeleted6996]

🌯

[@georgecartright7104]

As a kid growing up in thec80s for sure

[@qwerttzizzi]

90s were also quite good

[@claudefleury4512]

Agree to desagree

[@earlleary]

As a pre-teen and teenager of tye 80's , all of these songs are cemented in my brain. I either rode my 12 speed bike wearing my Walkman playing these songs, or later , drove my T-top Mustange around with my friends playing these songs. Carrying a boom-box to either the beach or skate parks. Music always seemed to be around.

[@adreanmarantz2103]

same here, and yes music seemed to be fundamental part of everything we did.

[@matthewronson5218]

Oh, you owned an ultra rare T-top 'Mustange', did ya?

[@earlleary]

@matthewronson5218 , lol. I did! It was metallic blue with dark Grey undercoating , I loved that car !

[@brentkinsworthy4999]

I cannot hear Putting on the Ritz without hearing Peter Boyle's version on Young Frankenstein....and it makes it 10 times better😅🤣😂

[@Morticiab1]

Agreed!

[@gavburger]

Rockwell's 1984 hit "Somebody's Watching Me" was huge but the man was never able to repeat the success. His backing vocalist did have quite a career but Rockwell was one and done.

[@user-hk5ld7vl7g]

I think it was totally not MJ’s vocals.

[@silverness320]

If you read the history, Rockwell wanted to make a hit song without his father's help (Motown Records owner at the time) and didn't really care about making more than one hit, he just wanted to prove he could do it.

[@granttaylor8179]

If Michael had not done backing vocals then Rockwll would not have charted.

[@mikeserafin8079]

Kajagoogoo's "Too Shy" was always one of my favorite OHW's of the 80's. Along with the video list and a lot of the comments here bring back so many memories.

[@eauhomme]

And lead singer Limahl's "Neverending Story", which is far better than it ever should have been. Possibly the greatest children's movie soundtrack hit.

[@deborahblackvideoediting8697]

@@eauhomme - Agreed. Absolutely beautiful song.

[@commanderman_64]

I feel very sad for anyone who didn't get to enjoy the 80s. Great decade for everything!

[@warzshadow9701]

Totally!

[@AP-RSI]

Alannah Myles and "Black Velvet" was a great song and I hear still music from her today. Born in 1967, the 80s are one of my best times with good music!

[@mariobrosxsuper]

Black Velvet is in 1990 not in the 80's for the record📀

[@AP-RSI]

@@mariobrosxsuper"Black Valvet" was released on 17.12.1989 in the USA and on 26.02.1990 in the UK. The title comes from the album "Alannah Myles" and the album was released on March 28, 1989! The song itself was even recorded in 1988! I was 22 years old at the time and later bought the CD from the album! So it still counts as 80s for me! 😄

[@mariobrosxsuper]

@@AP-RSI But for me it wasn't a HIT until 1990... though it was released in Dec 89...it wasn't a HIT when it was initially released in Dec 89...Just like Roxette it must have been love...87/90...Were Talking about HITS...not Released 👍

[@AP-RSI]

@@mariobrosxsuper What counts for me is the release and for me it was a hit right from the start! It was in our chars from 04/1990. Which doesn't change the fact that it was a hit right from the start! I still count it as an 80s hit, since it was released at that time.

[@mariobrosxsuper]

@@AP-RSI To Each is Own I guess...Where entitled to our own opinion and Definition What counts for you and What counts for me

[@docghines]

You missed One Night in Bangkok by Murray Head.

[@lotstodo]

Nobody misses that...

[@yehudap]

YES!!!!!

[@arumforyou]

@@lotstodo check out the video with the Asian girls. You’re welcome.

[@nicoleannkyle]

Yes!

[@oriondx72]

To be fair this should be a top 100 list.

[@phillyfan70]

Always liked "One Night in Bangkok" by Murray Head as an 80's One Hit Wonder. Enjoyed the list!

[@patrickryan1515]

Yes, that and Double's "Captain of the Heart".

[@p.d.l7023]

That song also appear in the stage musical "Chess". That was written by Benny and Bjorn from ABBA.

[@RICHIEV333]

Say it ain't so philly, say it ain't so...

[@ferdinand_WS]

that one goes hand in hand with Vienna by Ultravox for me

[@douglaslegvold9215]

The song is all about the Bohemian life of the chess grandmaster!

[@johnwilliams4541]

The 80s was my decade. Best music ever

[@user-qh5nv9cw2u]

70s were better

[@Beccabombcorn]

Both were equally awesome IMO. I was a teen in the 80's, it was fun

[@user-et8ov5cn9o]

Not even dude I mean the 80s were okay but the 70s music by far gets the reward.

[@michaeldoran4831]

Falco - “Rock Me Amadeus” Dexie’s Midnight Runners - “Come On, Eileen”

[@angelusbellum8166]

Falco released Jeanny and Jeanny Part 2 which were also hits. So he wasn´t one hit wonder ;)

[@Rorschachqp]

Falco had Der Kommisar, which was covered by After The Fire that was a top 10 song.

[@zapkvr]

Dexy had at least one more hit

[@keithhealing1115]

Desy's had several hits. Apart from Eileen and Geno, they had 6 more top 20 singles.

[@laedifox]

A-ha - Take On Me

[@brianmcconnell1817]

One of the many things I love about music is that it never changes. You can play a song from 30 years ago and it sounds the same as the day you first heard it. And because of this the vivid memories it evokes allow you to relive your favourite moments again and again. Music is as close as you can get to time travel.

[@roberthaynes8830]

Exactly.

[@deniseburger2796]

Hands 🙌🏻 down 🤩

[@andysiau6576]

Well said! 😊

[@Dragonwing5036]

I agree. I also love how music can allow you to be something you’re not for 3 to 4 minutes.

[@Metallian81]

Shannon's 'Let the Music Play' is one of the best dance hits of all time! Absolutely love it! Alannah Myles' Black Velvet is such a great bluesy song with an unforgettable and perfect groove!

[@ariyaahrary1656]

I still listen to that song, but I wondered why would she want a player who left her to dance with others to come back to her 😂

[@BrookieMonster1313]

We started dancin’ in love put us into a grooove…

[@BrookieMonster1313]

I used to get down to that song when I was a kid. I think that song and others with the same kind of sound gave me my love for old school breakbeats and the rave scene later in life..the rave scene in the 90’s.

[@TDAEON]

Yup. It's still a favorite

[@MrBmic]

Give Me Tonight was her follow up. That was a great song.

[@DonByronDukeoftheArctic]

Quarterflash had many great songs and the lyrics were haunting. I bought all their vinyl. still have them.

[@EconAtheist]

three singles in the top-15 usa rock charts, two successful albums and a third that did okay. not even close to one-hit wonder.

[@MichaelEvans-hb5ns]

So glad to be an 80’s kid!!!! That was the best time to grow up without a doubt…. Music and movies couldn’t be beat

[@ericryanyawl9401]

I agree, but at the same time there are studies that say that we will always claim the music of our youth (teens-20's) will always be our favorites due to how open we were at the time.

[@lindsayrichards229]

Me to Michael. I often wish we could just freeze that moment in time and live in it forever. From one 80’s kid to another your totally awesome to the max 😂 😂

[@MichaelEvans-hb5ns]

I’m doing an 80’s themed man cave…. All 80’s all the time!

[@BoThurston]

I agree 100%!!!

[@rogerodle8750]

The cars sucked. Like really really sucked.

[@brianandrea3249]

Sniff’n the Tears, Driver Seat. Absolute banger.

[@brianandrea3249]

60 year old memory is fading….actually came out in late 70s! My bad…..still a great one hit wonder though

[@aus80srockradio94]

Yes except it doesn't belong in a 80's video - it was released in 1979.

[@izaakbakker9531]

airport by the motors . was another one of those.

[@izaakbakker9531]

@@aus80srockradio94 lol was massive in the netherlands in the 90s as well

[@robertearl963]

Absolutely

[@mattlamia3298]

"Waiting For A Star To Fall" by Boy Meets Girl. Brings back all of the feels whenever I hear it. Toy Soldiers has the same effect on me.

[@georgiewatson8688]

Completely agree, wasn't it on Mannequin or some such film, it makes me feel really happy, takes me back to happier days. Oh wasn't it Three Men and a Baby? Can't remember now!

[@sleinadb]

@@georgiewatson8688 Sequel to 3 Men.

[@whenfatkillsfat803]

Oh, yeah. That takes me back to 2nd grade. Quite a trip.

[@v_zach]

Fun fact: Boy Meets Girl wrote "I Wanna Dance with Somebody".

[@georgiewatson8688]

@@sleinadb three men and a little lady, gosh haven't watched that in years! Well done, better memory than I 👍

[@user-ik7ul9ov3l]

I appreciate that I was born in 1979, spent younger years listening to '80s radio. Oh, of course I spent my teenage through '90s. AWESOME! Thank you dad, mom!❤

[@berlinkozyreva]

God your young I remember seeing Elvis play at St Andrew's in 1955.

[@crystalmichaud3716]

I was born 1982. Grew up listening to 70s and 89s music as a young child.

[@jenniferwood3643]

Me too! I was born in the late 70s myself. I loved 80s music more than 90s, when I was a teenager.

[@tymax6751]

If you had to put a one-hit wonder actor, it should've been Jack Wagner for 'All I Need'. Also Eddie Murphy for 'Party All the Time'.

[@user-tq9oi3pb9x]

But eddie apparently had a successful music career back in the day.. I thought the same thing tho after hearing that song for the first time then seeing how many views it had lol

[@dionjanssen2790]

Don’t forget “She’s like the wind” by Patrick Swayze 😎

[@gamernaut8864]

I was literally thinking the very same thing when I saw "Heartbeat" at #10. Wagner, Murphey, Swayze, and Tracy Ullman would all be better actor/singer options. I'd even take Bruce Willis or John Belushi over Don J. Good call.

[@dennisharrell2236]

"Party all the time" has been an unrelenting earworm for me for decades.

[@robertfletcher]

Yes, true. "All I need" is one of my favorite. I've checked other songs by Jack Wagner and I don't recgnize them, so he for sure is a one-hit wonder.

[@nitro_001newman2]

I just heard “Tarzan Boy” being played at a hockey game on tv. They do the Tarzan yell part of the song, then to my surprise, my wife starts doing the Tarzan yell with the song. Very rare moment from her.

[@commiesareevil3823]

Voices carry by till Tuesday you need to add them to your list

[@Thomas-pv3gd]

True that!

[@robertlayne4581]

Yes!!

[@draggonsgate]

Agree! He said, shut up, voiiiiices carrrrry....

[@dangeroreilly2028]

A fantastic song, but it was such a big hit, I'm not sure it would be in keeping with this theme of more obscure hits, if that makes any sense.

[@Veekator]

Till Tuesday had Love In A Vacuum which was a hit..

[@razeel2000]

I never forgot that "Died in your arms tonight" is a great song.

[@kennyhiggins7806]

That one song made me a lifelong fan of Cutting Crew!

[@SpartacusSPQ]

The whole album is that good. As for the rest of their catalogue… no idea.

[@markhostetter1383]

OBJECTION! Quarterflash had several great songs, especially "Take Me to Heart"!

[@jumpin1jumpin]

Find another fool!

[@laurihalderman6242]

Walking on Sunshine by Katrina and The Waves should be on this one hit wonder list!

[@jamiebranson7818]

Except she and her band are not a one-hit wonder. They charted two more Top 40 hits.

[@smurfylee]

@@jamiebranson7818 Stacey Q had another hit with "We Connect"..

[@HariSeldon913]

@@smurfylee I think Martika also had an additional hit with "I Feel the Earth Move".

[@SusanChristmas]

I thought of Nena Cherry doing Buffalo Stance

[@foresakentonone4148]

@@SusanChristmas Nena period??? 99...

[@DrTenochtitlan]

Martika also went on to co-write FOUR songs with Prince: Love... Thy Will Be Done, Martika's Kitchen, Spirit, and Don't Say U Love Me. The first two absolutely saw some play, and the demos have been released by the Prince estate with Prince's vocals.

[@zimriel]

I remember "Love... Thy Will Be Done"! Yeah she's not a OHW, although only one of her songs got raised to back up Eminem

[@docimir]

Still hear those mentioned. I would include Twilight zone by Golden earring, Eddie Murphys My girl wants to party, Level 42 There's something about you, Somebodys watching me by Rockwell to name a few

[@uncle_tones1222]

It’s 3am.. fear is gone.. I’m still waiting.. and the gun still warm. Classic intro

[@IAMShteve]

Level 42 had a number of hits in the UK so hardly one hit wonders.

[@robbarnes7143]

Golden Earring also had a hit with Radar love - so not on the list.

[@docimir]

Radar love was in the 70s

[@EconAtheist]

@@docimir that's kind of a weird disqualifier... maybe it's technically correct but it still seems weird for a band of Golden Earring's stature as a fairly well known entity as we headed into the '80s.

[@raymondbrush6442]

Alannah Myles won a Grammy based on the strength of Black Velvet but she was nominated for a second Grammy a year later. Her catalog is worth listening to it you like rock, blues, country, or adult contemporary. She released three albums with Atlantic Records and two on her own. All are worth a listen. Her diversity of styles of music and vocal talent make her one of my favorites. It's a shame that a shift in the industry and her health cut her popularity short.

[@johncinfloridausa2236]

This must be why I recognize her name -- a Grammy, a grammy nomination, and 5 albums. Thanks for the info!

[@raymondbrush6442]

@@johncinfloridausa2236 your welcome

[@RonJDuncan]

For me, the thing about Black Velvet is that it's so timeless. It has a feeling of being both older and modern that it's impossible to nail down. In some ways, it really fits the "lightning in a bottle" concept.

[@monicamason3414]

"Love Is" & "Still Got This Thing" still rock.

[@raymondbrush6442]

@@monicamason3414 Her first album (self titled) was great. It has those two songs plus Black Velvet on it. I more partial to her third album (A-lan-nah). It has a gentler touch. You might like her second album (Rocking horse which got her second Grammy nomination} too. She did those three with Alantic rwcords. Her last two albums were A-rival and 84 BPM were independently released. I'm just a fan of hers so consider me biased.

[@wetspotswimwear1199]

The '80's were the BEST ! Wish we could go back.

[@davidsmith385]

I personally would go back, knowing what I know now.😊

[@Mr11ESSE111]

it will back in 2080s(maybe)

[@K9_MAMA]

We CAN go back! Too many are too distracted by today's BS to realize this.

[@paulchisholm3305]

If you work out how to go back pick me up please 🙏 😂

[@user-en9qd5nx8w]

Watch Stranger Things, it's a pretty good cover of what it was a like, minus the supernatural of course.

[@themadwomanskitchen9732]

Wow!😮 As a child of the '80's I remember EVERY ONE of these songs! Great playlist!

[@user-pg8vx2em7e]

I graduated from high school in 86 we had kick Ass music that was the best time's I have great memories of the time wish I could go back I would do it in a heart beat

[@SwordFighterPKN]

I'm class of 87 and you are so right!

[@FlatEarthMath]

Class of '85 here! Now I'm in my 30th year of teaching, in an awesome high school so much like my youth's.

[@budgreen5559]

We had keggers and a bon fire almost every weekend in the summer!

[@njanet5770]

I'll stop the world and melt with you. My most favorite iconic 1972

[@PaulBoos]

The entire lbum After the Snow by Modern English was fantastic; Melt with You was just the 'hit'.

[@blaster-zy7xx]

Every generation loves the music of their youth.

[@KimberlyLetsGo]

Isn't that true? I didn't care for a lot of the songs of the 90s and have totally drifted away from today's hits. They just don't speak to me. Doesn't mean they are bad; just not my style or taste. All these kiddos here making rude comments will have some Karma in a decade!

[@Thomas-pv3gd]

I have loved every generation's music since the 50s. There have been great songs in 2022.

[@19MarkDavid]

Have to agree. When you survived the 60s the eighties feel like fluff ( but not in a bad way )

[@bricefleckenstein9666]

This is more the music of my adulthood. The music of my youth was Chicago.

[@MrWeareone777]

Loved Martika

[@CoeurD_Amaris22]

I was hoping to see Mathew Wilder's Break My Stride. I first heard it as a kid and it's stuck with me lol Any time I hear it which is very rare, it's an instant feel good and zaps me back in time to when I was 8 yrs old ☺

[@jimmyfrench4722]

That was one of my fav 1-hitters, along with Opus’s Live is Life & Squeeze’s Hourglass (though I think squeeze may have some other hits)

[@CantankerousDave]

@@jimmyfrench4722 Hourglass is both catchy as hell *and* has an utterly insane music video. Peak 80s.

[@EconAtheist]

@@jimmyfrench4722 Squeeze had bigger hits than Hourglass. Black Coffee In Bed is kind of their unofficial anthem, Tempted was huge... tangentially - pretty much every college kid during the '80s had their greatest hits CD.

[@Terri_MacKay]

I've loved "Harden My Heart" and "I Just Died" since they were first released n the 80's, and they're still on my playlist to this day.

[@lucbedard7564]

I missed the 80s. Born in 1962 i crowed up in melodies, In my 20s the love of musics. Cutting Crew ''(i Just) die in Your Arm Tonight'' and Eight Seconds ''Kiss You then when it dangerous'. Too many favorite. Stacey Q, Two of Heart - One To One, there was a time - Technotroic Pump Up the Jam - Pual Young, Paul Young - Everytime You Go Away - C&C Music Factory, Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now) ...and so many more

[@travisayres4003]

The 80s were awesome, if I could I would time travel back to 1980 and go through the whole decade again.

[@johnnyfountainS]

I would be a teen in the 80s instead of a kid. Ages 7 through 17. I would marry Jeanne Salinas or Shayna Lee.

[@Mr_boston1630]

That way you get to spend time in the actual best decade the 90s

[@petesmart1983]

Lol 80s was a horrific time for most countries

[@mr.decencykeepinitreal6348]

@@petesmart1983 Let me guess, stupid but sadistic people between the youngest and the oldest who committed horrible crimes in the ‘80s, correct?

[@harshitrajsingh6842]

If you ever find a way to travel through time, count me in 🙋

[@DarthFritter1]

I was born in 79, so I grew up with the boom of Star Wars, go Joe, thundercats, and all this great music! Best era ever. I miss the 80’s.

[@beckyleggett9879]

I was born in 1974 I have a love for basically all music from a wide genre and even love a lot of music from like the 60's

[@rebels42wynn83]

My 1980s Childhood was full of good and bad times but the music and bands were and still are my safe haven. ❤️

[@johnminx2133]

Bad times??? Are u kidding me!!! It was the best decade to be a kid!!! The music! The movies!! and the style!!! The best time of my life!!!😊

[@rebels42wynn83]

@@johnminx2133 My bad times were childhood sexual abuse. being bullied, and being called odd But the music had helped through those bad times,OKAY!!!!!

[@Misskittenfish71]

​@@rebels42wynn83I'm so sorry you had to experience such awful things. I really hope your life has become easier on you. ❤ Yes, our music was THE BEST!

[@rebels42wynn83]

@@Misskittenfish71 Aww , thank you for the sweet comment! I hope that life's treating you well too ☺️🙏♥️.

[@illiteratewordsmith1059]

Well-said. Very

[@xray86delta]

😂 I loved "Putting on the Ritz"! It cracked me up every time it came on the radio.

[@zimriel]

UUIN ONNA WIZZ!

[@Bob3519]

Super duper!

[@bobblowhard8823]

There were quite a few that you missed: "I wanna Be a Cowboy" by Boys Don't Cry; "Obsession" by Animotion; "you Spin Me 'Round" by Dead or Alive; and "Brand New Lover", also by Dead or Alive (OK, a two-hit wonder), just to name a few.

[@deniseburger2796]

Wow 🤩 now you talking 🙌🏻

[@DarrenMalone253]

Perfect picks!!

[@Karma-qt4ji]

"I wanna be a cowboy" was annoying AF!!!! Hahahahaha subjective much, I know. But Obsession was excellent. How about adding "Imagination" by Belouis Some, "Broken Wings" by Mr Mister (yes, I know about Kyrie but I believe it only really made it because of the success of Broken Wings), "Break my Stride" by Matthew Wilder or "99 Red Balloons" by Nena?

[@bobblowhard8823]

@@Karma-qt4ji Yes, of course! Once I heard Nena's German version "99 Luftballons" , I fell in love with that and left the English version in the dust. Also, don't forget the German version of "Major Tom" by Peter Schilling.

[@Karma-qt4ji]

@@bobblowhard8823 Hahahaha true. Major Tom by Peter Schilling is on my regular playlist!

[@DominickRuocco]

I love when WatchMojo makes 80's and 90's themed videos. Keep them coming!

[@matthewbaduria]

Also 60's,70's,& 2000's.

[@JDsHouseofHobbies]

Brings back some great memories and feels!

[@chrisrj9871]

As long as people remember that there's more to the 90s than what the children liked in 1999. It's kind of offensive as a teenager of 1995, that we can talk about teenagers of 1985 with the 80s, but only talk about children of 1999 with the 90s.

[@leesashriber5097]

Absolutely!! Though I'd say 70's and 80's. 😊 Happy Sunday!!

[@WatchMojo]

[@jschnabl85]

“Tarzan Boy” by Baltimora is DA BOMB! That Tarzan yell and that synth backbeat will put you in the zone everytime, without fail! Don’t underestimate the weirdness and catchiness and 1980s Ítalo-Disco.

[@Nocgirl]

he actually does not sing the lead on this song......Jimmy McShane dances around and lip syncs to it

[@NickRoman]

Well, that "Tarzan yell" makes this song memorable and instantly recognizable forever.

[@piobmhor8529]

I think “99 Luftballons” by Nena would be another timeless classic 1980s one hit wonder.

[@uguryilmaz1174]

It is not a one hit wonder. Nena produced many hit songs and was very popular in the 80s.

[@CapeCodTrainTodd]

The 80's was the best for music, videos and fashion. It was just FUN. Runner ups to your list could be "Blue Monday" by New Order. "One Night in Bangkok" by Murray Head, "99 Red Balloons" by Nena. There are so many more. 🙂

[@HolyGoddessMotherAnne]

New Order were successful so no, they do not count, rest do count in a sense.

[@antonyjones4259]

new order are a massive band with plenty of hits.

[@23yearsand76]

19 - Paul Hardcastle

[@HolyGoddessMotherAnne]

@@23yearsand76 Good song tho the guy does have other songs people recognise or would know.

[@23yearsand76]

@@HolyGoddessMotherAnne it's the only song I've heard of his...keep in mind I'm in Australia

[@mpup54]

The Quarterflash song was such a standout...it was a chart topper for awhile

[@jdoesmath2065]

Pretentious as we were, we dismissed Quarterflash as a Pat Benatar wannabe. Now that I'm older I can appreciate how awesome they were. And they still do shows.

[@wylerXL]

this was why mixed tapes were a big thing back then. most artists just got one or couple hits and nothing else.

[@veronicavincent8403]

right said Fred's I'm to sexy should have been number one! LOL

[@betina8780]

But it's not from the 80s, it's from 1991

[@carlosfalcon2099]

Matikas "toy soldiers "is just timeless..I'm 14 years old again...all the music that came out from the 80's seems like just yesterday..miss it

[@ThunderFist1978]

She got several of her Kids Incorporated co-stars in on the song, too, which adds so much to it.

[@aalflyguy1184]

Too Shy" is a song written and recorded by English band Kajagoogoo, released in January 1983. The first single from their debut album White Feathers, the song was an immediate hit and reached number one on the UK Singles Chart for two weeks. It was also very successful in other European countries and Japan, spending five weeks at number one in Germany, also reaching number one in Belgium and Ireland, as well as reaching number two in France and Switzerland, and number four in Sweden, Austria and the Netherlands. Assisted by heavy rotation on MTV, the song later became a success in the United States, peaking at number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100.[4] "Too Shy" is Kajagoogoo's only significant hit in the US, where the band is widely regarded as a one-hit wonder.

[@Fantasmister]

Though Limahl as a solo artist is probably known by many as the guy who sang " The Neverending Story" (from the movie of the same name of course).

[@Gmackematix]

I'm from the UK and I've always thought Too Shy was one of the most overrated songs of the decade. In a year that gave us Karma Chameleon, Billy Jean and Every Breath You Take, it didn't stand out in a good way.

[@jimb.7523]

@@Fantasmister AKA The guy everyone mistook as a woman upon first hearing.

[@anjoLas]

uau, you really know how to copy and paste

[@Gmackematix]

@@anjoLas Leaving in the reference number in square brackets is a bit of a giveaway!

[@robertpeterson9520]

Big Country, Safety Dance, and 99 Luft Balloons should be on this list.

[@r6854]

Completely forgot about Men without hats. The Thompson twins could be on this list as well.

[@gedias1]

Men Without Hats had another T40 song, and therefore not a one-hit wonder. Thompson Twins had several hits.

[@r6854]

@@gedias1 Well the definition in the video clip was, 'admittedly some of these artist have achieved other chart succes, but are primarily known for one song...'

[@gedias1]

@@r6854 Thompson Twins actually had three top ten hits in the U.S.

[@r6854]

Your right, I just always associated them with one song. I'm wrong.

[@benm9193]

Quarter flash had find another fool which is also a great song!

[@demh7823]

"I Can't Wait" by Nu Shooz was the definitive 80's one-hit wonder.

[@albertocabezas282]

I adore this song

[@robbatten1226]

Except that they also had I Can't Wait shortly after.

[@demh7823]

@@robbatten1226 And your point is?

[@robbatten1226]

@@demh7823 my error I meant to say they had ‘Point of No Return’ shortly after. So the point was that they had more than one hit.

[@jamiebranson7818]

Nu Shooz charted a few hits. The group is not a one-hit wonder.

[@lp-xl9ld]

In late 1988, I got my first job which required me to drive to work. There was a radio station in New York I loved at that time which the radio in the car was set to--and a good many of these were on their playlist. (Especially "Harden My Heart" and "Toy Soldiers".) So this brings back some great memories.

[@jamalvargas6146]

Safety Dance Love That Song Especially In that one Family Guy scene comedy gold

[@Mystress1980]

Pop Goes The World was probably as popular so they don't really qualify.

[@KimberlyLetsGo]

Totally one of my ultimate favorites.

[@user-wh5ir4fo4r]

I will never understand what that song is about. Never did.

[@photogijoehero]

That song was not as safe as it sounds. - Phillip J. Fry

[@hagunther]

The Georgia Satellites - Don't Give Me No Lines and Keep Your Hands to Yourself . We used to sing it with our kids all the time. IDK if its "awesome" but we had fun with it.

[@foresakentonone4148]

Chains Chains Battleship Chains ring a bell??? Another hit by them...

[@kasperkjrsgaard1447]

“The hippy shake”

[@tyjames9267]

It's among the very best songs of the era, even all time

[@adreanmarantz2103]

was just sinmging this to the gf the other day. (she was poking me and being a general nuisance to get my attention)

[@skudlugs]

@@foresakentonone4148 mon cheri always made me laugh

[@michaelsharp2272]

Great video. Was surprised that Nena's 99 Luftbaloons wasn't on the list. Also expected to see Walkin on Sunshine. 😀

[@jamiebranson7818]

Not "Walking on Sunshine." Katrina and The Waves charted three hits.

[@whoisbrucewayne17]

Both songs are still religiously played on the radio where I'm at.

[@mistyowens1036]

I thought I'd 99 Luft balloons too

[@uguryilmaz1174]

These are not one hit wonders, Nena was very popular with many songs. Katrina and the Waves had other hits too, they actually won the Eurovision song contest for England in 1997 as well.

[@bookemdano7567]

Even though she hit it big with The Go-Go’s… Jane Wiedlin had a one hit wonder with “Rush Hour”. An awesome 80’s song!

[@canadasleftcoast.5744]

Actually her entire album Fur was pretty decent.

[@hollyking2580]

Martika's first single, "More Than You Know" was a #18 hit. I loved it enough to buy the CD even before "Toy Soldiers" was released as a single. It was one of the first CDs I ever bought (along with Roxette's Look Sharp" and Paula Abdul's "Forever Your Girl.") In 1991, Martika had a #10 hit with "Love... Thy Will be Done," which she cowrote with Prince!

[@randomlibra]

I bought Martika's album because I watched her on "Kids Inc.". I only, recently, found out that Stacey grew up to be Fergie from Black Eyed Peas.

[@Krisna_K]

@@randomlibra Same! I also found out that the kids from Kids Inc. including Fergie sang the chorus on Toy Soldiers!

[@DudeEM]

Martika shouldn’t have been included here because she wasn’t a One-hit wonder as far as I know.

[@stevegallo8483]

To this day, I cannot figure out why Martika wasn't a bigger success than she was. She had the voice, the songs, the talent and the beauty to be a huge star.

[@robynhood2173]

@@stevegallo8483 I think some made their money and ran. The 80’s was a time of excess and some wanted the money more than the fame. I know that would have been me. Not saying that’s what happened but that’s my guess 😀

[@Cyannah117]

So glad to have spent my teenage years in the 80’s….. ❤❤❤ I am also glad that I got to experience ‘90’s and early 2000’s music through my kids…so much change in music and each era has something special to offer, but the ‘80’s was a decade of awesome music and that just can’t be denied!!! I really don’t care what age music comes from, I love everything from classical to heavy metal and everything in between…if a song speaks to me through the lyrics, harmony, melody and instrumental that’s all that matters!!!

[@eeeeeeeeMan]

Nice list, but I feel that "Heart and Soul" by T'pau for sure needed to be present. I thought it might even be number 1 when it didn't pop up earlier.

[@NickSamon]

Have you forgotten about, "China in Your Hand?"

[@eeeeeeeeMan]

@@NickSamon Apparently. That's a T'pau song, I guess...?

[@NickSamon]

@@eeeeeeeeMan yep.

[@robwr737]

Oh that's a good one too

[@kennethfrank5675]

@@NickSamon never charted in the US and I think that chart is what this list is based upon

[@mr.decencykeepinitreal6348]

“Two of Hearts” is still one of 100 best songs in 1980s and also one of my most favorite songs of all time.

[@aalflyguy1184]

I bought the cassette tape while in high school. I played it morning, noon & night. I wore the cassette out! Great dance song!!!

[@FlyinZX10R]

Her “We Connect” is really good too.

[@lexkanyima2195]

Same and it should played in nostalgia clubs

[@Amaranthine1000]

I still have the cassette tape and recently converted it to MP3 to preserve it, love this song

[@lexkanyima2195]

@@Amaranthine1000 you can dance it

[@TheCoolProfessor]

The 80's were the best! It's such a shame we can't get them back.

[@quiquaequod322]

I could add 10 more awesome one-hit wonders from the 80s, but the hill I'll die on is "Obsession" by ANIMOTION. Total earworm, and featured in several cheesy films of the period and later. Great, campy video, too. Speaking of campy, I'll give an honorable mention to "Pictures of Matchstick Men" by CAMPER VAN BEETHOVEN. Not as big a hit, but an offbeat, catchy tune I used to blast out of my stereo.

[@IAMShteve]

Cover of the Status Quo song?

[@eauhomme]

Animotion also had "Room to Move", so not really a one hit wonder (though as acknowledged in the video, neither was Cutting Crew).

[@babarox1998]

Great selection... i have others to add: Glamorous Life - Sheila E, Nothing's gonna change my love for you - Glen Medeiros, Respect Yourself - Bruce Willis, Pass the dutchie, Take my breath away - Berlin, Stay with Me - Shakespear sisters, and the list goes on...

[@W81Researcher]

Stay with me was not 80s

[@2020tgun]

Sheils E's a good call, though Berlin had a number of hits.

[@KimberlyLetsGo]

Great add! I forgot all about those.

[@jamiebranson7818]

Sheila E., Glenn Medeiros, and Berlin all charted more than one hit.

[@tiffanyeyoung1800]

Sheila E has other hits

[@gidgitvonlarue9972]

I saw Cutting Crew just a few years ago at an 80's Concert along with Go West. The lead singer of Cutting Crew stepped up to perform songs of another band who had to leave - and he was AWESOME! Best singer of the night. Just amazing. (This was in Penrith Australia)

[@rachelchristian8476]

I saw the same concert set in New Zealand.

[@gidgitvonlarue9972]

@@rachelchristian8476 Oh WOW - how awesome was it! Fantastic!

[@amberjohnson4820]

I’m so happy that you mentioned Martika! I’ve been a Kids Incorporated fan since watching it back in the 80’s! She is such a wonderful singer.

[@davidgeisler9885]

She had 3 big hits here in Australia. Toy soldier, I feel the Earth Move and Love Thy Will be Done

[@evelynneufeld7610]

@@davidgeisler9885 Martikas Kitchen was written by Prince❤️

[@HariSeldon913]

I thought 'I feel the Earth move' charted, thus not making her a one hit wonder.

[@trevorjames426]

@@davidgeisler9885 also “More than you Know” and “Martika’s Kitchen” 👍

[@ericjay6021]

Martika was hot and better than Fergie her castmate

[@robnowlin7285]

You forgot Nina's 99 Luft Balloons.

[@JAIstarkillerkid]

Nobody forgot it was awesome!

[@GroppeljohannKlotenkempe-vr6oh]

Nena never was a One Hit Wonder

[@noyb12345]

Sucks

[@andreaharrington8916]

Great song!!

[@theredsofine8375]

Liked that song

[@FGBFGB-vt7tc]

After watching Taco's "Putting on the Ritz" original video (with David Bowie as a ghost on the piano!!!) it struck me that they represented the ghosts of the Depression Era. The expression means dressing fancy, which in an era of economic downturn could be interpreted as putting a brave face and live to the fullest instead of falling into despair.

[@Gmackematix]

It's a song that is hard to take seriously after Young Frankenstein. I see it was the same year as another 1980s cover of a 1920s song, Sting's Spread a Little Happiness.

[@AnthonyP73]

You just blew my mind

[@Rjensen2]

Go to bed, you're stoned.

[@patrickryan1515]

I like your observation.

[@valhalla7408]

David Bowie is *NOT* the “ghost” pianist in the original video

[@matthewbaduria]

The 80's are an amazing time in pop music.

[@mojo3318]

I agree!

[@yankee2666]

You need to get out more, pal - a lot more.

[@AnthonyP73]

Your use.of the present tense is bang on!

[@lennychorn147]

The 80's was the beginning of the end for truly great music.

[@Friendship1nmillion]

*ALTHOUGH* 👨‍⚖️ Australian 80s Rock was better !! ♑️✍️🇦🇺🇳🇴

[@alawsolution]

You seriously missed Kajagoogoo Too Shy, that was the smooth pop funk which still brings out the cool in you.

[@kerryhoward804]

Putting on the Ritz was awesome!!! Me and my brother loved it!!!!

[@ariyaahrary1656]

First time I heard it when Theodore made a video in Alvin and the Chipmunks lol

[@garyowens3687]

The 80’s - no doubt the best time to have been a teenager. Just thinking about it makes me wonder how myself and my friends survived, wow we had fun.

[@tracynorth2275]

Same!! No evidence either….

[@cptkettch]

Because we didn't have social media.

[@Peg-zl9lr]

💯

[@coolcat8b]

Three songs I remember vividly from the 80s: A Criminal Mind (Gowan), Twilight Zone (Golden Earring), and L'Affaire Dumoutier (The Box). The 80s was such a great time for music, in many genres.

[@abornbuyer]

Twilight Zone is still one of my favorites even now in 2023!!

[@geho2000]

@@abornbuyerFor me as well, but there is more (underrated) 80ies G-E songs though, such as Long blond animal, The devil made me do it and When the lady smiles, worth relistening in 2023.

[@abornbuyer]

@@geho2000 I definitely remembered The Devil Made Me Do It and When The Ladies Smiles which I did forget about it but really liked! Thanks for the reminder!

[@jamesstarcher6891]

Golden Earring wasn't a 1-hit Wonder, and Twilight Zone wasn't even their biggest hit. Look up Radar Love

[@abornbuyer]

@James Starcher yep I know that song too but I still prefer Twilight Zone over Radar Love.

[@seandelap8587]

As a member of the Undertones he had a couple of hits but as a solo artist all i ever hear by Feargal Sharky is A Good Heart i can't recall ever hearing any other significant hit by him.

[@66huggie]

You Little Thief

[@stacy7672]

You Little Thief ??

[@66huggie]

@@stacy7672 'You Little Thief" ... Number 4 here in Australia in about 1986 and I believe top 5 in the UK.

[@jamiebranson7818]

"A Good Heart" was Feargal's only American hit. It was too low-charting for "wonder" status, but he was a one-hit artist.

[@iThink2Much-69]

I was a teen in the 80's and the music, including most of these songs, still kick major azz!

[@gowiththeflowbee8053]

Im 32 and ive been listening to 80's music vigorously since i was 15/16 around 2005/2006. The best decade for music hands down. Still finding bands/songs i havent heard of every week its fantastic lol 4:52 for instance ive never heard of this song and i love it!

[@sharontonks3192]

I'm 51 and was a teenager in the 80s and I'm still finding stuff from then that I've never heard! In my opinion the best decade for music.

[@gowiththeflowbee8053]

@@sharontonks3192 that's awesome lol I'm sure il be doing the same when I get to that age too!

[@pretty_kitty]

LOVE TOY SOLDIERS. Still listen to it today. So powerful.

[@MadScientyst]

I'm an old 80's DJ Kid & gotta say how much I appreciate the 'in-depthness' of the selections. I'd like to suggest the following 5+5 as choices for a 2nd list: A-HA - Take on Me ABC - Be Near Me Murray Head - One Night in Bangkok Sly Fox - Let's Go All The Way Falco - Rock Me Amadeus & a little more mellow: Rupert Holmes - Him Marty Balin - Hearts Ali Thomson - Take a Little Rhythm Kajagoogoo - Too Shy The Motels - Only The Lonely There's a LOT more to build on but these are just some personal faves. U guys could do this list about 20 times over reflecting on the UK, Australian & other 80's acts too...LOL

[@armandoreyna6649]

sly fox let's go all the way. you ate a true dj my friend.

[@carljoly1363]

Don't think A-HA is a 1 hit wonder group.

[@dj3939]

Was running threw the list of comments. Wondering if anyone would mention Falco.

[@bricefleckenstein9666]

I'm not sure Marty Balin counts - given his LONG history in the Airplane and the Starship.

[@birgitdyrssen-xh4ph]

I LOVE THE 80's!!! 😄☺️😃 SOOOO...... GREAT!!!😃☺️😄 ❤ SUCH GOOD MEMORIES!!!! 😄☺️😃 LOVE LOVE LOVE THE MUSIC!!!😃☺️😄 ALL OF IT!!!

[@TheWarmachine375]

80s music were making comebacks lately like the "Footloose" on Umbrella Academy for example.

[@I-AM-EL-ZOZO]

Ot stranger things, unfortunately never seen umbrella academy, but stranger things got me really into 1980s music

[@remyfacade]

Lately? 80's music never left and there are plenty of shows and movies that have 80's music... Before UA did their "tribute" to footloose. That was more of a gag.

[@Amaranthine1000]

There was lots of great 80's music on Umbrella Academy, loved it.

[@KimberlyLetsGo]

The with the movies 'Guardian of the Galaxies'.

[@scottstark5528]

I honestly did forget that Don Johnson recorded that single. Patrick Swayze had a hit song, "She's Like the Wind", on the Dirty Dancing soundtrack that did well and Bruce Willis released an entire album, The Return of Bruno, that was pretty damn good. 80's actors showing off some vocals.

[@adrianchan1535]

Eddie Murphy was another one hit wonder with Party All the Time from 1985.

[@krysiajean592]

and Kevin Bacon has the Bacon Brothers (look up "Boys in Bars")

[@manueltapia1859]

And Bruce Willis had a song but I don't remember which one hehe

[@remcov2130]

David Hasselhoff also started singing

[@darkelfling65]

@@adrianchan1535 The funny thing about Eddie Murphy's Party All the Time was Rick James producing it and in the video James making it seem like it was the best thing ever.

[@BlenderStudy]

Thank you for the update, WatchMojo..!! Ah, the 80s. Good times. I miss the 80s. 👍

[@Oldskul-iz4om]

Johhny Kemp - Just Got Paid This song is still, guaranteed, to get everyone on the dancefloor!!!!

[@budgreen5559]

not the 1980's

[@joshuaburba1048]

Great list. Being an 80's kid and a huge trivia buff, I already knew that I would know all of these, and I was right. All good songs. I had thought you might include "Beds are Burning" by Midnight Oil, but you can't get them all. Thank you for making this.

[@JamesDavy2009]

Midnight Oil were not one-hit wonders, disqualifying them from the list. If you want one-hit wonder 80's songs from their country, look at _I'm an Individual_ by Mark "Jacko" Jackson (who would later become the Energizer guy) and _Shaddup You Face_ by Joe Dolce.

[@DinsdalePiranha67]

I, for one, have not forgotten that "Beds Are Burning" is an awesome song - and I'm not even Australian! That may have been their only hit Stateside, but I remember a period of a couple years where the Oils got a fair amount of airplay on modern rock and mainstream rock radio.

[@joshuaburba1048]

@@DinsdalePiranha67 Nice, I appreciate your comment. Interestingly, I'm not Australian either, and yet we both enjoy that song. I listen to that song nearly every time I walk the track at the gym. It has the perfect beat. Have a good one.

[@Rafael-rb3ik]

I was born in 89 and wasn't able to experience this decade but I still think it has the best entertainment when it comes to music.

[@PearlJamAndBiscuits]

I just died in your arms tonight was one of the 80's best songs 🖤

[@PinballPreparedness]

Black Velvet is still in my playlist. GREAT SONG

[@Dragonwing5036]

For the longest time, I thought she was saying “black bird” 😮😊

[@michaelmyers3892]

Oh yes the golden eighties what an awesome time love being a teenager back then we had such a diverse wide range of music to choose from and so many other things

[@alexhidalgo7110]

Cutting crew and Tarzan absolutely my favorite

[@timbaker4253]

Me too!

[@colie563]

Great list. Happy to say 9 of these 10 appear playlists of mine. Also might add Eddie Murphy "Party all the Time" , When in Rome "The Promise", Moving Pictures "What About Me" and the greatest use of an e-bow since Slade, Big Country "Big Country"

[@bicyclist2]

I remember blaring these songs on my Sony boom box radio. I'm a huge fan of synth pop. These songs bring back such great memories of the 80's. Thank you.

[@yianhinsaechao7898]

80'S WAS THE BEST ERA TO LIVE IN.. MUSIC & dancing choreography.. TV SERIES. FASHION STYLE. play at the ARCADE GAMES & cartoons🤗😉

[@Flickawho]

Wow, I had always just assumed “Black Velvet” was an early 90’s song 😂

[@fromthehaven94]

Same here. Just got on the charts after January 1990, according to Wikipedia.

[@AdultThirdCultureKid1971]

So did I. 😆😂 The first time I heard "Black Velvet" by Alannah Myles was in September 1990, during my senior year of high school (1990-1991).

[@ChibiProwl]

I did as well.

[@isabeld.paredes4923]

Black Velvet was popular in Canada in 1989 before going to number one in the USA in the first half of 1990

[@jamiebranson7818]

You were right. The album was released in 1989 but the single was released in January, 1990.

[@BradWietersen]

Far and away, my favorites of this video were "Toy Soldiers" by Martika and "Harden My Heart" by Quarterflash. Two fantastic songs from the 1980's that still pack a powerful punch today. I'll never get tired of hearing these classics!

[@likethecheeze321]

did you know that Martika was in an 80's show "KIDS Incorporated"? along with Jennifer Love Hewitt and Stacy "Fergie" Ferguson!

[@JohnTurner313]

June, 2024! "Perfect Way" by Scritti Politti

[@EconAtheist]

Definitely their biggest hit. That said, Wood Beez, Absolute, Hypnotize, and The Word Girl all got fairly decent play as singles releases in the US, though not comparable to the play that Perfect Way got. Cupid & Psyche 85 was a giant of an album.

[@crisespinoza1979]

I still listen to Toy Soldiers. I had a huge crush on Martika. The 80s was an awesome decade for music

[@FlatOnHisFace]

Just about everything on her eponymous album and especially _Take Me To Forever_ and _Temptation_ from her follow-up were amazing. I was like "How dare they call her a one-hit wonder!" Then they refer to her as "memorable" in a vid claiming "you forgot." Well, which is, Mojo? Dogs, this channel sucks at its job.

[@crisespinoza1979]

@@FlatOnHisFace they sucked here for sure

[@thebronzetoo]

I've always had a crush on her!!

[@thecunninlynguist]

only ones I forgot were the ones I never heard before, even in the 80's...but a good majority of the list I've heard. Some of the songs were rejuvenated w/ Hip-Hop because of sampling...like Toy Soldiers was sampled for Em's song, Like Toy Soldiers.

[@bigdaddylanester6142]

I'm not from the 80s but Black Velvet gives me chills every time I hear it. I love that song.

[@lisaruttenberg5886]

Wasn't it from 90 or 91?

[@cricketexplained8526]

@@lisaruttenberg5886 It was probably recorded in 1989.

[@bricefleckenstein9666]

@@lisaruttenberg5886 The album it was on was released March 28, 1989.