Despite primarily being remembered for having a single hit, one hit wonders can have such an outstanding impact in the music industry, tasting commercial success once in their careers and leaving their marks on fanbases across the globe. The '80s was a memorable decade for the plethora of one hit wonders bursting onto the music scene, capturing the hearts of listeners then and now. Recapping some of the highlights the decade produced, here are our favorites for Pop One Hit Wonders of the '80s.
1. "Come On Eileen" - Dexys Midnight Runners
A one hit wonder in the US, Dexys Midnight Runners' "Come On Eileen" is a classic '80s hit for the ages. The track was released in the UK in 1982 and 1983 in the US, reaching number one on the charts in both countries. It's a memorable mix of genres, blending elements of new wave, Celtic folk, pop, and pop-rock to create the unforgettable track we know and love today.
2. "Your Love" - The Outfield
Best remembered for this hit single, The Outfield's "Your Love" was a huge commercial success for the English band. The track was released in 1986 and is from their debut studio album, Play Deep. "Your Love" is an addictive mix of pop rock, new wave, and power pop, making it no wonder how the track reached number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number seven on the Album Rock Tracks chart upon its release.
3. "Tainted Love" - Soft Cell
Despite their success in the UK, Soft Cell is best known for their version of "Tainted Love" in the US, making them a one hit wonder here. The track was originally recorded by Gloria Jones in 1964, later being catapulted into worldwide fame after being covered and reimagined by Soft Cell in 1981. Breathing new life into the original soul/pop single, Soft Cell's "Tainted Love" is a fun mix of synth-pop and new wave that created the iconic sound pop enthusiasts still love in 2025.
4. "I Melt With You" - Modern English
Their most successful single, Modern English's "I Melt With You" is next on our list of one hit wonders. The track was released as the second single from their 1982 album, After the Snow, becoming a huge hit in the US. "I Melt With You" reached number seven on the Billboard's Mainstream rock chart in 1983 and later charted in 1990 on the Billboard Hot 100 at number 76. Adding to its success, the new wave track was featured in the film Valley Girl and on MTV.
5. "Somebody's Watching Me" - Rockwell
Released in 1983, "Somebody's Watching Me" is a song written and recorded by American singer Rockwell. The track is an addictive blend of synth-funk, new wave, synth-pop, and R&B, featuring guest vocals by Michael Jackson, Randy Jackson, and Jermaine Jackson. "Somebody's Watching Me" was a huge commercial success for Rockwell, topping charts internationally and reaching the top 5 in countries like Canada, West Germany, and the US.
6. "Funkytown" - Lipps, Inc.
Quickly becoming the group's signature song, "Funkytown" by Lipps, Inc. was a huge commercial success for the disco-funk band, topping charts in several countries. The track was released in 1980, featuring an eclectic mix of genres like Minneapolis sound, disco, funk, synth-pop, and dance-pop. Leaving a lasting legacy, "Funkytown" has since been featured in films like Shrek 2 and Alvin and the Chipmunks, as well as shows like Malcolm in the Middle.
7. "(I Just) Died in Your Arms" - Cutting Crew
Serving as the group's debut single, "(I Just) Died in Your Arms" by Cutting Crew was released in 1986 ahead of their debut album, Broadcast. The track is their biggest hit, peaking at number one in several countries including the US, Canada, Norway, and Finland. It also reached the top 5 internationally, charting in countries like Germany, Ireland, and the UK. Though Cutting Crew is a one hit wonder in the US, they had one more hit in the UK called "I've Been in Love Before."
8. "Break My Stride" - Matthew Wilder
Released as the lead single from his debut album, I Don't Speak the Language, "Break My Stride" became a major worldwide hit for Matthew Wilder upon its release. The track reached number five on the Billboard Hot 100 and number two on the Cash Box Top 100, becoming a huge commercial success for Wilder. Capturing the attention of many artists, "Break My Stride" has been covered by the likes of Unique II and Blue Lagoon and has been interpolated into tracks like Puff Daddy's "Can't Nobody Hold Me Down" and Aaron Carter's "Stride (Jump on the Fizzy)."
9. "Catch Me (I'm Falling)" - Pretty Poison
Featured on the group's debut album, "Catch Me (I'm Falling)" by Pretty Poison is a freestyle/dance-pop hit from 1987. The track features a sample of the bass from René & Angela's "I'll Be Good," a popular hit from 1985. "Catch Me (I'm Falling)" was featured in the film Hiding Out and has been Pretty Poison's biggest hit single to date. It peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play and charted in the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100.
10. "I Want Candy" - Bow Wow Wow
Though Bow Wow Wow have had other hits outside of the US, the group is typically considered a one hit wonder with their quintessential '80s track "I Want Candy." The track was originally written and recorded by the Strangeloves in 1965, later reimagined by Bow Wow Wow in 1982 into a mix of new wave and bubblegum pop. "I Want Candy" was a commercial success for Bow Wow Wow and was a top 10 hit in the UK, later becoming a new wave classic.
Do you have any favorite '80s one hit wonders? Did you hear any you liked in this list? Let us know on our socials!
Written By Cheyenne Johnson
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