Back in Time Today
Remember when cassette tapes were king and hair was bigger than dreams? The 1980s gave us some unforgettable musical moments, especially from artists who blazed brightly but briefly on the charts. These one-hit wonders may have disappeared from the spotlight, but their catchy tunes remain permanently lodged in our brains decades later. From synth-pop earworms to power ballads that still make us reach for the hairbrush microphone, these songs defined a generation and continue to pop up in movies, commercials, and our shower singing sessions.
1. “Come On Eileen” by Dexys Midnight Runners
Those infectious fiddles and the unforgettable “too-ra-loo-ra” chorus made this 1982 hit impossible to forget. The song knocked Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” off the top spot and became an anthem for awkward school dances everywhere.
Dexys Midnight Runners actually had several hits in their native UK, but American audiences only embraced this Celtic-inspired track. The band’s distinctive overalls-and-bandanas look was almost as memorable as the song itself.
Four decades later, “Come On Eileen” still packs wedding dance floors and appears in countless movie soundtracks. The moment those first few notes play, resistance is futile – you’ll be singing along whether you want to or not.
2. “Take On Me” by A-ha
That soaring falsetto note! Norwegian band A-ha struck gold with this synthpop masterpiece in 1985. The revolutionary pencil-sketch animation music video, showing lead singer Morten Harket breaking through the pages of a comic book, became an MTV staple.
The track took three attempts to become a hit, only catching fire after the groundbreaking video was released. The song’s demanding vocal range makes it both a karaoke challenge and favorite.
A-ha continued releasing music and maintained popularity in Europe, but American audiences only remember this singular hit. The song found new life when featured in movies like “Deadpool 2” and through acoustic covers that showcase its underlying melodic strength.
3. “I Ran (So Far Away)” by A Flock of Seagulls
With their outlandish haircuts that defied gravity (and common sense), A Flock of Seagulls became the poster children for ’80s new wave aesthetics. Their 1982 hit combined space-age synthesizers with an irresistible chorus that captured the era’s futuristic obsessions.
Lead singer Mike Score’s asymmetrical hairdo became so iconic that the band’s distinctive look often overshadowed their musical contributions. The music video featured mirrors everywhere, enhancing the otherworldly vibe of both the song and their image.
Today, mentioning A Flock of Seagulls inevitably leads to hair jokes, but the song’s hypnotic pull remains undeniable. Its atmospheric sound continues influencing modern synth-pop and appears regularly in film and television.
4. “99 Luftballons” by Nena
German singer Nena created an unlikely Cold War protest anthem that conquered American airwaves despite being mostly sung in German. The 1983 hit told the story of balloons mistaken for UFOs, triggering nuclear war – a catchy tune with a deadly serious message.
An English version called “99 Red Balloons” was recorded but didn’t capture the magic of the original. The contrast between the upbeat melody and apocalyptic lyrics perfectly encapsulated the nuclear anxiety of the decade.
Nena remained a superstar in Germany with multiple hits, but international audiences only embraced this single song. Its anti-war message and distinctive sound ensure it remains relevant and recognizable across generations as more than just an ’80s novelty.
5. “Tainted Love” by Soft Cell
Originally recorded by Gloria Jones in 1964, Soft Cell’s synth-heavy 1981 cover transformed this soul track into a new wave classic. The stark electronic arrangement and Marc Almond’s passionate vocals created an instantly recognizable sound that defined early ’80s club music.
The song’s distinctive synth hook takes just three notes to lodge permanently in your brain. Soft Cell extended the track on their album by merging it with a cover of The Supremes’ “Where Did Our Love Go,” creating an epic dance medley.
Despite releasing other singles, including the excellent “Say Hello, Wave Goodbye,” American audiences only remember Soft Cell for this one massive hit. The song has been covered countless times and sampled extensively, particularly its iconic opening electronic riff.
6. “Safety Dance” by Men Without Hats
“We can dance if we want to” became an oddly defiant anthem in 1983 thanks to Canadian group Men Without Hats. The quirky music video, featuring lead singer Ivan Doroschuk prancing through a medieval village with a dwarf in jester’s clothing, became an MTV staple.
Contrary to its silly appearance, the song actually protested bouncers who were cracking down on new wave dancing styles in clubs. The S-shaped hand gesture from the video became a cultural touchpoint even for people who didn’t know the song’s origin.
With its bouncy synthesizers and call-and-response chorus, “Safety Dance” remains instantly recognizable at retro nights. The band continued making music but never again captured the bizarre magic that made this song a worldwide hit.
7. “Mickey” by Toni Basil
Cheerleader chants never sounded so catchy! At 38 years old, choreographer and dancer Toni Basil became an overnight pop sensation with this 1982 earworm. The cheerleader-themed music video, featuring Basil in a cheerleader outfit complete with pom-poms, helped the song climb to number one.
Few listeners realized Basil was already an accomplished dancer who had worked with Elvis Presley and appeared in films like “Easy Rider.” The song was actually a cover, originally titled “Kitty” by UK group Racey, but Basil changed the gender and name, adding the iconic cheerleader chants.
The result was undeniably catchy – that “Oh Mickey, you’re so fine” chorus has been stuck in heads for decades. The song regularly appears in films and commercials whenever a burst of ’80s energy is needed.
8. “867-5309/Jenny” by Tommy Tutone
Tommy Tutone inadvertently created a nationwide prank call phenomenon with this 1981 power-pop hit about a phone number found on a bathroom wall. People with the unfortunate number 867-5309 in various area codes faced endless calls asking for “Jenny” – some embraced the fame, while others had to change their numbers.
The song’s genius lies in its simplicity – a catchy guitar riff, straightforward lyrics, and a phone number chorus that’s impossible to forget once heard. Lead singer Tommy Heath delivered the vocals with just the right amount of lovesick desperation.
Businesses with this phone number now consider it a marketing asset. The band never charted again in a meaningful way, but they created something rare – a song so memorable that it permanently altered how people view a specific string of digits.
9. “Der Kommissar” by After the Fire
British band After the Fire scored their only hit with this 1983 English adaptation of Austrian musician Falco’s German-language original. The combination of spoken-word verses, catchy chorus, and that unmistakable “don’t turn around, uh-oh” hook created an international sensation.
The lyrics referenced drug deals and police surveillance, though many English-speaking listeners missed these darker themes. The song’s blend of new wave, reggae influences, and German phrases made it distinctively unusual on American radio.
Falco later had his own one-hit wonder with “Rock Me Amadeus.” After the Fire disbanded shortly after their success, making “Der Kommissar” their lasting legacy. The song’s influence lives on in various samples and covers, including a version by Kylie Minogue.
10. “I Melt With You” by Modern English
This 1982 post-punk gem has soundtracked countless movie romantic moments, despite lyrics that actually reference nuclear apocalypse. Modern English created the perfect blend of new wave energy and romantic yearning that transcended its dark origins to become a timeless love song.
The track gained popularity in America through college radio and MTV, though it only reached #78 on the Billboard charts. Its true impact came years later through film appearances, most notably in the 1983 movie “Valley Girl” and later in a Burger King commercial.
Modern English continued making music but never replicated this song’s massive appeal. The band sometimes expressed frustration that this one hit overshadowed their broader catalog, though they’ve embraced its enduring popularity and the royalties it continues to generate.
11. “Somebody’s Watching Me” by Rockwell
Paranoia never sounded so funky! Kennedy Gordy (son of Motown founder Berry Gordy) recorded under the name Rockwell to avoid accusations of nepotism. His 1984 hit featured childhood friend Michael Jackson on the chorus, creating an irresistible blend of creepy and catchy.
The song’s music video enhanced its voyeuristic theme with shower scenes and mysterious eyes peering through windows. Many listeners initially thought the entire song was performed by Jackson due to his distinctive voice on the chorus.
Rockwell never managed another hit despite his famous connections. The song found new life decades later through commercials and samples. Its themes of surveillance and privacy concerns remain surprisingly relevant in our modern age of digital monitoring and social media.
12. “Turning Japanese” by The Vapors
British new wave band The Vapors created this frenetic 1980 hit with its distinctive Oriental-sounding riff and quirky lyrics. Despite urban legends claiming the song was about self-pleasure (which the band denied), it became an international hit before the group disbanded after just two albums.
The song’s energetic guitar work and frantic vocals perfectly captured new wave’s nervous energy. Its title and musical motifs would likely face criticism for cultural stereotyping if released today.
The Vapors were discovered by The Jam’s Bruce Foxton and seemed destined for bigger things. Despite the song reaching the Top 10 in several countries, the band split in 1982. They eventually reunited in 2016 after decades apart, finding a new audience for their short but influential catalog.
13. “Walking On Sunshine” by Katrina and The Waves
Few songs capture pure joy as perfectly as this 1985 hit. Katrina and The Waves created the ultimate feel-good anthem with its bright horns, upbeat tempo, and Katrina Leskanich’s powerhouse vocals celebrating the euphoria of new love.
The band actually formed in Cambridge, England, though Katrina was American. They had been releasing music for years before this breakthrough hit. The song’s enduring popularity in commercials, movies, and as a mood-lifter has generated substantial royalties for the band.
While technically not true one-hit wonders (they won Eurovision in 1997 with “Love Shine a Light”), American audiences primarily remember them for this single song. Its sunny disposition makes it perfect for montages and advertisements – the song reportedly earns hundreds of thousands in licensing fees annually.
14. “Pass the Dutchie” by Musical Youth
Five Birmingham teenagers (the youngest just 11) created this reggae-pop phenomenon in 1982. The song was actually a cover of “Pass the Kouchie” by the Mighty Diamonds, with lyrics changed from marijuana references to food to make it radio-friendly.
Many listeners missed that “Dutchie” referred to a cooking pot, not drugs, allowing the song to become a family-friendly hit despite its origins. The group’s youth and charm made them novelty stars, with their coordinated dance moves and adorable performances on TV shows.
Musical Youth became the first black artists to be played on MTV. Despite follow-up singles, the group disbanded by 1985 as the boys hit puberty. Their legacy lives on through this single track, which continues appearing in movies and TV shows decades later.
15. “In a Big Country” by Big Country
Scottish rockers Big Country created a sound all their own by making guitars mimic bagpipes on this anthemic 1983 hit. The song’s soaring, patriotic feel and memorable “In a big country, dreams stay with you” chorus became their signature despite a solid career in the UK.
Frontman Stuart Adamson’s innovative guitar technique created the band’s distinctive Celtic rock sound. The music video featured the band driving through the Scottish countryside in a vintage Land Rover, perfectly matching the song’s expansive, adventurous spirit.
Though they continued releasing well-received albums throughout the ’80s, American audiences never embraced their later work. Tragically, Adamson took his own life in 2001 after battling alcoholism. The song’s uplifting message about perseverance now carries additional poignancy given his personal struggles.