15 Greatest One Hit Wonders of All Time

Music history is sprinkled with fleeting gems—unforgettable hits that left a long-lasting mark on the charts but never quite reclaimed their initial success. These songs become timeless anthems, transcending their brief moment in the spotlight to become cultural touchstones. Click through and see the 15 that hit the charts once.

Mercy: Love (Can Make You Happy) 

This record has an unusual charm, with its slow tempo and eerie harmonies contrasting the upbeat lyrics. It’s a beautiful yet otherworldly fit, but the group faded away (though the leader was drafted). This blend of the haunting and the delightful makes the album uniquely captivating.

Aqua: Barbie Girl

Aqua’s “Barbie Girl” stands out in pop history, blending playful critique of beauty standards with a catchy Europop sound. Peaking at #7, the song’s quirky lyrics and Lene Nystrøm’s vocals create a catchy yet subversive vibe. This duality was recently highlighted in a collaboration with Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice for the Barbie movie.

Deep Blue Something: Breakfast at Tiffany’s

Deep Blue Something, a Texas rock band, shot to fame in 1995 with their sole Top 40 hit, “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” Though its title references the wrong Audrey Hepburn film, the song hit #5 on the Billboard Hot 100. Its nostalgic portrayal of a failing relationship and catchy power-pop captures the essence of 90s alternative rock.

The Floaters: Float On 

This Detroit smooth-soul group made the most of their time in the spotlight with their 12-minute-long album version of “Float On.” By the time they vanished, everyone knew their names, zodiac signs, and favorite types of ladies. Their moment of glory was unforgettable, and if you search for them, you’ll still be amazed at the magic they created.

Matthews Southern Comfort: Woodstock 

Covering an iconic song is challenging, but Matthews Southern Comfort turned Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young’s original into a nostalgic one. With his golden voice, Ian Matthews became the only Fairport Convention member to feature on a U.S. hit, though drummer Dave Mattacks later played on Elton John’s “Mikita.”

Minnie Riperton: Lovin’ You

In 1975, Minnie Riperton achieved a chart-topping hit with “Lovin’ You,” a song she co-wrote with her husband after their daughter was born. Produced by Stevie Wonder, the track is highlighted by Riperton’s stunning five-octave voice. Though it was her only major hit, this ballad of love and devotion showcases her remarkable talent.

Patrick Hernandez: Born to Be Alive

As the disco era waned in 1979-80, Patrick Hernandez’s “Born to Be Alive” and Lipps Inc.’s “Funkytown” highlighted its final days. Hernandez’s upbeat anthem gained popularity in Europe before reaching the U.S. in late ’79. By the time Hernandez released “Disco Queen,” the musical landscape had changed, and he struggled to match his previous success.

Norman Greenbaum: Spirit in the Sky 

Norman Greenbaum’s “Spirit in the Sky,” a major hit from the early 1970s, peaked at #3 on the Hot 100 but never reached #1. Blending garage-rock with a psychedelic solo, the song combined boogie and blues into a mainstream church tune inspired by Porter Wagoner’s gospel performance on T.V. Although Greenbaum, a Jewish artist, never had another hit, “Spirit in the Sky” briefly made him famous.

The Archies: Sugar, Sugar

The fictional cartoon band Archies struck gold in 1969 with their perennial hit “Sugar, Sugar.” Billboard even crowned it the #1 song of the year, thanks to Ron Dante’s smooth, pillow-soft vocals. This bubblegum pop classic, dripping with sweetness, is a feel-good ballad that people can dance to anywhere.

Friend & Lover: Reach Out of the Darkness

The song “Reach Out of the Darkness” perfectly captured the spirit of the flower power era with its charming male-female vocal exchanges, steering clear of being overly sentimental. Even though the duo, Jim and Cathy Post, parted ways not long after, the positive energy of their music remains timeless.

Bruce Channel: Hey! Baby

This song is notable in rock history due to Delbert McClinton’s unexpected appearance rather than Bruce Channel. On their U.K. tour, a starstruck John Lennon requested harmonica lessons from McClinton, leaving a lasting impact. This collaboration’s influence is evident in Lennon’s “Love Me Do,” which resembles McClinton’s sound.

Lou Bega: Mambo No. 5 (1999)

No great wedding, BBQ, or dance party was complete without this hit for at least five years after it came out, and Perez Prado would have been thrilled, as his Latin band had recorded the original version 50 years earlier. Despite some changes, Bega’s version stays true to the spirit of the original.

The Plimsouls: A Million Miles Away

The Plimsouls stand out in the power pop scene, ranking alongside the Raspberries and Dwight Twilley, who both scored multiple hits. Emerging from the punk era, their sound was sharper and brimming with soul-influenced swagger. Plus, with Peter Case’s mysterious and underappreciated songwriting, they remain a gem in American music.

Ace: How Long

Ace’s 1975 debut single, “How Long,” was a hit then and recently gained TikTok fame. Reaching #3 on the Hot 100, this tune exemplifies early yacht rock, a genre popularized by groups like Steely Dan and the Doobie Brothers. Despite Ace never replicating that success, “How Long” is a timeless playlist favorite.

King Harvest: Dancing in the Moonlight

King Harvest’s 1972 hit “Dancing in the Moonlight” is a delightful, upbeat anthem that’s hard to resist. Featuring jazzy piano, cheerful harmonies, and punchy guitar, it hit #13 on the charts and exemplifies easygoing pop-rock. Sherman Kelly wrote the song after a traumatic gang attack, providing a whimsical escape to a nostalgic, dreamy place.