» Entries tagged with "Canadian one-hit wonder"
New World Man by Rush
Editors note: Here is Jim Barton’s take on “New World Man” by Rush. You can also read Michael Waterman’s thoughts on the one song that made Rush a one-hit wonder. Featuring three of the most amazing musicians ever to walk the planet, Rush have been a fixture on the album chart and concert stage for more than 35 years, selling millions and millions of albums and tickets. Their specialty is highly intellectual lyrics set to … Read entire article »
Fantasy – Aldo Nova
A quick joke for you… Q: There were 10 copycats sitting on a fence, and one jumped off. How many were left? A: None. They were all copycats. That basic joke leads us to this very marginal entry in our look at heavy metal one-hit wonders, but “Fantasy” by Aldo Nova deserves a quick mention because the first time I heard it in 1982, my jaw dropped to the floor: It was such a blatant ripoff of the … Read entire article »
Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm – Crash Test Dummies
And now, dear friends, a candidate for worst one-hit wonder ever. “Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm” by Crash Test Dummies is a love-it-or-hate-it ditty by beloved Canadian band, Crash Test Dummies (at least they were beloved in Canada for a few years). Hear more: Canadian one-hit wonders The lyrics focus on kids with abnormalities (white hair, birthmarks and Pentecostal parents). A bold move since the song potentially offends all people with white hair, birthmarks and “lurch and shake” religious … Read entire article »
Hot Child in the City – Nick Gilder
Let’s try a quick test. Question #1: Can you name a Canadian one-hit wonder song about child prostitution? Question #2: Can you sing “Hot Child in the City” by Nick Gilder? Question #3: Have you heard “Hot Child in the City” on any radio station in at least 25 years? If you’ve made it to this page, there’s a very good chance you actually do remember “Hot Child in the City” and can belt out the chorus loud … 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
On the Loose Lyrics – Saga
Click to read how “On the Loose” became a one-hit wonder On the Loose Lyrics – Saga One day you feel quite stable The next you’re comin’ off the wall But I think that you should warn me If you start heading for a fall I see the problem start I watch the tension grow I see you keeping it to yourself And then instead of reaching conclusions I see you reaching for something else No one can stop you now Tonight you’re on the loose No one … Read entire article »
On the Loose – Saga
Keyboard solo. Check. Guitar solo. Check. Bigger fanbase in Europe vs. North America. Double check. Sounds like a progressive rock one-hit wonder to our ears. And that’s exactly what Saga was when they hit the Billboard Top 40 for their one and only time in February of 1981 with their biggest hit, “On the Loose.” Click here to read the “On the Loose” lyrics Don’t remember Saga? This is another Canadian rock band who, like Rush, hit the … Read entire article »
Take Off – Bob and Doug McKenzie
In 1982, Rush was riding high (at least among Canadian bands). Moving Pictures had sold millions of records and Signals would soon reach stores and turn Rush into a one-hit wonder with their one and only top 40-charting song “New World Man.” For a couple of Canadian comedians, there was no better better choice than to have fellow Canadian and Rush lead singer Geddy Lee sing on Bob and Doug McKenzie’s hit single, “Take Off.” … Read entire article »