Talk:List of one-hit wonders in the United States

Nazareth, A Flock of Seagulls and Randy Newman

I noticed their are several artist who had more than one hit. Nazareth besides their song Love Hurts had another hit with Hair of the Dog. A Flock Of Seagulls had Space Age Love song which was a hit and Wishing I had a Photograph of you and Randy Newman who had several more hits than just Short People. He had You've Got a Friend in Me, as well as several more successful songs that appeared in Pixar films. Joey (talk) 14:43, 12 April 2024 (UTC)

@MrJoeytheMusicMan Yeah, I have a hard time classifying a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee with with seven Grammy awards (three of which were in a "Best Song" category), two Academy Awards for Best Original Song, and three Emmys for Music and Lyrics as a one-hit wonder. --Ahecht (TALK
PAGE) 19:37, 29 April 2024 (UTC)

I think they should be removed from the list, their are a few other artist here and their I have noticed as not being one hit wonders. Joey (talk) 19:49, 29 April 2024 (UTC)

A-ha has "The Sun Always Shines On TV", which peaked at #20 on Billboard Hot 100, #6 on Dance Club Songs, #5 on Dance Singles Sales, and #24 on Cash Box; and Dead Or Alive has "Brand New Lover" at #15 on Billboard Hot 100, and #1 on Dance Club Songs and Dance Singles Sales. Should they be removed? 67.43.190.226 (talk) 18:21, 23 July 2024 (UTC)

2020s OHWs

Is it alright if we add one-hit wonders from the 2020s as well? WazzupMyBoyz (talk) 19:14, 21 June 2024 (UTC)

Spinditty can now be used

I would like to let everyone know that the Canadian website Spinditty.com has a number of articles on One-Hit Wonders, and I have been able to establish the article's writer as an American writer and critic. The articles/lists are also coming from an American perspective. Therefore, we can use the pages as a source for entries! Ya Boy Alex! (talk) 19:59, 5 July 2024 (UTC)

ive tried to add that one in the past but it was blacklisted therefore blocked to use has it been lifted? DanTheMusicMan2 (talk) 20:21, 5 July 2024 (UTC)

I've been able to establish the writer as American, however I am not able to lift the blacklist status. If you know a way around the issue, then we very much appreciate that. :) Ya Boy Alex! (talk) 20:28, 5 July 2024 (UTC)

Huge oversight within the page

Firstly, putting all of the one hit wonders in a template makes it near-impossible to edit without unbearable lag, along with heaps of trouble trying to find a specific song due to how ctrl+f works. We should remove the templates and use some sort of paste so it's visually appealing.

Secondly, should we add (featuring so-and-so) within one hit wonders that might have other people who do have more hits. An example is Phillip Bailey - Easy Lover, despite the fact Phil Collins actually sings for longer within the song 203.221.12.54 (talk) 10:37, 26 July 2024 (UTC)

I write the entries in my sandbox, copy my work, then I go to "edit source" next to the decade and paste it in there. :) Ya Boy Alex! (talk) 01:48, 3 August 2024 (UTC)

The guideline at WP:TOOBIG says a Wikipedia page might be too big if it has more than 6,000 words of readable prose. This article is mostly list entries, so it has only 5,096 words of readable prose. If we include the list entries, it's more like 12,000 words, which is quite large.

I could see breaking up this page into two chunks, one with the prose explanation and the first three decades, the other with the remaining decades. Note that there were seven articles, one per decade, prior to this discussion in 2017: Talk:List_of_2010s_one-hit_wonders_in_the_United_States#Inclusion_criteria. After that discussion, the entries were pared waaay down and merged. Binksternet (talk) 02:19, 3 August 2024 (UTC)

The seven articles (one for each decade) were better than this subjective list. 99.118.250.37 (talk) 17:46, 7 September 2024 (UTC)

New definition of One-Hit Wonders

Been thinking this through. I notice some of the one hit wonders here on the lists are from the top 50 to top 100 on the Hot 100 like "My Own Worst Enemy" by Lit and "I Know What Boys Like" by The Waitresses. Even "Lunatic Fringe" by Red Riders, which did not chart on Hot 100, rather Mainstream Rock chart, especially me putting Robin Beck back with her "Sweet Talk" which only charted on Dance Club Chart (formerly called Disco Top 100 at the time). If anything at least hits top 50 to top 100, or some cases, Bubbling Under Hot 100, or any other singles charts by Billboard or even Cashbox, can they still count as one hit wonders if one chart alone regardless if top 40 or under? 67.43.190.226 (talk) 19:15, 29 July 2024 (UTC)

We don't go by chart ratings, Top 40 or Top 50/100 whatever. We go by reliable sources saying that the artist is a one-hit wonder in the context of the USA. Binksternet (talk) 20:07, 29 July 2024 (UTC)

The One-Hit Wonders page on Top40Weekly has been updated again!

I just found out that the page has been updated again! This primarily adds new artists (main artists and features) who were left out before. I am very happy about this! :)

~ Alex Ya Boy Alex! (talk) 02:08, 3 August 2024 (UTC)

Billy Ray Cyrus

@Ya Boy Alex! You reverted my removal of Billy Ray Cyrus, as Old Town Road is credited primarily to Lil Nas X, but Cyrus' Billboard page credits him for the remix of Old Town Road as a number one (Achy Breaky Heart was number 4), as a featured artist. The non-Cyrus version is not listed on Lil Nas X's page. Xeroctic (talk) 09:01, 9 August 2024 (UTC)

My reason for reinstating Billy Ray Cyrus was because Achy Breaky Heart was a song put out by Cyrus as the main/lead artist, where as his appearance on Old Town Road was as a feature. There is a notable difference between being the main artist of a song and simply being a feature on the song. A song is directly credited to the main artist, and the featured artist is just mentioned on the side. One of the near countless examples of how this works is the song The Monster by Eminem ft. Rihanna. Eminem raps the verses and Rihanna sings the chorus. However, people know The Monster to be an Eminem song; not a Rihanna song. Ya Boy Alex! (talk) 17:01, 9 August 2024 (UTC)

Would it be useful to add a footnote onto the list mentioning Cyrus' other song, and that Achy Breaky Heart is a one-hit wonder as a solo artist? Xeroctic (talk) 13:54, 10 August 2024 (UTC)

There is already a pattern for handling this. In his book, Jancik separates the times that a person appears in a song versus the times they get top billing on a song. The only time they qualify for one hit wonder is when they are getting top billing by name. Examples include Roger Daltrey in a solo song versus Daltrey as a band member in the Who. I think Billy Ray Cyrus should only be counted for his work as solo artist leading his own band. Binksternet (talk) 15:44, 10 August 2024 (UTC)

Just as a correction to my previous message, I meant 'by himself' instead of 'solo artist', Cyrus was not a part of a band. Xeroctic (talk) 08:01, 12 August 2024 (UTC)

2020s Section

I was thinking about this actually just the other day. I think we should have at least five entries (with two sources each of course) that peaked after 2019 before we can officially have a 2020s Section. Then comes the minor question of how long do we have to wait until we can most likely say that someone is a one-hit wonder? Or someone who at least looks destined to become a one-hit wonder. Ya Boy Alex! (talk) 04:18, 15 September 2024 (UTC)

Afroman

Afroman is definitely not a one hit wonder. Crazy Rap (Colt 45) is also very popular in addition to Because I Got High. 72.241.148.203 (talk) 06:05, 15 September 2024 (UTC)

Ozzy Osbourne

And in what universe is Ozzy a 1 hit wonder? I'm not even a big Ozzy fan but he's one of the most famous rock singers ever. Even if you're excluding his work with Black Sabbath, he was a very successful solo artist. 72.241.148.203 (talk) 06:10, 15 September 2024 (UTC)

J-five ?

I remember that J-five's song "Modern Times" was a major hit in 2005. But, since 2005, this rapper has totally vanished. He hasn't released any disc. Today he has been forgotten : from him, people only remember "Modern Times". Therefore, could J-five be added to this list of one-hit-wonders ? Thank you very much for your answers. Julius-leclerc (talk) 10:36, 17 September 2024 (UTC)

I can't see that it was a hit from here Modern Times (song) in the United States, however that is not the requirement on this page it's references calling it a one-Hit wonder but i can't see anything yet. DanTheMusicMan2 (talk) 15:17, 17 September 2024 (UTC)

Idea for organizing the list / categorizing one-hit wonders

I've been following this article since it had the original chart format. I understand why it was changed, but even with remodeling, there's still much room for debate and I think I have a solution and I would have no problem undertaking the editing as long as it is approved by whoever is in charge.

Oddly enough, the idea I have was inspired by the article for "List of Suicides" - dark, I know, but here's why I bring it up: The top section of the article goes over cases that were confirmed; at the bottom, however, there's a segment for cases that were disputed. I think that can apply to this article because of how flexible the term is "one-hit wonder" is used. Fair warning: you are going to read the word "one-hit wonder" a lot in the following thesis.

Confirmed one-hit wonders

While it can still be organized chronologically, a top section can be used for confirmed one-hit wonders where it is proven they only have one hit and therefore, no one will argue. For example, I'm sure we are all in agreement that Zager & Evans are one-hit wonders for "In the 2525"... They only had one Billboard Top 40 appearance, ergo, it's very obvious they meet the criteria.

Disputed one-hit wonders

The section below, on the other hand, can be disputed one-hit wonders. These are artists who can be mistaken as one-hit wonders, or are mistakenly believed to match this criteria. For example, A Flock of Seagulls is listed here for "I Ran (So Far Away)" despite having other Top 40 hits. Yes, I'm fine with them being considered one-hit wonders, but the public deserves an explanation that "Space Age Love Song" and "Wishing (If I Had a Photograph of You)" could've also been the band's only sole hit had things been slightly different (both charted at #30, and #26 respectively).

Other artists included on this list who are also not technically one-hit wonders would include:

• Don McLean - "American Pie" - He had five other US Top 40 Hits
• Gary Glitter - "Rock & Roll Pt. 2" - He reached #35 with "I Didn't Know I Loved You (Till I Saw You Rock and Roll)"
• Michael Sembello - "Maniac" - He also had a hit with "Automatic Man".
• Naked Eyes - "Always Something There to Remind Me" - Technically a two-hit wonder with "Promises, Promises"
• Madness - "Our House" - Also had a hit with "It Must Be Love"
• Men Without Hats - "The Safety Dance" - Also had a later hit with "Pop Goes the World".

I can pull out more examples, but I also WILL NOT ARGUE FOR THEIR REMOVAL FROM THIS LIST as I understand why they are thought to be so... And I understand why people are unsure if "Take On Me" is worthy of being included because of this rule as well. By adding a disputed section, it can clear the air that yes, some do indeed recognize these acts as one-off, but they're technically not.

With this section, there would be a comment box to explain why the act is disputed. It would need one piece of researching opining that the song is a one-hit wonder, with another article opining that or proving that it isn't.

From here on out, everything else is optional, but will still categorize songs appropriately and in a more effective manner.

Songs considered one-hit wonders despite low chart performance

The first thing to consider here is songs considered one-hit wonders despite poor chart performance. There's songs on here that did not reach the Top 40, but I have no problem recognizing as the sole hit. Songs like "I Melt with You", "Mexican Radio", "I Want Candy", "What Do All the People Know"... I have no problem recognizing them. However, the fact stands: these artists did only have one hit, even if it is minor in comparison to those within the Top 40. I just think we should go the extra mile and state, this does not apply to Billboard magazine's definition, but rather, more of a band's legacy a viewed by the general public.

Renowned artists who are technically one-hit wonders

Likewise, we can even include a 'controversial one-hit wonders' section. This is where cases such as Jimi Hendrix, Rush, Janis Joplin, Grateful Dead, Iggy Pop, etc. are pointed as only having one Billboard Top 40 hit despite their massive influence and followings. I'm not happy that Jimi Hendrix has only had one Top 40 hit, but it's still interesting and worth pointing out.

Acts that are mistaken as one-hit wonders

We can even go a step further and have a section for Artists mistakenly referred to as one-hit wonders. I know that Rick Astley is not a one-hit wonder. You know that too. However, on National One-Hit Wonder Day (September 25th), one of the newscasters said: "Happy One-Hit Wonder Day! What's your favorite one-off song? Mine is "Never Gonna Give You Up"." And yes, I do know there is an article for "Signature Songs", but seeing as we're researchers on this subject, it's our job to inform the public to preserve an artist's musical reputation.

Regional one-hit wonders

The last ideas worth pointing out, and this one I do not expect to even be considered, but am still pitching anyway are regional one-hit wonders and one-hit wonders on smaller charts. Songs in the US that became sole hits, but only in a small geographic portion. For example "Rubber Biscuit" by The Chips was a radio hit on the east coast and is now fondly remembered as their only big track. "Anything, Anything (I'll Give You)" by Dramarama became large in Los Angeles before its inclusion in the Nightmare on Elm Street series; the song has become a cult hit and essentially all they are known for singing, despite not making a dent on any of the charts.

One-hit wonders based on performance on other charts

As for one-hit wonders on other charts, this can be where we address that the 90's radio airplay chart accounted for several artists typically associated as one-hit wonders. "Pepper" by the Butthole Surfers, "Novocaine for the Soul" by Eels, and "Lovefool" by The Cardigans are considered one-hit wonders on this list, however they charted on the US airplay charts, not the Billboard Top 40. Again, I have no problem considering them as one-hit wonders. But I'd also go and say that Soul Coughing is a one-hit wonder for "Circles" as it's their only hit on the US Mainstream Rock chart & US Bubbling Under 100 charts. Am I going to add them to this list - no... Not unless I have permission at least.

Regardless, these are all factors that I think can help organize the list far better, clear up confusion about what counts and why or why not, and give more artists a chance to have their biggest song be exposed to a greater audience.

Thank you for attending my TEDTalk.

tl;dr: We can organize this list chronologically as:

• Confirmed one-hit wonders
• Disputed one-hit wonders
• Songs considered one-hit wonders despite low chart performance [optional]
• Highly-regarded acts that are technically one-hit wonders [optional]
• Songs mistaken as one-hit wonders [optional]
• Regional one-hit wonders [optional]
• One-hit wonders based on other US music charts [optional]

Exiasprip (talk) 21:54, 21 October 2024 (UTC)

Can we alphabetize this list, please?

Separating it by year is fine, but it would look a whole better alphabetized within the years. It'll make it easier to tell what songs have yet to be added without having to use ctrl + F. Exiasprip (talk) 23:18, 1 November 2024 (UTC)

The best thing to do would be to use a table or tables. They can be sorted on any column, so you could sort by date, artist name, or song name. Bubba73 ^{You talkin' to me?} 02:04, 2 November 2024 (UTC)

Reverted edit & Ozzy Osbourne

@Ya Boy Alex! I'm wondering why you restored Ozzy Osbourne citing his solo career, as he's had several other singles (including Crazy Train, which reached number 9 on the BIllboard Top Tracks chart and is acclaimed by several high-profile magazines). Ozzy as a solo artist is almost undoubtedly a successful artist in his own right, and not just Black Sabbath. Sparkle and Fade ^talk_edits 22:57, 18 December 2024 (UTC)

I do remember now that I added him (mostly) out of boredom because I learned that he is one of those "technical One-Hit Wonders" like Jimi Hendrix and others. However, I'm totally fine with him being taken off the list. Personally, I almost never let an artist be taken off the list unless there are very strong and serious arguments for their removal. For the record, Most removals we get are one-time random edits with either no explanation or really poor explanations. Ya Boy Alex! (talk) 23:41, 18 December 2024 (UTC)

Well, I guess I'll reinstate Ozzy being taken off the list. Considering the above and other editors pointing out Ozzy being on the list, I think it's fair to consider him as not being a one-hit. Thanks for the response, Sparkle and Fade ^talk_edits 23:46, 18 December 2024 (UTC)

References

I hope you all had a wonderful and Merry Christmas!

I hope that everyone is resting easy from yesterday. I hope you all had a wonderful holiday!

~ Alex :) Ya Boy Alex! (talk) 18:43, 26 December 2024 (UTC)

Should The Archies really be on here?

I don't think the Archies qualify as one-hit wonders; besides Sugar Sugar they have also had Billboard hits with Bang-Shang-A-Lang, Jingle Jangle and Who's Your Baby? 2600:1700:18C0:14C0:A54A:F70D:CA54:F0FF (talk) 03:56, 28 December 2024 (UTC)

Probably. Definitely the most known Archies song, though there is still some debate over the One-Hit Wonder status. Ya Boy Alex! (talk) 19:02, 29 December 2024 (UTC)

Watchmojo

@DanTheMusicMan2 Hey, thanks for the source addition to Gayle. Though I did want to ask, should a Watchmojo source be included? Because they are based in Canada, and the Gayle entry (on Watchmojo) doesn't mention Billboard (or any sign that it comes from an American perspective).

Thanks ~ Alex :) Ya Boy Alex! (talk) 18:16, 8 January 2025 (UTC)

maybe not i had to google watchmojo had no idea they are Canadian based and not US. DanTheMusicMan2 (talk) 16:13, 9 January 2025 (UTC)

Source issue

https://www.musicindustryhowto.com/one-hit-wonders-of-the-90s/

1. Does not state a definition for "hot". 2. Dubious at best. Includes Oasis, among others. Is one of the two sources cited to include Eve 6 on this list, despite the band having two Top 40 hits. Lennix (talk) 22:01, 4 February 2025 (UTC)

The bar is far lower than you think. To address the question about Eve 6, the Wiki list does not base itself off of Billboard. We let media decide. Secondly to address the question about Oasis, the site is based in the states, hence why Oasis is present on the list despite their far greater success in their native UK. Ya Boy Alex! (talk) 19:28, 5 February 2025 (UTC)

Mental Itch

I don't have a particular interest in editing this article further if even a cleanup tag is going to be reverted, but I had a look into Mental Itch, the source of a decent number of the listings on this article, and from a quick google you can find advertising that shows pretty clearly it's a clickfarm. They have no discernable area of coverage and even have an "article" on what to write in a paid post one of many examples of listings advertising clicks etc. mentioning the url specifically [1] [2] [3] [4]. Cheers Transgenderoriole (talk) 20:09, 20 March 2025 (UTC)

Songs which reached number 41 on the hot 100

Groovy train by the farm reached number 41 in 1991

soulsister the way to your heart also reached number 41 in 1989

are those one hit wonders ? 37.201.213.209 (talk) 09:47, 11 May 2025 (UTC)

Flavor of the Weak by American Hi-Fi also reached #41. Ya Boy Alex! (talk) 17:16, 11 May 2025 (UTC)

• Robbie Nevil had five top 40 hits on the billboard hot 100

From 1986 to 1992 he had 5 top 40 hits and at least 2 top 10 hits how he can be a one hit wonder ? 37.201.213.209 (talk) 09:54, 11 May 2025 (UTC)

• Dead or alive no one hit wonder in the USA because of two top 20 hits

They had another top 20 hit with brand new lover on the official billboard hot 100 not on worthless side charts 37.201.213.209 (talk) 09:56, 11 May 2025 (UTC)

None of this is relevant because the inclusion criteria of this page is not directly dependent on statistics. Rather, it is based on the media making the statement that the artist is a one-hit wonder. Binksternet (talk) 12:46, 11 May 2025 (UTC)

Strange List

Not good list 2A02:8071:67C1:5320:FC5F:815C:785A:6CFD (talk) 03:46, 15 May 2025 (UTC)

Is Bastille a one-hit wonder?

Bastille is listed as a one-hit wonder for "Pompeii" (peaked at number five in the United States) even though "Happier" peaked higher in the United State (at number two). I therefore was going to remove Bastille from the list—but then I noticed that one of the citations for "Pompeii" is from almost six months after "Happier" peaked. Does this mean that Bastille is still considered a one-hit wonder, or should we remove "Pompeii"? Care to differ or discuss with me? The N^th User 15:35, 29 May 2025 (UTC)

Looking for Love

That’s not a one hit wonder. Johnny Lee had multiple hits in the 70’s and early 80’s that 2601:58B:4480:7D80:C468:9727:B811:F08E (talk) 01:07, 30 May 2025 (UTC)

Far East Movement Should Not Be Here

"Fly Like a G6" peaked at No. 1 on the Hot 100 and their follow up, "Rocketeer" peaked at 7 on the same chart. 2601:700:4180:2D0:ED56:64C0:B8F2:39B1 (talk) 13:34, 31 May 2025 (UTC)

The inclusion criteria at this page is not chart-based. Instead it is based on media impressions of the song and the artist. Binksternet (talk) 13:54, 31 May 2025 (UTC)