One-Hit...And Gone
Some musicians burst onto the scene with one unforgettable song—then vanish like they were never there. Whether they retired, changed careers, or simply faded from the spotlight, these artists left us with an earworm and a lot of questions.
Here’s a look at musicians who delivered one massive hit, soaked up their 15 minutes of fame, and then quietly stepped away from the charts. You’ll remember the song—but maybe not what happened next.
Dexys Midnight Runners ("Come on Eileen")
In 1982, British band Dexys Midnight Runners hit No. 1 in the U.S. and the UK with Come on Eileen, a folksy, high-energy track that’s still a karaoke favorite. However, internal tensions and shifting music tastes meant they never landed another major hit stateside. They’ve reunited in various forms over the years, but Come on Eileen remains their defining moment.
Cutting Crew ("(I Just) Died in Your Arms")
This 1986 power ballad topped the U.S. charts and became an ’80s slow-dance staple. Despite a few modest follow-ups, Cutting Crew never recaptured its massive appeal.
Cutting Crew - (I Just) Died In Your Arms (Official Music Video), Cutting Crew Music
Soft Cell ("Tainted Love")
British duo Soft Cell brought their synth-driven cover of Tainted Love to U.S. audiences in 1981, where it became a dance floor staple. Despite success in the UK, they couldn’t land another American hit. They eventually split, reuniting for occasional tours—but Tainted Love remains their signature track.
Soft Cell - Tainted Love (Official Music Video), Soft Cell
Los Del Río ("Macarena")
In 1996, Macarena took over weddings, school dances, and just about every radio station. Spanish duo Los Del Río never intended for the catchy dance tune to become a global sensation, but it topped charts in more than a dozen countries. While they’ve continued performing in Spain, they never managed another international hit—leaving Macarena as their enduring legacy and a guaranteed party starter.
Los Del Rio - Macarena (Bayside Boys Remix) [Official Video / HD] by MyMBS Networks
Natalie Imbruglia ("Torn")
Australian singer Natalie Imbruglia’s Torn dominated the airwaves in 1997, earning her Grammy nominations and worldwide fame. While she’s released several albums since, none matched the commercial success of her debut single. Imbruglia shifted her focus toward acting, modeling, and the occasional music release, but for many, she’ll always be the voice behind that bittersweet late-’90s classic.
Natalie Imbruglia - Torn (Official Video), Natalie Imbruglia
Gotye ("Somebody That I Used to Know")
Gotye’s haunting Somebody That I Used to Know featuring Kimbra was impossible to escape in 2011, topping the Billboard Hot 100 for eight weeks. After winning multiple Grammys, the Belgian-Australian artist stepped away from mainstream pop, preferring to work on experimental music and his other band, The Basics. He’s still active creatively—but he hasn’t chased another chart-topping hit.
Gotye - Somebody That I Used To Know (feat. Kimbra) [Official Music Video], gotyemusic
a-ha ("Take On Me")
Norwegian synth-pop band a-ha stormed the charts in 1985 with Take On Me and its groundbreaking pencil-sketch music video. While they enjoyed ongoing success in Europe, U.S. audiences largely remember them for this single smash. The group has reunited multiple times, but their American fame never recaptured that mid-’80s magic.
a-ha - Take On Me (Official Video) [4K] by a-ha
Semisonic ("Closing Time")
Released in 1998, Closing Time became an anthem for last calls everywhere. Semisonic’s quirky alternative rock resonated with audiences, but the band never reached the same level of commercial success again. Frontman Dan Wilson later found a second career writing hit songs for other artists—like Adele’s Someone Like You—but the band’s own chart run closed with that one big hit.
Semisonic - Closing Time (Official Music Video) by Semisonic
Gerardo ("Rico Suave")
In 1991, Ecuadorian-American rapper Gerardo became a pop culture phenomenon with Rico Suave. The song’s mix of English and Spanish lyrics, plus its cheeky swagger, made him a novelty star overnight. Despite releasing more albums, none matched the success of his debut hit. Gerardo later transitioned into a career as a music executive, helping launch other artists’ careers instead of chasing another single.
Gerardo - "Rico Suave" Live (1991), KlassicThrowbackTV
Crazy Town ("Butterfly")
Crazy Town’s rap-rock single Butterfly climbed to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2001, blending rock riffs with sweetly romantic lyrics. The band’s follow-up album flopped, leading to a breakup soon after. Although they’ve reunited multiple times, they’ve never come close to matching the commercial buzz of their one big hit.
Crazy Town - Butterfly [4K Remastered] by elcoronelGOD
Nena ("99 Luftballons")
German singer Nena’s 99 Luftballons became an anti-war anthem in 1983, climbing charts around the world. Though she enjoyed success in Germany afterward, her international fame was tied almost entirely to that single. Nena has continued performing and recording in her home country, but for most outside Germany, she’ll always be linked to those fateful red balloons.
"99 Luftballons" Nena@Playstation Theater New York 10/4/16 by Rick McGraw
Deep Blue Something ("Breakfast at Tiffany’s")
In 1995, Texas band Deep Blue Something scored a global hit with Breakfast at Tiffany’s, inspired by the Audrey Hepburn film. Despite the song’s enduring popularity, the group struggled with label issues and never delivered another hit of the same magnitude. They’ve since reformed and continue to play small shows, but their big chart moment remains firmly in the ’90s.
Vanilla Ice ("Ice Ice Baby")
In 1990, Ice Ice Baby made Vanilla Ice the first rapper to top the Billboard Hot 100. The catchy bass line (borrowed from Queen and David Bowie’s Under Pressure) turned him into a pop culture figure overnight. But overexposure and backlash quickly cooled his career. He later reinvented himself in reality TV and home renovation, but musically, he never repeated his debut’s success.
Vanilla Ice - Ice Ice Baby (Countdown, 1990) by Countdown
Fountains of Wayne ("Stacy’s Mom")
The cheeky pop-rock single Stacy’s Mom became a radio favorite in 2003 thanks to its catchy hook and tongue-in-cheek lyrics. Despite critical acclaim for their songwriting, Fountains of Wayne couldn’t replicate the hit’s commercial magic. They maintained a loyal fanbase, but for most listeners, they’ll always be linked to that suburban crush anthem.
Fountains Of Wayne - Stacy's Mom (Official Music Video) by FountainsOfWayneVEVO
James Blunt ("You’re Beautiful")
In 2005, You’re Beautiful catapulted British singer James Blunt to international stardom. The ballad topped charts worldwide, but its overplay also led to some backlash. Blunt has continued releasing music and touring successfully, especially in Europe, but he’s never matched the explosive global dominance of that one heartfelt tune.
James Blunt - You're Beautiful (Official Music Video) [4K], James Blunt
The Baha Men ("Who Let the Dogs Out")
In 2000, Who Let the Dogs Out became an inescapable party chant. The Bahamian group even won a Grammy for Best Dance Recording. But despite its enduring pop culture presence, the band never produced another mainstream hit—cementing their legacy as kings of the novelty anthem.
Baha Men - Who Let The Dogs Out (Official Video), Baha Men
Len ("Steal My Sunshine")
Canadian sibling duo Len scored big in 1999 with the summery, feel-good hit Steal My Sunshine. Its laid-back vibe made it a seasonal favorite, but follow-up singles fizzled quickly. They quietly returned to indie music circles, leaving their one big hit to soundtrack endless pool parties.
Len - Steal My Sunshine by POP HD
Toni Basil ("Mickey")
In 1982, Mickey became a cheerleader-chant pop sensation, with Toni Basil’s energetic performance capturing MTV’s early audience. Though Basil had a career as a choreographer and actress, she never had another hit record. Still, Mickey remains one of the most recognizable songs of the ’80s.
Chumbawamba ("Tubthumping")
British anarcho-pop group Chumbawamba surprised everyone in 1997 with Tubthumping—the “I get knocked down” song that turned into a sports and party anthem. While they had a devoted following in the UK, they never achieved another major U.S. hit. They disbanded in 2012, leaving their one-hit wonder firmly in pub-singalong history.
Chumbawamba - Tubthumping (1997) - Official video clip - 4K HD by Un selenien
Eagle-Eye Cherry ("Save Tonight")
Swedish singer Eagle-Eye Cherry scored a worldwide hit in 1997 with Save Tonight, a mellow yet uplifting track perfect for late-night singalongs. Despite a follow-up album, nothing matched the success of his debut single. Cherry still tours and releases music, especially in Europe, but for many fans, Save Tonight is his enduring calling card.
Eagle-Eye Cherry - Save Tonight, Eagle-Eye Cherry
Harold Faltermeyer ("Axel F")
German composer Harold Faltermeyer’s Axel F, the synth-heavy theme from Beverly Hills Cop, was a chart-topping instrumental in 1985. Despite his success as a film composer, he never scored another pop single of that scale. Still, Axel F remains a staple of ’80s nostalgia playlists—and inspired countless remixes, including that viral Crazy Frog version.
Harold Faltermeyer - Axel F (1984) Beverly Hills Cop - Soundtrack, DiscoBar80
Lou Bega ("Mambo No. 5")
In 1999, Mambo No. 5 brought swing-style fun back to the charts with Lou Bega’s charismatic delivery. While he remained a performer in Europe, his global fame was tied almost entirely to that single. Its infectious hook ensures it pops up at parties decades later.
Lou Bega - Mambo No. 5 (A Little Bit of...) by Lou Bega Official
Blind Melon ("No Rain")
The 1993 hit No Rain, with its iconic “bee girl” music video, put alternative band Blind Melon in the spotlight. Tragically, lead singer Shannon Hoon died in 1995, and the band’s momentum faded. While they’ve reunited, No Rain remains their signature song.
Blind Melon - No Rain by Blind Melon
Lipps Inc. ("Funkytown")
In 1980, Funkytown topped charts worldwide with its disco-meets-synth groove. Despite its massive popularity, Lipps Inc. never replicated the hit’s success. The track has since been covered and sampled endlessly, cementing its place in dance music history.
Lipps Inc. - Funkytown (1980), Musikladen
Norman Greenbaum ("Spirit in the Sky")
This 1969 rock-gospel fusion shot to No. 3 in the U.S. and became a defining song of the era. Norman Greenbaum never had another major hit, but Spirit in the Sky found new life through countless movie soundtracks and commercials.
Norman Greenbaum - Spirit In The Sky (1970) by Polydor 1000
The Knack ("My Sharona")
My Sharona took the summer of 1979 by storm, becoming The Knack’s breakout—and only—huge U.S. hit. Though they released other singles, none matched its chart-topping power. Today, the song remains a defining moment in late-’70s rock.
The Knack - My Sharona, TheKnackVEVO
Bobby McFerrin ("Don’t Worry, Be Happy")
In 1988, Bobby McFerrin’s a cappella Don’t Worry, Be Happy became an instant mood booster and a Grammy-winning hit. While McFerrin continued to make jazz and classical music, he never replicated the pop chart magic of this feel-good anthem.
Bobby McFerrin - Don't Worry Be Happy [Remastered In 4K] (Official Music Video) by Enjoy it
Soul Asylum ("Runaway Train")
Runaway Train brought Soul Asylum mainstream attention in 1993, helped by a powerful music video highlighting missing children. While they’ve had a long career, this remains their only true crossover hit.
Soul Asylum - Runaway Train (Official HD Video) by Soul Asylum
Mark Morrison ("Return of the Mack")
In 1996, Return of the Mack became a smooth R&B staple. Despite the track’s enduring popularity, Morrison’s career stalled due to legal troubles, and he never matched the hit’s global reach.
Mark Morrison - Return of the Mack (Official Music Video), Mark Morrison
Sisqó ("Thong Song")
Sisqó’s Thong Song was unavoidable in 2000, with its over-the-top celebration of beachwear making it a pop culture moment. Though he released more music, nothing came close to the chart power of that playful track.
Sisqo - Thong Song (Official Music Video), SisQó
Snow ("Informer")
Canadian reggae artist Snow surprised everyone in 1993 with Informer, a rapid-fire patois hit that topped the Billboard Hot 100. Despite follow-ups, he couldn’t replicate its international success, though the track still pops up in nostalgic playlists.
Snow - Informer (Official Music Video) [4K Remaster] by RHINO
The Vapors ("Turning Japanese")
This 1980 new wave hit, with its catchy riff and quirky lyrics, became The Vapors’ defining track. Though they released more music, Turning Japanese was their only charting single in many countries.
The Vapors - Turning Japanese (TOTP 1980) by Top Of The Pops Redubbed
Faith No More ("Epic")
The 1990 hit Epic brought funk metal to the mainstream and gave Faith No More MTV fame. While they had other successful songs in niche circles, Epic was their one true crossover smash.
Faith No More - Epic (Official Music Video), UPROXX Indie Mixtape
Shawn Mullins ("Lullaby")
In 1998, Lullaby made Shawn Mullins a household name, thanks to its spoken verses and soothing chorus. While he’s continued to release albums, nothing else connected with mainstream audiences like that dreamy single.
Shawn Mullins - Lullaby, ShawnMullinsVEVO
Haddaway ("What Is Love")
This 1993 Eurodance hit gained a second life thanks to Saturday Night Live and the movie A Night at the Roxbury. Haddaway remained a club favorite in Europe, but for most listeners, What Is Love was his only major hit.
Haddaway - What Is Love [Official 4K], CoconutMusicGermany
Merrilee Rush ("Angel of the Morning")
This 1968 ballad became Merrilee Rush’s defining song, earning her Grammy nominations. She recorded more music, but none matched the emotional punch—or chart success—of Angel of the Morning.
Harvey Danger ("Flagpole Sitta")
Released in 1997, Flagpole Sitta became a sarcastic anthem for Gen X angst. Harvey Danger released more albums, but none caught on like their one big hit.
Harvey Danger - Flagpole Sitta (Official Music Video), No Sleep Records
Metro Station ("Shake It")
This 2008 dance-rock single had teens everywhere “shaking it” on MySpace playlists. The band split soon after and never matched the viral energy of their debut hit.
Metro Station - Shake It (Official Video), Metro Station
OMC ("How Bizarre")
New Zealand duo OMC scored a global earworm in 1995 with How Bizarre. The breezy track shot up international charts, but the group couldn’t follow it with another major hit—leaving How Bizarre as their defining moment.
OMC - How Bizarre (Official Music Video), OMC
Daniel Powter ("Bad Day")
In 2005, Bad Day became the sound of every elimination montage and rough Monday. Despite a strong debut, Powter never matched the single’s ubiquity, and his U.S. chart presence faded.
The Rembrandts ("I’ll Be There for You")
Thanks to the Friends television show, I’ll Be There for You became utterly unavoidable in the mid-’90s. The Rembrandts had loyal fans, but no other single came close to the sitcom-fueled success of their signature tune.
The Rembrandts- I'll be there for you (official video), alliemaster93
Wheatus ("Teenage Dirtbag")
Wheatus landed a cult classic in 2000 with Teenage Dirtbag, a pop-punk singalong that’s still a high-school soundtrack staple. Follow-ups underperformed, cementing the track as their calling card.
Wheatus - Teenage Dirtbag (Official Video), WheatusOfficial
Blue Swede ("Hooked on a Feeling")
Blue Swede’s 1974 cover of Hooked on a Feeling (ooga-chaka and all) topped the U.S. charts. They couldn’t repeat the feat, but the song keeps returning via movie soundtracks and nostalgia playlists.
Blue Swede & Björn Skifs - Hooked On A Feeling (Official Video), Warner Music Sweden
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