The Best One-Hit Wonders of the ’90s
While grunge ruled much of the 1990s, some of the best one-hit wonders of the ’90s were also around, and they were massive. – Author: Cat Badra, Vanilla Ice, “Ice Ice Baby” single cover via X-Ray / Cleopatra
Nirvana and the grunge rock movement ruled the 1990s, especially the year 1991, but between all of those blockbuster grunge bands were some of the best one-hit wonders of the ’90s. The decade certainly had its moments, with some bands and musicians getting famous off only one song and then never reaching that level of fame again. For other bands and artists, their spotlight lingered on, with bands such as Nirvana, Soundgarden and Pearl Jam being anything but one-hit wonders. Outside of grunge, rap and pop were also popular in the 90s, and they had some one-offs, too. In honor of the best one-hit wonders of the ’90s, here are some top picks.
Greatest One-Hit Wonders of the ’90s
Chumbawamba, “Tubthumping”
Anyone who gets knocked down and then gets up again can find charm and truth is the 1997 anthem “Tubthumping” by “Chumbawamba.” The song’s simple and repetitive beats and lyrics are just too catchy and leave the listener wanting to listen to the track over and over again. The inspiration for the song was an interesting one. As the story goes, it was inspired by an evening when guitarist Boff Whalley and his wife watched their next-door neighbor, who was drunk, singing “Danny Boy.” The instrumentation on here is also fantastic, with horns and more fun.
Los Del Rio, “Macarena”
In 1993, “Macarena” by Spanish pop duo Los Del Rio dropped, and weddings would never be the same. The song is still a favorite at weddings and major celebrations, and it’s an anthem of sorts for anything that has to do with dancing. “Macarena” was originally recorded for the group’s 1993 album, “A mí me gusta.” A Rolling Stone poll found it to be one of the worst songs of the ’90s, but we have a feeling many disagree.
Right Said Fred, “I’m Too Sexy”
Talk about self confidence. On Right Said Fred’s 1991 hit “I’m Too Sexy,” the English pop duo of brothers Fred and Richard Fairbrass say they’re just too sexy for about anything or anyone. It’s a fun, in-your-face, party-happy song that instantly skyrocketed up the charts and went No. 1 in 32 countries. What’s interesting is that this song found its glory the same year as Nirvana with “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” so there were two very different sounds.
Sir Mix-A-Lot, “Baby Got Back”
Sir Mix-A-Lot struck the big time with his catchy 1992 chart-topper “Baby Got Back.” The song took on a life of its own and ruled the airwaves during a time when grunge was everywhere. As NPR notes, the song came with “endless sitcom jokes and rap homages.” Anthony Ray, the guy behind Sir Mix-A-Lot, told NPR that he wrote the song about how “pop culture was waif-thin, heroin addict, big hair, fake boobs — you know, that was what they thought beautiful was. And because of the way it was discussed publicly, it made women who had naturally curvy bodies … run around with sweaters wrapped around their waist.” Rolling Stone named it one of the best West Coast hip-hop songs of all time.
Vanilla Ice, “Ice Ice Baby”
Vanilla Ice just barely squeezed into this ’90s tally with his 1990 hit, “Ice Ice Baby,” just barely because it arrived the very first year of the decade. “Ice Ice Baby” was an instant hit and it still a very recognizable song today. The story is “Ice Ice Baby” surrounds Vanilla Ice and Shay’s friendship and a weekend they had together, but the lyrics could be taken many ways. Years later, Vanilla Ice is still out there.
The 1980s also had some great one-hit wonders, which Audio Ink Radio names in another feature.
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