Top 10: Greatest “One Hit Wonders” of the 90′s

Saying you are a “one hit wonder” in music is like saying “you cannot win the big one” in sports or “oh crap, that movie was as bad as Transformers 2.”

An artist never plans on becoming a “one hit wonder,” but it does happen. And while some may look at a “one hit wonder” as a bad thing, the fact remains that these songs played countless times on the radio and were drilled into our brain at such a fast rate that we could not help but like them.

While some may call this the 1990′s Music Hall of Shame, it damn sure beats the hundreds of thousands of “aspiring” artists who never made it.

Note: Please try to refrain from singing the lyrics to some of these “one hit wonders” out loud; especially if you are at work.

10. “Torn” – Natalie Imbruglia (1998)

Popular after “Torn” sold millions of copies, Imbruglia fame quickly ran out a year later. She released another album to a less than stellar response and raised questions about the industry backing an ex-Australian soap opera star who sang about love.

9. “Cannonball” – The Breeders (1993)

Some may recognize Kim Deal as a member of the now revived Pixies, but a time long ago, Deal was a member of The Breeders and their 1993 hit “Cannonball.” Driven by the heavy bass lines, high voltage guitar riffs, and distorted vocals carried “Cannonball,” but like the album’s title (Last Splash) it was the final release from The Breeders.

8. “No Myth” – Michael Penn (1990)

Michael Penn evolved from a pedigree family. His brother is Academy Award winner Sean Penn and his wife is Academy Award nominee Aimee Mann. Penn contributed his one and only hit with this early-90s infectious pop hit filled with jangling guitars and an infectious chorus that asks the question: “What if I were Romeo in black jeans?” Too bad he couldn’t keep up with the Joneses.

7. “Song 2” – Blur (1997)

“Whoo Who!” Anybody remember that line from this irritating two minute long piece with the same reiterating concept? Besides that lyric, most of the lyrics are basically incomprehensible and open to interpretation. Although Blur had been highly acclaimed and prolific, they had managed to stay under the radar for most of their career—at least in the States. Unfortunately, this song is their most well known.

6. “I Touch Myself” – The Divinyls (1991)

Who would have thought making a song about masturbation would sell so many records? While The Divinyls hit was not the first to bring up the subject (and cash in off of it), the Australian group may be the most blunt about it: “when I think about you I touch myself.” No word yet if anybody jerks off while playing this tune.

5. “Laid” – James (1993)

A guitar is strummed then builds to pounding drums on the lyric: “This bed is on fire with passion and love/the neighbors complain about the noises above/but she only cums when she’s on top.” Talk about something that is more direct than touching yourself while you think of Celebrity Hater. The group didn’t last, but today it’s one of the best songs about obsession—next to “Every Breath You Take.” No word if the song is also about a prostitute.

4. “No Rain” – Blind Melon (1992)

The song follows a child pariah who wants to fit in and finally does in the end with hooks and a bittersweet pop melody that was nothing close to the grunge scene of the day despite lead singer Shannon Hoon’s death to an overdose of cocaine that somehow screams “Kurt Cobain.” Sadly, no one talks about Hoon’s death anymore or the band for that matter.

3. “What’s Up?” – 4 Non Blondes (1993)

When you name your band “4 Non Blondes,” you are basically insinuating that you’re not dumb (and possibly not hot). Unfortunately the band did not live up to the label, releasing a simple jam titled, “What’s Up?” that lasted in my iPod (I mean walkman) for four weeks and then was never played again.

2. “Black Velvet” – Alannah Myles (1990)

Canadian Alannah Myles burst onto the scene in 1989 with her sultry and bluesy song that made men around the world swoon. This song was a number one hit in the States in 1990 and took over the airwaves for months on end before it and her career disappeared faster than a Kayne West apology. Myles is the only artist on the select list to win a Grammy for her one hit wonder, so at least she can always cling to that.

1. “Nothing Compares 2 U” – Sinead O’Connor (1990)

One of the most famous love ballads of all time, this Prince penned song put the hairless Sinead and her political and religious antics on the map. It’s a beautiful and compelling song that echoes with palpable heartbreak and sorrow. Sinead should’ve made peace with the Pope while she still had the chance.