Five Catchiest One-Hit Wonders Of All Time

One-hit wonders have a unique and fascinating place in music history. They burst onto the scene with a catchy song that quickly becomes an earworm, but the artists don't then seem to achieve longer-term success. While these artists may not have made it further, their one-hit wonders continue to linger in our minds - here's our picks of some of the finest over the years...

1. "Macarena" by Los Del Rio:

This writer doesn't know anyone who's never done this at a party. "Macarena" by Los Del Rio is an international phenomenon that took the world by storm in the mid-'90s. This infectious Spanish dance track became an instant sensation, with its irresistible rhythm and catchy chorus inspiring everyone to join in the iconic dance. It's a timeless guilty pleasure that brings people together on the dance floor.

2. "Tainted Love" by Soft Cell:

Soft Cell's cover of "Tainted Love" became a smash hit in 1981, with its infectious synth-pop sound and memorable hooks. The song's infectious energy and captivating vocals by Marc Almond propelled it to instant success. "Tainted Love" has since become an '80s anthem, epitomizing the era's pop culture and retaining its catchy appeal even decades later, even if the band never quite reached the same heights. 

3. "Come On Eileen" by Dexy's Midnight Runners:

Dexy's Midnight Runners' "Come On Eileen" is a timeless pop-rock anthem that captivated audiences in the early '80s. With its upbeat tempo, energetic fiddle solo, and infectious sing-along chorus, the song became an instant hit and remains an enduring guilty pleasure favourite. "Come On Eileen" is a go-to choice for any '80s-themed party or nostalgic playlist.

4. "Mambo No. 5 (A Little Bit of...)" by Lou Bega:

Lou Bega's "Mambo No. 5 (A Little Bit of...)" became an international sensation in 1999, blending catchy mambo rhythms with its playful, infectious chorus. The song's catchy melody and Bega's charismatic delivery made it a chart-topping hit. "Mambo No. 5" continues to be a staple at parties and events, reminding us of the power of a catchy tune.

5. "What Is Love" by Haddaway:

Haddaway's "What Is Love" gained massive popularity in the early '90s, becoming an instant dancefloor filler with its fun techno beats and memorable chorus. The song's energetic vibe and repetitive hooks made it a global sensation, and it continues to be a guilty pleasure favourite that evokes nostalgia for '90s dance music.