1990s One Hit Wonders That Aren’t

Through the 1990’s decade, and the changing musical styles, there are many “one hit wonders” – artists or bands which seem to come from nowhere, shine brightly for a brief moment then disappear. Our memory can sometimes play tricks, especially when artists with numerous hit singles release one extraordinarily successful track that blows everyone away! Many of the 1990s One Hit Wonders that may be in your memories, really had more success than you recall! Let’s take a look at some of these “Not One Hit Wonders” from our favourite decade – some of these might surprise or shock you!

Len – Steal My Sunshine (1999)

Len’s “Steal My Sunshine” is often considered a one-hit wonder. Originally released in July 1999, it quickly gained airplay on MTV and remains a popular track today. Composed by Marc Costanzo and written by Gregg Diamond, the song features Armish Ofman on chorus vocals. Inspired by depression, it’s upbeat sound sets it apart from other one-hit wonders of its era. Produced by Grammy winner Harvey Mason Jr., it’s no surprise the song has continued to win over listeners. The music video is equally iconic, featuring a unique beach party with summer vibes that make for a nostalgic experience. Len’s classic hit remains beloved thanks to its memorable dance verses and catchy refrain, Ofman’s powerful vocals, and the production prowess of Mason Jr.

Len escape the “One Hit Wonder” in the UK by the skin of their teeth, their single “Cryptik Souls Crew” peaking at number 28 in 2000, edging them into the category of 1990’s two-hit-wonders.

Babybird – You’re Gorgeous (1996)

Babybird is a British band from Sheffield that has been active since 1995. The band was formed by Stephen Jones and achieved chart success with their single “You’re Gorgeous” in 1996. Despite the song being categorized as a ’90s one-hit-wonder, Babybird has proven to be more than that as they have released three full studio albums, various hit songs, and EPs with a cult following in the UK. They also toured extensively throughout Europe over the years. Babybird’s final album was released in 2010, and they went on an extended break in 2012. However, they continued to perform and record music regularly after their initial split in 1998 and even announced their return to the music scene in 2022. Some of their other popular songs include “Goodnight” and “The F Word,” which both made it into the Top 40 singles list at some point during their career. Their style is often described as a mix of indie rock, pop, and electronica with often humorous or dark lyrics provided by Jones himself, making them stand out from other bands at that time period.

With a total of 9 UK charting singles classified as “hits”, Babybird are possibly the most prolific of all “one hit wonders that aren’t”

Haddaway – What is Love (1993)

The Eurodance music era of the 1990s was full of one-hit wonders that are not easily forgotten. Haddaway’s 1993 hit single “What Is Love” is a classic and still widely recognized today. This song’s unique combination of classic Eurodance genre elements, along with its upbeat energy and enthusiasm, made it an instant success across Europe and beyond.

Haddaway rose to fame in the 90’s with his hit song “What Is Love,” which sold over one million copies worldwide and topped the charts in 13 countries. His unique songwriting and singing style set him apart from other artists of the time, and he achieved considerable success with other singles such as “Life” and “What About Me.” Although he is often labeled as a one-hit wonder, Haddaway’s legacy also influenced other popular 90’s songs such as Aqua’s “Barbie Girl.” Today, fans still remember him fondly or otherwise for bringing us the classic hit or niggling ear worm, depending on your point of view, “What Is Love?”

Though Americans labeled him a one-hit wonder because they never heard from him again afterward, in the UK and Europe, his career flourished with other singles including “Life” which was met with a great reception and even went platinum in Germany. The lyrics to “What Is Love” inquire about the nature of love and its meaning in our lives – something we can all relate to!

OMC – How Bizarre (1995)

It’s hard to believe that it has been over a quarter of a century since OMC’s hit single “How Bizarre” was released. This song helped catapult the New Zealand group to fame in 1995 and is often considered to be a classic one-hit wonder. The genre-fusing single combined acoustic guitars with hip hop loops and mariachi style horns, making it an instant alternative hit. However, their 1996 release “On the Run” charted at number 56 in the UK, giving them a second “hit”, the Guinness Book of British Hit Singles definition of a hit being a single charting at or above number 75.

OMC, or Otara Millionaires Club, was a one-hit wonder band from New Zealand known for their 1997 single “How Bizarre.” This alternative dance track quickly gained international popularity due to its unique sound and topped charts in multiple countries. It even earned the band six nominations at the 1998 MTV Video Music Awards. “How Bizarre” has since become an iconic part of pop culture and was even inducted into the National Recording Registry in 2020. Despite OMC’s success with this hit song, they were unable to replicate its success with their other tracks. OMC eventually disbanded, with frontman Pauly Fuemana pursuing a solo career and producer Alan Jansson continuing under his own name. However, “How Bizarre” remains a timeless classic in the alternative/dance scene of the ’90s.

All Seeing I – Walk Like A Panther (1999)

Another Sheffield outfit making the list, with links to Babybird and other Sheffield bands of the 90’s are All Seeing I – their best known release being the collaboration with Tony Christie, “Walk Like A Panther”.

The genre-busting single by The All Seeing I, hit the UK charts in 1999. The comedic novelty track with a postmodern twist was featured on multiple TV shows and ads and addressed youth culture and consumerism, sparking controversy. The single quickly became a cult classic due to its unique sound and style. Walk Like A Panther, written by The All Seeing I, was released on their album Pickled Eggs And Sherbet in 1998 and features Jason Swinscoe as the main vocalist, produced by the band. It earned an impressive #25 on the UK Singles Chart for such an experimental track. Listeners can find different versions of the song on several compilations and the band’s second album. Many online resources offer information on the song’s production and interesting statistics, and fans can explore other albums it appears on or remixes/alternate takes for their personal enjoyment. Walk Like A Panther is a 90s classic that will have you singing along every time.

4 Non Blondes – What’s Up? (1993)

The 1993 hit “What’s Up?”, often mistakenly referred to as “What’s Going On?” from the memorable chorus, was an anthem for feminists around the world and was the first song the band released to the public.

Formed in 1989 in San Francisco, 4 Non Blondes was an alternative rock band composed of all female members. Led by vocalist Linda Perry, the band released their only album, “Bigger, Better, Faster, More!” in 1992, to critical acclaim. It spent 59 weeks on the Billboard 200 chart and sold 1.5 million copies in the US, and 160,000 copies in the UK between 1992 and 1994 before being certified platinum by RIAA and gold by the BPI

The band really hit their stride with the release of their single “What’s Up?” in 1993. It quickly became a commercial success, hitting #1 across 11 countries, including Australia, where it peaked at #2 on their charts. The song remains popular today thanks to its karaoke potential – who doesn’t love belting out this tune for all its worth?

But 4 Non Blondes was more than just “What’s Up?” Fans can also enjoy other hits such as “Spaceman” (1993), “Drifting” (1994), or “I’m the One” from the Airheads film soundtrack, and “Dear Mr. President” which failed to chart in the UK or US, but gained popularity following the success of “What’s Up?”

The charting of “Spaceman” at number 53 in the UK, just saves the 4 Non Blondes from one-hit wonder ranking on a technicality, although some sales were quite possibly attributable to the remixed and piano versions of their global smash featuring on Spaceman’s 12″ and CD singles – although with only the one Billboard Top 100 ranking, in the USA the non blondes have undeniable OHW status.

Despite only releasing one album together, as 4 Non Blondes disbanded shortly after releasing “Bigger, Better, Faster, More!”, these songs have left an indelible mark on the music from the 90s – influencing not only sound but style too!

EMF! – Unbelievable (1990)

Oh! It’s unbelievable to many that EMF are not a One Hit Wonder. It’s quite possibly because of the flyaway success of their number 3 hit “Unbelievable”, that people even forget the follow-on “I Believe” released the following year from the same inaugural album Schubert Dip – despite the second single reaching number 6 in the UK charts.

Unbelievable” is still recognized as an iconic track due to its use of sampling from Giorgio Moroder’s “Chase” and unique dance moves from the band members. EMF’s fusion of punk, indie rock, pop, and dance music created their signature sound, which continues to influence modern pop music. Their energetic live performances kept fans engaged, and the song’s lyrics remind us of love’s power. This classic hit from the 90s still resonates with listeners today.

Although subsequent releases “Children” and “Lies” from the same album failed to reach the top 10, EMF still achieved a total of 7 UK hits between 1990 and 1995, with the addition of an 8th recorded with comedy duo Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer – a cover of The Monkees “I’m a Believer” which peaked at number 3

The band has split and reformed numerous times, with Stevey Marsh taking the place of EMF’s bassist Zac Foley who sadly passed away in 2002, but have never managed to repeat the heady heights of their early commercial success

The Spin Doctors – Two Princes (1993)

The Spin Doctors’ “Two Princes” is a classic example of ’90s music from the first half of the decade, having peaked at No.3 on the UK Singles Chart and No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and even recently resurrected as a TikTok meme. The American alternative rock band from New York City, comprising Chris Barron (lead vocals), Eric Schenkman (guitar and vocals), and Aaron Comess (drums, bass, and keyboards), is best known for their early 1990s hits, and continues to make music to this day. “Two Princes” remains one of the catchiest songs of the era and has stood the test of time.

Although Two Princes was their most significant hit in the UK (with Little Miss Can’t Be Wrong being their only other Top 30 hit in 192), they had several other memorable singles on their debut album Pocket Full of Kryptonite. Songs like Jimmy Olsen’s Blues, and What Time Is It? also achieved hit single status.

UK Top 20 chart success eluded The Spin Doctors, with Cleopatras Cat from their second album Turn it Upside Down being their highest charting single after 1993, at number 29.

Chumbawamba – Tubthumping (1997)

Whilst the band Chumbawamba had been around a long time, their audience was mostly indie clubs and squat gigs, where they played their particular blend of anarcho-pop and traditional rebel songs until their brief foray into platinum raated singles with the anthem “Tubthumping”.

Chumbawamba, active anarchists and political activists, formed in 1985 and had a modicum of success in the UK Indie charts with their politically charged lyrics on a number of singles, blending anarcho-punk and post-punk with elements of various genres, drawing from new wave, pop and folk, becomeing influenced too by the rise of rave cunture in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Following signing to prolific indie label One Little Indian, Chumbawamba first entered the mainstream UK charts in 1993 with their anti-fascist single with hip-hop group Credit to the Nation,the single’s release being around the same time as large riots in London in opposition to the British National Party. The single Timebomb became their second entry into the charts, spending a single week at number 59 – enough to be classed as a “hit single.”

The band failed to reach the “hit single” position of 75 with later releases until “Tubthumping”; their first release after signing with EMI records. Dropping their overtly political stance the anthemic song peaked at number two in the UK and achieved worldwide commercial success, The singles “Amnesia” and “Top of the World” – the latter featuring on 1998’s “Music of the World Cup” album, reached positions 10 and 21.

Chumbawamba parted company with EMI in 2001, having not entered the UK charts since “Top of the World” and returned to the indie scene until their break up in 2012.

With 2 Top 10 singles and a total of 5 chart entries above number 75, despite assumption to the contrary, Chumbawamba can certainly not be called a one-hit-wonder.

Coolio – Gangsta’s Paradise

Coolio’s Gangsta’s Paradise has become a classic hip-hop track and is often credited as one of the greatest hip-hop songs of all time. However, many people are unaware that it is far from a one-hit wonder. The song quickly earned critical acclaim due to its classic hip hop/R&B style, which appealed to a wide range of people – not to mention being the theme to the film Dangerous Minds.

Not only did “Gangsta’s Paradise” chart in the US, but it also made it big in the UK, where it peaked at number two on the singles chart. The accompanying music video received four MTV Video Music Awards nominations and won two for Best Rap Video and Best Editing. Furthermore, this track won Coolio his first Grammy Award for Best Solo Rap Performance at the 1996 ceremony and samples Stevie Wonder’s 1976 song “Pastime Paradise”.

What many may not know is that this timeless rap classic stayed longer in the UK than its US period twice over! From its release date, ‘Gangsta’s Paradise’ had an impressive 14-week run – twice as long as its 7-week stay atop the US charts – achieving Platinum certification status in both countries and even other British honours along the way.

At first glance, one might believe it to be just another one-hit wonder, but “Gangsta’s Paradise” was far more than that. It was a game-changer for the rap and hip-hop music scene of the 90s, incorporating elements of jazz and funk that made it stand out from other songs of its time. It featured soulful vocals by singer L.V., which gave the track emotional depth that resonated with listeners worldwide.

Beyond “Gangsta’s Paradise,” Coolio released several other pieces from his first album that continued with this success, such as “Fantastic Voyage,” which won him another Grammy Award in 1996 for Best Rap Solo Performance. He kept up this momentum with tracks from his following albums, such as My Soul, which was released in 1997, showcasing his musical talent beyond that of just one song or album title track.

Coolio’s erroneous inclusion into many people’s one-hit-wonder lists is quite probably due to the phenomenon which occurs when one particular track is such a flyaway success, it eclipses other successful releases, even those such as 1997’s “C U When U Get There” featuring 40 Thevs, which reached number 3 in the UK – but this gold disc often skips people’s memories because Gangsta’s Paradise remains such an all-time classic that has received renewed attention following his passing in 2022 aged just 59