There’s no doubt that some of the best pop, alternative, and rock songs came out of the 90s. Many of the 1990s hits are still popular today, and if they come on the radio, good luck getting them out of your head.
But when you do hear songs like “MMMBop” or “Closing Time,” you might wonder, “Whatever happened to those bands?” Even though many talented artists released music in the 90s, many were one-hit wonders.
To compile this list of one-hit wonders from the 90s, 24/7 Tempo consulted several major entertainment and lifestyle publications, including Rolling Stone. Here are one-hit wonders from the 90s you can’t get out of your head once you hear them. (Click here to read about the biggest pop hits of the 90’s.)
Natalie Imbruglia – “Torn”
- Released in 1997
If you’re a fan of Natalie Imbruglia’s “Torn,” you might be surprised to find out this song was actually a cover. Even though she didn’t write it, Natalie Imbruglia’s version of “Torn” was her claim to fame. Danish singer Lis Sørensen wrote the original song, but the version sung by LA rock band Ednaswap also led to the song’s popularity. Considering how genuine and passionate Natalie Imbruglia’s cover was, it’s no surprise that many people think hers is the original.
Blind Melon – “No Rain”
Playing and singing at a. hootenany.
- Released in 1993
Along with the unique sound of Blind Melon, the quirky music video made “No Rain” a huge hit. While the vibe from the song seemed like a tribute to music and entertainment from the 1970s, this song quickly became a hit when Blind Melon released it in the early 90s. It’s possible Blind Melon wasn’t a one-hit wonder because they weren’t capable of another hit, but they never had the chance for another hit. Unfortunately, the lead singer of Blind Melon, Shannon Hoon, died of a drug overdose in 1995.
The Verve – “Bitter Sweet Symphony”
- Released in 1997
Even though “Bitter Sweet Symphony” didn’t sound like most of the other music from the 90s, it was a musical masterpiece. But this hit by the English rock band also came with some controversy. The singer of The Verve didn’t receive royalties from “Bitter Sweet Symphony” for 20 years because of a lawsuit from the former manager of The Rolling Stones. It wasn’t until 2019 that The Rolling Stones finally signed over the rights to the rightful owner, the lead singer of The Verve.
Deep Blue Something – “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”
1961: Belgian-born actor Audrey Hepburn (1929 - 1993), as Holly Golightly, holds a cup and a paper bag while looking into one of the window displays at Tiffany's in a still from the film, 'Breakfast at Tiffany's,' directed by Blake Edwards. She wears sunglasses, a little black dress, long gloves and a tiara in her chignon. (Photo by Paramount Pictures/Getty Images)
1961: Belgian-born actor Audrey Hepburn (1929 – 1993), as Holly Golightly, holds a cup and a paper bag while looking into one of the window displays at Tiffany’s in a still from the film, ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s,’ directed by Blake Edwards. She wears sunglasses, a little black dress, long gloves and a tiara in her chignon. (Photo by Paramount Pictures/Getty Images)
- Released in 1993
Deep Blue Something may have disappeared after “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” but if you were around in the 90s, you probably heard this song enough times to get it stuck in your head. Despite its catchy tune, many have strong feelings about “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” and its seemingly dull lyrics. Whether you find any depth in the lyrics or not, it’s still a popular song to this day.
4 Non Blondes – “What’s Up”
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 08: Linda Perry attends MusiCares Person of the Year honoring Dolly Parton at Los Angeles Convention Center on February 8, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
- Released in 1993
Despite the success of “What’s Up,” 4 Non Blondes never released another studio album after their first. Not only was “What’s Up” a catchy song, but the message also hit home for many listeners. The lead singer of 4 Non Blondes, Linda Perry, had a successful career as a producer and composer, even if 4 Non Blondes became a one-hit wonder in 1993.
Semisonic – “Closing Time”
CIRCA 1990: American alternative rock band Semisonic poses. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
- Released in 1998
It was the ultimate bar anthem–and the release of “Closing Time” led to Semisonic’s brief moment of fame in the late 90s. Bizarrely enough, what seemed on the surface to just be a catchy tune about a bar closing ended up having a much deeper meaning. According to the lead singer, the song was also a metaphor for birth. Lead singer Dan Wilson wrote “Closing Time” when his wife was pregnant with their daughter.
Rusted Root – “Send Me On My Way”
- Released in 1994
Making an appearance in both “Matilda” and “Ice Age,” “Send Me On My Way” by Rusted Root is still a popular jam for many people. Unlike some other one hit wonders, this song wasn’t an immediate hit, although it did reach number 72 on the Billboard Hot 100 list. The peppy, catchy lyrics did make it a hit later and it’s still a popular song today.
Hanson – “MMM Bop”
- Released in 1997
“MMMBop” by Hanson is proof that the lyrics of a song don’t have to be complicated for it to become a hit. Hanson released this song in 1997, and it’s hard to feel any negative emotions when you hear this positive, catchy song. “MMMBop” reached the number one spot in numerous countries and was nominated for two Grammy awards, making it one of the greatest one hit wonders of the 1990s. At the time of the song’s release, the band members and brothers that made up Hanson were only 16, 14, and 11 years old.
Los Del Rio – “Macarena”
- Released in 1993
Los Del Rio released the original “Macarena” in 1993, but it wasn’t until the Bayside Boys Remix that this song became a hit. This remix of the song included English lyrics, and the Bayside Boys released it in 1995. This pop one-hit wonder soon became the go-to song at every school dance, event, and wedding. Despite being a hit in the 90s, playing the “Macarena” is still a sure way to get people on the dance floor.
Chumbawamba -“Tubthumping”
FRANCE - JANUARY 01: MIDEM Photo of CHUMBAWAMBA (Photo by David Redfern/Redferns)
- Released in 1997
It may have been a hit over 20 years ago, but “Tubthumping” is still the anthem for anyone who feels like life keeps kicking them around. The simple lyrics and encouraging words in “Tubthumping” made it a huge hit. While it does have a fun, catchy chorus, “Tubthumping” also shares a universal message. On the 25th anniversary of the “Tubthumping” release, the lead singer expressed how they were grateful for the opportunity to share their music with the world, and they didn’t mind being a one-hit wonder.
OMC – “How Bizarre”
- Released in 1996
Even if you were around when “How Bizarre” originally hit the top of the charts, you may not remember any words in the song except those two. But the combination of the chorus and the background vocals made it a catchy song everyone wanted to listen to. Two words in the song area all it took for “How Bizarre” to become a hit, making OMC a one hit wonder.
Haddaway – “What Is Love”
- Released in 1993
Although “What Is Love” was one of the biggest hits to come out of the 90s, many associate it with Will Ferrell instead of Haddaway. This international hit made the top of every hit list in numerous countries, but many people remember it from “A Night at the Roxbury,” which was based on a long-running “Saturday Night Live” skit. Naturally, you may feel like bobbing your head every time you hear the song, but no matter where you first heard “What Is Love,” it’s definitely an earworm.