Many people regard the 1980s as the best musical decade. For starters, iconic rock and pop musicians started making major leeway throughout this decade. It was during the 1980s that Michael Jackson’s rise as the King of Pop happened. The moonwalk excited fans everywhere, and Prince took the reins as an MTV musical icon. Furthermore, several musicians and bands, like Journey and Foreigner, took Rock to a new level. Also, came an abundance of one-hit wonders from the ’80s.
Additionally, the 1980s were riddled with rioting and social injustices. However, music provided an optimistic and uplifting sense amid social upheaval. Another reason rock and pop music took off during the 1980s was because of MTV and the creation and access of music videos. These added a fun spin for those who thrived on listening to music daily. With this tremendous musical decade came plenty of amazing one-hit wonders.
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines a one-hit wonder as “a musical group that has achieved recognition based on only one widely popular song.” Numerous genres in the 1980s produced fantastic songs that are still popular today. Musical icons like Prince, Madonna, and Michael Jackson paved the way for musical exploration and unique sound to take root. Among the list of great songs are several one-hit wonders from the ’80s that still get stuck in your head today.
To create a list of one-hit wonders from the ’80s, 24/7 Tempo consulted multiple entertainment websites, including SiriusXM, Top 40 Charts, and Billboard. Take a trip back to one of the greatest musical decades and relive these top one-hit wonders from the ’80s. (After this article, take a look at our list of one-hit wonders from the ’90s you can’t get out of your head.)
“Mickey”
- Artist: Toni Basil
- Year: 1982
In 1982, 39-year-old Toni Basil gifted us the catchy “Hey Mickey, you’re so fine” tune. To top off the boldness of this song, she dressed as a cheerleader during her music video, which was entertaining and intriguing (I mean, she’s 39!). This hit was the only one of her songs to make it to the charts, and today, it remains a catchy tune that is hard not to sing along to when it comes across the radio.
“Come On Eileen”
- Artist: Dexys Midnight Runners
- Year:1984
The upbeat tune of “Come on Eileen” was instantly successful when released in 1982. One of the reasons for its success was the use of unusual instruments that were rare for pop songs during that time. These included the fiddle, saxophone, banjo, and accordion. Now, when “Come on Eileen” comes on the radio, its musical boldness pulls us in.
“Whip It”
LOS ANGELES - SEPTEMBER 21: (L-R) Gerald Casale, Bob Casale, Mark Mothersbaugh, Alan Myers and Bob Mothersbaugh of the new wave punk music group Devo pose for a portrait on September 21, 1980 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ron Wolfson/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
- Artist: Devo
- Year: 1980
The band “Devo” was a favorite during the late 1970s. Their premise was funny and strange, making them very intriguing to listeners. Their hit “Whip It” became a success because of their catchy music, talent, and the weirdness they were willing to put into their music video.
“Walking on Sunshine”
- Artist: Katrina and the Waves
- Year: 1983
“Walking on Sunshine” is still a lively, upbeat song used in television shows and movies, and it is a hit that most people know. The cheerful and fast pace of the song is instantly uplifting and fun. This meant that “Walking on Sunshine” was played over and over during the decade of the 1980s, permeating its place within society still today.
“Tainted Love”
- Artist: Soft Cell
- Year: 1981
Soft Cell released their “Tainted Love” cover in 1981. However, the song was originally sung by Gloria Jones in 1965. The conflicting message and captivating music resonate with the listener. After climbing to number one on the top charts, “Tainted Love” held the spot for two weeks.
“Somebody’s Watching Me”
- Artist: Rockwell
- Year: 1984
“Somebody’s Watching Me” encompasses funk-pop and a little bit of suspension that makes it catchy and popular. Its creepy vibe makes it fun to play, especially around Halloween. “Somebody’s Watching Me” climbed to the top sixth spot in 1984. Michael Jackson and his brother Jermaine also lent their incredible voices to this one-hit wonder.
“You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)”
- Artist: Dead or Alive
- Year: 1985
In 1998, Adam Sandler epically gave us his version of “You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)” in “The Wedding Singer.” However, before this, Dead or Alive released this hit in 1984 and it climbed to the top over 17 weeks. There have been several re-recordings and mashups of “You Spin Me Round (Like a Record) over the years, including Dannii Minogue’s 2002 song “I Begin to Wonder” and Flo Rida’s “Right Round” (featuring Ke$ha).
“Take On Me”
- Artist: A-ha
- Year: 1985
The Norwegian band A-ha was part of the NewWave and synthpop genre. In 1984, they released the song “Take on Me.” However, it didn’t sell well at first. It wasn’t until after they released the music video that it became a hit.
“Funkytown”
- Artist: Lipps Inc.
- Year: 1980
In 1980, “Funkytown” reached the number two spot on the R&B charts and the number one on the pop charts. Interestingly, Lipps Inc. was first a “one-man band,” with Steven Greenberg playing most of the instruments, writing the songs, and producing the records. However, when he wrote the song “Funkytown” (out of boredom), he knew he needed more vocals. Enter Cynthia Johnson. With her vocals, “Funkytown” climbed the charts and became a one-hit wonder.
“Love Shack”
- Artist: The B-52s
- Year: 1989
“Love Shack” is a catchy party song that can be heard wherever there is a dance floor. The theme of the song? A place where you can go to be free, sexy, fun, and together. “Love Shack” was number three on the top 40 list and stayed there for 27 weeks. If you are wondering what the hidden meaning behind the epic line “tin roof rusted” is, there is none. It literally only means a cabin with a tin roof.
“Don’t Worry, Be Happy”
- Artist: Bobby McFerrin
- Year: 1988
One of the many one-hit wonders from the ’80s is this catchy tune. “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” has long been a mantra that begs a person to chill and be happy. With its soft music and direct lyrics, it’s hard not to sing this tune when you hear it being played. In 1988, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” reached the number one spot and stayed there for two weeks. This tune puts life in perspective and reminds one that worrying doesn’t do you any good.
“(I Just) Died in Your Arms”
- Artist: Cutting Crew
- Year: 1986
After its release in 1986, the song “(I Just) Died in Your Arms” stayed on the charts for 19 weeks, peaking at number one for two weeks. Nick Van Eede, the lead singer, said he wrote the song about his daughter’s mother when they spent a night together after separating for a year. During their time together, he was left wondering, “Should I be doing this?” He was inspired to write the lyrics the following day, and the demo was recorded three days later.
“99 Luftballons (99 Red Ballons)”
- Artist: Nena
- Year: 1983
Gabriele Susanne Kerner, whose stage name was Nena, recorded the German version of “99 Luftballons” in 1983. In 1984, she re-recorded it in English (99 Red Ballons.) The premise of the song is about the Cold War. Her keyboardist, Karges, had the idea after a concert when he saw the band release balloons, and one went over the Berlin Wall. He stated he imagined it setting off the radar as an unidentified object.
“I Ran (So Far Away)”
- Artist: A Flock of Seagulls
- Year: 1982
Who knew a song (and an album) about an alien abduction would become such a hit? “I Ran (So Far Away)” is about a man who falls for an alluring woman, but he runs away. However, that doesn’t matter because they are then abducted by aliens. “I Ran (So Far Away)” stayed on the Top 40 Charts for 22 weeks, peaking at number nine.
“Tarzan Boy”
- Artist: Baltimora
- Year: 1985
Although the song consists of a simple jungle cry, “Tarzan Boy” was an international success. The band Baltimora was an Italian disco/New Wave band and the fun song was a simple cry to live a life you enjoy to the max and worry less.
“The Safety Dance”
- Artist: Men Without Hats
- Year: 1982
In 1982, “The Safety Dance” stayed on the Top 40 Charts for 24 weeks, peaking at number three. A common theme in 1980s music was anti-authority. Men Without Hats subscribed to this belief, and it was apparent in their song “The Safety Dance.” Stefan Doroschuk, the band’s guitarist, stated that the song’s meaning was about not conforming and the ability to do things on our own.
“Take My Breath Away”
- Artist: Berlin
- Year: 1986
In the 1980s, the power ballad “Take My Breath Away” was written for the movie “Top Gun” and performed by Berlin. With the movie’s success, this song became an instant hit. “Take My Breath Away” hit number one in September 1986 and stayed in that position for one week.
“It’s Raining Men”
- Artist: The Weather Girls
- Year: 1982
Another one of the best one-hit wonders from the ’80s is The Weather Girls’ song “It’s Raining Men.” It stayed on the Billboard charts for 11 weeks, peaking at 46 in 1983. The liberating song is about a downpour of attractive men. While this gave The Weather Girls instant success, it was originally written for Donna Summer. However, when she heard it for the first time, she instantly hated it because she had recently become a born-again Christian. Therefore, she turned it down, which was great for The Weather Girls.
“Party All the Time”
- Artist: Eddie Murphy
- Year: 1985
Those who only know Eddie Murphy as a successful actor may be surprised to learn he also has three studio albums. In 1985, he became a one-hit wonder with “Party All the Time.” His hit stayed on the top charts for 22 weeks, peaking at number 2. Murphy’s catchy song about a woman who loves to party and stay out all night (despite being in a relationship) is one everyone should listen to at least once.
“Our House”
- Artist: Madness
- Year: 1982
“Our House” is a song about an idyllic childhood and reminiscing about family. In 1983, the song topped number seven on the charts and stayed in the top 10 for four weeks. However, intertwined throughout the song is an underlying message that childhood moves too quickly, and eventually, you must move past it. Additionally, the music is upbeat and funky, making it a catchy song to listen to when you need a simple pump-me-up. (Next, read our list of country music one-hit wonders.)