Four supposed one-hit wonders from the 1980s whose catalog runs deep

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As a child of the 80s, I can wholeheartedly say that VH1’s list of one-hit wonders from the decade is a complete farce! Growing up with cassette tapes and MTV, I was well-versed in the music of A-ha, A Flock of Seagulls, Madness, and Dexy’s Midnight Runners.

The 1980s were a blast! The music during that time, particularly at the beginning of the decade, was lively, wild, and rebellious. It wasn’t until record labels started pushing for us to listen to overly sweet pop music that things took a turn for the worse.

During the past ten years, there was an abundance of artists who had just one hit song. However, the groups listed here are not limited to producing only one successful track; VH1 believes this to be the case. Or, according to a playlist compiled by VH1 some time ago, they hold this opinion.

Although the list dates back to the end of the 1980s, it’s been two decades since then, providing ample time for reflection. However, it seems that even VH1 made a few errors in their selection of bands for this list.

Four “one-hit wonders” from the 1980s that VH1 got completely wrong

A-ha

This Norwegian band became famous for a particular hit song titled “Take On Me”, which significantly outshone all their subsequent works. To make matters worse, this chart-topper was featured in their first album and its accompanying music video was revolutionary. It seems they should have ended their career with a dramatic exit after that song’s success, as it is undeniably popular but arguably not their best track on the debut record.

“The Sun Always Shines on TV” has more depth and is more dangerous. The band’s second album, Scoundrel Days, is home to “Manhattan Skyline” and is far more mature and complex than “Take On Me” and just as good. Other than the United States, the band stayed relevant for quite longer than most know. They were worthy of being so.

A Flock of Seagulls

A Flock of Seagulls may be best known for their song “I Ran (So Far Away),” but they had several other hits as well, even in the US. To find these songs, you might need to look beyond the Billboard Hot 100 chart. For example, “I Ran…” peaked at number three on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart, and so did “Wishing (If I Had a Photograph of You).

It’s possible that the audience simply preferred more tunes with parentheses-titled songs? It might be that the band’s most melancholic and somber album was titled “The Story of a Young Heart“. This record contained some very gloomy and dismal tracks, but they really hit home if you’re into the Smiths.

Madness

It appears that VH1’s list leans heavily towards American acts. Labeling Madness as a one-hit wonder is not only misleading but downright inaccurate. “Our House” may have peaked at number seven on the US Billboard chart, but “It Must Be Love” reached number 33. Still, that’s not too bad when you consider that in the UK, the band had an impressive seventeen top-ten hits.

Wow, this group truly excels! They’ve even released a greatest hits album filled with tracks that are all worth listening to. “Our House” is catchy, but perhaps a bit predictable. On the other hand, “Shut Up” and “House of Fun” are equally impressive and undeniably enjoyable. These pioneers of ska have had an immense impact on music in the 1980s, and their extensive catalog’s quality is truly exceptional.

Dexy’s Midnight Runners

If Dexy’s had originated from America instead of the UK, releasing “Come On Eileen” could have been detrimental as it likely would have become a hit. This success might have led to their record label demanding them to produce 20 more similar songs, potentially causing them to lose their contract due to creative stagnation.

In the United Kingdom, it’s worth noting that “Geno,” not “Eileen,” was the band’s initial number one hit song. Surprisingly enough, any music enthusiast should own their debut album titled “ Searching for the Young Soul Rebels“. Despite the fact that most people might assume otherwise, the band’s musical style leaned more towards soul rather than folk as represented in “Eileen.

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2024-10-04 13:00