Celebrated Rock One-Hit Wonders of the ’80s
To celebrate some big and fun musical moments of the past, Audio Ink Radio presents its tally of the greatest rock one-hit wonders of the ’80s. – Author: Anne Erickson, Photo of Don Henley 40th anniversary “Building The Perfect Beast” release via UMe
The 1980s were such a vibrant and dynamic period for rock music, and the era brought plenty of rock one-hit wonders of the ’80s. Not only was hair metal and glam rock going strong, but there was also hard rock from the 1970s that spilled into the decade, plus some college rock that gained steam at the time. While the decade had a lot of one-hit wonders in every genre, in this Audio Ink Radio feature, we’re specifically focusing on the best rock one-hit wonders of the ’80s. So, peg those pants, tease up that hair and get ready to relive this fun time in music history.
Catchy Rock One-Hit Wonders of the ’80s
Devo, “Whip It”
Now, Devo fans would say they are anything but a one-hit wonder kind of band, and it’s true, but it’s hard to deny that 1980’s “Whip It” was one of their biggest moments. The song, off their third studio album, 1980’s “Freedom of Choice,” featured a special new wave and synth-rock sound that really put Devo on the map for years to come.
Europe, “The Final Countdown”
Europe had more than one hit, but let’s face the fact that they were defined by their massive 1986 chart-topper, “The Final Countdown.” These Swedish rockers truly towered the world with this incredible hit, and it helped bring rock music to the masses. It’s still a favorite for sporting events and other big moments in time, and it’s certainly one of the biggest rock one-hit wonders of the ’80s. Somehow, Rolling Stone readers voted it one of the worst songs of the 1980s, but we beg to differ.
Don Henley, “The Boys of Summer”
Don Henley captured the joy and awe of summer with his 1984 chart-topper, “The Boys of Summer.” While the song sounds fun and airy, it actually looks at the idea of aging and questioning, and perhaps regretting, the past. Henley wrote the lyrics for the song, while Mike Campbell of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers penned the music. It was a match made in heaven, and it’s one of the decade’s most memorable hits.
Krokus, “Screaming in the Night”
Krokus released “Screaming in the Night” in 1983, and it climbed to the top of the charts in the U.S. Krokus have stayed active throughout the years, and they’ve had plenty of fantastic songs, but none of them stood out like “Screaming in the Night.” It’s worth mentioning that Rob Halford of Judas Priest performed the song, too, which helped it thrive. It’s one of the most memorable rock one-hit wonders of the ’80s
Los Lobos, “La Bamba”
Los Lobos was literally everywhere in 1987 thanks to their hit “La Bamba.” The song is actually a Mexican folk song out of the state of Veracruz, but Los Lobos took it to new heights with their cover version, which was the title track of the 1987 move, “La Bamba,” a bio-pic about Valens. Their cover of the song hit No. 1 on a slew of charts around the world.
For a tally of one-hit wonders from the ’80s in all genres, not just rock, check out this Audio Ink Radio feature.
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