Top 10 80s One Hit Wonder Bands

From the hair to the music, Kajagoogoo was tailor-made for the 1980s. This pop group started under a different lineup in the late 1970s. After gaining Christopher Hamill as a singer, they changed their name and reached for pop glory. The musicians released “Too Shy” on their debut album “White Feathers.” With its atmospheric intro, the single connected with audiences and achieved chart success around the world. The song’s incredible bassline is one element that makes it stand out. While it had a groovy production, it didn’t make the band a guarantee in the industry. They called it quits in 1985, with Hamill trying a solo career under his stage name Limahl.

These new wave musicians provided an underrated piece of 1980s pop. Frankie Goes to Hollywood was arguably a groundbreaking act, willing to discuss sex in more explicit ways. In the United States, nothing the group put out reached the same levels of popularity as “Relax.” It’s danceable, bombastic, and lyrically bold. The band didn’t hold back on their most iconic tune, garnering controversy during its initial release. Collaborating with the producer Trevor Horn, the pop act also worked with talented members of the business. With only two studio albums to their name, this collective arrived and left like a bolt of lightning.

You don’t need four or even three people to be a powerful group. Singer Marc Almond teamed up with David Ball in the late 1970s, exploring the future of electronic music. This duo brought out their best attempt at synth pop, giving “Tainted Love” a new spin. The single came out in 1981 and became a phenomenon all its own. Their cover kicks off with a strong beat, reworking a 1960s recording into an energetic production. Soft Cell never repeated the commercial success of their debut album “Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret.” If you turn on oldies radio, you’ll probably hear the hit that made them famous.

Hailing from Ohio, Dazz Band came from the same state as legends like Bootsy Collins and the O’Jays. Following in that tradition, they brought their funk and R&B influence to 1980s audiences. “Let It Whip” is a crowd-pleaser that transcends genre. It’s one you almost have to dance to, with a big production full of great instrumentation. Winning a Grammy for the track, the group gave their all to their most successful song. Other minor hits followed as they released albums into the 2000s. Decades later, their most recognizable effort still packs a funky punch.

As members of Talking Heads, drummer Chris Frantz and bassist Tina Weymouth created another band for themselves. Tom Tom Club’s most celebrated track is the catchy “Genius of Love.” It’s got a perfect mix of funk, pop, and rock all rolled into one. The sound also became influential to other artists like Mariah Carey. As a sampled work, the music lives on through multiple generations of audiences. Frantz and Weymouth used this track to expand their legacy beyond their more famous band. Their combined efforts also shined in the classic concert film “Stop Making Sense.”

With a dramatic piano, “The Promise” comes to life as a moody ballad. It’s the band’s most successful track and it’s easy to see why. The dueling vocals by Clive Farrington and Andrew Mann only make the song more emotional. It went to 11 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming the group’s calling card. The first trio lasted until the early 1990s, but their musical efforts have transcended their original run. Their track was also part of “Napoleon Dynamite,” with the movie introducing it to younger audiences. The members later formed two new groups, with instrumentalist Michael Floreale starting When In Rome II.

Formed in Akron, these art rockers defied the odds and created new sounds. They took aim at the music industry, science, and traditional rhythms. Before their breakthrough, the band even covered “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction.” Their most famous song “Whip It” helped them reach the MTV generation. It became a hit single and video on the music video network. The band’s influence extends beyond success, creating an image all their own with signature hats. With a unique place in pop culture history, the group should be counted as an essential part of the 1980s.

Stevie Ray Vaughan might have been one of the best guitarists ever, but he also had a talented brother. Jimmie Vaughan and his group The Fabulous Thunderbirds created exciting rock music. This includes their hit “Tuff Enuff” from the album of the same name. It features the best of Vaughan’s guitar with some slick vocals and punchy bass lines. While they didn’t have another huge single, their tunes like “Wrap It Up” will satisfy fans of their R&B-influenced sound. They’re the kind of band that features talented players and a catalog of solid material.

Two years after their debut album, this English band released their follow-up record “Too-Rye-Ay.” It contained a legendary track that came to define the group’s output. Within a few seconds, many listeners can recognize this electric tune. Some rock fans from the 1980s will be able to sing every single word. Dexys Midnight Runners and their folk style made them stand out, having already released fun songs like “Geno.” They kept playing together and releasing music as recently as the 2020s. While they haven’t surpassed their original glory, Kevin Rowland and his bandmates continue to perform.


Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

This Group Created Another Reason to Dance with Their Catchy Single

With a Saxophone, This Group Brought Attitude to New Wave Hits like “A Girl in Trouble”

The Early 1980s Band Churned out the Memorable Hit “Harden My Heart”

Aimee Mann Reveals Her Talent for Songwriting Before Her Solo Career

A New Wave Band with a Cool Lead Singer That Knows What Boys Like

Twisted Sister mixed hard rock and glam into one exciting package. Led by singer Dee Snider, these musicians created the anthem “We’re Not Gonna Take It.” It’s a super-charged single that stands up against oppression of any kind. The band also churned out other awesome rockers like “I Wanna Rock.” With bold style and an edgy vibe, these bandmates stood up for big sounds and the right to express themselves. Snider famously testified at the PMRC hearings, defending his music against critics and political leaders. He and his group helped to define the 1980s heavy metal scene.

What is your favorite 1980s one-hit wonder? Let us know in the comments below.