The Most Popular One-hit Wonder, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the one-hit wonder you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 7, 2024 06:45
Music has a way of capturing moments in time, often carried by the tunes of one-hit wonders that blaze brightly but briefly across the cultural landscape. These artists deliver a standout hit that, despite their brief chart-topping fame, leaves a lasting impression on listeners. This makes ranking them both a challenge and a point of curiosity, as everyone has a different tune that takes them back to a specific moment in their lives.
By participating in this ranking, users contribute to a collective memory bank of musical gems that have shaped diverse soundtracks for various periods in our lives. Each vote helps to pinpoint which of these songs have resonated the most widely, creating a live snapshot of collective preference and nostalgic value. This in turn not only enriches the appreciation of these unique contributions but also offers an engaging way for people to connect over shared musical milestones.
What Is the Most Popular One-hit Wonder?
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168votes
BMG / RCA / Zafiro S.A. · Public domain"Macarena" by Los Del Rio
Los Del RioThis Spanish dance song became a global phenomenon in the mid-1990s, topping charts in over a dozen countries. Its catchy chorus and simple dance moves made it a staple at parties and weddings.The Macarena is a highly infectious dance track that gained immense popularity in the mid-1990s. The song was performed by the Spanish duo Los Del Rio, consisting of Antonio Romero and Rafael Ruiz. It became a worldwide sensation and a cultural phenomenon, resulting in an iconic dance craze.- Genre: Latin pop
- Language: Spanish
- Released: August 15, 1995
- Length: 3:53
- Label: BMG U.S. Latin
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235votesOriginally a b-side to a lesser-known song, this synth-pop cover of a soul song from the 1960s became a hit in the early 1980s. Its memorable hook and moody atmosphere made it a classic of the era."Tainted Love" by Soft Cell in other rankings
- Position 4 of 10 in Most popular cover song
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315votes
"Take On Me" by A-ha
A-haThis Norwegian band's 1985 hit combined catchy pop hooks with an innovative music video that blended live action and animation. Its memorable chorus and falsetto vocals made it an instant classic.The song 'Take On Me' is a synth-pop track by the Norwegian band A-ha. It was released in 1985 as a lead single from their debut album 'Hunting High and Low'. The song gained worldwide popularity due to its catchy melody and innovative music video.- Cover Versions: Many artists have covered the song over the years
- Release Date: 1985
- Genre: Synth-pop
- Album: Hunting High and Low
- Chart Performance: Reached number one in several countries
"Take On Me" by A-ha in other rankings- Position 3 of 10 in Most popular Fortnite song
- Position 7 of 10 in Most popular Norwegian song
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418votes
"Who Let the Dogs Out?" by Baha Men
Baha MenThis upbeat party song became a smash hit in 2000, thanks to its catchy chorus and humorous lyrics. It has since become a staple at sporting events and dance parties.Who Let the Dogs Out? is a catchy and energetic song by Baha Men that became a massive hit in the early 2000s. It is known for its infectious chorus and playful lyrics, making it a popular party anthem and sports stadium chant.- Genre: Dance-pop
- Release Date: July 26, 2000
- Album: Who Let the Dogs Out
- Length: 3:17
- Label: S-Curve
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513votesThis German singer's 1999 hit sampled a classic mambo song and added his own rap verses. Its upbeat tempo and catchy chorus made it a hit around the world.Mambo No. 5 (A Little Bit of...) is a catchy dance-pop song by Lou Bega. It was released in 1999 and quickly became a worldwide hit, reaching number one in multiple countries. The song features a lively mix of Mambo and Latin influences combined with modern pop sounds, accompanied by Bega's charismatic vocals. Mambo No. 5 showcases a fun and playful vibe, with catchy lyrics that mention various female names. The song's irresistible rhythm and infectious chorus made it a party anthem and a staple in dance clubs and music playlists internationally.
- Release Year: 1999
- Genre: Dance-pop
- Influences: Mambo, Latin
- Chart Performance: Number one in multiple countries
- Lyrics: Catchy and mention various female names
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65votes
"Come On Eileen" by Dexys Midnight Runners
Dexys Midnight RunnersThis 1982 hit combined elements of Celtic folk music with pop and rock to create a unique sound. Its catchy chorus and energetic fiddle solo made it a classic of the era.Come On Eileen is a popular one-hit wonder song released by Dexys Midnight Runners in 1982. It is a mix of pop, rock, and Celtic folk influences, known for its catchy melody and lyrical storytelling. The song is characterized by its energetic tempo, bouncy rhythm, and the dynamic vocals of lead singer Kevin Rowland. Come On Eileen became a massive hit worldwide, reaching number one on the charts in various countries.- Genre: Pop, rock, Celtic folk
- Release Year: 1982
- Chart Performance: Reached number one in multiple countries
- Lead Singer: Kevin Rowland
- Tempo: Energetic
"Come On Eileen" by Dexys Midnight Runners in other rankings- Position 7 of 10 in Most underrated song
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711votesThis German song about nuclear war became a global hit in 1983, thanks to its catchy chorus and memorable music video. It has since become a classic of the era.99 Luftballons is a song by German pop rock band Nena. It was released in 1983 and quickly became a global hit, reaching number one on the charts in several countries. The song tells the story of 99 red balloons floating in the sky, triggering a misinterpreted military response and causing a war. It was the band's biggest success and is often referred to as one of the most iconic songs of the 80s.
- Release Year: 1983
- Chart Performance: Number one in multiple countries
- Genre: Pop rock
- Language: German
- Lyrics: Tells the story of 99 red balloons triggering a war
"99 Luftballons" by Nena in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most successful German song
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814votesThis 1979 hit was the first music video ever played on MTV, and its synth-pop sound and catchy chorus made it a hit around the world. It has since become a classic of the era.
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90votesThis 1982 hit combined synth-pop with medieval imagery to create a unique sound. Its catchy chorus and humorous lyrics made it a classic of the era.
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108votesThis 1997 hit was a tongue-in-cheek tribute to the iconic doll, with catchy pop hooks and humorous lyrics. It became a global hit and has since become a cult classic.
Missing your favorite one-hit wonder?
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Discussion
Ranking factors for popular one-hit wonder
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Chart performanceEvaluate how well the song performed on music charts like Billboard Hot 100 or a similar national chart, including peak position and weeks in the top 10 or top 40.
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Sales and certificationsConsider the total sales and various certifications (like Gold, Platinum) that the song received in different countries.
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Popularity on digital and streaming platformsEvaluate the song's performance on digital and streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube, including total streams or views, peak positions in playlists, and ongoing popularity.
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Popularity during its peakAssess the song's cultural impact and popularity during its peak. This could include its presence on TV, movies, commercials, or radio airplay.
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LongevityConsider how well the song has retained its popularity over the years. Is it still played often or enjoyed by listeners despite the passage of time?
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Reception and critical acclaimTake into account positive reviews or accolades from music critics and industry awards the song may have received.
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Cultural impactAssess the song's influence on popular culture, such as its contribution to Internet memes, catchphrases, or the formation of a subculture.
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Lack of subsequent hitsConfirm that the artist indeed did not have any other significant hit songs that garnered similar commercial success or popularity.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular one-hit wonder. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or one-hit wonder is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1864 views
- 189 votes
- 10 ranked items
Movers & Shakers
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each one-hit wonder once every 24 hours. The rank of each one-hit wonder is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular one-hit wonder
One-hit wonders are songs that become incredibly popular for a short period of time, but are never followed up by another successful hit from the same artist. They are a fascinating phenomenon in the music industry, capturing the attention and hearts of listeners for a brief moment before fading into obscurity. Some one-hit wonders have become cultural touchstones, while others are forgotten almost as soon as they arrive. With so many amazing one-hit wonders out there, it can be difficult to determine which one is the most popular. At StrawPoll, we've conducted a survey to find out which one-hit wonder takes the crown as the most beloved and enduring of them all.
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