5 Rock Bands Whose Fame Is Built on Just One Song

Rock history is full of stories about bands bursting onto the scene with a single song that leaves an unforgettable mark. Some bands manage to hold onto this fleeting fame with just one standout hit. These are their stories — of instant highs and the quiet aftermath.

1. Soft Cell – “Tainted Love”

Back in 1981, British synthpop duo Soft Cell took an old soul song from 1965 and turned it into a pop phenomenon. “Tainted Love” hit the airwaves with a fresh, electronic vibe that caught everyone’s ear. Before this, the song was just a minor record performed by Gloria Jones, not gaining much recognition. Soft Cell, however, made it their own with a unique style that defined an era in music. This was their shining moment and, as it turned out, their only major hit in America. They continued to tour and even reformed in the early 2000s, but nothing matched their initial splash. Marilyn Manson even covered “Tainted Love” in 2001, proving its lasting appeal.

2. Big Country – “In a Big Country”

In 1983, Big Country released “In a Big Country,” a song that became immensely popular for its anthemic tune and guitars that sounded uniquely like bagpipes. Coming from Scotland, they were often compared to the more globally recognized U2. This comparison did little to sustain their fame in America, though they maintained a more consistent following in the UK. Tragically, their lead singer Stuart Adamson was found dead in 2001, but the band attempted to pull through with reunion tours featuring different frontmen. Their initial hit remains a memorable anthem from the 80s.

3. Norman Greenbaum – “Spirit In The Sky”

Norman Greenbaum penned “Spirit In The Sky” after watching a gospel song on TV, amusingly knowing little about the genre. He crafted this rock-gospel classic within 15 minutes, a fact that surprises many given the song’s deep and infectious beat. Released in the late 1960s, it was his only hit, yet it was enough to secure his financial future. The irony of a Jewish songwriter creating a hit with Christian undertones adds a layer of intrigue to his one-hit-wonder status. Over the decades, “Spirit In The Sky” has been featured in numerous films and commercials, continually renewing its relevance.

4. Dexy’s Midnight Runners – “Come On Eileen”

“Come On Eileen” was a colossal hit that defined Dexy’s Midnight Runners, but also pigeonholed them as a one-hit wonder. Lead singer Kevin Rowland based the lyrics on a personal experience from his youth, making the song resonate with authenticity and raw emotion. Released when MTV was still a novelty, the song’s video received heavy rotation, bolstering its popularity. Despite their attempts to replicate their success, the band couldn’t manage another hit in America and eventually disbanded after various lineup changes and attempts at a comeback.

5. A-ha – “Take On Me”

Norway’s A-ha are often surprised to be labeled as one-hit wonders, particularly in America where “Take On Me” remains their only well-known track. With its catchy melody and groundbreaking animated video, the song captivated audiences worldwide and continues to be influential. Their fame persisted in other markets, raking in numerous hits across Europe. The group themselves admitted that the video played a huge part in their song’s success. They’ve since tried to leverage this singular massive hit into sustained relevance with tours, including a farewell tour that allowed them to reflect on their unique place in music history.