Top 20 80s One Hit Wonders You Forgot Were AWESOME

“Obsession” (1984) Animotion was a unique group. Their ultra ‘80s sounding synth-pop was tailor-made for the decade, and it’s true that some of their other singles did chart on the Billboard Top 100. However, it’s largely argued that “Obsession” is Animotion’s number-one calling card. The song straddles a line between a clubby dance sound and colder, more experimental synth sounds found during this early part of the decade. It’s this artificiality that works in Animotion’s favor, however, since the song is actually a cover. The slightly more rock feeling of the Holly Knight and Michael Des Barres original is replaced by Animotion’s detached and computerized approach. It’s weird, wonderful, and it works!

“Break My Stride” (1983) You may only know Matthew Wilder from his smash hit “Break My Stride,” but that’s only part of the man’s story. This New York native has actually been responsible for producing hits for a ton of projects and artists, too, including No Doubt, Christina Aguilera and Kelly Clarkson, as well as the Disney film “Mulan,” for which Wilder co-composed the music. “Break My Stride,” a quirky tune taken from Wilder’s 1983 debut album, is a reggae-influenced pop tune with a vocal inflection from the singer that undeniably sells the tune’s charisma. This is breezy, feel-good music that’s upbeat and impossible to resist. It’s hard to believe this is Wilder’s only solo brush with mainstream chart success.

“Too Shy” (1983) “Too Shy” was a monster hit for the British New Wave group Kajagoogoo back in 1983. The band did manage to follow up with other success in the U.K. but, for many fans across the pond, it’s “Too Shy” that cements the group in a collective, time capsule memory. This could be thanks to the band’s arresting appearance that made front man Limahl and crew easy on the eyes. However, the song itself also boasts an immensely memorable chorus, as well as subtly catchy slap-bass work from Nick Beggs. Limahl would find chart success as a solo artist with the theme from “The NeverEnding Story” but, unfortunately, Kajagoogoo wouldn’t reach the chart heights of “Too Shy” ever again.

“One Night in Bangkok” (1984) There seems to be a laundry list of actors who’ve tried their hands at the pop music game. Some of them have had more success than others. Murray Head’s thespian career took a detour into the music business, thanks to his performance on the rock opera soundtrack for 1973’s “Jesus Christ Superstar.” However, his solo career is likely better known for yet another Broadway hit: “One Night in Bangkok.” From the musical “Chess,” this is a track that certainly feels like a showtune. Head, for his part, talks through the tune more than he sings, but his cadence is nothing short of catchy. Meanwhile, the chorus is an earworm of the highest order, accompanied by some of the most ‘80s sounding synthesizers this side of a radio shack.

“Come On Eileen” (1982) It’s not unusual for a pop act to strike gold more than once in their native land. “Geno” served as a second number one hit for Dexy’s Midnight Runners in the U.K., but it’s “Come On Eileen” that remains the group’s calling card in other parts of the world. This is due, in part, to the song’s iconic video clip, which arrived during the early years of MTV. The visual of the group clad in matching overall, would go on to become closely associated with their conceptual legacy. Meanwhile, the song’s folk-influenced melodies and dramatic build during the finale [1] makes “Come On Eileen” feel so vibrant, even today. We challenge anyone not to kick up their heels and break out dancing to this one.

“Fantasy” (1982) The glam metal explosion that would occur in a post-Bon Jovi and Quiet Riot world was still a hairspray can or two away when Aldo Nova released “Fantasy” in 1982. As a result, it doesn’t feel unfair to give this Canadian axe-man at least a little credit for being ahead of the curve. “Fantasy” is a hard rocker through and through, anchored by a sturdy main riff and some catchy keyboard accompaniment. Meanwhile, the video clip is all pomp and ridiculously laser-obsessed. Nova’s skills as a guitarist, however, are no joke. His leads on “Fantasy” ensure that rock fans still remember this solo hit from back in the day, no matter how far away it gets.

#14: The Church

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Top 10 80s One Hit Wonders You Forgot Were AWESOME

“Under the Milky Way” (1988) Because of their change-up in genre and style, the Church are a bit of a special case. A respected Australian rock act with a worldwide following, this is a band with numerous charted songs. With that said, “Under the Milky Way,” from their fifth studio album, was released at a time when fans had already latched on to the group’s gothic and moody “dream pop” sound. The song proved to have mainstream commercial legs, all the same, earning the Church a top 40 U.S. hit. It’s easy to see why, too, as “Under the Milky Way” rolls over the listener with smooth, stargazing melody and a soft, enveloping atmosphere.

#13: Eddie Murphy

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“Party All the Time” (1985) Ok, so obviously Eddie Murphy isn’t a one-hit wonder in any other famed aspect of his life. However, is there any song from Murphy’s musical career that’s as well-known as this jam from 1985? “Party All the Time” is the sort of vanity project that one can only get off the ground when they achieve THIS level of fame. Hot on the heels of “Beverly Hills Cop” and his comedy special, “Delirious,” Murphy was in the perfect position to release “Party All the Time.” Still, the song is better than it has any right to be, thanks largely to the production duties of Rick James. The grandiose orchestrations hide Murphy’s limitations as a singer, and help lift “Party All the Time” to cult classic status.

#12: Patrick Swayze

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“She’s Like the Wind” (1987) Chalk this next hit up as another song from an actor who had no right being this freakin’ good. Patrick Swayze proved that he was a treasure trove of creative riches when he released this soundtrack cut from “Dirty Dancing”. The actor actually co-wrote the song, too, intending it for release alongside a different ‘80s film. Today, however, “She’s Like the Wind” is nearly impossible to separate from “Dirty Dancing” – and why would you? The image of Swayze’s earnest, emotional vocals, that saxophone, the booming ‘80s production…it’s just fantastic all around. Plus, Wendy Fraser assists Swayze near the end with her own great vocals. We can’t help but miss Patrick Swayze just a little bit more every time we hear this beautiful ballad.

#11: Robert Tepper

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“No Easy Way Out” (1985) Has there ever been a soundtrack cut better suited for a kick-ass, emotional montage? Well, maybe, but Robert Tepper does his best with this contribution to the 1985 “Rocky IV,” and succeeds in a HUGE way. “No Easy Way Out” is an absolute banger, a surging pop/rock tune that’s anchored by persistent synth stabs, urgent bass playing and Tepper’s own dramatic delivery. Seriously, the man goes for broke right from the jump, eschewing subtlety for raw emotion and pure honesty. Just check out Tepper’s solo dance moves for the accompanying video, and try not to be inspired! This is pure, unadulterated ‘80s awesomeness, undiluted to a perfect, excessive essence.

#10 Don Johnson

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Top 10 Music Videos You Forgot Were AWESOME

“Heartbeat” (1986) It isn’t uncommon at all for actors to try their hands at creating music. While Don Johnson was co-leading the show “Miami Vice”, he released his debut single, “Heartbeat”. The song’s slick visuals and expensive music video mimics the style-and-substance excess of Johnson’s hit show. And it helps that the chorus of “Heartbeat” is instantly memorable and sounds epic. Although the production is super processed and ultra-eighties, that isn’t a bad thing for the song. Johnson’s performative emoting and the video’s dramatic narrative showed he was dedicated to making music. Unfortunately, Johnson’s follow up song “Heartache Away” didn’t achieve the same level of success.

“Puttin’ On the Ritz” (1982) Although one-hit wonders don't have to be cheeky or weird, they can really stand out when they are. This was definitely the case with Taco’s cover of the Irving Berlin song, “Puttin’ on the Ritz.” It became his only top 5 hit in the U.S. back in 1982, shot to the top of charts in Germany and even reached the number one slot in Finland! “Puttin’ on the Ritz” is quirky and absolutely soaked in processed ‘80s synthesizers. While Taco puts in a performance that may not be traditionally “good,” it’s definitely memorable. But it’s still a one-off song that feels as distinctly 80s as hairspray and shoulder pads.

#8: Stacey Q

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“Two of Hearts” (1986) Stacey Q is a California-born singer who’s been able to find success in the worlds of movies and music. Her synth-pop band, SSQ, earned cult status with the material penned for classic horror film “The Return of the Living Dead,” but the biggest hit of Stacey’s solo career had to be 1986’s “Two of Hearts.” The song is infectious right from the jump. It boasts an energetic backbeat, electric synth and Stacey’s warm and appealing vocals. The singer proved that she could come across as both sinister and sweet. None of her other tracks quite captured the magic of “Two Of Hearts”. However, it will always serve as the perfect B-side for Stacey Q’s darker work in the horror realm.

“Let the Music Play” (1983) R&B singer Shannon may have earned a couple of number one hits on the U.S. dance charts over the course of her career, but “Let the Music Play” remains her biggest achievement on the Billboard Hot 100. It’s easy to see why this smooth jam benefits greatly from Shannon’s personable and melodic vocals. She manages to create a great chorus with the song, while the instrumentation also does exactly what it’s supposed to: get bodies on the floor. “Let the Music Play” is a great throwback to an R&B era that’s old school, but never dated. In fact, consider this one timeless.

“867-5309/Jenny” (1981) Throughout the 1970s and ‘80s, the power pop subgenre was absolutely everywhere thanks to pioneers like Cheap Trick and Blondie. The group known as Tommy Tutone took full advantage of the trend to achieve modest chart success with “Angel Say No.” However, the song for the band will always be associated with is “867-5309/Jenny”. The track absolutely rocks thanks to a killer opening guitar melody, awesome guitar solo and instantly memorable lyrics. It’s basically songwriting 101 for anyone searching to write a hit pop tune. The only people that were unhappy with this Tommy Tutone classic are people who actually had this phone number.

“Harden My Heart” (1981) Some songs just have a timeless quality to them due to a mixture of nostalgia and vitality that keeps them in the public consciousness. “Harden My Heart” is definitely one of those tracks. This awesomely moody and memorable hit song comes from the Oregon-based group Quarterflash. Rindy Ross is front and center of the songs’ success. Her plaintive, melancholic vocals and excellent saxophone playing work perfectly with the emotive guitar and insistent, bass-driven groove. Near the song’s finale, the song becomes so urgent and powerful that we just can’t get enough. “Harden My Heart” was unquestionably this band’s biggest smash. It’s a shame more people don’t remember Quarterflash’s impressive effort.

“Tarzan Boy” (1985) If you’re looking for a truly unique musical rabbit hole to explore, may we suggest the wild world of Italo-Disco? This synth-obsessed subgenre provided countless single hits and strange music videos for fans to uncover. One of the most popular one-hit wonder tracks came courtesy of Baltimora with their hit, “Tarzan Boy.” The music video is a fever dream of hazy visuals and excessive makeup. But don’t let those elements distract you from the fun vocals and strong composition of the song. Oh, and did we mention there’s a version of Tarzan’s yell within the track? There’s an “oomph” to the arrangements that mixes just the right amount of repetition with melodies that burrow their way into your brain and just live there rent-free forever.

“Black Velvet” (1989) Since this song was released in 1989, it may sound a little bit less…well, Capital E “Eighties.” But that's not a bad thing. “Black Velvet” from Alannah Myles is the sort of slinky and sensual blues number that wouldn’t sound out of place on a movie soundtrack. While Myles enjoyed success in her home country of Canada, “Black Velvet” serves as her singular calling card elsewhere in the world. This isn’t taking away anything from Myles as a performer or “Black Velvet” as a song. It stands out from the late-period hair metal and pop that was dominating the charts back in ’89.

“Toy Soldiers” (1989) 1989 was a good year for pop music. Part of the reason why comes down to Martika’s “Toy Soldiers”. In 1989, she released this fragile and melancholic melody to the masses. Despite its darker tone, it was a number one hit in America that year. There’s a strength and sadness to the tune. The guitar melodies are impeccably produced, the drums are soaked in reverb, and Martika’s vocals tug at the heart strings in the best possible way. We’re not ashamed to say that “Toy Soldiers” still makes us shed a tear to this day. Then again, that’s the power of music, right? Even if you call Martika a one hit wonder, you can’t deny that she created a classic with this tune.

“(I Just) Died in Your Arms Tonight” (1986) Admittedly, Cutting Crew hit the top 10 with both “(I Just) Died in Your Arms Tonight” and their follow-up, “I’ve Been in Love Before”. However, the former song has endured far more than that latter as the band's most famous song. And with good reason, too. “(I Just) Died in Your Arms Tonight” is a dramatic New Wave hit that feels larger than life. The guitars are punchy, the synthesizers are perfect and the lyrics are iconic. Front man Nick Van Eede radiates both power and sensitivity as the brooding crooner at the lead of the track. We can’t stop replaying this song on repeat and singing it at karaoke every chance we get. Our love for Cutting Crew’s biggest hit will never die.