It was an interesting time for musicians as most people started to stream music more than they bought albums. Even though the music industry was changing, plenty of great music was released during the 2010s. Many of the greatest hits released between 2010 and 2019 came from one-hit wonders we never heard from again.
To create a list of the most successful one-hit wonders from the 2010s, 24/7 Tempo consulted expert entertainment sources such as Billboard and Rolling Stone. Here are some of the biggest one-hit wonders from the 2010s you can’t get out of your head.
Portugal The Man, “Feel It Still”
- Released in 2017
When it comes to rock one-hit wonders from the 2010s, “Feel It Still” is one of the best. The perfect mix between a rock and funk hit, this song appeared on numerous charts, including the Billboard Hot 100. It even landed at the top of the Top TV Commercials and Alternative Songs list.
Gotye, “Somebody That I Used To Know”
- Released in 2011
Assuming you weren’t living under a rock in the early 2010s, you’re familiar with Gotye’s song “Somebody That I Used to Know,” featuring Kimbra. But unless you’re a hardcore Gotye fan, you probably can’t think of any other songs by the artist. Although this song was a global hit, winning two Grammys and Record of the Year, Gotye was certainly a one-hit wonder.
Carly Rae Jepsen, “Call Me Maybe”
- Released in 2012
Known for its painfully catchy chorus, there’s no doubt “Call Me Maybe” is one of the top pop one-hit wonders from the 2010s. Jepson’s pop hit, which was originally a folk song, hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 2012. Even though Carly Rae Jepsen did go on to record a popular song with Owl City, “Call Me Maybe” was her only solo hit.
Foster the People, “Pumped Up Kicks”
- Released in 2011
“Pumped Up Kicks” by Foster the People made its way to the top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 back in 2011. Surprisingly, the song was originally released by lead singer Mark Foster as a free download. After the song started to gain popularity, it earned Foster the People a record deal. It seems like a pretty innocent, catchy tune–at least until you realize how dark the lyrics are.
Magic! “Rude”
- Released in 2013
What may have started as a simple song about a guy wanting to marry his girlfriend quickly became a reggae fusion sensation. “Rude” by Magic! was a hit in the United States as well as in Canada, New Zealand, and Australia. Despite its mixed reviews, “Rude” won the Single of the Year Juno Award two years after it was released.
Luis Fonsi, “Despacito”
- Released in 2017
Near the end of the 2010s, another catchy song was introduced to the music world. You don’t even need to understand the lyrics of “Despacito” to see why it became such a hit. “Despacito” was unique as one of the first primarily Spanish songs to hit the top of the Billboard Hot 100 since the “Macarena.” While the original song was written by Luis Fonsi and Erika Ender, they also did a collaboration with Daddy Yankee. Even Justin Beiber remixed his own version of “Despacito.”
Vance Joy, “Riptide”
- Released in 2013
While there are many rock, pop, and hip hop one-hit wonders from the 2010s, Vance Joy topped the charts with the Indie folk hit “Riptide.” This upbeat, folk-pop love song was the Triple J Hottest 100 winner in 2013, and Vance Joy was the first to win this award without releasing an album. Considering Vance Joy, aka James Keogh, was such a success, it’s surprising that a year and a half before “Riptide” was released, he was singing at open-mic nights in his hometown.
OMI, “Cheerleader”
HOLLYWOOD, CA - APRIL 27: Honoree Omi performs onstage during the 2016 ASCAP Pop Awards at the Dolby Ballroom on April 27, 2016 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images for ASCAP)
HOLLYWOOD, CA – APRIL 27: Honoree Omi performs onstage during the 2016 ASCAP Pop Awards at the Dolby Ballroom on April 27, 2016 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images for ASCAP)
- Released in 2012
Jamaican artist OMI won all our hearts with his positive and uplifting song, “Cheerleader.” Unlike many other hits, the lyrics celebrate the love and commitment between a man and the woman he loves. Even though the lyrics are heartwarming, you can’t beat the unique sound of “Cheerleader,” especially with the popular Felix Jaehn remix. This remix included the sounds of a piano, trumpet, and conga drums.
Walk the Moon, “Shut Up and Dance”
- Released in 2014
It’s not surprising that “Shut Up and Dance” by Walk the Moon became a hit, and it’s hard not to dance when you hear this upbeat song. Walk the Moon claimed their love of 80s music is what inspired this song. “Shut Up and Dance” made it to the top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and quickly became a hit in numerous other countries as well.
Psy, “Gangnam Style”
- Released in 2012
It’s no real surprise that Psy became a one-hit wonder with the release of “Gangnam Style.” The song had everything necessary to be an instant hit: catchy lyrics, upbeat music, and even a dance to go along with it. Between the catchy music and the funky music video, it’s still popular over 10 years later. (Click here to learn about one-hit wonders from the 21st century.)