I know what you're thinking - the 80s had SO many one hit wonders. Yes, that's true, but I'm selecting a few of my favorites. I already wrote one about the hits of the 1990s and I mentioned about the 1980s having so many. Well, it's time to give you the some of the one hit wonders of the 1980s.
1. Take On Me (1985) - Aha
This video was parodied in Family Guy and is remembered for it's artwork.
2. Der Kommissar (1982) - After the Fire
This is actually not the original version. The original song was released the year before in German. In After The Fire's video of the Geman song, the original artist appears as the bartender.
3. It's My Life (1984) - Talk Talk
You may have heard of the No Doubt version of this song, but it was actually a 80s song before Gwen Stefani and her band covered it.
4. Safety Dance (1983) - Men Without Hats
This song had confused meanings, but it was one of my uncle's favorites.
5. Tainted Love (1982) - Soft Cell
Parts or melodies of this song have been sampled by others, but this was one of the first synthpop songs to hit one-hit wonder categories.
6. If You Leave (1986) - OMD (Orchestral Maneuvers in the Dark)
Ah, the "Pretty in Pink" song. OMD literally wrote this song for the movie right before they went on tour.
7. Don't You Forget About Me (1984) - Simple Minds
You will easily recognize this song if you like The Breakfast Club.
8. Red, Red Wine (1983) - UB40
We've all been there. Thinking about someone we love and thinking "drinking all of your pain away" would do the trick. As it turns out, it can actually make it worse
9. Beds Are Burning (1987) - Midnight Oil
Midnight Oil was led by frontrunner Peter Garret, who eventually became an Australian political. His focus was relations with the indigenous peoples of Australia. This song is a prime example.
10. Whip It (1980) - DEVO
This video was actually controversial because it supposedly poked fun at certain groups and also allegations of "whip it" actually meant something in a sexual manner. DEVO assured that it meant dealing with life problems. Listen to the lyrics closely.
11. Relax - Frankie Goes to Hollywood
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There is a video for this one, but it's kinda banned so....yeah. Look it up for yourself! You have been warned from me.
12. Come on Eileen - Dexys Midnight Runners
Can't really explain this video. My mom thought that the video was weird and didn't make sense. Still a good song though.
13. Don't Worry, Be Happy (1988) - Bobby McFerrin
A great song whenver you're feeling down. The sad irony is of course that the late Robin Williams appears in the video.
14. I Ran (So Far Away) - A Flock of Seagulls
Recognize their hairtstyles? Peter Griffin from Family Guy imitated it in an episode.
15. Oh Sheila (1985) - Ready For The World
With this song played back in the day, they have actually been confused with Prince due to the similar vocals.
Like I said before, the 80s had a lot other one-hit wonders, but VH1 also has a much bigger list of one hit wonders. Check it out! The 80s were one of the best eras in music and allowed us to experiment with sounds and aestetics, something today's artists play with today.
http://www.vh1.com/news/1243/100-greatest-one-hit-...
