1. “We Don’t Have to Take Our Clothes Off” – Jermaine Stewart
In 1986, Jermaine Stewart delivered one of the most playful and catchy songs of the decade with “We Don’t Have to Take Our Clothes Off.” It was a funky pop anthem with a positive message that stood out in the party-heavy music scene of the time. Stewart had charisma and a voice that carried the track beautifully, making it an instant radio favorite.
Despite the success of this single, Stewart never found another moment as big in the mainstream. He did release other songs, but none captured the public in the same way. Today, people still love the groove of “We Don’t Have to Take Our Clothes Off,” but very few remember Jermaine Stewart’s name. It’s the kind of hit that everyone recognizes, but the artist has faded into the shadows of 80s history.
2. “Obsession” – Animotion
“Obsession” was one of those tracks that just screamed 1980s excess. It had pulsing beats, dramatic vocals, and a video that looked straight out of an MTV fever dream. Animotion delivered it in 1985, and for a short time, they were on top of the charts. But after that single, the group’s identity got lost in the shuffle of so many other flashy pop acts.
Today, “Obsession” is remembered more for being a soundtrack song on Miami Vice and later for commercials and TV bumpers. Animotion never managed to follow up with anything as impactful, and the group eventually broke apart. The song still gets people dancing, but most have no idea who’s responsible for it. It’s the kind of track where the chorus is unforgettable, but the band’s name might as well have been erased.
3. “I Wonder If I Take You Home” – Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam
In 1985, “I Wonder If I Take You Home” became a huge hit on both R&B and dance charts. The mix of freestyle beats and Lisa Lisa’s playful vocals gave it instant appeal. But outside of that moment, the group never held onto mainstream fame in the same way. You might remember the tune but struggle to place who sang it.
Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam had a few more moderate hits, but they never broke into superstar territory. The song has aged well and is often credited with shaping freestyle music, but the group itself is more of a trivia answer now. People know the melody, and maybe even the lyrics, but the performers remain largely forgotten outside of die-hard fans.
4. “Major Tom (Coming Home)” – Peter Schilling
This dramatic, synth-driven track felt like a sequel to David Bowie’s “Space Oddity.” Peter Schilling released it in 1983, and it found a home on both radio and MTV with its futuristic vibe. The chorus was soaring, and for a moment, it seemed like Schilling might carve out a bigger career in the U.S.
But outside of “Major Tom (Coming Home),” Schilling didn’t have another mainstream hit stateside. The song is still played in 80s throwback sets, and people often mistakenly think it’s by Bowie himself. Schilling remains a one-hit wonder in America, though he did enjoy more success in Europe. For most listeners, though, “Major Tom” is all they know.
5. “Somebody’s Watching Me” – Rockwell
This paranoid anthem from 1984 became unforgettable thanks to its creepy vibe and the unmistakable backing vocals by Michael Jackson. Rockwell, the artist behind it, seemed poised for stardom. With a famous father (Motown founder Berry Gordy), he had all the right connections. But even with Jackson lending his voice, Rockwell never managed to score another hit.
“Somebody’s Watching Me” has lived on as a Halloween favorite and is still instantly recognizable. But Rockwell himself faded from the spotlight almost as quickly as he arrived. It’s one of those cases where the song is bigger than the artist, leaving the performer almost as mysterious as the lyrics.
6. “Mickey” – Toni Basil
If you were alive in the early ’80s, you definitely heard “Mickey” blasting from radios and TVs. Released in 1981, it became a cheerleader-style anthem with its stomping beat and unforgettable “Oh Mickey, you’re so fine” chant. Toni Basil brought tons of energy to the track, and the music video, with its cheerleading routine, was one of MTV’s earliest staples.
Despite how massive the song was, Basil never managed to replicate its success with another hit. She had a long career as a choreographer and dancer, but musically she’s remembered almost entirely for “Mickey.” The song is still used at sporting events, in commercials, and on 80s playlists, but most people don’t know much about the woman behind it. It’s the perfect example of a hit so big that it swallowed the artist’s name.
7. “Der Kommissar” – After the Fire
This quirky and slightly mysterious song with its half-sung, half-rapped delivery became a surprise hit in 1983. “Der Kommissar” was originally an Austrian song by Falco, but the British band After the Fire brought it to U.S. audiences. It climbed the charts, driven by its unique sound and cryptic lyrics.
After the Fire didn’t stick around long, though. They broke up not long after their brush with success, leaving “Der Kommissar” as their only U.S. hit. Today, most people only remember the unusual chorus and funky rhythm, while the band’s name has been completely overshadowed. It’s one of those songs that feels like it came from nowhere and disappeared just as fast.
8. “99 Luftballons” – Nena
This German anti-war anthem became an international hit in 1983. With its driving beat and catchy chorus, “99 Luftballons” (or the English version “99 Red Balloons”) was impossible to ignore. Nena, the band led by vocalist Gabriele Kerner, seemed poised for more global fame.
But outside of that one massive single, Nena never managed another international breakthrough. In Germany, they continued to enjoy success, but for American audiences, they became a one-hit wonder. The song is still beloved and often used as shorthand for quirky 80s pop, but most people couldn’t tell you who performed it. It’s the definition of a hit bigger than its artist.
9. “I Ran (So Far Away)” – A Flock of Seagulls
Few songs scream 1980s new wave like “I Ran (So Far Away).” Released in 1982, it combined shimmering synths, echoing guitars, and a moody vocal delivery that fit perfectly with the era’s sound. The music video, with its low-budget space vibes and lead singer Mike Score’s unforgettable haircut, was played constantly on MTV.
But despite the exposure, A Flock of Seagulls never managed another hit on the same level in the U.S. The band’s image often overshadowed their music, leaving them remembered more for style than substance. “I Ran” has become a staple on retro playlists and remains instantly recognizable, but most people would struggle to recall the band’s name. It’s the kind of song that defined a sound but left its creators in the background.
10. “She Blinded Me with Science” – Thomas Dolby
When “She Blinded Me with Science” hit the charts in 1982, it was unlike anything else on the radio. The quirky lyrics, eccentric delivery, and those random shouts of “Science!” made it instantly memorable. Thomas Dolby leaned into the nerdy, futuristic aesthetic, and the song became a surprise international hit.
Even though Dolby had talent and a distinct style, he never scored another hit of the same caliber in the U.S. The track has lived on in movies, commercials, and countless 80s playlists, but Dolby’s name is often forgotten. Most people can recite the chorus or laugh at the eccentric vibe of the video, but they couldn’t tell you who was behind it. It’s a classic case of a novelty hit defining a career.
11. “Too Shy” – Kajagoogoo
This song, with its unmistakable chorus of “Too shy shy, hush hush, eye to eye,” became a huge hit in 1983. Kajagoogoo, led by Limahl, looked like they might be the next big thing in new wave. The band had the hair, the style, and the MTV exposure to back it up.
But the fame didn’t last long. After “Too Shy,” their other singles couldn’t match its success, and the band eventually split. Limahl had a brief solo moment with “The NeverEnding Story” theme, but Kajagoogoo’s name faded fast. The song still feels like the epitome of quirky 80s pop, but the band is almost a footnote in music history.
12. “Voices Carry” – ‘Til Tuesday
“Voices Carry” was released in 1985 and became a hit thanks in part to its dramatic video. Aimee Mann’s powerful voice carried the song, and the band seemed to have something special. The mix of new wave and emotional storytelling resonated with audiences.
But despite Aimee Mann’s later solo success, ‘Til Tuesday never had another mainstream hit. “Voices Carry” has remained in rotation on classic 80s playlists, but the band itself is often forgotten. The song overshadows the group, and for many, it feels like it belongs more to the era than to the people who made it. It’s a haunting reminder of how one big song can define a career.
13. “Always Something There to Remind Me” – Naked Eyes
This 1983 hit was actually a cover of a Burt Bacharach and Hal David song, but Naked Eyes gave it a new wave spin. Their version became a major success on the radio and MTV. The band seemed ready for bigger things, especially with such a recognizable track under their belt.
Unfortunately, they never managed another hit of that size. Naked Eyes quietly faded, even though their version of the song has endured. People often remember the tune but not the performers, which is fitting for a song that has been covered multiple times. It’s one of those cases where the music lives on, but the names behind it don’t.
14. “I Want Candy” – Bow Wow Wow
“I Want Candy” was everywhere in 1982, with its pounding drums and playful vocals. Bow Wow Wow gave the old Strangeloves song a new wave twist, and it became an anthem for the MTV generation. The band had the look, the energy, and a rebellious spirit that made them stand out at the time.
Still, they couldn’t turn that success into a long-lasting career. Outside of “I Want Candy,” Bow Wow Wow didn’t land another major U.S. hit. The song, however, has remained iconic, popping up in commercials, teen movies, and nostalgic playlists. Most people remember the beat instantly, but the name of the group often gets lost in the shuffle.
