One Hit Wonders: Where'd they go?

A one hit wonder is a music artist that has only produced one hit that was a success. They blow up the charts, have millions of fans, then either drop off the charts or seem to go into hiding. A lot of one hit wonders are successful because they jump on the fad train and ride the success of a popular thought, idea, or trend. Other times, a one hit wonder becomes that because a band’s fame, fortune, and success can cause the breakup of the band. People can sometimes get big headed and money can cause fights over power or jealousy.

One hit wonders can still be heard on both traditional and Internet radio even after the fame and hype has settled down. The songs that made the hit lists are still around but sometimes the artists are never heard from. The success of the song can live on while the success of the artist who produced it doesn’t match up. Here are some one hit wonders that you will be sure to recognize. The list is compiled from a VH1 episode they aired where they had a countdown of 100 great and memorable one hit wonders. Their full list and clips from the episode can be found on their website www.vh1.com.

In 1996, an unforgettable dance move was originated with the catchy tunes of Macarena. It is by the band Los del Rio. The song was often played at clubs and frequently makes the dance list for middle school or high school dances. All ages know the legendary dance moves that accompany the song.

If you flashback to 1982, there were two bands that released hits and then became one hit wonders. Tainted Love by Soft Cell and Come on Mickey by Toni Basil made the VH1 list. Marilyn Manson did a remake of Tainted Love in 2004; however he isn’t a one hit wonder. The song was remade for the film Not Another Teen Movie.

A song that you probably sing in front of the mirror or when you are planning the perfect outfit is I’m Too Sexy by one hit wonder Right Said Fred. The song was released in 1992 and is still popular today. We all love to sing it and dance in front of the mirror until we start to believe that we’re too sexy for our shirts.

In 2000, the Baha Men released a catchy tune called Who Let the Dogs Out. We haven’t heard much from the group itself but continue to hear the song. It seems to be a popular anthem for pet lovers and commercials for dog food or toys.

Who could forget the fashion and hair styles from Vanilla Ice. The one hit wonder released an awesome song called Ice Ice Baby. The song was released in 1990. Vanilla Ice pops up here and there in reality TV and other TV spotlights.