1. Toni Basil
Who could forget “Mickey”? Toni Basil’s cheerleader-inspired anthem from 1981 was so infectious it practically defined the early ’80s. With its catchy chant and high-energy video, the song climbed to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a pop culture staple. Basil had been working in the entertainment industry for years as a choreographer and dancer, but this was her one big musical breakthrough.
After “Mickey,” she never managed to score another chart-topper. Instead, she returned to choreography, working with stars like David Bowie and Tina Turner. Her influence behind the scenes remained strong, even if her time in the spotlight as a singer was short-lived. To this day, “Mickey” is remembered as one of the quintessential one-hit wonders of the decade.
2. Dexys Midnight Runners
“Come On Eileen” was everywhere in 1982, topping charts in both the U.S. and the UK. With its fiddle-driven melody and singalong chorus, the song had a scrappy, celebratory energy that felt totally unique. The band, led by Kevin Rowland, created a song that’s still instantly recognizable more than forty years later.
But despite that massive hit, Dexys Midnight Runners struggled to replicate their success internationally. In the UK, they had some additional hits, but American audiences never really latched on again. Rowland kept reinventing the band, but nothing matched the cultural phenomenon of “Come On Eileen.” For many listeners, that song is all they remember.
3. A-ha
In 1985, A-ha stormed onto MTV with “Take On Me.” The combination of soaring vocals, catchy synth-pop, and a groundbreaking animated video made it an instant classic. The song shot to No. 1 in the U.S. and became a worldwide hit.
Though they had more chart success in Europe, in America their star faded quickly. Later singles never managed to recapture the magic or the massive crossover appeal. The band never technically vanished, as they continued performing and releasing albums, but to many in the U.S., “Take On Me” was their single defining moment.
4. Nena
The German pop group Nena became global sensations with “99 Luftballons” in 1983. Its anti-war message wrapped in a bouncy new wave tune struck a chord around the world. In the U.S., the English-language version “99 Red Balloons” also climbed the charts.
However, Nena’s international fame didn’t last beyond that one hit. In Germany, singer Nena Kerner continued to have a successful career, but the group was never able to replicate their American breakthrough. For many listeners outside of Europe, they remain forever tied to the image of floating red balloons and Cold War-era anxieties.
5. Men Without Hats
“Safety Dance” hit the airwaves in 1982 and became one of the decade’s quirkiest anthems. Its synth-heavy beat and bizarre video featuring medieval dancers made it unforgettable. The song’s message of carefree self-expression resonated with audiences and pushed it into the Top 10.
But Men Without Hats never had another hit of that caliber. They released more albums, but nothing matched the cultural footprint of “Safety Dance.” Still, the track became a staple of ’80s nostalgia playlists, ensuring their name would live on even if their broader career faded from view.
6. Modern English
When “I Melt With You” came out in 1982, it didn’t hit No. 1, but it became a beloved anthem through constant radio play and movie soundtracks. Its dreamy, romantic lyrics struck a chord with teenagers of the era. The song’s association with films like Valley Girl cemented it as a cult classic.
Despite that enduring love for their one song, Modern English never managed to score another significant hit. The band broke up and reunited multiple times, with occasional tours where “I Melt With You” remained the highlight. Their one shining moment continues to define their legacy.
7. Thomas Dolby
Thomas Dolby is remembered for one very quirky tune: “She Blinded Me With Science.” Released in 1982, the song was a playful, nerdy ode to love and technology, complete with shouted interjections of “Science!” It became a Top 5 hit in the U.S. and a symbol of the early synth-pop era.
Afterward, Dolby shifted gears into technology and music production. He never had another hit on the same scale, but he became a pioneer in digital sound. While the world may remember him mostly for that one eccentric single, his influence behind the scenes carried on long after his chart days.
8. Samantha Fox
In 1986, Samantha Fox hit the charts with “Touch Me (I Want Your Body).” The British model-turned-singer became an overnight sensation, thanks to her daring image and catchy dance-pop anthem. The song topped charts in multiple countries and gave her international fame almost instantly.
But after that, her musical career never managed to hit the same heights. She released more singles and albums, but none broke through in the same way. Fox remained a popular personality in Europe and continued to perform, yet for many U.S. listeners, “Touch Me” was her one defining hit that kept her name in the pop history books.
9. Bow Wow Wow
“I Want Candy” became their signature song in 1982, even though it was a cover of a 1960s tune. Their punky new wave spin gave it a fresh life and turned lead singer Annabella Lwin into a pop culture icon. The playful video got heavy MTV rotation and kept the song in the public eye.
But Bow Wow Wow never found another breakout hit. The band had a devoted following, but nothing ever reached the mainstream success of “I Want Candy.” Today, they’re remembered primarily for that one sugary anthem and their brief brush with stardom.
10. The Vapors
“The Vapors” burst onto the scene in 1980 with “Turning Japanese,” a song that had an irresistible melody and a lot of mystery surrounding its lyrics. The tune became a Top 10 hit in several countries and cemented their place in pop culture history.
Yet after that, they quickly faded from view. Their follow-up songs didn’t catch on, and by the mid-’80s, they were gone from the charts entirely. Despite their short-lived career, “Turning Japanese” remains a quirky, beloved track that still pops up on retro playlists.
11. Animotion
With “Obsession” in 1985, Animotion scored a synth-pop anthem that still sounds like pure ’80s. The dramatic vocals and pounding beat made it a club favorite and a radio staple. It was their one shining moment in the spotlight.
But as the decade wore on, the group never managed to follow it up with anything as memorable. Lineup changes and shifting trends didn’t help their chances either. To this day, “Obsession” is the song most people know them by, even though they released more music later on.
12. Falco
Falco gave the world “Rock Me Amadeus” in 1985, and it was unlike anything else on the radio. Mixing German lyrics with a funky beat and a tribute to Mozart, it became the first German-language song to hit No. 1 in the U.S. It was daring, weird, and totally unforgettable.
Unfortunately, Falco never repeated that success in America. He continued making music in Europe, but for U.S. audiences, “Rock Me Amadeus” was his one big claim to fame. His hit remains one of the most unique moments in ’80s pop history, a perfect mix of novelty and genius.
