There are many singers who never recovered from having 1 top single. Many have also stayed on the down low as they were not generating enough hits. Here are just 10 singers with only 1 top single. Raise your hand if you recognize 1 or 2.
1. Baha Men, “Who Let the Dogs Out”:
This was a famous song that is still sung by different people around the world. Baha Men is quite popular in the Caribbean, especially in his home country Bahamas. However, the only hit that is popular today is “Who Let the Dogs Out.”
2. Afroman, “Because I Got High”:
Although the song was in Afroman’s second album, it was a breakout hit. Like Who Let the Dogs Out, Because I Got High, is still sung and parodied today in the United States and North America.
3. Los del Rio, “Macarena”:
This is a Spanish song about a woman of the same name. It still is a hit and has renditions by many different artists. It was ranked the No.1 One Hit Wonder of all time by VHS in 2002. The song was released in 1992.
4. Vanilla Ice, “ Ice Ice Baby”:
The song takes the baseline from Queen and David Bowie, with no credit to the former and the latter. Debuting in 1989, this was the most famous and the most popular of Vanilla Ice’s songs. It was a top hit in Australia, Europe and North America.
5. Debolah Morgan, “Dance with Me”:
This is the only hit that Morgan was known for in the early 2000s, after 3 albums. It reached #8 in Billboards Hot 100. She was highly criticized for trying to dance with her boyfriend in the video.
From I Gotta Feeling to Meet me Halfway to the Time, Black Eyed Peas defined 2010 on the top 10 charts. Black Eyed Peas revolutionized fan favourite songs such as “The Time of My Life” from Dirty Dancing. One cannot help but picture and imagine Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey dancing in the movie, while listening to the new version of the song by Black Eyed Peas. This song was a great tribute to Patrick Swayze and an excellent way to give rebirth to 1980s and those who loved that era, while still attracting newer fans.
One cannot forget the tear jerking performance Timberlake performed at the Hope for Haiti charity concert. The sound of Timberlake playing the piano resonated in viewers’ ears. As you were hearing “Hallelujah” you could not help but feel the pain for Haiti and wanted to help. His message was clear and you could see the passion in Timberlake’s face as he was singing the song and playing the tune. He continued to put his best music forward with “Carryout” alongside Timberland, which hit Top 10 charts as well. Timberlake is an excellent role-model for all new musical artists beginning their careers.
Without a doubt, Lady Gaga overturned the world of music. She altered public opinion as well as worldview on different issues. She publicly addressed various rumours people had with regard to her and her sexuality. She’s partnered with various pop sensations such as Elton John and Beyonce Knowles to make her message resonate. From Poker Face to Bad Romance to Alejandro, Lady Gaga has topped the charts continuously in 2010.
Who has not heard of this top teen sensation? He has captured the hearts of almost every teenage girl around the world. Die Hard fans line up on the streets trying to get tickets to see Bieber, the person who they look up to and adore. His personality and charm has constantly caused his songs to hit the Top 10 around the world. Furthermore, his ability to pair up with artists such as Ludacris made him who he is today.
One cannot help but associate Usher with the song “OMG”. The term uses a vulgar term almost every person in the anglophone world uses to describe the feeling many men have when it comes to a woman. His songs continuously connect with everyday individuals, making him more popular and easy to relate to; especially with “There goes my Baby” and “OMG”.
Richie Havens is both a guitarist and a singer who is known for performing at Woodstock. The way he played the guitar was very unique and the style so created was rhythmic without having a proper pattern. If you listen to his music, you will hear a faint drumming sound which is actually the sound of foot tapping. He was famous in his own village and was only locally successful.
This vocalist and lyricist died in 1980 after committing suicide. It has been believed that he got overly anxious as a tour was around the corner and was also finding it difficult to deal with his epilepsy. People thought that he was merely dancing when he had seizures on stage. This underrated singer has left behind a remarkable legacy.
Reilly was a singer and guitarist and his music belonged to the ‘post-punk’ era. His first album was groundbreaking and was released in 1988. He was a part of the musical movement fondly referred to as the ‘chill-out electronica’. Vini Reilly worked with Anne Clark, John Cooper Clarke and many more.
This underrated singer found mention in the top 100 Great Artists of All Time in the Rolling Stones magazine. He headed a prominent rock movement during the 1970s and was associated with bands like The Flying Burrito Brothers and International Submarine Band. His style was unique and completely new.
This American songwriter, guitarist and singer had a beautiful voice and was thought to have great potential after his debut album was released in 1994. Unfortunately, before the audience could experience his music to the fullest, he drowned in 1997.
She’s the most successful artists of all time who is not only blonde and pretty but also outspoken and freaky. She has sold over 200 million albums worldwide and still produces albums that top the charts. She is famous for her live performances and makes the experience pleasurable for concert-goers.
Cher – the name itself makes the gay community to giggle and cheer. Cher is also a famous and an iconic figure in the last few decades. Her lovestruck performances such as “Believe”, “Turn Back Time”, and “I Got You Babe” are truly worth a mention as they were great hits. Cher is also noted for the outrageous outfits worn on stage.
Though she has failed to give any hits in the last few years and hardly writes her own lyrics, she is a name to reckon with. Dion’s booming voice and swagger on stage are great qualities to give her the name of a popular “diva”. She also shares Madonna’s success in album sales as she sells more than 200 million albums worldwide.
Tina is another famous artist who sells nearly 200 million albums worldwide. She is known for her power-packed performances and her feisty stage presence. In case you have missed seeing her on stage it is time to think about witnessing her performance as soon as you get the chance to.
Mariah fan is also one of the best singers of her generation. Mariah has persevered even after being called “irrelevant” to modern times. Her 2008 album E=MC2 created records, and the recent single “Obsessed” is soaring on charts. She has also sold over 200 million albums worldwide, in a shorter span of time than her counterparts!
