Top 10 Totally Rad One-Hit Wonders of the 80s: A Blast from the Past

Let’s rewind the clock and crank up the neon for a trip down memory lane! The 80s were a decade of outrageous fashion, epic power ballads, and of course, unforgettable one-hit wonders. These songs dominated the airwaves for a hot minute, leaving us with a permanent earworm and a burning question: what ever happened to those bands?

The 1980s is my favorite decade and not just because I grew up during it. When 1980 came around, I was seven years old. The perfect time for all the new gadgets, animation, toys, and, yes, music of that era. To this day, I have a very fond memory of riding the bus to school and singing along to “Two of Hearts” by Stacie Q. It seems that some of the best earwigs of that long ago decade were the one hit wonders, so I felt it appropriate to give a full article on some of my favorite. Join me, today, as I share Top 10 Totally Rad One-Hit Wonders of the 80s.

10.A Flock of Seagulls – “I Ran (So Far Away)” (1982):

This new wave anthem with its spiky haircuts and soaring chorus (do do do, do do do) topped the Billboard Hot 100 in 1982. Lead singer Mike Score still tours with a new lineup, keeping the Flock (partially) alive.

The song has a bit of a weird set of lyrics. The repetitive “I ran, I ran so far away.” seems to talk about the urgency of fleeing ones feelings. When asked, it was said that the song was about a man falling in love with a beautiful woman. Instead of telling her his feelings, he chooses to run from them. But before he can get away, there is a bright flash in the sky and suddenly both him, and the woman, are abducted by aliens. Well, at least according to Wikipedia.

9.Toni Basil – “Mickey” (1982):

This infectiously catchy dance tune, inspired by a 1960s song by The Monkeys,dominated MTV with its playful choreography and a legion of enthusiastic school children. Toni Basil, a choreographer before becoming a pop star, continues to work in film and television.

Toni Basil actually didn’t write “Mickey”! Although she’s credited with the song’s success thanks to her infectious performance and iconic music video, the original song was a British new wave track called “Kitty” by Racey.

There’s a fun rumor that Basil changed the name to “Mickey” because of a crush on Micky Dolenz of The Monkees, but she’s denied that claim. More likely, “Mickey” was simply chosen because it phonetically rhymed with “Kitty” and fit the playful vibe of the song.

8.Dexys Midnight Runners – “Come On Eileen” (1982):

Don’t let the Celtic folk intro fool you, this song is pure 80s pop with a brassy fanfare and frontman Kevin Rowland’s soulful vocals. The song reached #1 in the UK and the US, but the band went their separate ways shortly after.

The inspiration for “Come On Eileen” by Dexys Midnight Runners is a little more complex than a straightforward love song. Here’s the breakdown:

On the surface, the lyrics paint a picture of a young man yearning for Eileen, with some suggestive lines hinting at physical attraction. However, frontman Kevin Rowland has said the song goes beyond just a love story. It’s a commentary on youthful rebellion against a stifling and repressed society.

• The opening line referencing “Poor old Johnnie Ray” and his sad songs symbolizes the old guard and their outdated ways.
• The narrator sees himself and Eileen as different, “far too young and clever” to be resigned to the same fate.

Adding another layer, Rowland has also stated that “Eileen” wasn’t a real person but a composite character. Her name and the suggestive lyrics were meant to represent the societal pressures around sex and relationships that the narrator wants to escape with Eileen.

So, “Come On Eileen” is a catchy pop song with multiple layers of meaning. It’s a love song, a rebellion cry, and a social commentary all wrapped up in one.

7.Nena – “99 Luftballons” (1983):

This German song about 99 red balloons being mistaken for missiles by the military caught fire worldwide, topping charts across Europe and reaching #1 on the US Hot 100. Nena continues to record and tour, though the song’s political message is often misinterpreted.

The song “99 Luftballons” by Nena, though catchy and seemingly lighthearted, carries a powerful anti-war message.Here’s a breakdown of the hidden meaning:

• The Balloons: The 99 balloons represent a harmless object, easily misinterpreted as a threat.
• Escalation to War: The song depicts how these balloons are mistaken for UFOs, triggering a military response that snowballs into a full-blown war.
• Devastating Consequences: The lyrics paint a grim picture of the war’s destruction, lasting for 99 years and leaving no victors, only a desolate wasteland.
• Final Image: The song ends with the discovery of a single remaining balloon, a symbol of hope and a reminder of the innocence lost in the war.

Nena’s song is a cautionary tale about the dangers of miscommunication, paranoia, and the ease with which tensions can erupt into war. It criticizes the Cold War anxieties of the time and the potential for a nuclear holocaust sparked by a misunderstanding.

However, it’s important to note that the song’s original German title translates to “99 Air Balloons,” not “99 Red Balloons.” The red color, often associated with communism, was added in the English translation, potentially amping up the Cold War symbolism that wasn’t necessarily the band’s original intent.

6.Falco – “Rock Me Amadeus” (1985):

This Austrian singer took the world by storm with his quirky ode to Mozart, complete with a harpsichord intro and a video filled with powdered wigs and flamboyant costumes.Tragically, Falco died in a car accident in 1998, but his legacy as a musical innovator lives on.

Falco’s inspiration for “Rock Me Amadeus” came from a popular source of the 80s: a movie. The 1984 film “Amadeus,” directed by Miloš Forman, was a biographical drama about the life of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

Falco, upon seeing the film, was struck by the idea that if Mozart were alive in the modern era, he wouldn’t be composing classical music. Instead, Falco believed Mozart would be a chart-topping international pop star. This playful concept, along with the catchy melody and blend of classical and pop elements, became the foundation for “Rock Me Amadeus.”

5.The Bangles – “Walk Like an Egyptian” (1986):

Don’t be fooled by the lighthearted music video, this song was inspired by hieroglyphics depicting everyday activities. The Bangles were a force in the female-fronted rock scene, but disbanded in the late 80s. They occasionally reunite for tours.

The song’s simple yet infectious melody makes it instantly memorable. The lyrics, though nonsensical (“Walk like an Egyptian”) have a playful charm that’s fun to sing along to. he song spawned a signature dance move mimicking hieroglyphic poses, adding a visual element that fueled its popularity. The music video, featuring the band performing interspersed with clips of people “walking like an Egyptian,” further solidified the song’s cultural impact.

Walk Like An Egyptian” arrived in 1986, a sweet spot in the 80s where pop music embraced a playful, lighthearted style.The song perfectly fit the era’s vibe, resonating with audiences seeking a fun escape. This novelty aspect grabbed attention and made it stand out from the crowd.

4.Katrina and the Waves – “Walking on Sunshine” (1983):

This feel-good anthem with its island vibes and carefree lyrics became a summer smash in 1983, reaching #8 on the Billboard Hot 100. The band continues to perform, though lead singer Katrina Leskanich retired from touring in 2019.

Unlike some of the other songs we’ve discussed, “Walking on Sunshine” by Katrina and the Waves is a pretty straightforward celebration of happiness. Here’s why it became an anthem:

• Purely Uplifting: The lyrics are devoid of deeper meaning or hidden messages. They simply express feelings of pure joy and elation. Lines like “Used to think maybe you loved me, now baby I’m sure” and the ever-present “Walking on sunshine” paint a picture of newfound love and the euphoria it brings.
• Catchy Melody and Feel-Good Vibes: The upbeat tempo, bright instrumentation, and Katrina Leskanich’s powerful vocals create an irresistible energy. It’s a song that makes you want to move and share in the positive emotions.
• Summertime Anthem: The title and overall vibe evoke sunny days, warm weather, and carefree fun. This association made “Walking on Sunshine” a perfect summertime hit, capturing the carefree spirit of the season.
• Universality of Love: While the song is about romantic love, the feeling of happiness it expresses resonates more broadly. Anyone experiencing joy, excitement, or a sense of fulfillment can connect with the song’s message.

So, “Walking on Sunshine” might not have a complex meaning, but its strength lies in its pure and unadulterated expression of happiness. It’s a feel-good anthem that reminds us of the simple joys in life.

3.Kim Wilde – “Kids in America” (1981):

This synth-driven dance track became an anthem for teenagers yearning for independence. Kim Wilde continues to record and tour, recently releasing her 15th studio album.

Kim Wilde’s “Kids in America” resonated with audiences in the 80s for a few key reasons:

• Catchy New Wave Sound: The song perfectly captured the emerging new wave sound of the early 80s. The driving synth melody, pulsating beat, and Kim Wilde’s distinctive vocals created a fresh and exciting sound for the time.
• Yearning for Excitement: The lyrics, written by Kim’s brother Ricky and father Marty, tapped into a feeling common among teenagers – a desire for excitement and escape from the mundane. Lines like “All the kids in America are having a better time” expressed a yearning for a more vibrant and interesting life, something many young listeners could relate to.
• Transatlantic Fascination: The song played on the fascination with American culture prevalent in Europe during the 80s. America was seen as a land of opportunity, freedom, and fast-paced living. “Kids in America” captured this idealized image, even though it was written by British artists.
• Danceable and Fun: Beyond the deeper themes, the song was simply fun to listen to. The upbeat tempo and catchy melody made it perfect for dancing and partying, further contributing to its popularity.
• Kim Wilde’s Image: Kim Wilde herself was a charismatic pop star with a cool and stylish image. Her presence in the music video and live performances added another layer of appeal to the song.

While not reaching the top of the charts in the US, “Kids in America” became a major hit in Europe and remains an iconic song of the 80s. It captured the youthful yearning for excitement, the new wave sound, and the cultural fascination with America, making it a perfect pop anthem for the decade.

2. Men Without Hats – “The Safety Dance” (1982):

This quirky new wave song with its nonsensical lyrics (“You can dance if you want to, have a little fun…”) became a surprise hit, reaching #3 on the Billboard Hot 100. The band continues to tour occasionally, with frontman Ivan Doroschuk still sporting his signature beret.

Men Without Hats originated their name from a fashion style the Doroschuk brothers believed in, “style over comfort.” Essentially, they refused to wear hats during the Canadian harsh winters ,as not to over shadow their sense of style, thus dubbing themselves, men without hats.

The song’s lyrics are intentionally vague, offering no clear explanation of what exactly the “safety dance” is. Lines like “We can dance if we want to” and “You can act real rude and totally removed” seem to suggest a celebration of individuality and freedom of expression on the dance floor, but without any specific rules or restrictions.

Regardless of meaning, the song’s infectious melody, driving beat, and frontman Ivan Doroschuk’s distinctive vocals make it a memorable earworm. The quirky lyrics and overall vibe add to its unique charm.

1.Tommy Tutone – “867-5309/Jenny” (1982):

This novelty song, inspired by a wrong phone number on a pizza box, became a cultural phenomenon. The band, a one-hit wonder in the truest sense, disbanded shortly after the song’s release.

The song unintentionally fueled a wave of prank calls in the 80s, with people dialing the number (which belonged to real people!) and asking for Jenny. This notoriety cemented the song’s place in pop culture history. The song’s core appeal lies in its sheer novelty. A wrong phone number on a pizza box turned into a catchy melody about mistaken identity. It’s a relatable scenario presented in a lighthearted and humorous way.

For those who do remember the 80s, “867-5309/Jenny” evokes a sense of nostalgia for a more carefree time. It represents a simpler era in communication, before caller ID and the constant connectivity of today.

Songs that shaped the world

So, there you have it, a trip down memory lane with ten of the most memorable one-hit wonders of the 1980s. These songs may have been brief flashes in the pan, but they continue to capture the essence of a decade that was anything but ordinary.

Do any of these songs spark memories of school dances? Were any of them your favorite? Maybe you think I forgot a few that should be included. Let me know in the comments below. I am always up for adding and making other Top Ten lists for the 1980s, be sure to check back when I post the top gadgets from the 80s that shaped our world today. Thanks for being a part of GayintheCLE, each of you make this blog possible.