Best One-Hit Wonders From Every Decade
In honor of these songs that are the soundtrack to the generations, Audio Ink Radio is highlighting the best one-hit wonders for every decade. – Author: Anne Erickson, Capital Cities photo via Piper Ferguson
One-hit wonders might have a bad connotation, but they really bring people together. The best one-hit wonders throughout history bring very different people together, because no matter one’s musical taste or leanings, these hits are so ubiquitous that everyone can sing along to them. There’s something really beautiful about a great one-hit wonder, and there’s no shame in one song defining a musical act’s career. In honor of these songs that are the soundtrack to the generations, Audio Ink Radio is highlighting the best one-hit wonders for every decade, starting with the 1950s and going through the 2010s, in our continuing serious on single-hit wonders.
Greatest One-Hit Wonders for Each Decade
1950s: The Monotones, “The Book of Love”
Yes, there were even one-hit wonders back in the 1950s. One shining example is the popular 1958 single “The Book of Love” from R&B group the Monotones. While the group had plenty of talent and promise, they never matched the popularity of “The Book of Love” with any of their subsequent singles.
1960s: The Tokens, “The Lion Sleeps Tonight”
Catchy, doo-wop single “The Lions Sleeps Tonight” is one of the most recognizable songs out of the 1960s. On the 1961 gem, the Tokens deliver a smooth, feel-good anthem with heaps of falsetto and expression. The song was first written and first recorded in 1939 by Solomon Linda, so it’s a cover, but the Tokens really took it to the next level and made it something that became part of popular culture at the time. The song has also been covered by countless musicians and groups, but the Tokens’ version is exceptionally popular.
1970s: Harry Chapin, “Cat’s in the Cradle”
When it comes to songs that everyone knows, no matter their age, “Cat’s in the Cradle” is one of those songs. The timeless folk treasure is from Harry Chapin and appeared on his fourth studio album, 1974’s “Verities & Balderdash.” That song alone notched him a No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 in December of 1974. It’s by far his most popular, although he has other great numbers, too.
1980s: Tommy Tutone, “867-5309 / Jenny”
Spoiler alert: Don’t try calling the number 867-5309. The 1981 chart-topper from Tommy Tutone, “867-5309 / Jenny,” is so omnipresent that many people have tried, and continue to try, calling it. It’s a fun, romantic jam that came decades before anyone was able to send text messages, emails or DMs.
1990s: Vanilla Ice, “Ice Ice Baby”
Vanilla Ice released “Ice Ice Baby” in 1990 and kicked off a decade of imaginative pop, hip-hop, grunge and more. To this day, “Ice Ice Baby” is a catchy song that people love to play. If you really want to feel like you’re listening to it back in the day, crank it out of an old-fashioned boombox. The story behind “Ice Ice Baby” is about Vanilla Ice and Shay’s friendship. How sweet.
2000s: Hinder, “Lips of an Angel”
As with many artists on this tally, Hinder has more hits than just 2006’s ““Lips of an Angel” but that was by far their most commercially successful song. While their rock hits such as “Get Stoned” and “Better Than Me” topped the rock charts, their only song to really go mainstream and get top 40 airplay was “Lips of an Angel.” It’s a moving ballad form a rock band that seemed too rough and tough to have really feelings, but it showed that they did.
2010s: Capital Cities, “Safe and Sound”
in 2013, Capital Cities reached the inside of the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 with their super catchy song, “Safe and Sound.” The tune struck a chord, quite literally, with listeners because of its modern pop feel, but it still had a laid-back alternative vibe that made it hip and cool. The pop duo of Ryan Merchant and Sebu Simonian had more influence than just “Safe and Sound,” but it was their biggest hit.
For more one-hit wonder nostalgia, check out Audio Ink Radio’s feature on the best one-hit wonders of the 1980s.
- Best One-Hit Wonders From Every Decade - February 18, 2025
- One-Hit Wonders of the ’90s That Won’t Go Away - February 15, 2025
- Nu-Metal Songs With a Softer Side - February 14, 2025
