15 Chart-Topping One-Hit Wonders Everyone Still Remembers

Music history is filled with amazing songs that we’ll always remember. But some artists only had one big hit, one special song that marked a moment in time.

These are the one-hit wonders: songs that everyone loved, that started trends, and then quickly disappeared.

Let’s take a trip through time with these famous songs. You might be surprised how many of these tunes you can still sing along to.

1. Mercy: Love (Can Make You Happy) (1969)

young woman listening music resting on couch ss2237530313 — Image Credit: Dean Drobot/Shutterstock

Album: Love Can Make You Happy
This upbeat, bubblegum pop song captured the cheerful spirit of the late ’60s. It reached #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains a nostalgic favorite for many.

2. King Harvest: Dancing in the Moonlight (1972)

Jimmy Doyle guitarist wc — Image Credit: Gavin Dunlap, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Album: Dancing in the Moonlight
This feel-good anthem is synonymous with carefree summer nights. Its catchy melody and laid-back vibe have made it a perennial favorite at parties and gatherings.

3. Deep Blue Something: Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1995)

Breakfast at Tiffanys wc — Image Credit: Trailer screenshot, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Album: Home
This ’90s alt-rock hit is a bittersweet love song referencing the classic film “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” Its popularity was fueled by the film’s enduring appeal and the song’s relatable lyrics.

4. The Archies: Sugar, Sugar (1969)

The archies sugar sugar 1969 wc — Image Credit: Calendar Records (division of Kirshner Entertainment Corp.) / RCA Records (manufacturer and distributor), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Album: Everything’s Archie
This bubblegum pop song was a massive hit, topping the charts for four weeks. It became an iconic track of the late ’60s, representing the wholesome, fun-loving spirit of the time.

5. Ace: How Long (1974)

How Long 1974 wc — Image Credit: MCA Records, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Album: Five A Side
This soft rock ballad about infidelity has a soulful melody and a memorable guitar riff. It resonated with listeners dealing with heartbreak and betrayal, ensuring its place in one-hit wonder history.

6. Bruce Channel: Hey! Baby (1962)

Hey baby by bruce channel wc — Image Credit: Smash Records, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Album: Hey! Baby
This rockabilly hit, featuring a memorable harmonica riff, is a catchy and energetic tune about young love. It reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains a popular choice for parties and events.

7. Matthews Southern Comfort: Woodstock (1970)

Matthews Southern Comfort wc — Image Credit: Polydor Records, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Album: Later That Same Year
This cover of Joni Mitchell’s folk song became a surprise hit. Its gentle melody and nostalgic lyrics about the iconic music festival resonated with listeners, capturing the spirit of the early ’70s counterculture.

8. Aqua: Barbie Girl (1997)

Soren Nystrom Rasted aqua band barbie girl wc — Image Credit: Simon Wedege Petersen, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Album: Aquarium
This Eurodance track with its catchy chorus and playful lyrics became a global phenomenon. Its music video, featuring the band members as Barbie and Ken dolls, sparked controversy and contributed to its massive popularity.

9. The Floaters: Float On (1977)

Bearded guitar player wc — Image Credit: Austin Neill arstyy, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Album: Float On
This soulful ballad is a smooth and relaxing tune with a message of perseverance and optimism. Its laid-back groove and uplifting lyrics have made it a timeless classic.

10. Minnie Riperton: Lovin’ You (1975)

Minnie Riperton wc — Image Credit: Epic Records, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Album: Perfect Angel
This ethereal song showcases Riperton’s incredible vocal range, including her signature whistle register. Its romantic lyrics and unique sound made it a chart-topping hit and a lasting testament to Riperton’s talent.

11. Friend & Lover: Reach Out of the Darkness (1969)

Occupy Central with Love and Peace wc — Image Credit: Jeff from Hong Kong, Hong Kong, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Album: Reach Out of the Darkness
This folk-rock song became an anthem for the peace and love movement of the late ’60s. Its simple message of unity and hope resonated with listeners during a time of social and political unrest.

12. The Plimsouls: A Million Miles Away (1983)

Dave Pahoa plimsouls bass player wc — Image Credit: Dinomagoo, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Album: Everywhere at Once
This power pop song captures the feeling of youthful longing and escape. Its catchy melody and energetic guitar riffs made it a favorite among rock fans, and it was later featured in the film “Valley Girl.”

13. Patrick Hernandez: Born to Be Alive (1979)

Disco Ball Clubz wc — Image Credit: flumea, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Album: Born to Be Alive
This disco anthem is a celebration of life and freedom. Its pulsating rhythm and catchy chorus made it a worldwide hit, and it remains a popular choice for parties and dance floors.

14. Norman Greenbaum: Spirit in the Sky (1969)

Norman Greenbaum Spirit in The Sky wc — Image Credit: Healmet24, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Album: Spirit in the Sky
This psychedelic rock song with its distinctive guitar riff and gospel-inspired lyrics became a surprise hit. Its spiritual theme and unconventional sound resonated with listeners, making it a unique and memorable one-hit wonder.

15. Lou Bega: Mambo No. 5 (A Little Bit Of…) (1999)

Lou bega wc — Image Credit: Sven Mandel, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Album: A Little Bit of Mambo
This Latin-flavored dance track with its infectious rhythm and playful lyrics became a global phenomenon. Its catchy chorus and humorous list of women’s names made it a fun and unforgettable hit.

These songs have become much more than just fleeting hits. They capture the spirit of their eras, evoke strong emotions, and remain beloved by many music fans today.