Everyone loves a good one-hit wonder. They are songs that capture a moment, define a genre, and then, for whatever reason, their creators never quite reach the same peak again. Some one-hit wonders came out of nowhere, others followed years of grinding, but all of them left a lasting mark by reaching the top of the charts.
The songs on this list are all considered one-hit wonders in the United States. That means each artist had one major hit on the Billboard Hot 100, with no other song reaching close to the same level of mainstream success.
Be sure to check out the full One-Hit Wonders Playlist at the bottom of this page!
Best 1950s One-Hit Wonders
In the 1950s, music evolved rapidly, and a single hit could launch an artist into the history books. Many of these tracks were groundbreaking, shaping the sound of rock and roll and pop for years to come.
1. “Love Is Strange” – Mickey & Sylvia
Lyric Sample: “Love is strange, lot of people take it for a game.”
This duet explores the unpredictable nature of love through a conversation between the two singers. “Love Is Strange” was the only top 40 hit for Mickey & Sylvia.
2. “Sh-Boom” – The Chords
Lyric Sample: “Life could be a dream, if I could take you up in paradise up above.”
“Sh-Boom” is an early classic of the doo-wop genre, blending smooth harmonies with playful, nonsensical lyrics. It became one of the earliest R&B hits to cross over to mainstream audiences.
3. “Earth Angel” – The Penguins
Lyric Sample: “Earth angel, earth angel, will you be mine?”
This doo-wop ballad became a staple of slow dances and teenage romance in the ’50s. It’s still considered one of the best songs about young love.
Related: Best Love Songs of All Time
4. “Cry Me A River” – Julie London
Lyric Sample: “Now you say you’re sorry for being so untrue, well, cry me a river, I cried a river over you.”
This jazz tune quickly became a classic breakup song. Julie London had a long career in music and acting, but never topped this breakout hit.
5. “Rocket 88” – Jackie Brenston
Lyric Sample: “Black convertible top and the gals don’t mind.”
Many music historians consider this track to be one of the first rock and roll songs. It praises the Oldsmobile Rocket 88 car, a symbol of postwar American style and speed.
Related: Best Songs About Cars
6. “Tequila” – The Champs
Lyric Sample: “Tequila!”
This instrumental track is famous for its simple, three-word lyric. The song’s Latin-inspired rhythm and saxophone solo made it a party favorite that’s still recognizable today.
Related: Best Songs About Alcohol
7. “Sleep Walk” – Santo & Johnny
Instrumental
“Sleep Walk” is an instrumental song that defined late-night 1950s radio. Santo & Johnny never charted again, but this Hawaiian-style tune is still recognizable today.
8. “Short Shorts” – The Royal Teens
Lyric Sample: “Who wears short shorts? We wear short shorts.”
This fun rock and roll song became a novelty hit with its catchy chant and playful subject. It perfectly captured the lighthearted spirit of the era.
9. “The Purple People Eater” – Sheb Wooley
Lyric Sample: “It was a one-eyed, one-horned, flyin’ purple people eater.”
This novelty song tells the bizarre story of a strange creature who wants to join a rock and roll band. Wooley never repeated the magic, but the song became a Halloween staple.
10. “Chantilly Lace” – The Big Bopper
Lyric Sample: “Chantilly lace and a pretty face, and a ponytail hangin’ down.”
Full of charm and swagger, this rockabilly hit defined a generation’s sound. Tragically, The Big Bopper died shortly after, leaving this his only major hit.
Best 1960s One-Hit Wonders
The 1960s brought a wave of diverse music, from surf rock to psychedelic sounds. Many of the decade’s one-hit wonders became iconic for their rebellious spirit and unique style.
1. “Stay” – Maurice Williams & the Zodiacs
Lyric Sample: “Oh, won’t you stay just a little bit longer?”
“Stay” is a doo-wop and pop classic that begs a girlfriend not to leave. It’s known for its high-pitched vocals and a sense of desperation in the lyrics.
2. “Surfin’ Bird” – The Trashmen
Lyric Sample: “Well, everybody knows that the bird is the word!”
This wild and frantic surf rock song blends two earlier tracks into a crazy, catchy party anthem. Its nonsensical lyrics and crazy energy make it unforgettable.
3. “Wild Thing” – The Troggs
Lyric Sample: “Wild thing, you make my heart sing, you make everything groovy.”
“Wild Thing” is a garage rock staple built on a simple, powerful guitar riff and a very memorable chorus. The track is a straightforward declaration of a man’s powerful attraction to a woman.
4. “Sugar, Sugar” – The Archies
Lyric Sample: “Sugar, ah, honey, honey, you are my candy girl.”
This bubblegum pop song was a surprise hit from a fictional cartoon band. It’s a cheerful love song that uses candy metaphors to express affection.
Related: Best Garter Removal and Toss Songs for Weddings
5. “Money (That’s What I Want)” – Barrett Strong
Lyric Sample: “The best things in life are free, but you can give them to the birds and bees.”
This early Motown hit is all about the necessity of money. It is a no-nonsense track with a clear point of view: love might be nice, but money is what you need to get by.
Related: Best Songs About Money
6. “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” – The Tokens
Lyric Sample: “In the jungle, the mighty jungle, the lion sleeps tonight.”
“The Lion Sleeps Tonight” is a familiar song to most people, known for its distinctive vocal melody and African-inspired rhythm. It’s one of the most enduring songs about wildlife and nature.
Related: Best Songs About Cats
7. “Take Five” – The Dave Brubeck Quartet
Instrumental
“Take Five” is one of the most covered and best-selling jazz singles ever released. Its distinctive, off-kilter rhythm made it a unique and groundbreaking song for its time.
Related: Grammy Record of the Year
8. “Hey! Baby” – Bruce Channel
Lyric Sample: “Hey, hey baby, I wanna know if you’ll be my girl.”
This early rock and roll hit features a distinctive harmonica riff and straightforward lyrics about a romantic interest. It helped set the tone for mid-’60s pop.
9. “I Will Follow Him” – Little Peggy March
Lyric Sample: “I will follow him, follow him wherever he may go.”
At just 15, Little Peggy March scored a massive hit with this song about devotion. The song is a testament to a young person’s commitment to another person.
10. “Wipe Out” – The Surfaris
Lyric Sample: “Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha wipe out.”
This is one of the most famous surf rock instrumentals, known for its rapid drum solo and iconic laugh. It’s an energetic song about surfing that makes you want to get up and dance.
11. “Louie Louie” – The Kingsmen
Lyric Sample: “Louie Louie, oh no no no, we gotta go.”
“Louie Louie” is famous for its simple, three-chord structure and almost incomprehensible lyrics. The song became a party staple and the subject of controversy due to the rumor that the lyrics were obscene.
12. “A Whiter Shade of Pale” – Procol Harum
Lyric Sample: “We skipped the light fandango, turned cartwheels ‘cross the floor.”
“A Whiter Shade of Pale” is a moody ballad with a surreal feel. The track’s organ melody, inspired by Bach, and its unique lyrics made it a surprise hit.
Related: “A Whiter Shade of Pale” Song Meaning
🎧 Listen to the Full Playlist ↓
Best 1970s One-Hit Wonders
The 1970s brought a mix of folk, disco, and rock into the mainstream. These one-hit wonders from the ’70s showcased a wide range of styles and themes.
1. “American Pie” – Don McLean
Lyric Sample: “But February made me shiver, with every paper I’d deliver.”
This is a long, allegorical folk rock song about the history of rock and roll. It uses the tragic death of Buddy Holly and other musicians to talk about the loss of innocence in American culture.
Related: “American Pie” Lyrics Meaning
2. “Play That Funky Music” – Wild Cherry
Lyric Sample: “Hey, play that funky music white boy, play that funky music right.”
“Play That Funky Music” tells the story of a rock band that has to change its style to survive. It’s a fun and energetic song that people still love to dance to.
3. “Hooked on a Feeling” – Blue Swede
Lyric Sample: “I’m hooked on a feeling, I’m high on believing that you’re in love with me.”
Blue Swede’s version of this song is famous for its “ooga-chaka” intro. It’s a joyful pop song about the excitement and hope of new love.
4. “My Sharona” – The Knack
Lyric Sample: “When you gonna give me some time, Sharona?”
“My Sharona” is a simple, catchy track about a boy’s infatuation with a girl. The song’s distinct guitar riff and repeating chorus made it an instant classic.
5. “I Will Survive” – Gloria Gaynor
Lyric Sample: “As long as I know how to love, I know I’ll stay alive.”
“I Will Survive” is a powerful disco track about overcoming heartbreak and finding strength. It became a symbol of resilience and empowerment.
Related: Best Campfire Songs
6. “Kung Fu Fighting” – Carl Douglas
Lyric Sample: “Everybody was kung fu fighting, those kicks were fast as lightning.”
This disco novelty song is a fun, lighthearted track that celebrates martial arts. It’s about a kung fu battle, with everyone fighting with kicks as fast as lightning.
7. “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl)” – Looking Glass
Lyric Sample: “Brandy, you’re a fine girl, what a good wife you would be.”
“Brandy” tells the story of a woman who works in a port city tavern and falls in love with a sailor. It’s one of the best songs about love and sacrifice from that era.
8. “Stuck in the Middle with You” – Stealers Wheel
Lyric Sample: “Clowns to the left of me, jokers to the right, here I am, stuck in the middle with you.”
This folk rock classic is about feeling out of place and overwhelmed at a party. It humorously captures being trapped between two opposing sides.
9. “Me and Mrs. Jones” – Billy Paul
Lyric Sample: “We’ve got a thing going on, we both know that it’s wrong.”
“Me and Mrs. Jones” is a soul about an affair between two people who meet in secret. It’s one of the most famous songs about cheating and forbidden love.
10. “Venus” – Shocking Blue
Lyric Sample: “She’s got it, yeah, baby, she’s got it.”
This psychedelic rock track is about a man’s adoration of a beautiful woman. The song’s groovy guitar riff and great vocals made it an international hit.
11. “Spirit in the Sky” – Norman Greenbaum
Lyric Sample: “Goin’ up to the spirit in the sky, that’s where I’m gonna go when I die.”
“Spirit in the Sky” is a unique blend of rock and gospel music. It’s about being prepared for death and the afterlife, which is a surprising theme for a song that made it to the top of the charts in multiple countries.
Related: “Spirit in the Sky” Song Meaning
12. “Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes)” – Edison Lighthouse
Lyric Sample: “Oh, but love grows where my Rosemary goes, and nobody knows like me.”
This bubblegum pop song is a classic love song that celebrates the beauty of a simple girl. Its cheerful sound made it a chart-topping hit in the early ’70s.
13. “Cat’s in the Cradle” – Harry Chapin
Lyric Sample: “And the cat’s in the cradle and the silver spoon, little boy blue and the man in the moon.”
“Cat’s in the Cradle” is a folk song about the passing of time and missed opportunities between father and son. Its story strikes a chord with listeners of all ages.
Related: “Cat’s in the Cradle” Song Meaning
Best 1980s One-Hit Wonders
The 1980s were all about synth-pop, new wave, and big hair. These one-hit wonders are still played at parties and on throwback radio stations.
1. “Come On Eileen” – Dexys Midnight Runners
Lyric Sample: “Come on, Eileen, oh, I swear at this moment you mean everything.”
This upbeat Celtic-inspired pop song blends youthful excitement with a rush of young love. “Come On Eileen” is a fun, nostalgic look back at a teenage romance.
Related: “Come On Eileen” Lyrics Meaning
2. “Funkytown” – Lipps Inc.
Lyric Sample: “Won’t you take me to Funkytown?”
“Funkytown” became a global dance hit. Lyrically, it’s about wanting to move to a lively place where you can be yourself.
3. “Just the Two of Us” – Grover Washington Jr.
Lyric Sample: “Just the two of us, we can make it if we try.”
“Just the Two of Us” is a smooth duet about a couple in love. It’s often played at weddings and is a classic song about love and commitment, as they promise to make it if they try.
Related: Grammy for Record of the Year
4. “I Melt with You” – Modern English
Lyric Sample: “I’ll stop the world and melt with you.”
“I Melt with You” has one of the most famous choruses from the ’80s. It’s about wanting to be with someone and “melt” with them as the world falls apart.
5. “99 Red Balloons” – Nena
Lyric Sample: “Floating in the summer sky, ninety-nine red balloons go by.”
This German new wave song is a surprising track about a war started by floating balloons. It’s an anti-war song with a cheerful, pop sound that contrasts with its serious subject.
Related: “99 Red Balloons” Song Meaning
6. “You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)” – Dead or Alive
Lyric Sample: “You spin me right round, baby, right round, like a record, baby, right round, round, round.”
This synth-pop dance track is all about attraction and obsession. Its very ’80s beat and memorable chorus made it a club and radio hit.
7. “Walking on Sunshine” – Katrina and the Waves
Lyric Sample: “I’m walking on sunshine, whoa, and don’t it feel good!”
This feel-good hit channels pure joy, turning post-breakup relief into a full-blown celebration. Its bouncy rhythm and bold vocals made it a go-to track for lifting moods.
Related: Best Songs About Sunshine
8. “Whip It” – Devo
Lyric Sample: “When a good time turns around, you must whip it.”
This new wave song is a quirky, synth-heavy track with a fast beat. Most people only know the song for its funk sound, but it’s actually an inspirational song about overcoming obstacles.
9. “I Ran (So Far Away)” – A Flock of Seagulls
Lyric Sample: “I just ran, I ran all night and day, I couldn’t get away.”
“I Ran (So Far Away)” is a synth-pop classic about trying to escape something you can’t outrun. The sharp, chiming guitar and distant vocals helped define the sound of early new wave.
10. “Mickey” – Toni Basil
Lyric Sample: “Oh Mickey, you’re so fine, you’re so fine you blow my mind, hey Mickey.”
This peppy track is an ode to a handsome boy. The song’s cheerleader chant and upbeat rhythm made it a massive hit for teenagers in the ’80s.
11. “Take on Me” – a-ha
Lyric Sample: “Take on me, take me on, I’ll be gone in a day or two.”
A-ha’s biggest hit stood out for its high vocals, catchy synths, and one of the most iconic music videos of the decade. The lyrics mix love with a feeling that time’s running out.
Related: “Take on Me” Song Meaning
12. “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” – Bobby McFerrin
Lyric Sample: “In every life we have some trouble, but when you worry, you make it double.”
“Don’t Worry, Be Happy” is a classic for its simple, a cappella message of optimism. It quickly became a universal feel-good song.
Related: Best Songs About Finding Peace
13. “The Promise” – When in Rome
Lyric Sample: “I’m sorry but I’m just thinking of the right words to say.”
“The Promise” is a bittersweet synth-pop ballad built around awkward apologies and devotion. Its catchy chorus turned it into a late-’80s favorite and the band’s only major hit.
14. “Somebody’s Watching Me” – Rockwell
Lyric Sample: “I always feel like somebody’s watching me, and I have no privacy.”
This catchy synth-funk song is a paranoid dance track with Michael Jackson singing the classic chorus. It captures the feeling of being watched and mistrusted.
Related: Best Songs for Halloween
Best 1990s One-Hit Wonders
The 1990s brought us grunge, hip-hop, and a lot of pop-rock songs. These hits have a distinctive sound that plenty of people still love today.
1. “Nothing Compares 2 U” – Sinead O’Connor
Lyric Sample: “It’s been seven hours and fifteen days since you took your love away.”
“Nothing Compares 2 U” is a heart-wrenching ballad about the sadness and emptiness after a breakup. Sinead O’Connor had a lot of great songs, but this was her one massive international hit.
Related: Best Songs About Missing Someone
2. “Ice Ice Baby” – Vanilla Ice
Lyric Sample: “Alright, stop, collaborate and listen, Ice is back with my brand new invention.”
This hip-hop track grabbed attention with its catchy bassline sampled from Queen and David Bowie’s “Under Pressure.” It was one of the first rap songs to hit mainstream pop audiences in the early ’90s.
Related: Best Songs with “Baby” in the Title
3. “Baby Got Back” – Sir Mix-A-Lot
Lyric Sample: “I like big butts and I cannot lie, you other brothers can’t deny.”
“Baby Got Back” is a playful, body-positive song about a man’s love for a woman’s butt. Its unforgettable hook made it a cultural phenomenon.
Related: Funniest Karaoke Songs for Men
4. “What’s Up?” – 4 Non Blondes
Lyric Sample: “And I scream from the top of my lungs, ‘What’s going on?’”
This alternative rock song is a track about feeling lost and confused in the world. The song’s memorable chorus has lead singer Linda Perry asking “What’s going on?” as she tries to figure out her place in life.
Related: “What’s Up?” Lyrics Meaning
5. “Macarena” – Los Del Rio
Lyric Sample: “Hey Macarena, ay!”
“Macarena” is easily one of the most famous dance songs of the last 40 years. It became a global sensation in the ’90s, and its simple dance moves made it a staple at weddings and parties.
Related: “Macarena” Song Meaning
6. “Runaway Train” – Soul Asylum
Lyric Sample: “Runaway train never comin’ back, wrong way on a one-way track.”
“Runaway Train” is a rock song about feeling lost and hopeless. It uses the metaphor of a runaway train to highlight feelings of despair and the search for help, and its music video raised awareness about missing children.
Related: “Runaway Train” Song Meaning
7. “Torn” – Natalie Imbruglia
Lyric Sample: “I’m all out of faith, this is how I feel.”
“Torn” is a pop-rock ballad about heartbreak after a breakup. Its relatable lyrics and memorable chorus made it a ’90s radio favorite.
Related: Best Karaoke Songs for Women
8. “Tubthumping” – Chumbawamba
Lyric Sample: “I get knocked down, but I get up again, you’re never gonna keep me down.”
“Tubthumping” is an upbeat track about resilience and never giving up. Its chant-like chorus made it a rallying cry for determination.
Related: Songs About Alcohol
9. “Just a Friend” – Biz Markie
Lyric Sample: “You, you got what I need, but you say he’s just a friend.”
“Just a Friend” is a humorous hip-hop song about unrequited love and misunderstandings. Biz Markie’s off-key singing and honest storytelling made it a classic.
10. “What Is Love” – Haddaway
Lyric Sample: “What is love? Oh, baby, don’t hurt me, don’t hurt me, no more.”
“What Is Love” is a dance-pop song about confusion after a breakup. It became a ’90s club staple and later gained new life through comedy sketches.
11. “Achy Breaky Heart” – Billy Ray Cyrus
Lyric Sample: “But don’t tell my heart, my achy breaky heart, I just don’t think he’d understand.”
This country song is about a man struggling with heartbreak after a woman’s unfaithfulness. It became popular as a dance hit and helped bring line dancing into the mainstream.
Related: Best Songs with “Heart” in the Title
12. “One Headlight” – The Wallflowers
Lyric Sample: “There’s got to be something better than in the middle.”
“One Headlight” is about the struggle to keep going when hope fades and everything feels broken. It’s easily one of the most recognizable alt-rock songs of the ’90s.
Related: “One Headlight” Song Meaning
13. “MMMBop” – Hanson
Lyric Sample: “So hold on the ones who really care, in the end they’ll be the only ones there.”
This pop song is a fun, upbeat track about the fleeting nature of life and relationships. It was a surprise global sensation, with the brothers singing about how things can disappear in an “MMMBop.”
14. “Save Tonight” – Eagle-Eye Cherry
Lyric Sample: “Save tonight, and fight the break of dawn.”
“Save Tonight” is about someone who wants to spend one last night with their loved one before having to leave. It became a staple of late ’90s radio for its mellow acoustic sound and classic chorus.
15. “Closing Time” – Semisonic
Lyric Sample: “Closing time, one last call for alcohol, so finish your whiskey or beer.”
“Closing Time” is about a person leaving a bar, but it’s also about moving on to a new chapter. Its lyrics have been used to describe the end of many things, from a party to a person’s life.
Related: “Closing Time” Song Meaning
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Best 2000s One-Hit Wonders
The 2000s brought us pop-punk, indie rock, electro-pop, and plenty of other genres. The digital age didn’t stop the one-hit wonder machine; if anything, it supercharged it.
1. “A Thousand Miles” – Vanessa Carlton
Lyric Sample: “Makin’ my way downtown Walkin’ fast, faces pass and I’m homebound.”
This pop song became a massive hit thanks in large part to its distinctive piano riff. The song describes a person’s strong desire to travel a great distance to be with the one they love.
Related: Karaoke Songs for Women
2. “Blue (Da Ba Dee)” – Eiffel 65
Lyric Sample: “I’m blue, da ba dee da ba daa, da ba dee da ba daa.”
This euro-dance song is a fun, playful track about a man who lives in a “blue world” and has a “blue house.” The song’s synthesized vocals and nonsensical chorus made it a global sensation.
Related: Best Songs with “Blue” in the Title
3. “The Bad Touch” – Bloodhound Gang
Lyric Sample: “You and me, baby, ain’t nothin’ but mammals, so let’s do it like they do on the Discovery Channel.”
“The Bad Touch” is a silly, tongue-in-cheek track about a man’s feelings for a woman. Its outrageous lyrics and catchy beat made it a hit in the early 2000s.
4. “The Middle” – Jimmy Eat World
Lyric Sample: “It just takes some time, little girl, you’re in the middle of the ride.”
“The Middle” is a message of encouragement for anyone who feels stuck or out of place. The song tells listeners not to give up on themselves and to keep going.
Related: Best Rock Songs About Transformation
5. “Crazy” – Gnarls Barkley
Lyric Sample: “I remember, I remember when I lost my mind.”
“Crazy” is about struggling with mental health and questioning reality. It became a smash hit thanks to its cool sound and CeeLo Green’s excellent vocals throughout.
6. “Rehab” – Amy Winehouse
Lyric Sample: “They tried to make me go to rehab, but I said, ‘No, no, no.’”
This soul song tells the story of Amy Winehouse’s real-life refusal to go to a treatment center for her substance abuse. Without her untimely death, she likely wouldn’t be on this list.
7. “Teenage Dirtbag” – Wheatus
Lyric Sample: “Listen to Iron Maiden, baby, with me.”
This pop-punk song is a coming-of-age story about a high school outcast who has a crush on a popular girl. It’s all about feeling like a misfit while still having a sense of hope.
Related: “Teenage Dirtbag” Song Meaning
8. “Butterfly” – Crazy Town
Lyric Sample: “Come my lady, come, come my lady, you’re my butterfly, sugar baby.”
“Butterfly” is a rap-rock song about a man’s infatuation with a woman. The song’s main hook samples a riff from the Red Hot Chili Peppers, which helped make it a smash hit.
Related: Best Songs with Animals in the Title
9. “The Reason” – Hoobastank
Lyric Sample: “I’ve found a reason for me to change who I used to be.”
“The Reason” is an apology from a person who recognizes their flaws and wants to make amends. Hoobastank had a pretty big following in the 2000s, but “The Reason” was by far their biggest hit.
Related: “The Reason” Song Meaning
10. “Bad Day” – Daniel Powter
Lyric Sample: “You sing a sad song just to turn it around.”
“Bad Day” is a 2000s classic about having a day where nothing goes right. The lyrics are a message of encouragement and a reminder that it’s okay to feel sad sometimes.
11. “Float On” – Modest Mouse
Lyric Sample: “And we’ll all float on, okay.”
This indie rock song is a track about finding optimism in the face of adversity. It’s a message of hope and a reminder that things will get better.
12. “Chasing Cars” – Snow Patrol
Lyric Sample: “If I lay here, if I just lay here, would you lie with me and just forget the world?”
“Chasing Cars” is about wanting to stop everything and just be with someone. It became a huge success and is often used in movies and television during emotional moments.
Related: “Chasing Cars” Song Meaning
13. “Hey There Delilah” – Plain White T’s
Lyric Sample: “Hey there, Delilah, what’s it like in New York City?”
“Hey There Delilah” is a modern classic about a long-distance relationship. While the band has charted with other songs, none have matched the success of this one.
14. “Lips of an Angel” – Hinder
Lyric Sample: “Well, my girl’s in the next room, sometimes I wish she was you.”
This rock song tells the story of a person who gets a late-night phone call from an ex. “Lips of an Angel” is a true one-hit wonder because it’s the first song just about everyone would mention if you brought up Hinder.
Related: “Lips of an Angel” Song Meaning
15. “Take Me Out” – Franz Ferdinand
Lyric Sample: “I know I won’t be leaving here with you.”
This indie rock song is a dance track with a sense of urgency and chaos. It’s about going out and finding someone to be with, and the push-and-pull feelings that come with new attraction.
Best 2010s One-Hit Wonders
The 2010s brought us a mix of pop, indie, and dance songs. The decade was driven by viral fame and streaming hits that exploded overnight.
1. “Rude” – Magic!
Lyric Sample: “Why you gotta be so rude? Don’t you know I’m human too?”
This reggae fusion song is about a man asking for a woman’s hand in marriage and being rejected by her father. “Rude” is easily one of the most played songs from the 2010s.
2. “Replay” – Iyaz
Lyric Sample: “Shawty’s like a melody in my head.”
This R&B is about a man who can’t get a woman out of his head. The song’s catchy hook helped it reach the top of the charts in multiple countries.
3. “Like a G6” – Far East Movement
Lyric Sample: “Poppin’ bottles in the ice, like a blizzard.”
This electro-hop song is a track about living a lavish party lifestyle. It became a huge hit for its use of the word “G6” to describe a private jet, which became a popular slang term.
Related: Best Songs with Similes
4. “Pumped Up Kicks” – Foster the People
Lyric Sample: “All the other kids with the pumped up kicks, you better run, better run, outrun my gun.”
“Pumped Up Kicks” has a cheerful and catchy sound that contrasts with its dark lyrics about a student planning a school shooting. The song’s upbeat rhythm made it extremely popular, while the lyrics caused controversy.
Related: “Pumped Up Kicks” Song Meaning
5. “Somebody That I Used to Know” – Gotye
Lyric Sample: “Now and then I think of when we were together, like when you said you felt so happy you could die.”
“Somebody That I Used to Know” is a duet about the end of a relationship from both perspectives. The song became a massive success for its unique sound and for its unique depiction of a breakup.
Related: “Somebody That I Used to Know” Lyrics Meaning
6. “Ho Hey” – The Lumineers
Lyric Sample: “I belong with you, you belong with me, you’re my sweetheart.”
“Ho Hey” is a folk-rock track celebrating love and togetherness with simple, heartfelt words. Its sing-along chorus became wildly popular.
7. “Harlem Shake” – Baauer
Lyric Sample: “Then do the Harlem Shake (Shake!).”
“Harlem Shake” became a viral sensation because of its absurd and chaotic music video trend. The track’s pounding bass and bizarre sound effects were the perfect soundtrack for the online phenomenon.
Related: Best Songs with Their Own Dances
8. “I Love It” – Icona Pop
Lyric Sample: “I crashed my car into the bridge, I watched, I let it burn.”
This electro-pop song, featuring Charli XCX, is all about reckless abandon and defiance. It was a top-10 hit in over a dozen countries.
9. “Best Day of My Life” – American Authors
Lyric Sample: “I howled at the moon with friends, and then the sun came crashing in.”
“Best Day of My Life” is about finding happiness and living in the moment. The song’s upbeat energy made it a popular choice for commercials and movie trailers.
Related: Songs About Winning
10. “Shut Up and Dance” – Walk the Moon
Lyric Sample: “Oh, don’t you dare look back, just keep your eyes on me.”
This pop-rock song is about a man who is shy and needs a woman to tell him to stop worrying and just dance with her. Walk the Moon has other known songs, but “Shut Up and Dance” is surprisingly their only song that charted inside the top 50.
11. “Billionaire” – Travie McCoy
Lyric Sample: “I wanna be on the cover of Forbes magazine.”
Featuring Bruno Mars, this track is about what the singers would do if they became billionaires. The song became a hit thanks to its catchy acoustic sound and its playful lyrics about wanting to get rich and give back to the world.
Related: Best Songs About Money
12. “Friday” – Rebecca Black
Lyric Sample: “It’s Friday, Friday, gotta get down on Friday.”
This pop song is all about a person’s excitement for the weekend. It became a viral sensation for its amateurish production and simple lyrics.
Related: Best Songs About Friday
13. “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)” – Silentó
Lyric Sample: “Now watch me whip, now watch me nae nae.”
This one became a viral dance craze that took over the internet and parties everywhere. The song’s lyrics are simply instructions on how to perform the “Whip” and “Nae Nae” dances.
Related: Songs with Dances
14. “Cheerleader” – OMI
Lyric Sample: “Oh, I think that I found myself a cheerleader, she is always right there when I need her.”
This reggae fusion song is about a man being in love with a woman who supports him. The song became a huge hit for its catchy beat, topping the charts in the U.S. and many other countries.
Conclusion
One-hit wonders prove that a single song can change everything. These artists might not have had long careers in the spotlight, but they all created songs that stood the test of time. These tracks are a part of our lives, and they’re a fun way to remember a different time in music history.
If you enjoyed this list, you might also like our picks for Songs About Time, Songs with Numbers in the Title, and Songs with “Baby” in the Title.
