One-Hit Wonders (Are Temporary Things)

Today is National One-Hit Wonder Day in the U.S., though affection for the one-hit wonder isn't unique to the States.

Just this month, New Zealand music television station C4 dedicated an episode of its program, U Choose 40 to One Hit Wonders. A viewer poll on the C4 website determined the 40 songs. Viewers were given 60 options, though "write-in votes" could be sent via e-mail.

The Kiwis' Top 5 One-Hit Wonders:

1. Karl Douglas - "Kung Fu Fighting" (available on Super Hits of the '70s: Have a Nice Day, Vol. 14 , right-click to download)
2. Nena - "99 Red Balloons"
3. Afroman - "Because I Got High"
4. The Archies - "Sugar, Sugar"
5. The Mock Turtles - "Can You Dig It?"

Of course, the artist responsible for a one-hit wonder in one country may have lots of hits or none at all in any other country. I haven't heard of all the one-hit wonders in America, let alone the one-hit wonders in Canada, but some of them are very familiar (like Trans-X's "Living on Video", The Inbreds' "Any Sense Of Time", Len's "Steal My Sunshine").

Several one-hit wonder lists are available for perusal at Wikipedia, from One-Hit Wonders in the U.K. to 1980s One-Hit Wonders in the U.S.. Along with a blast of nostalgia (ranging from fun-to-frightening), the lists should provide plenty of inspiration for mix CDs and playlists.

Mix CDs aren't enough to satisfy everyone. John Moe suggests Possible Follow-Up Songs For One-Hit Wonders, including "Everybody Was Kung Fu Making Up" and "Won't You Give Me a Ride Home From) Funkytown?"

A Few One-Hit Wonders:

(Right-click to download all songs:)

Trans-X - Living On Video (available on 80's One Hit Wonders)

The Flying Lizards - Money (available on Totally Punk Rock: the Essential Punk Album)

The Icicle Works - Birds Fly (Whisper To A Scream) (available on The Icicle Works)

Romeo Void - A Girl In Trouble (Is A Temporary Thing) (available on Sedated in the Eighties, Vol. 2)