Have you ever heard a song that you absolutely loved but realized the artist never made another hit? These musicians are known as “one hit wonders.” They capture our hearts with that catchy tune, but often disappear from the music scene soon after. One hit wonders can be found in every decade, from the 80s to today. They remind us of a time and place, and sometimes, they even become a part of pop culture. Think about songs that have you singing along and tapping your feet, even if you can’t remember another song from the same artist!
Today, we’re going to put your knowledge to the test with some fun trivia about these memorable one hit wonders. How well do you know the artists behind those iconic songs? Can you name the song that was a massive hit but didn’t lead to much else for the artist? Get ready to challenge yourself and see if you can guess the songs and artists that made a splash for just a moment. Whether you’re a music buff or just enjoy a good tune, you’ll have a great time with this trivia!
One Hit Wonder Trivia
Flashbacks to Catchy Tunes and Their Legends
1. Which band had a huge hit in 1982 with “Come on Eileen”? (Answer: Dexys Midnight Runners)
2. What is the title of the popular song by Vanilla Ice? (Answer: Ice Ice Baby)
3. Who performed the iconic 1997 song “Barbie Girl”? (Answer: Aqua)
4. What hit did Los Del Rio release that became a dance phenomenon in the 90s? (Answer: Macarena)
5. Which artist sang “Tainted Love,” a hit in the 1980s? (Answer: Soft Cell)
6. “Funky Town” was a hit for which group in 1980? (Answer: Lipps Inc.)
7. What catchy song did a-ha release in 1985? (Answer: Take on Me)
8. Who is known for the 1999 hit “All Star”? (Answer: Smash Mouth)
9. Who had a big hit with “Come on, Feel the Noise”? (Answer: Quiet Riot)
10. Which band is famous for the song “Steal My Sunshine”? (Answer: Len)
Memorable Melodies from the 80s and 90s
1. What song by Bobby McFerrin encourages listeners to “Don’t Worry, Be Happy”? (Answer: Don’t Worry, Be Happy)
2. Who is the artist behind the 1990 hit “U Can’t Touch This”? (Answer: MC Hammer)
3. What is the title of the hit by Chumbawamba in 1997 that encourages drinking? (Answer: Tubthumping)
4. Which song did Sir Mix-a-Lot make famous in 1992? (Answer: Baby Got Back)
5. Who is known for her 1999 song “Genie in a Bottle”? (Answer: Christina Aguilera)
6. What hit by The Baha Men asks “Who Let the Dogs Out”? (Answer: Who Let the Dogs Out)
7. What catchy song did Toni Basil release in 1982? (Answer: Mickey)
8. Who sang the 1997 hit “I Got the Key”? (Answer: Afroman)
9. “I Want Candy” is a hit by which artist? (Answer: Bow Wow Wow)
10. Who is the artist behind “Never Gonna Give You Up”? (Answer: Rick Astley)
Surprising Facts and Stories Behind the Hits
1. Which artist, known for “My Sharona,” had a famous song released in 1979? (Answer: The Knack)
2. What year was “Take on Me” released? (Answer: 1984)
3. Who performed “Jesse’s Girl,” a hit that made waves in 1981? (Answer: Rick Springfield)
4. What song brought Cyndi Lauper her only major hit? (Answer: Girls Just Want to Have Fun)
5. Which catchy tune did New Radicals release in 1998 that became a teen anthem? (Answer: You Get What You Give)
6. What is the famous song by Four Non Blondes? (Answer: What’s Up)
7. Who had a smash hit with “Bitch” in 1997? (Answer: Meredith Brooks)
8. “Peaches” is a hit song by which artist? (Answer: The Black Eyed Peas)
9. Which song featuring the lyrics “I’m too sexy for my shirt” was a hit in the 90s? (Answer: I’m Too Sexy)
10. Who sang the famous “Ain’t Nobody” hit? (Answer: Chaka Khan)
Funky Beats of the 70s and 80s
1. What memorable tune did the artist Soft Cell release in 1981? (Answer: Tainted Love)
2. Which group released “Why Can’t We Be Friends?” in 1975? (Answer: War)
3. What upbeat song did The Weather Girls release in 1982? (Answer: It’s Raining Men)
4. Who is known for the funky 70s hit “Play That Funky Music”? (Answer: Wild Cherry)
5. Which artist is famous for singing “Hot In Herre”? (Answer: Nelly)
6. What catchy track was released by Tone Loc in 1989? (Answer: Wild Thing)
7. Who had a huge hit in 1984 with “Dancing on the Ceiling”? (Answer: Lionel Richie)
8. “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic” is a song by which band? (Answer: The Police)
9. Which artist hit the charts with “De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da”? (Answer: The Police)
10. “Chain of Fools” is a hit by which artist? (Answer: Annie Lennox)
Pop Culture and Their One Hit Wonders
1. What artist had a hit with “I’m a Believer” in 1966? (Answer: The Monkees)
2. Which band’s song “I Want to Know What Love Is” dominated the charts in 1984? (Answer: Foreigner)
3. Who is known for the catchy tune “Shiny Happy People”? (Answer: R.E.M.)
4. What 2004 hit by “The Black Eyed Peas” featured the lyrics “Let’s Get It Started”? (Answer: Let’s Get It Started)
5. Who sang the famous “Boys Don’t Cry”? (Answer: The Cure)
6. What year did the hit “I Just Died in Your Arms Tonight” come out? (Answer: 1986)
7. Who released “Tell It to My Heart” as a major hit? (Answer: Taylor Dayne)
8. “The Safety Dance” is a one hit wonder by which band? (Answer: Men Without Hats)
9. Who made “Peace and Love” a popular song? (Answer: Bobby McFerrin)
10. What Disney movie featured “Go the Distance” as a theme song? (Answer: Hercules)
Nostalgic Hits that Made Us Dance
1. “You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)” is a hit by which artist? (Answer: Dead or Alive)
2. Which group’s song “Come on Eileen” topped the charts in 1982? (Answer: Dexys Midnight Runners)
3. “I Want Candy” is a one hit wonder by which artist? (Answer: Bow Wow Wow)
4. Who performed “Karma Chameleon”? (Answer: Culture Club)
5. “Take Me on Your Journey” was sung by which legendary artist? (Answer: Barry Manilow)
6. Which artist is known for “The Heart of Rock and Roll”? (Answer: Huey Lewis and the News)
7. Who had a hit with “Linda”? (Answer: The Association)
8. “Pump Up the Jam” is associated with which group? (Answer: Technotronic)
9. What year did “Hot Stuff” by Donna Summer chart? (Answer: 1979)
10. Who is famous for “Mambo No. 5”? (Answer: Lou Bega)
Final Thoughts
One hit wonders are memorable because they capture a moment in time with just a single song. From catchy tunes of the 80s and 90s to the funky beats of earlier decades, these artists had one opportunity to shine, often leaving a lasting impact. Their tracks remind us of fun times and dance parties, giving everyone a chance to reminisce and sing along. If you enjoyed this trivia challenge, consider exploring more topics like One Hit Wonders Trivia or test your knowledge on 90s Music Trivia. Music is a treasure trove of nostalgia and surprises, so keep listening and enjoying!