Tired of Toein’ the Line – Rocky Burnette
For a brief time in the late 1970s and early 1980s, rockabilly was cool in the United States. The brilliant “Cruel to be Kind” by Nic Lowe hit #12 on the Billboard Top 40 in 1979, making Lowe a one-hit wonder. The Stray Cats had a buncha hits in 1983 that ultimately led to fame and fortune for guitarist and lead singer Brian Setzer who became a one-hit wonder himself when “Jump, Jive and Wail” reached … Read entire article »
One in a Million You – Larry Graham
Ready for an obscure and forgotten one-hit wonder that reached the Billboard Top 10 in 1980? I give you “One in a Million You” by Larry Graham. Remember it? Dig deep. Search your inner soul. If you’re drawing a blank, you’re not alone. I don’t know that any soft rock station in America plays “One in a Million You” anymore. But in 1980, Larry Graham was enjoying success as a smooth-singing solo artist. In my mind, he deserved it … Read entire article »
Ah! Leah! – Donnie Iris
“Ah Leah” has to be one of the greatest examples of nerd rock from the 1980s. It’s like Bill Nye the Science Guy was miraculously merged with one-part Buddy Holly and two-parts Elvis Costello to create the persona of Donnie Iris and the Cruisers. Watch the video for proof. But if you just listened to the song, you might get hooked and peg this band as a Loverboy-like ’80s rock band with big guitars and harmonies. Remarkably, Donnie … Read entire article »
Take Your Time (Do It Right) – The SOS Band
Is “Take Your Time (Do It Right)” by The SOS Band the last great disco one-hit wonder? I would argue it’s a natural bridge between late 1970s disco and early 1980s funk/r&b hits. The funky and distinctive analog synthesizer sounds of early ’80s funk in the mix peg it as a funk tune in the tradition of bands like The Gap Band and Cameo. But the guitar work, background vocals and orchestral bells peg this song … Read entire article »
Filed under: 1980s
Everybody’s Got to Learn Sometime – The Korgis
Want lushly orchestrated ballads? Then you need The Korgis, a band of Brits who hit the Billboard Top 40 in 1980 thanks to their one and only American hit, “Everybody’s Got to Learn Sometime.” Released on the band’s second album, Dumb Waiters, “Everybody’s Got to Learn Sometime” reached #5 in the United Kingdom and #18 on the Billboard Top 40. Remarkably, it hit #1 in France and Spain, #3 in Germany and Netherlands and #18 in … Read entire article »
Filed under: 1980s
Stand By Me – Mickey Gilley
Mickey Gilley is a country music legend. But he’s a pop music one-hit wonder for his 1980 crossover hit from the Urban Cowboy movie that starred John Travolta. The definitive version of “Stand By Me” is performed by Ben E. King. It’s a classic that features one of the most famous bass lines in all of rock music. Gilley’s version is a bit more sleepy, a bit more somber, a bit more boring. But that didn’t matter … Read entire article »
Wondering Where the Lions Are – Bruce Cockburn
While many artists hit the Billboard Top 40 with their first release and just as quickly disappear into one-hit wonder oblivion, some artists have long distinguished careers that lead to critical acclaim, cult fame and even a small fortune. And yes, those artists can also notch their own one-hit wonders in the process. Canadian singer-songwriter Bruce Cockburn’s songs have been covered by artists as diverse as Barenaked Ladies, Jimmy Buffett, Ani DiFranco, Michael Hedges and … Read entire article »
Filed under: 1980s
How Do I Survive – Amy Holland
Sometimes with pop songs, all it takes to get your chance on the pop music charts is a good connection. Amy Holland had one fantastic connection in her soon-to-be husband, Michael McDonald, who produced Holland’s debut album Amy Holland in 1980. Yes, that’s the same Michael McDonald who was an early member of Steely Dan, whose founding member, Donald Fagen, notched his own one-hit wonder with “I.G.Y. (What a Beautiful World).” McDonald was also the … Read entire article »
Filed under: 1980s