My One-Hit Wonders of the 1980s Playlist
1. Dexys Midnight Runners - "Come on Eileen"
Released in 1982, this catchy tune became a massive hit, known for its upbeat tempo and distinctive fiddle melody. Listen here.
2. A Flock of Seagulls - "I Ran (So Far Away)"
This 1982 hit is famous for its iconic synth-driven sound and futuristic music video. Listen here.
3. a-ha - "Take on Me"
Known for its groundbreaking animated music video, this 1985 song remains a classic. Listen here.
4. Tommy Tutone - "867-5309/Jenny"
Released in 1981, this song became famous for its catchy chorus and the phone number that inspired prank calls. Listen here.
5. Soft Cell - "Tainted Love"
A synth-pop cover of a 1960s soul song, "Tainted Love" became a defining hit of the early 80s. Listen here.
6. Nena - "99 Luftballons"
This anti-war anthem from 1983 became a hit in both its original German and English versions. Listen here.
7. Toni Basil - "Mickey"
Known for its cheerleader chant, this 1981 song became a pop culture staple. Listen here.
8. Men Without Hats - "The Safety Dance"
Released in 1982, this song is remembered for its catchy beat and quirky music video. Listen here.
9. Bow Wow Wow - "I Want Candy"
This 1982 cover of a 1960s hit became popular for its energetic sound and playful lyrics. Listen here.
10. Kajagoogoo - "Too Shy"
Known for its catchy chorus and synth-pop sound, this 1983 song became an international hit. Listen here.
11. Billy Ray Cyrus - "Achy Breaky Heart"
This 1992 song became a country music sensation, known for its catchy chorus and line dancing popularity. Listen here.
12. Vanilla Ice - "Ice Ice Baby"
Released in 1990, this hip-hop track became a cultural phenomenon, known for its iconic bass line and catchy lyrics. Listen here.
13. Cyndi Lauper - "Girls Just Want to Have Fun"
This 1983 anthem became a feminist classic, celebrating female empowerment and independence. Listen here.
14. Dexys Midnight Runners - "Come on Eileen"
Released in 1982, this catchy tune became a massive hit, known for its upbeat tempo and distinctive fiddle melody. Listen here.
15. Soft Cell - "Tainted Love"
A synth-pop cover of a 1960s soul song, "Tainted Love" became a defining hit of the early 80s. Listen here.
16. Nena - "99 Luftballons"
This anti-war anthem from 1983 became a hit in both its original German and English versions. Listen here.
17. Toni Basil - "Mickey"
Known for its cheerleader chant, this 1981 song became a pop culture staple. Listen here.
18. Men Without Hats - "The Safety Dance"
Released in 1982, this song is remembered for its catchy beat and quirky music video. Listen here.
19. Bow Wow Wow - "I Want Candy"
This 1982 cover of a 1960s hit became popular for its energetic sound and playful lyrics. Listen here.
20. Kajagoogoo - "Too Shy"
Known for its catchy chorus and synth-pop sound, this 1983 song became an international hit. Listen here.
21. Modern English - "I Melt with You"
This 1982 song became a staple of 80s new wave music, known for its romantic lyrics and catchy melody. Listen here.
22. The Buggles - "Video Killed the Radio Star"
Released in 1979 but iconic in the 80s, this song is famous for being the first music video played on MTV. Listen here.
23. Big Country - "In a Big Country"
This 1983 hit is known for its distinctive guitar sound that mimics bagpipes, capturing the spirit of Scotland. Listen here.
24. Frankie Goes to Hollywood - "Relax"
Released in 1983, this controversial song became a dance anthem with its provocative lyrics and energetic beat. Listen here.
25. Dead or Alive - "You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)"
This 1984 dance-pop track is famous for its infectious chorus and vibrant energy. Listen here.
26. Nena - "99 Luftballons"
This anti-war anthem from 1983 became a hit in both its original German and English versions. Listen here.
27. Toni Basil - "Mickey"
Known for its cheerleader chant, this 1981 song became a pop culture staple. Listen here.
28. Men Without Hats - "The Safety Dance"
Released in 1982, this song is remembered for its catchy beat and quirky music video. Listen here.
29. Bow Wow Wow - "I Want Candy"
This 1982 cover of a 1960s hit became popular for its energetic sound and playful lyrics. Listen here.
30. Kajagoogoo - "Too Shy"
Known for its catchy chorus and synth-pop sound, this 1983 song became an international hit. Listen here.
31. M - "Pop Muzik"
This 1979 track became a hit in the early 80s, known for its catchy beat and innovative sound. Listen here.
32. The Vapors - "Turning Japanese"
Released in 1980, this song is known for its catchy melody and controversial lyrics. Listen here.
33. Taco - "Puttin' on the Ritz"
This 1982 cover of a classic song became famous for its theatrical style and catchy arrangement. Listen here.
34. Baltimora - "Tarzan Boy"
Known for its jungle-themed chorus, this 1985 song became a dance hit. Listen here.
35. Murray Head - "One Night in Bangkok"
Released in 1984, this song from the musical "Chess" became a worldwide hit. Listen here.
36. Rockwell - "Somebody's Watching Me"
This 1984 hit features Michael Jackson on the chorus and became famous for its paranoid theme. Listen here.
37. Lipps Inc. - "Funkytown"
Released in 1980, this disco hit is known for its infectious groove and catchy chorus. Listen here.
38. Falco - "Rock Me Amadeus"
This 1985 song became a hit with its unique blend of pop and classical influences. Listen here.
39. Toni Basil - "Mickey"
Known for its cheerleader chant, this 1981 song became a pop culture staple. Listen here.
40. Men Without Hats - "The Safety Dance"
Released in 1982, this song is remembered for its catchy beat and quirky music video. Listen here.
41. Bow Wow Wow - "I Want Candy"
This 1982 cover of a 1960s hit became popular for its energetic sound and playful lyrics. Listen here.
42. Kajagoogoo - "Too Shy"
Known for its catchy chorus and synth-pop sound, this 1983 song became an international hit. Listen here.
43. M - "Pop Muzik"
This 1979 track became a hit in the early 80s, known for its catchy beat and innovative sound. Listen here.
44. The Vapors - "Turning Japanese"
Released in 1980, this song is known for its catchy melody and controversial lyrics. Listen here.
45. Taco - "Puttin' on the Ritz"
This 1982 cover of a classic song became famous for its theatrical style and catchy arrangement. Listen here.
46. Baltimora - "Tarzan Boy"
Known for its jungle-themed chorus, this 1985 song became a dance hit. Listen here.
47. Murray Head - "One Night in Bangkok"
Released in 1984, this song from the musical "Chess" became a worldwide hit. Listen here.
48. Rockwell - "Somebody's Watching Me"
This 1984 hit features Michael Jackson on the chorus and became famous for its paranoid theme. Listen here.
49. Lipps Inc. - "Funkytown"
Released in 1980, this disco hit is known for its infectious groove and catchy chorus. Listen here.
50. Falco - "Rock Me Amadeus"
This 1985 song became a hit with its unique blend of pop and classical influences. Listen here.