Top 10 Rock One Hit Wonders
#10: Harvey Danger
“Flagpole Sitta” (1997) Some one-hit wonders are products of their musical climates, while others serve as a reaction to those climates. Harvey Danger speaks of a post-grunge disaffection with a sarcastic sense of humor and biting wit with this song. And they deliver that message with some killer grooves. “Flagpole Sitta” rages with an energy that’s infectious, while front man Sean Nelson is intelligent and magnetic, bringing to mind at times the delivery of Bad Religion’s Greg Graffin. [1] Harvey Danger never again achieved a single with the same sort of buzz as “Flagpole Sitta.” But perhaps it’s for the best, as lightning was never going to strike twice with this sort of alternative rock magic.
#9: The Knack
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“My Sharona” (1979) New Wave music had a lot of memorable faces throughout the late 1970s into the 1980s, and just as many hit singles, to boot. The Knack always felt like they had more fuel left in their creative tank, though. It makes it all the more surprising that they’re primarily known only for their hit, “My Sharona.” But what a hit it was, all guitar-driven pop rock glory that was a little punk, a little radio friendly, and fully ready for mass consumption. The Knack did earn some charting singles in the US after “My Sharona” ruled the airwaves, but only “Good Girls Don’t” made its presence known just outside the Top 10.
#8: Uriah Heep
“Easy Livin’” (1972) Heavy, progressive rock has always been more of an album format genre, as opposed to one driven by charting hit singles. England’s Uriah Heep bucked this trend with a song that achieved surprising success back in 1972. “Easy Livin’” was the band’s only flirtation with mainstream success in the United States. It’s a hard-driving rocker that sounds tailor made to shake stadiums and blow out boomboxes. A small handful of the group’s other singles limped on to low positions on the Billboard Hot 100, but none of them have had remotely the same amount of impact as “Easy Livin’.” But we don’t think it matters much to Uriah Heep, since the riff lords haven’t let it stop them from doing their thing on tour.
#7: Wheatus
“Teenage Dirtbag” (2000) “Teenage Dirtbag” is undoubtedly the best-known song from the New York band Wheatus in America. But the track’s chart success was actually more impressive in countries like Australia, Belgium and Germany. Wheatus saw “Teenage Dirtbag” hit the number one and two slots in those countries, while the song only managed to squeak in at 124 the U.S. Still, this takes nothing away from the quirky vocal delivery and heartfelt lyrics about life as a lonely adolescent metalhead in a small-minded town. “Teenage Dirtbag” gave the band a taste of success in the States, and gave us a great song to jam to. Wheatus’ follow-up single, “A Little Respect”, didn’t achieve the success of its predecessor worldwide.
#6: King Harvest
Izzo Blues Coalition - Don't You Lie To Me (Albert King Cover)
“Dancing in the Moonlight” (1972) You may know the song, but do you know who sings it? “Dancing in the Moonlight” is something of a classic rock staple, a tune that can even be heard on supermarket Muzak stations…if you’re shopping at a cool supermarket. Still, not many of the song’s casual fans are aware that King Harvest, who recorded a cover of the song, were actually a fairly soulful and energetic rock band in their own right. “Dancing in the Moonlight” hits right away with that memorable opening melody, before diving head-first into a soulful and funky bit of excellence. King Harvest may not have had another song reach the heights of this one, but, “Dancing in the Moonlight” remains an all-time classic.
#5: Fountains of Wayne
“Stacy’s Mom” (2003) We’re not going to pretend that the video for “Stacy’s Mom” didn’t garner Fountains of Wayne tons of attention, thanks to a memorable appearance from supermodel Rachel Hunter. That said, the song is catchy as all get-out, so we totally can hear why it became a hit on its own musical merit. Securing the number 21 spot on the Billboard Hot 100, it was Fountains of Wayne’s first and last real hit. Only the band’s earlier single, “Radiation Vibe,” made a low appearance at number 71 on the Billboard Radio Songs chart. Still, you can do a lot worse than having “Stacy’s Mom” as your calling card, right?
#4: Ugly Kid Joe
“Everything About You” (1991) Ugly Kid Joe is extremely good at mixing heavy riffs with funky bass and sardonic lyrics. Nowhere is that more obvious than in their smash hit single, “Everything About You.” Released on their debut EP “As Ugly as They Wanna Be” and subsequently heard in “Wayne’s World,” it’s a break-up song with a snarling sense of humor. Blending hard rock with pop, the number is instantly recognizable, and for good reason. Whitfield Crane might be one of the more underrated singers of his generation, and Ugly Kid Joe’s musical credentials are never in doubt – especially when it comes to this rock song.
#3: Ram Jam
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“Black Betty” (1977) Ram Jam liked to rock. Ram Jam liked to roll. Ram Jam also liked to boogie, and that’s where “Black Betty” comes into the picture. The song was the New York-based band’s only brush with chart success, but it made them something of an infamous example of 1970s arena rock excess. “Black Betty” is the sort of boogie tune that’s memorable, easy to sing along to, and airy enough to just exist for the good times, ya dig? It’s a great combination of traits, to be sure. And the lack of public interest in Ram Jam afterward gave credence to the idea that perhaps “Black Betty” was all the record-buying faithful needed.
#2: Thin Lizzy
“The Boys Are Back in Town” (1976) Call it the story of rock’s unsung heroes: the band whose influence continues to permeate hard rock and heavy metal, despite not burning up the U.S. charts during their initial run. We’re talking about Thin Lizzy, of course. Their “Jailbreak” album got the attention of American audiences, mainly due the all-time epic jam, “The Boys Are Back in Town.” If you’ve heard it, you understand why. As you can imagine, the band seemed poised to make it big in the States afterward, but it ultimately wasn’t meant to be. Don’t feel too bad, though – Thin Lizzy had more success in areas like the U.K. and their native Ireland. Before we unveil our top pick, here are some honorable mentions. EMF, “Unbelievable” (1990) It’s Worth It for the Andrew Dice Clay Sample Alone Green Jellÿ, “Three Little Pigs” (1992) Parodic Punk Rock with an Infamous Video L7, “Pretend We’re Dead” (1992) Powerful & Influential Grunge Greatness ? and the Mysterians, “96 Tears” (1966) A Prime Example of Garage Rock Blind Melon, “No Rain” (1992) An Epic Alternative Rock Anthem
#1: Living Colour
Marty Friedman talks about living in Japan
“Cult of Personality” (1988) Sure, this immensely talented group from New York City has seen other songs hit positions within the first fifty of the Billboard Hot 100. But even diehard fans of the band might be hard-pressed to defend against the notion that “Cult of Personality” is Living Colour’s defining tune. It’s electric right from the get-go, as Vernon Reid lets loose with that iconic opening riff. Then, it’s time for vocalist Corey Glover to howl some fiery political lyrics with soul and passion to spare. It’s a mixture of funky vocals and spitfire guitar work, and the result is a magic moment where inspiration and perspiration combine. It’s no wonder it achieved noteworthy chart success!
