Just in case you didn't know, Tuesday, September 25, is National One-Hit Wonder Day. It's the day the nation has carefully selected (or something) to celebrate musical splashes that never go beyond that big single (at least in the ears of most listeners).
One-hit wonders are tricky things. They can annoy you and pester their way into your brain, or be something more lasting: a classic song that defines a moment in pop culture history. Let's cue the flash-backs with 10 of the worst one-hit wonders, and 10 of the best. I'm sorry if they get stuck in your brain. (No, I'm not.)
The Worst:
1. Barbie Girl - Aqua
Okay, I was singing this song as a child and had no clue as to what the words meant. Most little girls put Barbie on a pedestal. Aqua has a more realistic idea: she's a girl in a fantasy world. You may do whatever you want with her. I'm sorry, but am I the only one concerned as to why I listened to this mush and why it's repeating in my head?
2. Funky Town - Lipps Inc.
Where/what is Funky Town, really? And why do you want to go there so desperately? This song may have reigned on the charts, but now it lives in the world of drunken wedding receptions, where wasted bridesmaids wander around the open bar asking second cousins to take them to "Funky Town."
3. Jump Around - House of Pain
Talk about pushy! The repetitive command to jump around, jump up and get down is just too insistent for me. I'll fucking jump if I want to, guys.
4.Turning Japanese - The Vapors
A catchy song with a pretty dirty secret. We get it. You're turning Japanese, dude. No need to freak out and break out that samurai sword. Leave that to Uma Thurman in Kill Bill, please. 5. Mambo #5 - Lou Bega
Okay, Lou. I understand you. You like anything fly. You need girls with common names. I never understood if a dance move was supposed to come out of this song, as opposed to the one where you just point at your friends named Monica, Jessica, and so on. Lou, did you ever meet all those girls? Did one song get you that far?
6. Mickey - Toni Basil
I lived the life of a cheerleader, and hearing this one just reminds me of Bring It On. The film is actually somewhat hysterical, but hearing this song at every single cheerleading competition became the most annoying aspect and probably a critical reason as to why I decided to quit cheering.
7. Play That Funky Music - Wild Cherry
I swear this song was destined for every high school dance. I was over it before it even reached the dance floor. The atmosphere is the same every time the song comes on, and I was never able to have alcohol within my system to be able bear this song played every single year at the same event.
8. I'm Too Sexy - Right Said Fred
Right Said Fred does not realize that the conceited, shirtless skinhead-look is not sexy. It's disturbing. There is nothing sexy about the song or artist whatsoever. After 30 seconds of the song I can't help but laugh. Not with the song. "I'm too sexy for my cat." That's a real lyric. A man that is too sexy for his cat. Whew!
9. Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm - Crash Test Dummies
Hi, the title and chorus to my song is "Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm." So creative. I never quite understood what people were so caught up about with this song. Something about the lurching all over the church floor?
10. True - Spandau Ballet
So, the sex song of its time. I know this much is true: I can't help but laugh every time I hear this song. It makes me feel like I'm a sappy '80s love story. Funny to think one of the best love song of the '80s states, "Ha ha ha ha ha. I know this much is true." What the hell is true? Please share, a statement is never made as to what is true and exactly how much is "this much."
And the best: 1. Spirit in the Sky -Norman Greenbaum
If you'd really like to argue that this is one of the best one-hit wonders of all time, I'll take the challenge. This song seems to make in every movie revolved within sports, commonly known for being in Remember the Titans soundtrack. I am never in a sour-piss mood with this song playing. I've been caught in air guitar-motion too many times thanks to Norman Greenbaum.
2. The Safety Dance - Men Without Hats
Maybe it's just my dorky nature, but I absolutely love every inch of corniness throughout this song and its music video. Just take the chance. "Everyone's taking the chance."
3. You Get What You Give -New Radicals
Plain and simple, the song has a message: You get what you give or put into things. It's a good message and it's displayed well. Not to mention New Radicals had some great rhymes "Courtney Love and Marilyn Manson. You're all fakes. Run to your mansions/Come around, we'll kick your ass in!" Style points from me.
4. Come On Eileen - Dexys Midnight Runners
Yeah, I wanted to buy a pair of overalls and learn how to play the banjo right after I heard this song for the first time. I still secretly want that. Any song that makes you want to skip around and makes overalls look good is fine by me.
5. How Bizarre - OMC
Pathetic as it may sound. This song has some memories behind it that are pretty bizarre. If this song is ever on the radio, I make sure to show my appreciation for it by rolling down my windows while driving and singing along. "How bizarre." 6. Macarena - Los Del Rio
Never in my life did I think an entire song that I don't understand a single word would become a dance anthem for whatever event you are at. The song comes on and you stop what you're doing to do the macarena. Cupid shuffle and cha-cha-slide can't compete in my mind. Ay!
7. Bitch - Meredith Brooks
Sometimes we really do just hate the world at times. It's okay to be a bitch at times. I'm proud Brooks made that loud and clear. Brooks reminded me of a more upfront Alanis Morissette and I feel in love with this "bitch" ever since.
8. Bitter Sweet Symphony - The Verve
Not only are the lyrics amazing, but the instrumentals [on loan from a symphonic take on The Rolling Stones] within this song set it apart from other one-hit wonders. I think I qualify this song as one of the best due to fact that life is bitter sweet. I still remember purchasing The Verve's album and listening to this track over and over.
9. Don't Worry, Be Happy - Bobby McFerrin
Plain and simple; don't worry, be happy. Many people mistake this song for Bob Marley, but Bob passed away years before this song was released. Bobby McFerrin may have some of the same messages as Marley, but let's give credit where it's due: McFerrin pulled off this class wonder.
10. Bust a Move - Young M.C.
Its clear this song just make you want to bust a move. Now maybe I've been to too many weddings, but I can assure you not much alcohol was needed to bust a move to Young M.C. No one sits still for this one. No one.