Do You Remember What Songs Followed These One Hit Wonders?

The Next Song

Much has been written about one-hit wonders and about the songs that earned them that moniker. But what about the next song they released after that "one hit"? How many of these failed follow-ups do you remember?

Lipps Inc

One-Hit: "Funkytown" (1980)

After taking us to Funkytown and taking themselves all the way to number one on the Billboard Hot 100, the next song that Lipps Inc released was "How Long". Their cover of the song by British rock band Ace didn't chart on the Hot 100, but it did reach number four on the US dance chart and sold 1 million copies in Mexico. How long will it take for someone to remember this song?

Members of the disco group Michael Ochs Archives, Getty Images

Tommy Tutone

One-Hit: "867-5309/Jenny" (1981)

VH1 called "867-5309/Jenny" the 36th-greatest song of the 1980s and people are still prank-calling that phone number all these four decades later. Tutone never had another song enter the Hot 100—but his "Jenny" follow-up, "Which Man Are You?", did reach number one on the Bubbling Under Hot 100. Do you remember this bubbling track?

Musician Tommy Heath of Tommy Tutone performs on stage Daniel Knighton, Getty Images

Five Man Electrical Band

One-Hit: "Signs" (1971)

Sing it with me: "Sign, sign/Everywhere a sign/Blockin' out the scenery/Breakin' my mind." Okay, now sing a line from Five Man Electrical Band's follow-up single, "Absolutely Right". Am I absolutely right in thinking most people can't?

Les Emmerson at Greenfields pub in Ottawa Adrian Buss, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Soft Cell

One-Hit: "Tainted Love" (1981)

First off, I understand that calling Soft Cell a one-hit wonder is kinda controversial. Especially in the UK where the band had five songs in a row reach the top five on the UK Singles charts—the first one being "Tainted Love", which hit number one in 1981. But across the pond in North America, "Tainted Love" was their only charting song—And while their follow-up "Bedsitter" rose to number four in the UK, its impact in America was much less felt.

Soft Cell posing for a Publicity Photo in 1983 Sire Records, Wikimedia Commons

Starland Vocal Band

One-Hit: "Afternoon Delight" (1976)

The sky rockets were definitely in flight, carrying this awesomely-catchy tune all the way to number one in 1976. Starland Vocal Band followed up that delightful track with "California Day"—but, unlike the song's namesake, things weren't very sunny for this one, as it only got as high as 66. Do you recall listening to this one?

The musical group Starland Vocal Band posing Windsong/RCA Records, Wikimedia Commons

Vanilla Ice

One-Hit: "Ice Ice Baby" (1990)

Yes, "Play That Funky Music" became a legit hit—however, that was only once "Ice Ice Baby" became a phenomenon and it was re-released. The first new single put out after "Ice Ice Baby" made Vanilla Ice a sensation was...say it with me, "I Love You". This one got as high as 52 on the Hot 100, but unlike the title, most people didn't love it nor do most folks even remember it.

Vanilla Ice performing at the 90's Dash Bash 2C2K Photography, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

The Weather Girls

One-Hit: "It's Raining Men" (1982)

Whether you remember grooving to it in the 80s, associate it with Channing Tatum in Magic Mike, or both—"It's Raining Men" is a lasting disco hit from the duo known as The Weather Girls. Ironically, their next single, "Success", wasn't successful. It did rise up to 89 on the US R&B charts, though. Who remembers this one?

American music duo the Weather Girls in a press photo Fantasy Honey Records, Wikimedia Commons

Devo

One-Hit: "Whip It" (1980)

When it came to a top 20 song on the Hot 100, Devo couldn't whip up another one after Whip It reached 14 in 1980. In fact, their next single, "Gates Of Steal", is probably one only hardcore Devo-heads remember.

The Band Devo performing in yellow suits Raph_PH, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Sinéad O'Connor

One-Hit: "Nothing Compares 2 U" (1990)

Again we find ourselves in a situation defined by geography, as the status of Sinéad O'Connor as a one-hit wonder doesn't make sense in the United Kingdom but is completely valid in the United States. Because while she never had another song enter the top 10 in either country ("Nothing Compares 2 U" was number one in both)—O'Connor had 15 other songs enter the top 100 in the UK and three of them enter the top 20.

Whereas in the United States...

Sinéad O'Connor performing at a festival Man Alive!, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Sinéad O'Connor

O'Connor only had one other song make it onto the Billboard Hot 100—and it was her follow-up to "Nothing Compares 2 U". "The Emperor's New Clothes" topped out at 60. So, do you remember it?

Irish singer Sinead O'Connor during a concert Matteo Chinellato, Shutterstock

Norman Greenbaum

One-Hit: "Spirit in the Sky" (1969)

Norman Greenbaum only had two songs ever crack the top 50 of the Billboard Hot 100. First, "Spirit in the Sky" climbed all the way up to number three and made Greenbaum one of the preeminent one-hit wonders of the 1970s. And then his next single, "Canned Ham", made it all the way up to 46. Although most folks are probably more familiar with actual ham in a can than the song.

Norman Greenbaum playing on an acoustic guitar GAB Archive, Getty Images

Nancy Sinatra

One-Hit: "These Boots Are Made for Walkin'" (1965)

In 1965, Frank Sinatra's daughter had a number-one hit with "These Boots Are Made for Walkin'"—and in 1966, she walked another song up the charts, this time stopping at number seven. But how many out there recall "How Does That Grab You, Darlin'?"

American singer-songwriter and actress Nancy Sinatra NBC Television, Wikimedia Commons

Chris Isaak

One-Hit: "Wicked Game" (1990)

Chris Isaak had released two albums and eight singles before breaking out with his beautiful track "Wicked Game", off of his third album. He's had a solid career since then, with some international and alternative chart success, but nothing of the level of "Wicked Game". And his follow-up single, "Blue Spanish Sky", didn't chart anywhere.

Chris Isaak on stage in San Francisco in 1988 Lars Richter aka LeBonyt, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Don McLean

One-Hit: "American Pie" (1971)

Yeah, I'm not sure McLean counts as a one-hit wonder either—given that he had eight more songs chart on the Hot 100 in his career. But, ask the average person and all they know is "American Pie". His follow up, "Vincent" (a tribute to Van Gogh), hit 12 on the charts and some of you must know it...right?

Don McLean performing at the Grand Ole Opry JeremyWestby, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Blues Image

One-Hit: "Ride Captain Ride" (1970)

Blues Image was only together for four years from 1966-70—but that was long enough to record a legit hit song, "Ride Captain Ride". Their next single, "Gas Lamps and Clay", also charted—but raise your hand if you know how it goes.

Blues Image posing outdoors for a publicity photograph Atco / Atlantic, Wikimedia Commons

Alannah Myles

One-Hit: "Black Velvet" (1989)

In her home country of Canada, Alannah Myles had a pretty good run from the end of the 80s through most of the 90s, with 12 songs charting in the Great White North. As for America, she reached number one in 1989 with "Black Velvet", but nothing after that saw any Billboard love—including her next single, "Still Got This Thing".

Alannah Miles performing on stage in Germany in 1990 Bernd Muller, Getty Images

Kajagoogoo

One-Hit: "Too Shy" (1983)

Besides having one of the most fun band names to say, Kajagoogoo also had one of the biggest hits of the 80s with their debut single, "Too Shy". You don't have to be shy to admit you've never even heard of the band's second single, "Ooh to Be Ah".

Kajagoogoo with Limahl Reunion-Tour 2008 in Germany RicoZX81, Wikimedia Commons

Gerardo

One-Hit: "Rico Suave" (1991)

This one-hit wonder actually had another hit. Following his breakout with Rico Suave, Gerardo released "We Want the Funk"—which actually made it all the way up to 16 on the Billboard Hot 100. So, you remember that one, right?

And speaking of reaching 16 on the Hot 100...

Gerardo Mejía performing in concert MunicipioPinas, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Mr Big

One-Hit: "To Be with You" (1991)

Anyone who was around in 1991 knows that Mr Big isn't just the name of a delicious chocolate bar. It's also the name of a band that had a big, nay huge, hit with their song "To Be With You". Like Gerardo, Mr Big followed up their hit with a song that got as high as 16 on the Hot 100—but does anyone remember "Just Take My Heart"?

Publicity photo of the band Mr. Big Jamiecat, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Digital Underground

One-Hit: "The Humpty Dance" (1990)

In 2021, Rolling Stone magazine ranked "The Humpty Dance" number 241 on their list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. You know what song didn't make the list? Digital Underground's 1991 song off of the Nothing But Trouble soundtrack, "Same Song". The track was 2pac's recording debut and yet most of us still have no recollection of this one.

Digital Underground at Berlin Hip Hop festival Rico D'Rozario, Getty Images

Rupert Holmes

One-Hit: "Escape (The Piña Colada Song)" (1979)

If you like Pina Coladas and Rupert Holmes' 1979 number one hit "Escape", it doesn't mean you'll also remember his next single, "Him"—which actually got all the way up to number six on the Hot 100. So, maybe Holmes isn't as much of a one-hit wonder as some folks think.

Black and white publicity still of Rupert Holmes Infinity Records, Wikimedia Commons

Foster The People

One-Hit: "Pumped Up Kicks" (2010)

Foster The People's debut single off of their debut album became one of the most popular songs of 2011. Did you know that the band released four more singles from that debut album after "Pumped Up Kicks" became a hit? The first of which was "Helena Beat".

Foster The People at Bilbao BBK Live 2014 Begoña, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

The Tokens

One-Hit: "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" (1961)

Given that almost everyone knows the song "The Lion Sleeps Tonight", but most people don't know who sings it—I highly doubt The Tokens' next single "B'wa Nina (Pretty Girl)" is part of most folks' Spotify playlists.

Trade ad for The Tokens's single Warner Bros. Records, Wikimedia Commons

The Penguins

One-Hit: "Earth Angel" (1954)

The Penguin's hit it big with their debut single "Earth Angel" and in 1988, their song was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. You know what song they released after that one? "No There Ain't No News Today / When I Am Gone". Ever heard of it?

The Penguins At Dolphin's Of Hollywood Record Store Michael Ochs Archives, Getty Images

Marc Cohn

One-Hit: "Walking in Memphis" (1991)

"Walking in Memphis" was Marc Cohn's lead single off of his debut album. Talk about coming strong out of the gates. But after that, the gates kinda closed. His most successful song after that was his next one, though—but "Silver Thunderbird" only got as high as 63 on the Hot 100 and probably isn't on the tip of anyone's tongue these days.

Marc Cohn performing in Norfolk VA Thoughtmatters, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Baha Men

One-Hit: "Who Let The Dogs Out" (2000)

Like it or not, "Who Let The Dogs Out" was everywhere in 2000—and the song even won a Grammy for Best Dance Recording. The Baha Men rode that success into their next single, "You All Dat"—but that song wasn't...all dat.

The Baha Men performing in June 2010 Rusty Boxcars, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Willow Smith

One-Hit: "Whip My Hair" (2011)

Will Smith's daughter Willow had quick success in 2011 when she had us all whipping our hair to her debut single that hit 11 on the Hot 100. Her follow-up, "21st Century Girl", barely broke onto the charts at 99 and had us...well, going back to listen to "Whip My Hair".

Willow Smith attending 'Aladdin' World Premiere DFree, Shutterstock

Extreme

One-Hit: "More Than Words" (1991)

Okay, so given that the band's follow up single topped off at four on the Hot 100 and number two on the Mainstream Rock charts, I understand anyone who wants to challenge the one-hit wonder status of Extreme. However, if you do, then you better know "Hole Hearted" (that aforementioned follow-up) when you hear it.

Kevin Figueiredo and Nuno Bettencourt of Extreme onstage Roberto Ricciuti, Getty Images

House Of Pain

One-Hit: "Jump Around" (1992)
If you were of a certain age in the 90s, then you probably can't hear this House of Pain hit without having a Pavlovian reaction to jump up and down on the spot. But the question is, how many of those same folks react at all when they hear the next single the rap group put out, "Shamrocks and Shenanigans (Boom Shalock Lock Boom)"?

Danny Boy and Everlast part of the band House of Pain in 2011 Regime Management, CC BY-SA 1.0, Wikimedia Commons

Stealers Wheel

One-Hit: "Stuck in the Middle with You" (1972)

I know—I can only think of that scene in Reservoir Dogs whenever I hear this song, too. But if you didn't know, it was a hit back when it was first released in 1972—20 years before finding renewed success via the Tarantino film. The next song from the band was "Everything Will Turn Out Fine"—and 49 on the Hot 100 is fine, I guess.

And while we're on the topic of songs we associate with certain movies...

Stealers Wheel in Dutch television show in 1973 AVRO, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Maurice Williams and the Zodiacs

One-Hit: "Stay" (1960)

Who can hear this great 1960 hit from Maurice Williams and the Zodiacs and not picture Dirty Dancing in their head? Well, the bigger question is can you at all picture "I Remember"—the band's follow-up song that topped out at 86 on the Hot 100.

Maurice Williams and the Zodiacs in striped suits Unknown Author, Wikimedia Commons

Spandau Ballet

One-Hit: "True" (1983)

Spandau Ballet is another geographically specific one-hit wonder. Because while in the UK the band saw nine of their songs enter the top 10 and many more hit the top 20—in the US, only one song did either. That would be 1983's "True", which rocketed up the charts to land at number four. So, while I'm going to assume that many UK readers will no doubt remember the band's next single, "Gold"—does anyone else?

And continuing on the topic of big in the UK...

Spandau Ballet at Michalsky StyleNite performing onstage Peter.Wetter, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Frankie Goes to Hollywood

One-Hit: "Relax" (1983)

Frankie Goes to Hollywood's debut single "Relax" was a hit all over the globe. Their second song also rose up the charts around the world (especially in the UK where it was the band's second number-one hit). However, in the US it barely broke the top 50. Anyone know "Two Tribes" off the top of their head?

Frankie Goes to Hollywood at the Hammersmith Apollo Jane McCormick Smith, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Rebecca Black

One-Hit: "Friday" (2011)

Maybe you remember Rebecca Black releasing a song called "Saturday" as a successor to her huge hit, but much derided, "Friday". However, "Saturday" wasn't released until 2013, two years after "Friday's" takeover of our pop culture screens. The song that she directly followed-up with was a self-empowerment song called "My Moment". How about that one? Ring any bells?

American singer, songwriter, and YouTuber Rebecca Black in 2023 Justin Higuchi, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Passenger

One-Hit: "Let Her Go" (2012)

Passenger followed up the international success he found via "Let Her Go" with another really good song called "Holes". Ever heard it? It did chart internationally, but in the US...nothing.

English singer-songwriter Passenger performing Tuomas Vitikainen, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Milky Chance

One-Hit: "Stolen Dance" (2013)

The German band Milky Chance stole the spotlight in 2013 when their debut single, "Stolen Dance", hit the airwaves and started climbing the charts all around the world. Their next single, "Down by the River ",is mostly forgotten.

Milky way band - Clemens Rehbein and Philipp Dausch posing in 2016 Raimond Spekking, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Elle King

One-Hit: "Ex's & Oh's" (2014)

Rob Schneider's daughter saw her song "Ex's & Oh's" rise up the Hot 100 all the way to number 10 in 2014. Since then, she's only seen one more song even make it onto the charts—and it wasn't the next single after "Ex's & Oh's"—"Catch Us If You Can".

Elle King performing at the Boston Calling Music Festival digboston, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

DNCE

One-Hit: "Cake By The Ocean" (2016)

Joe Jonas' side project became a relative overnight success after their debut single, "Cake By The Ocean", rose up the charts in a number of countries around the world. Their second single made it into the top 50 in four countries—including the United States—but I'm not sure how many still have "Toothbrush" stuck in their head, whereas "Cake By The Ocean" is still there (like it or not).

The band DNCE at Soundbox, Bangkok Sry85, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Frank Stallone

One-Hit: "Far from Over" (1983)

There is very little good to be said about the Sylvester Stallone directed sequel to Saturday Night Fever. Staying Alive is one of the worst movies ever made, but there was one shining light from the whole project. Stallone's younger brother Frank wrote some songs for the movie, and one of them, "Far From Over", became a top 10 hit. The same can't be said for any of the other Frank Stallone songs on the soundtrack—including hit next release: "I'm Never Gonna Give You Up".

Sylvester Stallone and brother Frank Stallone Featureflash Photo Agency, Shutterstock