Exploring the Myth of One-Hit Wonder Bands: More Than Just a Few Great Hits
Have you ever wondered if those one-hit wonder bands really deserve their moniker? Are there any bands that followed their hit with a string of decent, if not great, songs? In this article, we'll explore the lives of these bands and uncover their true potential through a deep dive into their discographies. Specifically, we'll look into bands from the United States, Europe, and Australia, challenging the notion that a one-hit wonder is simply a fluke.
Breaking the One-Hit Wonder Myth: Small Faces and Status Quo
Small Faces and Status Quo are often cited as one-hit wonder bands. Their fame largely rests on a single hit each: Garage Blues (1967) for Small Faces and Rockin' All Over the World (1974) for Status Quo. However, these bands have had longer, more successful careers in both the United States and Europe. While they may not have maintained the same level of commercial success with their subsequent releases, they have managed to maintain a dedicated fan base and continue to be influential in their respective genres.
Strawberry Alarm Clock: A Timeless 1960s Soundtrack
The 1960s was a golden era of music, and bands like Strawberry Alarm Clock captured the era perfectly. Their hit song, Incense and Peppermints, is a testament to the era's mellow yet psychedelic sound. However, their success was fleeting. Despite releasing several albums, Strawberry Alarm Clock found it difficult to replicate the success of Incense and Peppermints.
Portugal. The Man: A One-Hit Wonder or More Than Just a Few Hits?
Portugal. The Man is often referred to as a one-hit wonder due to their breakout hit, Feel It Still. Released in 2017, this single reached number 40 on the US charts. However, their discography includes several other noteworthy songs. In fact, their album English Rebel Songs 1381–1984, released twice, showcases their musical depth and versatility.
Chumbawamba: A 30-Year Legacy
Chumbawamba, known for their hit Tubthumping, have had an impressive 30-year-long career. Despite not being widely recognized outside of the UK, they have consistently released quality music. Their album English Rebel Songs 1381–1984, re-released in 2010, won them critical acclaim and further solidified their place as a dedicated and talented band.
Australian Bands: The Church and Midnight Oil
Two of my favorite bands that fit the one-hit wonder criteria are from Australia: The Church and Midnight Oil. The Church bombed on US charts with their hit Under the Milky Way but have since produced a vast body of work, with over 20 albums. Fans of Under the Milky Way would undoubtedly find other tracks from these albums just as enjoyable.
Middle of the Road is a great example of a band from Australia that is often considered a one-hit wonder due to Beds Are Burning. While this song is their most well-known hit, many of their other songs are equally compelling. With a career spanning 40 years, Midnight Oil has a rich discography that offers plenty of substance beyond their biggest hit.
Spotify Explorations: Beyond the First Hit
Many music enthusiasts, like my son, often dive into the discographies of one-hit wonder bands. When exploring bands like Cherry Ghost or John Waite, you might find that their second or third hit is not quite as exciting as the first. However, sometimes the subsequent hits hold their own. For example, Dexys Midnight Runners, known for Come On Eileen, have a track called Geno, which, while good, doesn't quite reach the same level of greatness.
It's important to remember that great songs are not just products of great bands but are great in and of themselves. A band's other hits may not reach the heights of their most famous song, but they still offer quality and enjoyment for dedicated listeners. Chumbawamba’s El Fusilado serves as a perfect example of a song that, while enjoyable, was never destined for the same level of success as Tubthumping.
Ultimately, the one-hit wonder label should not define these bands. Many of these artists have much more to offer their audiences, and diving into their discographies can reveal a wealth of great music.