Hello everyone. This week, we present another special 80s Countdown, similar to the previous two columns that celebrated unique Cyndi Lauper and the songwriting legend Diane Warren.
This week, we delve into the realm of one-hit wonders. This topic is intriguing because a one-hit wonder can be defined in various ways, depending on whom you ask. Some may argue that the number of charted hits an artist has is irrelevant, and what truly matters is whether the artist has one song that is universally recognized.
My definition is different: I consider an artist a one-hit if they had only one reach the Top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100. Therefore, you will not find the following songs on my list: “Take on Me” by A-ha, “Life in a Northern Town” by The Dream Academy, “Never Gonna Give You Up” by Rick Astley, “Safety Dance” by Men Without Hats.
As Casey Kasem used to say, “Now with the countdown”.
Let’s dive into all things One Hit wonders! I am excited to share with you my favorites, so on we go!
#5 Baltimora was a group?
THE SONG AND ARTIST: “Tarzan Boy” by Baltimora
When I found out (many years ago) that this song is sung by a group, it blew my mind to say the least. What I found fascinating, is this song features a melodic motif that was later named “millennial whoop.” The frontman of the band was Jimmy McShane. The song topped the France charts at #1 for 5 weeks, but here in the USA it peaked at #13 according to Billboard.
I like this song a lot because it is fun to sing and dance to. How can you not like the Tarzan cry!
#4 Turn up the Dolby sound!
THE SONG AND ARTIST: “She Blinded Me With Science” by Thomas Dolby.
This is such a fun song, but most 80s songs are! I just love when Dolby yells, “SCIENCE!” throughout the song. This was a huge smash, peaking at #3, and was released in the amazing year of music that was 1983. The song is based on a British scientist, Magnus Pyke.
Fun Fact: The song was used as the theme song for The Big Bang Theory before it was replaced by the show’s permanent theme.
#3 Only one night where?
THE SONG AND ARTIST: “One Night in Bangkok” by Murray Head.
Before I write about this song, I want to send my thoughts, prayers, and condolences to the country of Thailand and all those impacted by the earthquake that destroyed so many lives and buildings.
This song is from the movie Chess and was a huge top 40 hit by peaking at #3. He sings: “Whattaya mean?
You’ve seen one crowded, polluted, stinking town.” Too many times, the lyrics seem cheesy but is very fun to sing to. I wonder if anyone has ever sung this at karaoke.
Fun Facts: “One Night in Bangkok” hit #1 in 10 different countries. This song is about the Thai capital city and its nightlife.
Fun Fact: The group named themselves after a Vulcan elder of the same name in the Star Trek series.
#2 A ton of Heart
THE SONG AND ARTIST: “Heart and Soul”, by T’Pau.
Released in 1987, this is one of my favorite songs of that year. The song peaked at #4 and was a huge video on MTV. The song is about when lead singer, Carol Decker went on holiday with her parents and her co-writer Ron could not. The rap segment in the song was suggested by the producer, who felt there were gaps and noises, and decided to add words to fill them. Carol has an amazing voice and if you have not heard the song, I encourage you to add it to your musical device/collection.
#1 Here are the hints:
Why clues? Without them, it would be no fun. This is super easy, but let’s see how you do. The singer of the song is a cheerleader. She has a last name an herb. The song hit #1 in December of 1982.
“Mickey”
If you guessed “Mickey” by Toni Basil you are correct!
This song is so fun! Even though I have talked about this song before, I wanted to inform you all that this is my favorite one-hit wonder of the 1980s! You blow my mind, hey Mickey. I have to share something funny. I looked up the list of the biggest one-hit wonders and one article indicated that the song is called “Hey Mickey”. Not on my watch will I allow music discrepancies. Check out the video below.
In the comments, let me know your favorite one-hit wonder, I won’t judge you.
Until the next record spins
Thanks for learning and reading about one-hit wonders. I will be back next week to chat on a countdown from Sirius XM and it will be all about 1986.
In the meantime, let me know what you think of this and ideas for a topic! And if you are on Twitter/X, be sure to join our live tweets every Friday night at 9pm Eastern/6pm Pacific using the hashtag #80sCountdown to be part of the fun!
Nick
