Talk:List of one-hit wonders in the United States/Archive 2

InThe00s.com is not a reliable source
We use a forum posting at InThe00s.com for about 32 entries, but this is a forum posting (as is obvious when viewing the forum version of the same posting). As a general rule, we do not consider forum postings reliable, as per WP:UGC.

I understand it can be hard to find good reliable sources which say “XXX was a one hit wonder”, but I think the list in the article is too long and we should be more careful about which sources we use before listing an artist here. Also, there is a WP:BLP concern, since I’m sure a lot of these artists would consider it contentious to be seen as a “one hit wonder”. Samboy (talk) 14:09, 3 August 2019 (UTC)

I have removed all of the artists from the list that needed that unreliable source to be considered a one-hit wonder until we can come up with a better source. Some obviously aren’t, such as Frank Zappa (Frank Zappa is not remembered for “Valley Girls”, I assure you).

Going over the list, some of the elements do not come off as one hit wonders:


 * Split Enz: “One Step Ahead” was a big MTV hit, and the song I remember them for
 * Frank Zappa: This guy was a cultural phenomenon in the 1960s and 1970s, not a 1980s one-hit wonder.
 * Haysi Fantayzee: They were a one-hit wonder in the UK. Here, you had to be listening to special “alternative” radio stations to even know who they were.
 * Band Aid: This was a one-off supergroup collaboration, which does not fit the general definition of “one hit wonder”.
 * USA For Africa: Again, a one-off supergroup collaboration.
 * Jan Hammer: He was a soundtrack maker who happened to make his “Miami Vice” theme a hit single
 * Harold Faltermeyer: This guy was a big time sound engineer, synthesizer wizard, and producer who did a lot more than Axel F (he also helped make some of Moroder’s big hits like “The Chase”).

Here are all of the removed entries for review:


 * Rodney Crowell – "Ashes by Now" (1980)


 * Robin Lane and the Chartbusters – "When Things Go Wrong" (1980)


 * Split Enz – "I Got You" (1980)


 * The Producers – "What She Does To Me" (1981)


 * Buckner and Garcia – "Pac-Man Fever" (1981)


 * Frank Zappa – "Valley Girl" (1982)


 * Tane Cain – "Holdin' On" (1982)


 * Haysi Fantayzee – "Shiny Shiny" (1983)


 * The Weather Girls – "It's Raining Men" (1983)


 * Face to Face – "10-9-8" (1984)


 * Autograph – "Turn Up the Radio" (1984)


 * Nik Kershaw – "Wouldn't It Be Good" (1984)


 * Band Aid – "Do They Know Its Christmas?" (1984)


 * Maria Vidal – "Body Rock" (1984)


 * Laid Back – "White Horse" (1984)


 * Cock Robin – "When Your Heart Is Weak" (1985)


 * USA for Africa – "We Are the World" (1985)


 * Jan Hammer – "Miami Vice Theme" (1985)


 * Harold Faltermeyer – "Axel F" (1985)


 * Billy Crystal – "You Look Marvelous" (1985)


 * Vitamin Z – "Burning Flame" (1985)


 * Trans X – "Living on Video" (1986)


 * Boys Don't Cry – "I Wanna Be a Cowboy" (1986)


 * Paul Lekakis – "Boom Boom (Let's Go Back to My Room)" (1986)


 * Platinum Blonde – "Somebody Somewhere" (1986)


 * MARRS – "Pump Up the Volume" (1987)


 * Big Trouble – "Crazy World" (1987)


 * So – "Are You Sure?" (1988)


 * Romeo's Daughter – "Don't Break My Heart" (1988)


 * Sheriff – "When I'm with You" (1989)


 * Boys Club – "I Remember Holding You" (1989)


 * The Graces – "Lay Down Your Arms" (1989)

Samboy (talk) 20:52, 3 August 2019 (UTC)


 * I can see that there is some confusion. I requested to remove anything that was never put in the top 40; another editor pointed out (and I agree) that isn’t a good idea.  The edit I made was not removing songs which never made the top 40; no the edit I made was one done in accordance with Wikipedia policy and consensus.  We need to remove entries which do not have two reliable sources saying they are a one hit wonder (as per consensus on this page); I found about 32 entries which relied on a forum posting, which is not a reliable source, as per Wikipedia policy.  The edit I made was not disruptive and it was done in policy, but I can see why there may be confusion, since I did suggest (but agree to not do) something else.  Samboy (talk) 02:23, 4 August 2019 (UTC)

Decluttering
I am removing all of the commented out songs wanting for a second source. If they don't meet the criteria for the article, they don't belong in the article.

Limahl – "The NeverEnding Story" (1984) Eamon – "Fuck It (I Don't Want You Back)" (2004) UTP – "Nolia Clap" (2004) *Lustra – "Scotty Doesn't Know" (2004)
 * The Penguins – "Earth Angel" (1954)
 * The Silhouettes – "Get a Job" (1957)
 * The Champs – "Tequila" (1958)
 * Ersel Hickey – "Bluebirds over the Mountain" (1958)
 * Valerie Carr – "When the Boys Talk About the Girls" (1958)
 * Danny & the Juniors – "At the Hop" (1958)
 * Harry Simeone Chorale – "Little Drummer Boy" (1958)
 * Santo & Johnny – "Sleep Walk" (1959)
 * Wilbert Harrison – "Kansas City" (1959)
 * Barrett Strong – "Money (That's What I Want)" (1959)
 * Johnny Preston – "Running Bear" (1959)
 * The Hollywood Argyles – "Ally Oop" (1960)
 * Jackie & the Starlites – "Valerie" (1960)
 * Maurice Williams and the Zodiacs – "Stay" (1960)
 * The Jarmels – "A Little Bit of Soap" (1961)
 * Joe Barry – "I'm a Fool to Care" (1961)
 * Shep and the Limelites – "Daddy's Home" (1961)
 * Marcie Blane – "Bobby's Girl" (1962)
 * Bobby "Boris" Pickett – "Monster Mash" (1962)
 * The Angels – "My Boyfriend's Back" (1963)
 * Terry Knight and the Pack – "I (Who Have Nothing)" (1963)
 * Lesley Gore – "It's My Party" (1963)
 * The Ran-Dells – "Martian Hop" (1963)
 * Dale and Grace – "I'm Leaving It Up to You" (1963)
 * The Detergents – "Leader of the Laundromat" (1963)
 * The Rip Chords – "Hey Little Cobra" (1963)
 * The Trashmen – "Surfin' Bird" (1963)
 * Peggy March – "I Will Follow Him" (1963)
 * Barbara Lynn – "You'll Lose a Good Thing" (1962)
 * Lonnie Mack – "Memphis" (1963)
 * Ruby & the Romantics – "Our Day Will Come" (1963)
 * Ronny & the Daytonas – "GTO" (1964)
 * Shirley Bassey – "Goldfinger" (1964)
 * The Beau Brummels – "Laugh, Laugh" (1964)
 * The Ad Libs – "Boy from New York City" (1964)
 * J. Frank Wilson and the Cavaliers – "Last Kiss" (1964)
 * The Left Banke – "Walk Away Renée" (1966)
 * ? and the Mysterians – "96 Tears" (1966)
 * The Mojo Men – "Sit Down, I Think I Love You" (1966)
 * Sopwith Camel – "Hello, Hello" (1967)
 * Scott McKenzie – "San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair)" (1967)
 * Procul Harum – "A Whiter Shade of Pale" (1967)
 * John Fred and his Playboy Band – "Judy in Disguise (With Glasses)" (1967)
 * Jerry Jaye – "My Girl Josephine" (1967)
 * The Music Explosion – "Little Bit O' Soul" (1967)
 * The Youngbloods – "Get Together" (1967)
 * Strawberry Alarm Clock – "Incense and Peppermints" (1967)
 * Robert Knight – "Everlasting Love" (1967)
 * The Lemon Pipers – "Green Tambourine" (1968)
 * Tiny Tim – "Tiptoe Through the Tulips" (1968)
 * Cliff Nobles – "The Horse" (1968)
 * Zager and Evans – "In the Year 2525" (1968)
 * Status Quo – "Pictures of Matchstick Men" (1968)
 * The Amboy Dukes – "Journey to the Center of the Mind" (1968)
 * Bubble Puppy – "Hot Smoke & Sasafrass" (1969)
 * Shocking Blue – "Venus" (1969)
 * The Glass House – "Crumbs off the Table" (1969)
 * The Flying Machine – "Smile a Little Smile for Me" (1969)
 * The Ides of March – "Vehicle" (1970)
 * Christie – "Yellow River" (1970)
 * Mountain – "Mississippi Queen" (1970)
 * Climax – "Precious and Few" (1971)
 * T. Rex – "Get It On" (1971)
 * Ten Years After – "I'd Love to Change the World" (1971)
 * Jean Knight – "Mr. Big Stuff" (1971)
 * Five Man Electrical Band – "Signs" (1971)
 * Mott the Hoople – "All the Young Dudes" (1972)
 * Lou Reed – "Walk on the Wild Side" (1972)
 * Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen – "Hot Rod Lincoln" (1972)
 * Stories – "Brother Louie" (1973)
 * Sylvia – "Pillow Talk" (1973)
 * Focus – "Hocus Pocus" (1972)
 * Stealers Wheel – "Stuck in the Middle with You" (1973)
 * Blue Magic – "Sideshow" (1974)
 * Dave Loggins – "Please Come to Boston" (1974)
 * Billy Swan – "I Can Help" (1974)
 * Morris Albert – "Feelings" (1974)
 * Blue Swede – "Hooked On a Feeling" (1974)
 * Paper Lace – "The Night Chicago Died" (1974)
 * Starbuck – "Moonlight Feels Right" (1975)
 * Elvin Bishop – "Fooled Around and Fell in Love" (1975)
 * Van McCoy – "The Hustle" (1975)
 * Rick Dees – "Disco Duck" (1976)
 * Andrea True – "More, More, More" (1976)
 * Vicki Sue Robinson – "Turn the Beat Around" (1976)
 * Sammy Johns – "Chevy Van" (1975)
 * Jay Ferguson – "Thunder Island" (1977)
 * Peter McCann – "Do You Wanna Make Love" (1977)
 * Alan O'Day – "Undercover Angel" (1977)
 * Dean Friedman – "Ariel" (1977)
 * Nick Gilder – "Hot Child in the City" (1978)
 * Exile – "Kiss You All Over" (1978)
 * Dan Hill – "Sometimes When We Touch" (1978)
 * Patrick Hernandez – "Born to Be Alive" (1978)
 * Amii Stewart – "Knock on Wood" (1979)
 * Fern Kinney – "Groove Me" (1979)
 * Tierra – "Together" (1980)
 * Robbie Dupree – "Steal Away" (1980)
 * Roseanne Cash – "Seven Year Ache" (1981)
 * Aldo Nova – "Fantasy" (1981)
 * Red Rider – "Lunatic Fringe" (1981)
 * Buckner & Garcia – "Pac-Man Fever" (1981)
 * Indeep – "Last Night a D.J. Saved My Life" (1982)
 * Junior – "Mama Used to Say" (1982)
 * Greg Guidry – "Goin' Down" (1982)
 * Josie Cotton – "Johnny Are You Queer?" (1982)
 * Steel Breeze – "You Don't Want Me Anymore" (1982)
 * Moving Pictures – "What About Me" (1982)
 * Patrice Rushen – "Forget Me Nots" (1982)
 * Marshall Crenshaw – "Someday Someway" (1982)
 * Re-Flex – "The Politics of Dancing" (1983)
 * Frank Stallone – "Far from Over" (1983)
 * Romeo Void – "A Girl in Trouble (Is a Temporary Thing)" (1984)
 * Night Ranger – "Sister Christian" (1984)
 * General Public – "Tenderness" (1984)
 * Martin Page – "In the House of Stone and Light" (1984)
 * Nik Kershaw – "Wouldn't It Be Good" (1984)
 * Rockwell – "Somebody's Watching Me" (1984)
 * Jack Wagner – "All I Need" (1984)
 * Scritti Politti – "Perfect Way" (1985)
 * Katrina and the Waves – "Walking on Sunshine" (1985)
 * Gregory Abbott – "Shake You Down" (1986)
 * Boys Don't Cry – "I Wanna Be a Cowboy" (1986)
 * The Georgia Satellites – "Keep Your Hands to Yourself" (1986)
 * Nu Shooz – "I Can't Wait" (1986)
 * The Outfield – "Your Love" (1986)
 * Jermaine Stewart – "We Don't Have to Take Our Clothes Off" (1986)
 * Gloria Loring and Carl Anderson – "Friends and Lovers" (1986)
 * The Fabulous Thunderbirds – "Tuff Enuff" (1986)
 * Chris de Burgh – "The Lady in Red" (1986)
 * Europe – "The Final Countdown" (1986)
 * Midnight Oil – "Beds Are Burning" (1987)
 * XTC – "Dear God" (1987)
 * T'Pau – "Heart and Soul" (1987)
 * Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes – "(I've Had) The Time of My Life" (1987)
 * Club Nouveau – "Lean On Me" (1987)
 * Paul Lekakis – "Boom Boom (Let's Go Back to My Room)" (1987)
 * MARRS – "Pump Up the Volume" (1987)
 * Boy Meets Girl – "Waiting for a Star to Fall" (1988)
 * Vixen – "Edge of a Broken Heart" (1988)
 * Johnny Hates Jazz – "Shattered Dreams" (1988)
 * Ziggy Marley – "Tomorrow People" (1988)
 * Johnny Kemp – "Just Got Paid" (1988)
 * Information Society – "What's on Your Mind (Pure Energy)" (1988)
 * Will to Power – "Baby, I Love Your Way/Freebird Medley" (1988)
 * Experience Unlimited (E.U.) – "Da Butt" (1988)
 * Grayson Hugh – "Talk It Over" (1989)
 * Young MC – "Bust a Move" (1989)
 * Michael Damian – "Rock On" (1989)
 * L.A. Guns – "The Ballad of Jayne" (1989)
 * Alannah Myles – "Black Velvet" (1989)
 * Real Life – "Send Me an Angel" (1989)
 * Martika – "Toy Soldiers" (1989)
 * One 2 Many – "Downtown" (1989)
 * Londonbeat – "I've Been Thinking About You" (1990)
 * Concrete Blonde – "Joey" (1990)
 * Divinyls – "I Touch Myself" (1990)
 * Go West – "King of Wishful Thinking" (1990)
 * Tim Dog – "Fuck Compton" (1991)
 * 3rd Bass – "Pop Goes the Weasel" (1991)
 * Black Sheep – "The Choice Is Yours" (1991)
 * M.C. Brains – "Oochie Coochie" (1991)
 * King Missile – "Detachable Penis" (1992)
 * Billy Ray Cyrus – "Achy Breaky Heart" (1992)
 * Young Black Teenagers – "Tap the Bottle" (1992)
 * Apache – "Gangsta Bitch" (1993)
 * Boss – "Deeper" (1993)
 * Fu-Schnickens – "What's Up Doc? (Can We Rock)" (1993)
 * The Flaming Lips – "She Don't Use Jelly" (1993)
 * Corona – "The Rhythm of the Night" (1993)
 * Us3 – "Cantaloop (Flip Fantasia)" (1993)
 * Candlebox – "Far Behind" (1994)
 * Des'ree – "You Gotta Be" (1994)
 * The Lady of Rage – "Afro Puffs" (1994)
 * Rappin' 4-Tay – "Playaz Club" (1994)
 * Quo – "Blowin' Up (Don't Stop the Music)" (1994)
 * All-4-One – "I Swear" (1995)
 * Take That – "Back for Good" (1995)
 * Deep Blue Something – "Breakfast at Tiffany's" (1995)
 * Fun Lovin' Criminals – "Scooby Snacks" (1996)
 * Mark Morrison – "Return of the Mack" (1996)
 * Republica – "Ready to Go" (1996)
 * Luscious Jackson – "Naked Eye" (1996)
 * The Mighty Mighty Bosstones – "The Impression That I Get" (1997)
 * B-Rock and the Bizz – "My Baby Daddy" (1997)
 * Sneaker Pimps – "6 Underground" (1997)
 * Third Eye Blind – "Semi-Charmed Life" (1997)
 * Billie Myers – "Kiss the Rain" (1997)
 * The Flys – "Got You (Where I Want You)" (1998)
 * Canibus – "Second Round K.O." (1998)
 * B*Witched – "C'est la Vie" (1998)
 * Joey McIntyre – "Stay the Same" (1999)
 * Jordan Knight – "Give It to You" (1999)
 * B.G. – "Bling Bling" (1999)
 * ATB – "9 PM (Till I Come)" (1999)
 * BBMak – "Back Here" (2000)
 * Samantha Mumba – "Gotta Tell You" (2000)
 * SR-71 – "Right Now" (2000)
 * Sunshine Anderson – "Heard It All Before" (2001)
 * Coo Coo Cal – "My Projects" (2001)
 * DJ Sammy – "Heaven" (2001)
 * Phantom Planet – "California" (2002)
 * Truth Hurts – "Addictive" (2002)
 * The Vines – "Get Free" (2002)
 * Stacie Orrico – "(There's Gotta Be) More to Life" (2003)
 * The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus – "Face Down" (2006)
 * Lady Sovereign – "Love Me or Hate Me" (2006)
 * Shop Boyz – "Party Like a Rockstar" (2007)
 * Kat DeLuna – "Whine Up" (2007)
 * Aly & AJ – "Potential Breakup Song" (2007)
 * Amy Winehouse – "Rehab" (2007)
 * Playaz Circle – "Duffle Bag Boy" (2007)
 * Secondhand Serenade – "Fall for You" (2008)
 * GS Boyz – "Stanky Legg" (2008)
 * Asher Roth – "I Love College" (2009)
 * Ester Dean – "Drop It Low" (2009)
 * Hot Chelle Rae – "Tonight Tonight" (2011)
 * YC – "Racks" (2011)
 * Kreayshawn – "Gucci Gucci" (2011)
 * Ylvis – "The Fox (What Does the Fox Say?)" (2013)

The single-source non-entry entries outnumbered the properly sourced entries by 221 to 194. Other than someone really wanting to include them, I can't imagine why we would have a poorly sourced shadow list -- with its own inclusion criteria -- buried in the actual list. - Sum mer PhD v2.0 17:40, 24 November 2017 (UTC)


 * It's not about what I was "wanting" to include. I don't want to include any of these, as the label "one-hit wonder" is often considered derogatory. Instead, I was trying to make the list usefully complete for the reader, and I noticed that it was difficult to search by artist, and a lot easier to hunt through one source at a time. The artists listed with only one reference were put there as a normal part of building the article back up after its radical restructuring, under the assumption that a second reference would soon be found. I notice that made very good use of the artists with only one reference, helping to build the list back up in the way I intended. You've made the process more difficult by removing them to the talk page. Binksternet (talk) 00:15, 26 November 2017 (UTC)
 * The criteria doesn't seem clear. In reading the criteria section, one of them says "can only be seen as a "one hit wonder" if they have never had a second Billboard top 10 hit, if any subsequent top 40 singles were released within six months of their first big hit, and if the artist has not had three or more top 10 or Platinum albums." Another one was "uses the criterion that an artist is ineligible to be categorized as a "one-hit wonder" if they have a second song listed on the Billboard Hot 100." However, several artists seem to contradict that. For instance, Quarterflash's page indicates that "Take Me To Heart" was released two years after their 1981 hit "Harden My Heart" and peaks at 14 on the Hot 100 / 6 US Rock. Eddy Grant's "Romancing the Stone" peaked at 26 despite being released two years hit main hit.S-1-5-7 (talk) 07:07, 6 August 2019 (UTC)

Poor articles from otherwise "reliable" sources
Regarding The Knack: This entry has been controversial and contentious. They may meet the technical inclusion criteria, but both supporting articles, in spite of the publications' big names, contain glaring errors that should have caught editors' attention at Rolling Stone, which has had more than its share of editorial scandals and fails, and at Forbes, which is a business magazine but hardly a music magazine. One calls Gloria Gaynor a one-hit wonder (far from it), and the other erroneously states that "The Knack had just one hit, but they made it count." In reality, they charted five hits from three albums, three of which reached the American Top 40, but "Good Girls Don't" is the main problem here. It was way too big of a hit (U.S. #11, Canada #1) and "My Sharona" fails to overshadow it. In spite of the opinions of popular culture, an additional Top 20 hit should be an absolute exclusion for a purported 'one-hit wonder,' and Top 40 is really where the bar should be, if only for the sake of intellectual honesty. Anyone who opens a book or looks at their discography will see that The Knack had a second U.S. hit that reached #11. Without a standard of Top 20 at the minimum, this list is silly and meaningless. The only other sources (apart from blogs, and another using only the Top 10 as their standard) referring to them in the context of one-hit wonders qualify it with statements such as these: "This song is NOT a one-hit wonder." "The Knack was technically a TWO-hit wonder." Salon has them on their list of "Don't Call Them One-Hit Wonders." - JGabbard (talk) 00:53, 1 May 2020 (UTC)


 * List articles, like this one, must have inclusion criteria lest they become indiscriminate collections of assorted editors' opinions. At present, this article requires two reliable sources that directly call the entry a "one-hit wonder".
 * Forbes is a reliable source. Heck, it's certainly moreso than most of the sources here. Rolling Stone  "has had more than its share of editorial scandals and fails"? Yeah, this is huge: Mysharonagate. The scandal!
 * The criteria call for two reliable sources (which we have), not two reliable sources that we agree with.
 * This talk page has been through various suggestions that we use synthesis based on one of several interpretations of "one-hit wonder" to make our own determinations. It sounds like that is what you really want. Yeah, we can go through that again. The same problems will come up. If you think you have something new to add, feel free. - Sum mer PhD v2.0 01:42, 1 May 2020 (UTC)
 * Here is the "something new": Inclusion criteria are necessary, but we should also have some objective EXclusion criteria as well, or else we will have artists with a second hit reaching even higher than #11 and still claiming "one-hit wonder" status.  A standard of "no other Top 40 hits" or at the very least, "no other Top 20 hits" would provide such an exclusion, a check to screen out subjective articles from ostensibly 'reliable' sources, or those containing factual errors such as the ones cited above.  I have provided several sources which plainly state that The Knack should NOT be included in a list such as this.  Thanks for expressing your opinion, but it's just that, one opinion.  Now let's hear from others. - JGabbard (talk) 02:03, 1 May 2020 (UTC)
 * The synthesis you are proposing is, IMO, a violation of WP:SYN. I get that you don't like that a one-hit wonder can be an artist who is remembered for only one hit despite other successes. Reliable sources, however, disagree with you.
 * You seem to want a List of artists who had one and only one top 20 (or maybe top 40) hits on the Billboard 'Top 40' chart. The sources we have here are clearly not discussing that list. Synthesizing criteria to make "one-hit wonder" mean that -- and only that -- doesn't seem to be encyclopedic. Past discussions have established "one-hit wonders" is a notable topic. If your topic is notable that might be a new article. - Sum mer PhD v2.0 03:08, 1 May 2020 (UTC)
 * Yes, you are close. I want a List of artists who had two top 20 hits (or maybe top 40) on the Billboard 'Top 40' chart. Artists like The Knack, Robbie Dupree and Quarterflash belong on a list like that, not lumped in here. - JGabbard (talk) 03:33, 1 May 2020 (UTC)
 * If you can find sufficient reliable sources for the article you would like to exist, you can create it. Until then, the established consensus here if to include entries that have two reliable sources. - Sum mer PhD v2.0 03:49, 1 May 2020 (UTC)
 * Two-hit wonder is currently a redirect to One-hit wonder where there is no discussion of that term on the article. Two-hit wonder seems to be a valid term with a couple reliable sources listing examples. This might be what you are looking for; There could probably be a subsection of the one-hit wonder page about two-hit wonders, or its own page if need be. Doc StrangeMailbox Logbook 00:10, 2 May 2020 (UTC)

Another link
http://www.soulinstereo.com/2019/12/16-one-hit-wonders-of-the-2010s.html --82.50.20.163 (talk) 21:52, 2 March 2020 (UTC)

But the thing is, if articles contradict artists losted as one-hit wonders to not be one-hit wonders, then they can be removed from the list? Nintendoswitchfan (talk) 17:24, 26 May 2020 (UTC)

But given the flawed list, it means that as long as two reliable US point of view articles state an artist as a one-hit wonder, then anyone can add to the list with the proper sources. I do feel like there’s no criteria set for when artists don’t count as one-hot wonders though. Nintendoswitchfan (talk) 17:27, 26 May 2020 (UTC)

Inclusion Criteria
Although I'm aware that last month's discussion on consolidating the article into the current list has closed, I'd like to add my two cents to the discussion, even if they don't result in changes to the current list.

Unlike many in the talk pages for the previous article, I was a fan of the Billboard Hot 100-specific inclusion because it allowed for a way to objectively and numerically determine inclusion using an industry standard as a metric. All that the current list requires is two different articles mentioning the artist being a one-hit wonder, regardless of the quality of the source. It introduces a level of subjectivity that the previous list didn't have.

Additionally, a few topics of discussion were brought up in the talk page that I feel need clarification. First, the "decade-specific" lists did NOT list artists that had one hit in the 90s and another in the 2000s (for instance, Weezer was not listed because of Buddy Holly ('94) and Beverly Hills ('05)). In short, the only acts included only charted one top-40 song in their entire career.

Secondly, the heading in all of the decade-specific lists clearly stated that acts were listed regardless of their critical standings, success in other country, or recognition in other fields of work; although this used to be the case. By removing these clarifications, this got rid of trivia that accumulated at the bottom of the page. It got to the point where almost every artist listed had some sort of footnote listing critical success or success in another country. Furthermore, if lack of footnotes was a concern in the original article, this article also fails to include them. Finally, from an aesthetics perspective, the list is also unruly.

The list wasn't perfect (obviously, Boy Meets Girl is more of a one-hit act than N.W.A.) but it provided objectivity to an industry standard - Billboard Magazine - that this current list lacks. I'd love to hear thoughts on this, and am open to a discussion. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Princeparrotfish (talk • contribs) 18:26, 3 December 2017 (UTC)


 * But the term "one-hit wonder" is not solely defined by Billboard books, or even by Jancik's book. It's defined by various reviewers in different ways. So if we were to host an article adhering strictly to one source's criterion, then the article title should reflect that: something like Billboard's list of one-wonders. I think the reader is better served with the new criteria. Binksternet (talk) 01:40, 22 February 2018 (UTC)


 * The current inclusion criteria for this list call for two sources directly stating that it is a one-hit wonder. Under those criteria, there is little to discuss. If Rolling Stone and Entertainment Weekly both called the Beatles a one hit wonder, they would be included (and we would likely need to reconsider our inclusion criteria).
 * Such is the current situation: We have the two sources, we include it. If you do not think the inclusion criteria work, we can discuss that. If we change the criteria, we will need to update the list. Until then, however, we pretty much have to use the criteria we have (as we cannot have a list without inclusion criteria or criteria that we ignore). - Sum mer PhD v2.0 19:42, 7 May 2018 (UTC)
 * This list is incorrect. I have been trying to fix this page several times now, because several acts that are not one-hit wonders are being treated as such. A Flock of Seagulls, Madness, Matthew Wilder, a-ha, Dead or Alive, 'Til Tuesday, and Swing Out Sister have had subsequent Top 40 hits. I propose we go back to using Billboard's Hot 100 as the standard. 50.111.24.195 (talk) 19:04, 21 June 2018 (UTC)
 * And if that means an edit war, then it's on. 50.111.24.195 (talk) 19:12, 21 June 2018 (UTC)
 * If you disagree with the current inclusion criteria, you have three basic options:
 * 1) Accept that they exist, whether you like them or not.
 * 2) Discuss the issue here in hopes of changing the criteria.
 * 3) Edit against the consensus.
 * It sounds like you are leaning toward #3, expecting an edit war. I personally will not edit war. I will revert you and direct you to the established consensus on the talk page. Once you make it clear that you are not interested in #1 or #2, I will ask to have you blocked from editing. To ensure that you have seen this message, I am posting a note on your talk page. - Sum mer PhD v2.0 02:45, 22 June 2018 (UTC)
 * To be completely clear here, you have been reverted by three editors, warned for WP:3RR and gotten the messages from me. If you are in any way unsure if an edit you are about to make is against the consensus, I would strongly suggest discussing it here first. - Sum mer PhD v2.0 03:02, 22 June 2018 (UTC)


 * The consensus is wrong. I would lean towards #2, because there's no way in hell I'm doing #1. Please go back to the Hot 100. 50.111.24.195 (talk) 03:13, 22 June 2018 (UTC)


 * How do you resolve the obvious conflict between your suggestion and WP:OR, outlined in the discussion at Talk:List_of_2010s_one-hit_wonders_in_the_United_States? - Sum mer PhD v2.0 03:40, 22 June 2018 (UTC)


 * Go back to the Hot 100. If an artist or group has only one hit on the Hot 100, they're counted as a one-hit wonder. No footnotes about hits on other charts, no notes about who charted once in each decade, just a straight and simple list of one-hit wonders for each decade according to Billboard. If it's good enough for Casey Kasem, it's good enough for me and should be good enough for you. 50.111.24.195 (talk) 03:51, 22 June 2018 (UTC)
 * In other words, restore and clean up the pages you tore down. 50.111.24.195 (talk) 03:52, 22 June 2018 (UTC)
 * You did not address the question.


 * How do you resolve the obvious conflict between your suggestion and WP:OR, outlined in the discussion at Talk:List_of_2010s_one-hit_wonders_in_the_United_States? - Sum mer PhD v2.0 03:54, 22 June 2018 (UTC)


 * How do I resolve the conflict? I say forget the conflict entirely. There is original research. It's called the Billboard Hot 100. Joel Whitburn has written countless books on the matter. All you have to do is look up the chart history of an artist on Billboard.com or one of Joel's books and cite it. 50.111.24.195 (talk) 04:03, 22 June 2018 (UTC)
 * You are arguing that we should ignore one of the pillars of the project while making it quite clear that you have either not read or did not understand the policy in question. Unless you have something new to add, I think we're done here. - Sum mer PhD v2.0 04:33, 22 June 2018 (UTC)

I wonder about the inclusion of the Grateful Dead for "Touch of Grey" when their 1970 release "Trucking" also cracked the Top 40. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 71.238.122.195 (talk) 21:55, 8 June 2020 (UTC)

Unsourced additions
After more than a dozen additions to the article without sources -- all of which have been reverted -- and the dynamic IP editor not responding to talk requests, the page is now edit protected.

If the anonymous editor now makes their way to this talk page, please read. You cannot add songs to the list which do not meet the established inclusion criteria, explained repeatedly on this page.

If you disagree with the criteria or do not understand, you will need to discuss the issue here.

We have temporarily blocked all anonymous edits to the article to get your attention. If you continue after the block ends, further steps will be more unpleasent, and no one really wants that. - Sum mer PhD v2.0 05:58, 3 June 2020 (UTC)

@Summer we need to protect this page again Nintendoswitchfan (talk) 13:06, 13 July 2020 (UTC)

Yasunori Mitsuda
Did "Purple Umbrella" from SahBabii feat. Yasunori Mitsuda chart in top 40? I know SahBabii is not a One Hit Wonder, but if "Purple Umbrella" charted, Mitsuda is technically a One Hit Wonder.--87.3.50.197 (talk) 16:57, 22 July 2020 (UTC)

Should there be a separate list of one hit wonders that earned that spot as a feature or a collaboration with an artist(s) that isn't a one hit wonder?
I know that if a one-hit-wonder artist is only a feature or does not have a single because they collaborated with an artist that isn't one, then it can't be on the article. I am wondering if we can make a separate list for each decade which includes One-Hit Wonders as features/collaborator.

For example: Zedd ft. Foxes - Clarity (2012)

What do you guys think? Yay or nay?

Leenyyyaaa (talk) 04:41, 2 September 2020 (UTC)Leenyyyaaa


 * The first question would be, are sources calling the song a one-hit wonder? The aren't for anything by Zedd, and Zedd is the named artist. Binksternet (talk) 04:51, 2 September 2020 (UTC)


 * What I mean is the artist being a one-hit-wonder as a feature/collaborator, not the song itself being a one-hit-wonder. Zedd isn't a one-hit-wonder, yes, but Foxes is. Also https://top40weekly.com/all-one-hit-wonders/ and https://spinditty.com/artists-bands/Favorite-One-Hit-Wonders-of-the-2010s say that Foxes is a one-hit-wonder. What I am proposing is maybe we can add a separate list of artists that earned the one-hit-wonder status by being a feature or a collaborator. Hope that helps!

Leenyyyaaa (talk) 04:36, 3 September 2020 (UTC)Leenyyyaaa Would Yasunori Mitsuda be there?--79.12.54.180 (talk) 07:06, 8 September 2020 (UTC)

Twisted Sister, Hanson, The Proclaimers and Simple Minds are One-Hit Wonders?
Canadian here. Wasn't Twisted Sister's song I Wanna Rock, Hanson's song Where's the Love and Proclaimers song I'm on My Way also hits? (fun fact: I'm on My Way was used in Shrek)! Also, how in the HELL are Simple Mind a One-Hit Wonder when they CLEARLY had more hit songs like Promised You a Miracle and Alive and Kicking.

I won't argue Canadian bands like Men Without Hats and Len were one-hit wonders in the States as opposed to their home country where they had more hit songs, but do Twisted Sister, Hanson, The Proclaimers, and ESIPCALLY Simple Minds belong on the American list of One-Hit Wonders? — Preceding unsigned comment added by 142.51.247.121 (talk) 15:15, 9 September 2020 (UTC)


 * The inclusion criteria for this page call for independent reliable sources calling the act a "one hit wonder". All of those listed fit the bill. Carefully read the introductory paragraph of the article and you will perhaps see that it isn't always about having one-and-only-one hit (whatever your definition of a "hit" might be). - Sum mer PhD v2.0 17:10, 9 September 2020 (UTC)

iHeartRadio Playlist As A Source
For the Cutting Crew entry, an iHeartRadio playlist was used as one of the sources. I was thinking playlists from radio stations are not necessarily reliable sources since any radio station personality can call an artist a one-hit wonder? Nintendoswitchfan (talk) 15:19, 17 September 2020 (UTC)


 * Yikes. While I'd give some credibility to the network, nothing on that page says who wrote it, if there is any oversight, etc.
 * Frankly, it looks like there are a number of questionable sources here. This one, toponehitwonders.com, seems to just be the work of an "obsessive music fan". Hardly what I'd call a "reputation for fact-checking and accuracy". - Sum mer PhD v2.0 23:52, 17 September 2020 (UTC)

LIST OF ONE-HIT WONDERS IN THE US (copied over from my talk-page)
I saw your edits and wanted to ask how Spinditty being a monetized site correlates to it being an unreliable source? Also as the standard agreement per talk page of article, entries need at least two reliable sources so either replace removed sources with reliable ones or remove entries altogether. Nintendoswitchfan (talk) 08:45, 25 October 2020 (UTC)
 * , Spinditty.com is HUBPAGES.COM's niche domain. It correlates to being unreliable source, because it is HubPages.com and their featuring and editorial policy is based more on appearance, their moderator's arbitrary opinion and search traffic above all, because that is what determines profit. Fact checking isn't one of the criteria. Just like op-ed, it's considered user generated content or self published which is contrary to our reliable sources requirements. About the very article that was the subject of removal: The author profile says: "FlourishAnyway is an Industrial/Organizational psychologist who has flourished in spite of Multiple Sclerosis for more than 15 years. Having been in corporate Human Resources for two Fortune 500 companies, her interests include HR workplace investigations, fairness perceptions, and employee selection. Her personal passions include cats, crafts, cooking, nature, travel and especially music. Life can pack a mean punch, but ... Flourish Anyway! FlourishAnyway can be contacted for professional writing projects and guest blogging requests" That certainly does not pass expertise under the definition of expertise on when self-published can be used. These articles are SUBMITTED by contributors. If you read WP:FORBESCON that gives you a general idea about contributor articles like this. Monetized means it creates an incentive for people to add them for the purpose that is other than improving the article. So it wasn't like Spinditty actually counted as "reliable" in the first place. You're free to remove the entries if you see the need. Graywalls (talk) 09:07, 25 October 2020 (UTC)

Sources criteria
Currently, two proper sources are expected. Many mechanically meet the definition of having two citations, but having improper sources (such as onehitwondercenter.com) is the same as not having them. Sources such as "one hit wonder" catalog, which is nothing nothing but a self-published affiliate marketing catalog (those that have amazon.com and similar affiliate links). Having such sources don't improve reliability and those sources don't meet the requirements of WP:SPS, therefore, they're like the lorem ipsum filler citations. I have removed some of those sources in my recent edits. Graywalls (talk) 06:11, 28 October 2020 (UTC)

2010S Entries Sources
Due to @Graywalls recent edits, we'll need to fix a lot of the 2010s entries with only one source or one source that is tagged as a self-published source. So let's get to work. Nintendoswitchfan (talk) 08:19, 7 November 2020 (UTC)

Multiple appearances
Bear with me as a new contributor. Can the Multiple appearances section include a person involved who is not the lead singer? If so, I would like to submit an entry for Adam Schlesinger to be included in this section. He performed and co-wrote Fountains of Wayne – "Stacy's Mom" and wrote The Click Five – "Just the Girl". The compelling aspect is he also wrote and performed in "That Thing You Do!", the titular song from the popular movie of a fictional one-hit wonder band, nominated for an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song. Ironically, this song missed gaining entry for The Wonders by one (reaching #41), but writing two other songs on this list is memorable. RTP Rocker (talk) 16:16, 6 March 2021 (UTC)

How Do I Edit A Section With Transclusions?
I am no expert on editing at Wikipedia. Because of the transclusions added (especially the 2010 section which I like to make edits to), it won't let me edit, as it covers a section with blue and shows the transclusions on the top right of the section, preventing me from editing. How do I edit a section with transclusions? — Preceding unsigned comment added by Leenyyyaaa (talk • contribs) 15:27, 16 March 2021 (UTC)

Cannot Edit 2010s Section Due to Transclusions
With the transclusions, I am unable to edit the 2010s page, which, as I said before, I like to edit that page. Every time I hover over the section, it highlights it in blue and shows the transclusions, while preventing me from editing the page. I have experimented with deleting columns, the SNFPs, or the puzzle piece sections of transclusions if I have named that correctly, but to no avail. How do I edit the page with transclusions? I have had a history of editing the page to include more songs, but I eventually stopped, and when I first revisited the page after, I can't seem to do anything anymore with that section. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Leenyyyaaa (talk • contribs) 11:16, 5 May 2021 (UTC)

Listverse as a reliable source
I'm not sure that listverse (https://listverse.com/2014/08/25/10-well-known-artists-you-didn39t-realize-were-one-hit-wonders/) should be considered a reliable source. Thoughts? Hal peridol (talk) 22:12, 18 May 2021 (UTC)
 * , it certainly shouldn't, given that their about page states We regularly publish lists sent to us by readers and pay $50 for each. I've removed it (there was already another source for each of the items it was being used to support).  Thanks, Wham2001 (talk) 20:37, 19 May 2021 (UTC)

Why is Fiona Apple on the list?
She is one of the most important alt female artists out, winner of 3 grammys, critically acclaimed singer and song writer with what it's called one of the best albums of the 21st century 177.236.119.150 (talk) 09:40, 28 June 2021 (UTC)

Because Criminal was her only hit in the US talk) 13:59, 28 June 2021 (UTC)

Is Dance Monkey by Tones and I a one-hit wonder?
From what I’ve seen, Dance Monkey is their only song to chart in the USA, but it’s not on this article yet so I’m not sure if it should be added or not. SurelyStupid (talk) 21:08, 26 September 2021 (UTC) Yes i agree we need to start a 2020's section at one point, this would go here as it peaked on issue 29 February 2020 and plenty time has gone by we just need two sources to back this up. User:DanTheMusicMan2 (talk) 22:21, 26 September 2021 (UTC)

are the lumineers really a one hit wonder
ophelia seems pretty popular, i'm just unsure if that constitutes as a hit... — Preceding unsigned comment added by Coridqwet999 (talk • contribs) 12:24, 1 October 2021 (UTC)

Willow Smith
What other criteria are there to warrant my edit redundant? To quote verbatim from the page, music journalist Wayne Jancik defines a one-hit wonder as "an act that has won a position on Billboard's national, pop, Top 40 just once. Willow recently scored another Top 40 hit, and not only is it Top 40, it even almost broke into the Top 20, with Meet Me at Our Spot. The current sources call her a one-hit wonder because they are not from this year, and so the one-hit wonder label would have been more fitting, but I can't say that exactly for now. Nahnah4 (talk &#124; contribs) 02:38, 18 November 2021 (UTC)


 * You quoted Jancik, and he is a heavily used reference, but his criteria is not exactly what this article follows. We don't calculate and determine inclusion for this article—we let the media do that. Four years ago, we established the inclusion criteria at Talk:List_of_2010s_one-hit_wonders_in_the_United_States to be "a list of artists that have been called one-hit wonders in multiple reliable sources, with two sources cited for each entry." Unstated was the understanding that the sources would be talking about the artist's status in the USA, because of the name of this list article.
 * I can see your point, that the media might delist someone like Willow after she released a much later hit song. However, "Meet Me at Our Spot" was published under the band name the Anxiety, not as a solo release under the Willow name. Jancik makes a distinction between individuals and larger groups; the article gives the example of the Who and Roger Daltrey, with Daltrey labeled a one-hit wonder.
 * I think we can sit tight on the situation, and see whether a few media sources give Willow a break. In that case, we would talk about her in the article body, giving her as an example of someone who was considered a one-hit wonder for a period of years, then delisted. Binksternet (talk) 03:00, 18 November 2021 (UTC)
 * Thank you for your response. I guess it's reasonable. It is worth noting that Willow's band The Anxiety still credits Willow the same way Silk Sonic credits include both Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak on streaming platforms too, so it might be a sticky situation. Thank you for the explanation though. Nahnah4 (talk &#124; contribs) 17:34, 20 November 2021 (UTC)

Multiple issues
Hanson isn't a one hit wonder, Where's The Love peaked at #27. Fiona Apple: Shadowboxer peaked at #29. Vanilla Ice: Play that funky music charted! Hit #79. Gnarls Barkley: If you don't think Gone Daddy Gone counted as a hit IDK what to tell you. Evil taco (talk) 20:25, 29 November 2021 (UTC)


 * The inclusion criteria for this article is not whether the artist had another charting song, but whether the media have called them a one-hit wonder. Binksternet (talk) 21:27, 29 November 2021 (UTC)


 * Don't waste your breath Evil taco. People on here are stupid and would make the Beatles a one hit wonder if a journalist called them one. Not a brain cell between these people on here. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 2A00:23C7:6393:B201:813D:A98F:96A3:4C18 (talk) 22:34, 13 December 2021 (UTC)

One-hit wonder inclusion criteria
If you're interested in the topic, your comments would be appreciated at Talk:List of 2010s one-hit wonders in the United States where there is a discussion with sweeping ramifications about whether the "one-hit wonder" articles will be based on charting songs or on artists described in sources. Binksternet (talk) 15:26, 18 October 2017 (UTC)

This list includdes artist that have had many TOP 40 Hits and sometimes even other TOP 10 and TOP 5 Hits (like Vanilla Ice among many others!!!!)! A One-Hit Wonder is an Artist that have only have 1 Hit and that's not the case! You call one-hit wonder to artists that have only have had 1 number one song but multiple hits and that's plain wrong! This article just confuse people as half one-hit wonders are not here listed and half of the names there are not considered One-Hit Wonders by Billboard (that runs the Official US Singles Charts). Please fix it as this is just misinformation! — Preceding unsigned comment added by 95.94.23.209 (talk) 16:41, 19 March 2022 (UTC)


 * Per clear consensus obtained at the discussion, the inclusion criteria are now whether the artist has been called a one-hit wonder by two reliable sources. Chart performance of songs is not among the criteria. As such, the article is now about whether an artist is perceived by the media as being a one-hit wonder. Examining chart successes was the old method; it is not part of the new inclusion criteria. Binksternet (talk) 02:40, 20 November 2017 (UTC)
 * So if two sources are wrong, they still qualify? That would be like if two sources state, I don't know, that Michael Jackson is alive, then his article could state that as well. All of the entries I removed (because the artists are not one-hit wonders) can be easily backed up by looking at Billboard (SN: VH1 had a tendency of getting a lot of these things wrong).  Erpert  blah, blah, blah... 11:38, 1 May 2018 (UTC)
 * A song may or may not be a "hit" and may or may not be by the same artist as another song. If Joe Blow has "Solo Single" and Joe Blow and the Blow Notes has "Group Single". Is Joe Blow a one-hit wonder, or is he disqualified by being on both? What if "Second Solo Single" reaches #5 in the UK, but you're writing for a U.S publication and it didn't chart in the U.S.? Is reaching #41 in the U.S. a "hit"? What if it's high on the country charts, but not on the Top 40? Various sources, using the exact same data might disagree whether or not Joe Blow is a one-hit wonder. They aren't "wrong", they're using differing definitions.
 * Michael Jackson is either alive or dead. It is unlikely that he is in a state that some would consider "dead" and others would consider "alive". - Sum mer PhD v2.0 14:30, 1 May 2018 (UTC)
 * , there is no "wrong" with regard to whether a reliable source calls a song a "one-hit wonder". The term is a cultural term, loaded with cultural baggage such as memorable qualities, staying power, etc. It's not a precise mathematical term that can be measured by Billboard or other chart success. If the reliable source calls an artist a one-hit wonder, then that source is weighing many factors to arrive at the descriptive label. The clear consensus reached at Talk:List_of_2010s_one-hit_wonders_in_the_United_States was that the reliable sources were to be the deciding factor, not actual chart success. Binksternet (talk) 00:33, 4 May 2018 (UTC)
 * @: That's why this article refers to the United States, not the United Kingdom.
 * @: There's a difference between consensus to whether something is actually true and consensus to whether, say, a subject is notable for inclusion in Wikipedia. Your argument for consensus seems to reflect the latter school of thought; I might have to look into WP:DRN for this.  Erpert  blah, blah, blah... 17:00, 7 May 2018 (UTC)
 * I don't understand what you are saying. Notability on Wikipedia is about whether an article should exist on a topic. Are you talking about nominating this article for deletion because it lacks notability? Binksternet (talk) 17:29, 7 May 2018 (UTC)
 * No, I was just making a comparison. My issue is that it seems that two sources automatically define something as correct in this article, even if the sources are unreliable and/or just plain incorrect.  Erpert  blah, blah, blah... 17:17, 9 May 2018 (UTC)
 * I think most of us here are working to find reliable sources on the topic. If one of them proved to be unreliable, it should be removed as such, along with any dependent entries. Regarding whether the label one-hit wonder is "just plain incorrect", my position is that it's impossible for these sources to be incorrect about a subjective, culturally loaded term. They would only be incorrect if they were saying, for instance, that Albert Hammond had no other Top 40 chart successes in the US after "It Never Rains in Southern California". The latter statement goes against an objective truth, measured by sales and chart results, because the song "I'm a Train" reached the Top 40. The label "one-hit wonder" is presented here as a subjective term, an opinion expressed by the reliable source. Binksternet (talk) 19:02, 9 May 2018 (UTC)
 * "Working to find reliable sources"? There is one, already. It's called the Billboard Hot 100. A "one-hit wonder" is an artist or group that had only one Top 40 hit on the Hot 100 at any time. Anyone who says otherwise is full of crap. 50.111.24.195 (talk) 03:43, 22 June 2018 (UTC)
 * The discussion of your displeasure with the current criteria is at Talk:List_of_one-hit_wonders_in_the_United_States. - Sum mer PhD v2.0 03:52, 22 June 2018 (UTC)


 * Reliable sources have called Roy Clark a "one-hit wonder"? That would make me rethink my definition of "reliable."Carlo (talk) 20:33, 4 August 2018 (UTC)
 * If I called Roy Clark a "qwerty", would I be wrong? Let's assume for the moment that those sources call Roy Clark a "qwerty". You think "qwerty" means cheese sandwich. Are those sources wrong? Clark obviously is not a cheese sandwich, right? What if the sources use "querty" to mean H. sapiens. Are the sources wrong? Are you wrong? Maybe, just maybe, you mean something other than what the sources mean.
 * Wikipedia has a meaning for "reliable sources", outlined at WP:IRS. You are free to disagree with WP:IRS. You are also free to disagree with what reliable sources say. We're not dealing with hardcore facts here. "One-hit wonder" is a slippery term. - Sum mer PhD v2.0 00:11, 5 August 2018 (UTC)


 * The word "reliable" is not reliable, it is a weasel word. And if two sources said the Beatles were just a one hit wonder in 1963, then that justifies calling the Fab Four a one hit wonder? Just because we like to have sources, doesn't mean we don't have to be careful about what we use them for. Roy Clark is anything but a one hit wonder. This list is fucked, end of story. 184.69.174.194 (talk) 05:01, 12 March 2019 (UTC)
 * Wikipedia has policies and guidelines. If you don't like them, you can:
 * 1) work to change the policies
 * 2) ignore the policies and be shown the door
 * 3) rant.
 * One of those is productive.
 * At the moment, the consensus here has established inclusion criteria for this article and Roy Clark meets those criteria. - Sum mer PhD v2.0 14:26, 12 March 2019 (UTC)

Inclusion Criteria Suggestions: albums produced after potential One-Hit Wonder, artist's death and/or time span since One-Hit Wonder
Should we be including examples of "one hit wonders" if the artists: Gotye's "Somebody That I Used To Know", while is very likely to be regarded as a One Hit Wonder(even by me), even if future material is produced and published, currently has no "subsequent" works to even be regarded as non hits. Portugal. The Man's "Feel It Still" is an even more damning case of this given the song is only 5 years old and no works have been produced since
 * 1) Aren't dead yet
 * 2) Haven't produced any albums since the "hit"

An example of a "proper" One-Hit Wonder under these criteria would be Flobots' 2008 song "Handlebars", as that song comes from their first album and they've produced a number of works since then without comparable success.

An "extreme" solution to this would be just removing the 2010's section and not reinstating it till 2030 or until an artist who produced a One Hit Wonder has died, but that's unlikely to be implemented as policy — Preceding unsigned comment added by Akaibu1 (talk • contribs) 22:26, 26 March 2022 (UTC)

Why is the human league on the list?
They had 2 US number ones and a top 10 hit so not a one hit wonder. Bob3458 (talk) 18:44, 23 November 2017 (UTC)


 * Simply 'cause the media sources found have claimed them as such. Remember that chart history is now irrelevant here. Nintendoswitchfan (talk) 10:29, 24 November 2017 (UTC)


 * So any jerk with a blog calls someone a one hit wonder and that is gospell? God help us. Just because something is in print doesn't mean it is worthy of entering into the recorded sum of human knowledge that is wikipedia. 184.69.174.194 (talk) 04:56, 12 March 2019 (UTC)


 * No, not "any jerk with a blog". Most blogs are not reliable sources for much of anything, as explained at WP:SPS. - Sum mer PhD v2.0 14:28, 12 March 2019 (UTC)
 * Yes. A jerk DJ with a regular slot on a nationally broadcast show (whaddaya call that in the US? Syndicated?) who hangs on to his job for many years or decades. It is these guys (yes, usually guys) who get to decide what's what in popular music and who speak for the rather vague "media". All the same, you are right: some jerk with an opinion.
 * Irony of ironies: these jerks decide which records are "totally forgotten" even though, as professionals (they are jerks but they know their stuff) they are familiar with tens of thousands of popular songs over the past 80 years or so. And they decide which records get played, thus controlling what the public at large will remember and forget.
 * I thought the internet would change this, now youngsters have access to everything, but I was wrong. 2A01:CB0C:CD:D800:E08D:C862:D617:C42B (talk) 13:39, 15 November 2022 (UTC)

The second source did not call it a one-hit wonder. It said it was one of several favorites "non-one-hit wonders included". I've removed it. - Sum mer PhD v2.0 16:46, 24 November 2017 (UTC)

One-hit Wonders with two top 20 hits in the US Billboard Hot 100
I think artists with songs that have at least two top 20 hits in the Billboard Hot 100 should automatically not be in the one-hit wonder list. Simple Minds had three top 20 hits but they are called as one-hit wonders because of Don't You (Forget About Me). But you can then say the same for Hanson with Mmmmbop and Vanilla Ice with Ice Ice Baby, since the other reliable articles we base as criteria here call them as such. Nintendoswitchfan (talk) 13:09, 26 May 2020 (UTC)

I agree! This whole list is a sham! It needs to be rewritten, reworked and reTHUNK (yeah I know it's not a word). Simple Minds actually had 4 big hits in the 80's. Then added two more in the 90's in USA. I'd be happy to help do this if anyone is on board with me. As for the 90's, that too, Vanilla Ice had a second GIANT hit which is still played on classic stations all over. I'm one of those chart buffs who wrote down the top 40 every week in a notebook which I still have today from 1980 to 1989, plus some from the 90's so I've all but memorized quite the bit of definition of one-hit wonder. Wikipedia should be talking TRUTHS here about music and one-hit wonders but clearly not many people here have chart knowledge. Let's rework this whole system please!!!! — Preceding unsigned comment added by 98.25.152.182 (talk) 13:45, 26 May 2020 (UTC)


 * This is not a List of artists who had one and only one song in the top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100. It's not a similar list limited to the top 40, top 100, etc. This is about "one-hit wonders".
 * What is a "one-hit wonder"? Different people have different criteria. The sources explain, at the beginning of the article: "A one-hit wonder is a musical artist who is successful with one hit song, but without a comparable subsequent hit. The term may also be applied to an artist who is remembered for only one hit despite other successes."
 * While we might or might not be able to find sources discussing artists who had only one top 20, 10, 40,100, etc. hit, this is not that article. - Sum mer PhD v2.0 15:18, 26 May 2020 (UTC)

But the thing is, if articles contradict artists losted as one-hit wonders to not be one-hit wonders, then they can be removed from the list? Nintendoswitchfan (talk) 17:24, 26 May 2020 (UTC)

But given the flawed list, it means that as long as two reliable US point of view articles state an artist as a one-hit wonder, then anyone can add to the list with the proper sources. I do feel like there’s no criteria set for when artists don’t count as one-hot wonders though. Nintendoswitchfan (talk) 17:27, 26 May 2020 (UTC)


 * Attempting to establish criteria independent of the judgement of such sources establishes a single, monolithic definition based on editors' WP:OR.
 * Wikipedia doesn't work that way. Wikipedia does not determine if NASA landed on the Moon, the Kinks are a one-hit wonder or "Battlefield Earth" is the worst film in history. Wikipedia reports what independent reliable sources say: NASA landed on the Moon, the Kinks have been called a one-hit wonder and "Battlefield Earth" has been called the worst film in history. - Sum mer PhD v2.0 04:59, 27 May 2020 (UTC)


 * That's not the point. The point is what constitutes an authority worth paying attention to. NASA/Moon: consensus among many highly qualified professionals. Kinks a one-hit wonder: leaves me wondering whether Lola or You Got Me is supposed to be the "one" hit in question (and I have to look up which charted best in the US to find out) but hey, apparently reliable sources do not include people who were actually alive in the 70s. Battlefield Earth: not even movie buffs are serious about calling this the worst movie ever (many contenders exist) and the reasons for stating this lie entirely elsewhere. Point being: wikipedia editors should understand what "reliable sources" are talking about. 2A01:CB0C:CD:D800:E08D:C862:D617:C42B (talk) 13:51, 15 November 2022 (UTC)

Problem is the so-called "sources" are not reliable at all. Which is why this really should be changed up a little bit. 98.25.152.182 (talk) 04:12, 27 May 2020 (UTC)


 * If you have identified sources used in this article that you feel do not meet the criteria outlined at Reliable sources, please list them here and how you feel they do not match our criteria.


 * Currently, the inclusion criteria here demand that two or more independent reliable sources directly state that it is a one-hit wonder. If you have alternative criteria that you'd like to propose, please do so. Keep in mind, however, that we cannot create criteria. We also cannot combine material from two or more sources to say something no one source says.


 * This is a list of acts that independent reliable sources have called "one-hit wonders". That you disagree with some of those calls is immaterial. Independent reliable sources still have called them one-hit wonders. You are certainly free to decide that the Elton John Band is a one-hit wonder based on whatever criteria you feel should apply to that term. You cannot, however, apply that judgement here. - Sum mer PhD v2.0 04:59, 27 May 2020 (UTC)

The Elton John Band never had a top 100 hit... Elton John, the SOLO performer however is a 50plus hit wonder. :D I definitley have a lot of work to do here. But I'll leave the songs alone until I find the right material. I'm sure SUMMERphd agrees with this whole page along with us but you have to protect it which I understand. :) 98.25.152.182 (talk) 18:20, 27 May 2020 (UTC)
 * "Philadelphia Freedom", the Elton John Band's only single, went to #1 in the U.S. and Canada. In many of the definitions favored here, that would -- quite absurdly -- make it a "one-hit wonder". - Sum mer PhD v2.0 20:56, 27 May 2020 (UTC)

The Knack
What? My Sharona, a one hit wonder, that's nonsense, because the Knack had 2 MORE top 40 hits including Good Girls Don't, a song later covered by of all things The Chipmunks. Its JoeysWorld 8:38 28, April 2021


 * Of course. The problem with the appellation "one hit wonder" is that it casts a pejorative, mocking light on the performing artist. There are approximately 8 billion people on this planet who could not even manage one hit, so this supercilious contempt for those who only managed one seems ill-willed. I think there are two quite distinct phenomena being conflated here: one is that of the novelty act that somehow, much to their own surprise, had a break-away hit. Their subsequent sinking without a trace does not surprise anyone, least of all the member(s) of the act themselves. (There is also the manufactured novelty act, e.g. Sigue Sigue Sputnik, well what can you do). The other phenomenon is that of a song which becomes such a standard that its fame far outshines composer, lyricist, and original recording artist(s). My Sharona is in that category. Take On Me another; the bands would not have been called one-hit wonders if their evergreen had been less successful. That is the essential paradox that invalidates the exercise.2A01:CB0C:CD:D800:E08D:C862:D617:C42B (talk) 14:02, 15 November 2022 (UTC)

Arlo Guthrie?
Arlo Guthrie is a "one hit wonder"? Joseph A. Spadaro (talk) 20:20, 3 July 2021 (UTC)
 * Of course he is. Jancik lists him, and he's in Brent Mann's book. In both cases it's because of his single Top 40 hit. Binksternet (talk) 20:50, 3 July 2021 (UTC)


 * Thanks. That comes as quite a surprise to me.  I always thought he was rather prolific.  Thanks.     Joseph A. Spadaro (talk) 03:32, 4 July 2021 (UTC)


 * A number of influential and prolific artists are listed here. Think Frank Zappa, Dr. John, Devo, General Public, Enya, etc. The inclusion criteria for this particular article is simply that two reliable sources describe the artist as a one-hit wonder, with the context understood that this is how they are perceived in the USA. Nothing in the inclusion criteria refers to the artist's larger body of work. Several of these artists even have another Top 40 hit, which would disqualify them if we were looking at chart stats alone. We're not looking at chart stats: we're only looking at prose descriptions in sources, as a result of the discussion at Talk:List of 2010s one-hit wonders in the United States where multiple editors voiced the opinion that "one-hit wonder" is an imprecise cultural term rather than a precise chart statistic. Binksternet (talk) 04:50, 4 July 2021 (UTC)


 * Yes. Thanks.  I agree.  There are many names on this list that I would not have expected to see here.  In my view -- and probably the view of most -- a "one hit wonder" is a singer/group that has one big hit song ...then, they disappear and you never see or hear from them.  Or they produce sub-standard music (no more hits).  So, I think of songs like "Disco Duck", "Kung Fu Fighting", "Seasons in the Sun", "Ariel", "The Streak", etc., etc., etc.  I'd not expect Arlo Guthrie, Frank Zappa, etc.  Anyway, I guess this was all covered in that consensus discussion.  This list seems a bit "too" over-inclusive.  Any media can call any artist a "one hit wonder" ... which doesn't make it so.  But, I understand consensus, how Wikipedia works, and the "pickle" that we are in, in terms of who to call -- or not -- a "one hit wonder".   Thanks.    Joseph A. Spadaro (talk) 16:11, 4 July 2021 (UTC)
 * Just a note: "The Streak" was by Ray Stevens, and it wasn't even his first single to hit #1 on the Hot 100 ("Everything Is Beautiful" had hit #1 four years earlier). He had a total of 10 top 40 hits and 27 hits on the Hot 100. Yes, he's mostly known for novelty songs, but that's not necessarily the same thing as being a one-hit wonder. --Metropolitan90 (talk) 05:28, 19 October 2021 (UTC)
 * The rather nasty qualification actually covers at least two phenomena: one is the novelty song, as you say, the other is the standard / evergreen that is familiar to many more folks than would be able to name the artist. Both these definitions centre on the song and are only tangentially related to the artist, which is what makes the concept problematic. 2A01:CB0C:CD:D800:E08D:C862:D617:C42B (talk) 14:07, 15 November 2022 (UTC)

Other artists to add
Evanescence-Bring me To Life Baauer- Haarlem Shake Ylvis- The Fox La Roux-Bulletproof Icona Pop- I Love It Owl City- Fireflies Capital Cities- Safe and Sound Portugal the Man- Feel it Still Rachel Platten - Fight Song The Kolors- Everytime Of Monsters and Men- Little Talks Passenger- Let Her Go The Lumineers- Hey Ho Orianthi- According to You Mo-Do- Eins Zwei Polizei System of A Down- Chop Suey! Edward Maya and Vika Jigulina- Stereo Love Foster the People- Pumped Up Kicks Bastille- Pompeii Ola- I'm In Love Alexandra Stan- Mr. Saxobeat fun- We Are Young The Wanted- Glad You Came Karmin- Brokenhearted Cash Out- Cashing Out Trinidad James- All Gold Everything Olly Murs- Troublemaker Foxes- Clarity Nate Ruess- Just Give Me A Reason Zach Sobiech- Clouds

Check this link for more:

https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/the-top-40-one-hit-wonders-of-the-decade__27967/ — Preceding unsigned comment added by 82.50.20.163 (talk) 22:55, 25 February 2020 (UTC)

NOTE: I based myself on songs that are one hit wonders in Italy, which Evanescence and SOAD are. I don't know which of those artists is a one hit wonder in the USA and which ones are not.

82.50.20.163 (talk) 22:48, 25 February 2020 (UTC)

There's a really colossal primo miss in all this: 1954-55's "Let Me Go Lover" by Joan Weber, By January 1955, it had hit **No. 1** on all the Billboard charts (the Disk Jockey chart, the Best Seller chart, and the Juke Box chart). ( Whitburn, Joel (2004). The Billboard Book of Top 40 Hits: Eighth Edition. Record Research. p. 672.). I mean, it's both a one-hit wonder and a Disappearing Act, one of if not the biggest such act ever. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 192.12.90.14 (talk) 18:57, 20 November 2022 (UTC)

Simple Minds as a one-hit wonder
I think we should remove Simple Minds from the list. This is because they had three top 20 hits, namely charting at #1, #3, and #14 in the Billboard Top 40. No other artist in this list seems to have had three top 20 hits. It is also worth noting that all three top 20 hits charted within the top 30 of both the Billboard rock charts and the Billboard dance charts. Also, the other source that calls them a one-hit wonder is an unknown city-based website callled Houston Press, no other reliable sources seem to refer to them as one-hit wonders. Also note that websites tend to state that Alive and Kicking was their follow-up hit to Don't You, so I believe they are not pure one-hit wonders like the others here where only one song is noted as a hit. They are not listed in VH1's greatest one-hit wonders. We did not list Hanson in the article though a few reliable sources cite them as one-hit wonders, so I think we should treat Simple Minds the same. Nintendoswitchfan (talk) 15:25, 31 May 2020 (UTC)


 * Yes, Simple Minds had several charting songs. This article is not a list of groups with one-and-only-one song charting higher than a particular spot on a particular chart. The current inclusion criteria for this article call for two or more reliable sources calling the act a "one-hit wonder". We have that.


 * Houston Press may be "an unknown city-based website" to you. That's immaterial. The question is whether or not it is a reliable source. Houston Press, established in 1989, is published by Voice Media Group, publishers of Denver Westword, Phoenix New Times, Dallas Observer, Miami New Times, and Broward New Times. It's certainly not the Houston Chronicle, but they clearly have editorial oversight. I'm not sure what portion of our criteria for reliable source you feel it fails.


 * As the article says, "This list contains artists known primarily for one hit song in the United States, who are described as one-hit wonders by the media. ...some artists have been called a 'one-hit wonder' despite having other charting singles; in these cases, one signature song so overshadows the rest of the artist's discography that only that song remains familiar to later audiences." The article goes on to explain several of those cases, including Simple Minds. The article explains several definitions of the term. Simple Minds qualifies under some and not others.


 * This article has inclusion criteria. Those criteria do not state "...except for Simple Minds". If you wish to change the inclusion criteria, you can certainly open a discussion, preferably outlining what you feel the criteria should be and where you got those criteria. If you're merely cooking up your own criteria, please state that so we can keep the conversation very brief... (Please look through talk history, we've been here before.) - Sum mer PhD v2.0 03:21, 1 June 2020 (UTC)

I understand that. It’s just that it’s weird to have artists with top 5 hits be called one-hit wonders simply because one hit overshadowed the others. I guess that is how the inclusion criteria works such that chart history is not that big of a deal unlike the old page version. Nintendoswitchfan (talk) 11:03, 1 June 2020 (UTC)

Also I just find the article criteria to be a bit vague since we don’t have a set criteria on how articles can be reliable or unreliable. Nintendoswitchfan (talk) 11:04, 1 June 2020 (UTC)

Also another thing is if one reliable source says that an artist is not a one-hit wonder but another reliable source says otherwise, then we still count said artist as a one-hit wonder correct? For example I saw Hanson be called by Cosmopolitan as a one-hit wonder but Billboard said they’re not. Nintendoswitchfan (talk) 11:08, 1 June 2020 (UTC)


 * We have set criteria for what qualifies as a reliable source. We use them in every one of the 6 million or so articles we have. It's explained in WP:RS. That's part of verifiability, one of the pillars of the project.


 * If two or more reliable sources say it is a one-hit wonder, it is verifiably part of this list. If there are sources discussing one-hit wonders with material that you feel is relevant, add it, cite it and see what happens. - Sum mer PhD v2.0 19:42, 1 June 2020 (UTC)

Ok understood. I guess the only question I have is how entries can be removed if sources dispute their one-hit wonder states Nintendoswitchfan (talk) 01:36, 2 June 2020 (UTC)


 * You are asking if we can take information from multiple reliable sources, decide it is "wrong" based on another source and remove it. That's a strange form of WP:SYN. - Sum mer PhD v2.0 02:03, 2 June 2020 (UTC)

Noted. I was just thinking that a source like Billboard could be the most reliable source here and if let’s say Billboard says an artist listed is not a one-hit wonder, then maybe we could follow said Billboard source. But I understand that it seems we don’t hsve a source hierarchy as long as it’s a reliable source. Nintendoswitchfan (talk) 04:53, 2 June 2020 (UTC)


 * Again, the current inclusion criteria state two reliable sources. If you would like to suggest we amend the criteria to "two reliable sources...unless Billboard disagrees" you will need to suggest that and explain where you got the proposed new criterion. Beyond that, I don't see this conversation going anywhere. - Sum mer PhD v2.0 05:48, 3 June 2020 (UTC)

Understood. All good now, so I understand that there is no reliability hierarchy for sources as all reliable sources are treated as such equally and we just need at least two reliable sources as stated before.Nintendoswitchfan (talk) 16:27, 3 June 2020 (UTC)

Alive and Kicking has 60 million views on youtube, reached number 3 on the U.S. charts, but you claim that is not a hit song because some idiot said so on a webpage. Come on, get serious! Take Simple Minds off of this list. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Gianni77 (talk • contribs) 01:44, 5 July 2020 (UTC)
 * We do not say "Alive and Kicking" is not a hit song. The article says Simple Minds is a one-hot wonder. That your definition of one-hit-wonder doesn't agree is immaterial.
 * Because ketchup is made from a fruit and sugar, I say it is a smoothie, not a condiment. Reliable sources say otherwise. I'm just some idiot saying it on a webpage and have to live with it. - Sum mer PhD v2.0 02:12, 5 July 2020 (UTC)

For what it's worth, I agree that Simple Minds should not be on this list. If it meets the article's criteria, then the criteria itself is ridiculous. Simple Minds are *objectively* not a one-hit wonder, and that's what people who come to view this article are looking for -- *actual* one-hit wonders not someone screwing up and thinking they are. Maybe we simply need another article of actual one hit wonders. I mean look at 1982 ... RUSH is on this list FFS. Jtjones66 (talk) 17:25, 23 September 2020 (UTC)
 * Objectively, they meet someone's criteria for a "one hit wonder", but not yours. "A one-hit wonder is a musical artist who is successful with one hit song, but without a comparable subsequent hit. The term may also be applied to an artist who is remembered for only one hit despite other successes. This list contains artists known primarily for one hit song in the United States, who are described as one-hit wonders by the media."
 * You might argue the "Elton John Band" is a one hit wonder ("Philadelphia Freedom" was their only single.) I might say that's crazy, because it's Elton John with other people. Or maybe it's the Buggles' "Video Killed the Radio Star" vs. a song by Yes after the two people who were the Buggles joined Yes. Or maybe you draw the line at top 40, while I count country hits or top 200. Maybe you insist it's just singles, but I look at albums too (e.g., Rush).
 * We can cook up 500 different sets of criteria, all of which would be original research, or we can use verifiable information from reliable sources. Lists created the first way will give us a list a songs that fit your definition, which would be great material for a blog. Lists generated with objective, sourced criteria, OTOH, create a valid Wikipedia "List of..." article.
 * If you feel you have better objective sourced criteria than what we are using, suggest those criteria. It's impossible to have an objective list based on "songs included must fit these criteria and not be Simple Minds or Rush". - Sum mer PhD v2.0 20:10, 23 September 2020 (UTC)

SummerPHD, I'm going to guess that you're the one that came up with the criteria because you defend it like a tiger, despite its objective silliness. Look at the Talk page's ToC, the number of times people are calling out the criteria for being ridiculous. That should tell you something. I came here with zero intention of causing trouble, I came here to look at *genuine* one-hit wonders, not the likes of Rush, Simple Minds etc, and was stupified at what I saw, like many others apparently. Jtjones66 (talk) 19:23, 24 September 2020 (UTC)


 * You can guess whatever you'd like, but the criteria had gone from some kind of home cooked recipe to one based on what independent reliable sources say long before I came here.
 * "List of..." articles on Wikipedia must have objective criteria based on reliable sources.
 * Membership in the list cannot be subjective in any way. So, we can't have "List of films that did poorly at the box office" because "poorly" is subjective.
 * The criteria cannot be something we create out of nothing. So, for example, we cannot have "List of nudist colonies in resort areas" unless independent reliable sources have discussed criteria for that.
 * We have reliable sources calling songs/acts "one-hit wonders". That ticks off both of the criteria.
 * We periodically have people suggest other criteria (all of them problematic), none of which are sourced and/or objective. What criteria would you suggest? Where did you get those criteria? Are there any questionable members (where two different people might not agree on whether or not the song/act fits the criteria)? If you can't answer those questions, there is nothing to discuss here. We have criteria. Our entries meet them. Until the consensus supports different criteria, we have what we have. - Sum mer PhD v2.0 23:06, 24 September 2020 (UTC)
 * You had even more reliable criteria earlier. It was called the Billboard Hot 100 chart. 2600:1702:2C60:A60:1488:33AF:3558:AA24 (talk) 00:40, 30 November 2022 (UTC)
 * Nope! People argued endlessly over that, coming up with various conflicting rules. The Billboard 100 Top 40 was a terrible criteria, which is why it was rejected for this article. Binksternet (talk) 01:14, 30 November 2022 (UTC)

rick astley?
im not sure about this entry but i think rick astley should be added his signature song never gonna give you up was a massive hit and is without a doubt his best song but he has had a couple other songs that were somewhat successful but not as same thing with stealers wheel and the stuck in the middle with you song idk what you guys thinkAutograph84 (talk) 17:25, 1 December 2021 (UTC)
 * Artists only get added to this list if there are two reliable sources that call them a one-hit wonder. In the case of Rick Astley, it would be a stretch for anyone to call him a one-hit wonder in the U.S., since he had two songs hit #1 here ("Together Forever" being the other), plus three more top 10 hits in the U.S. (See Rick Astley discography.) In my personal opinion, which does not necessarily reflect consensus for this page, any source that might put Astley on a list of one-hit wonders would suggest to me that it is an unreliable source that should not be used in this article. Still, if there are two such sources, he might potentially get added to this list, if other editors consider those sources reliable. --Metropolitan90 (talk) 07:58, 21 January 2023 (UTC)

KONGOS - Come with Me Now
It's not on this article and I haven't seen anybody bring it up yet, so I wanted to know if it should be added. — Preceding unsigned comment added by SurelyStupid (talk • contribs) 22:21, 1 January 2022 (UTC)

Agree but need to find reliable sources to back it up.DanTheMusicMan2 (talk • 23:00, 3 February 2023 (UTC)

2010s Song List
Could someone help me fix the 2010s song list? It appears that some entries don't show up despite being written in the code. Check the written entries for the songs: Latch and Uptown Funk which don't show up in the Article view. Nintendoswitchfan (talk) 15:12, 26 October 2022 (UTC)

I fixed a few the thing is we need two references before they can be unhidden as per the note, probaly should not be added in the first place User:DanTheMusicMan2 (talk) 21:54, 26 October 2022 (UTC)
 * Thanks! Binksternet (talk) 23:11, 3 February 2023 (UTC)

Wheatus
Hey, I did my research, and "Wheatus - Teenage Dirtbag" (2000) didn't chart in the U.S Top 40. It hit it's peak at number 7 on the U.S Billboard Alternative Charts. Ya Boy Alex! (talk) 03:11, 12 February 2023 (UTC)


 * The inclusion criteria at this article is not tied to charting on Billboard. Rather, it is about whether at least two publications have applied the term "one-hit wonder" to an artist with respect to the US point of view. Wheatus was put in that category by Consequence of Sound, and also by Fuse.tv. Both Consequence and Fuse are American media companies. So Wheatus gets listed. Binksternet (talk) 04:54, 12 February 2023 (UTC)
 * Thank You. :) Ya Boy Alex! (talk) 06:50, 12 February 2023 (UTC)

How to "move the order" of the songs
Hey, I don't know how to correctly order a song in chronological order on Wikipedia and this page. Whether it be when I feel that a song should be added to the list, or I see an error in the list. I use the visual editor. I still have trouble after researching this topic. Do any of you know how to order a song correctly in the visual editor? Thank You.

~Alex Ya Boy Alex! (talk) 07:23, 15 February 2023 (UTC)

The Fireballs
I have added Jimmy Gilmer and The Fireballs to the 1960s list. The Larkin reference (ISBN: 9780857125958) did not explicitly say one-hit-wonder but it states that Sugar Shack stayed at number 1 for 5 weeks but the band - despite several singles and albums released - was unable to reach the same success. The second source list the band as one-hit wonder. Please feel free to remove it if this entry does not qualify. Cheers! - Darwin Naz (talk) 00:14, 26 September 2018 (UTC)
 * The second source does call the band a one-hit wonder, but the Larkin reference definitely does not. The passage you are referring to says, "The result was one of the bestselling hits of 1963 - 'Sugar Shack' stayed at number 1 for five weeks late in the year. An album of the same title also charted. Although several other singles and albums were released, the group was unable to capitalize on that success, although 'Daisy Petal Pickin′' made number 15 in December." The book also refers to four other Top 40 singles by the same band. Whatever it means to not be able to "capitalize" on the success of their biggest hit single, it doesn't necessarily mean that the band was a "one-hit wonder" -- a term that Larkin does use in reference to certain other artists (Arthur Conley, Count Five), but not the Fireballs. --Metropolitan90 (talk) 01:04, 30 September 2018 (UTC)


 * In Canada, they had two top 10 hits, and another at #42. Sugar Shack, Bottle of Wine, and Long Green. 2001:56A:FB29:D600:7978:9C45:AFCF:A044 (talk) 00:52, 16 February 2023 (UTC)

Fiction Factory
Hey, I don't think this song charted in the U.S. And one of the sources is from the U.K. Ya Boy Alex! (talk) 04:30, 23 February 2023 (UTC)

Playback.fm looks like a blog
I was surfing around playback.fm trying to find out who was involved, and all I could find was https://j3ff.net/, implying that someone named Jeff is writing everything. The articles themselves are written in simple, mechanical English, like they are composed by artificial intelligence. None of the articles have a named author. Binksternet (talk) 04:00, 12 March 2023 (UTC)

Looks like it's using data from fans as a vote on tracks they think are a one hit wonder rather than what's considered a one hit wonder by the media, i have replaced some of these refs today,quite sure i'm the one that added this in the first place so it would only appl to the 2010's section. DanTheMusicMan2 (talk) 12:24, 8 May 2023 (UTC)

Oasis
I've noticed that Oasis is removed a lot from this list i know they were massive in the UK and had multiple hits including several no.1s but in the US they have had one top ten and a couple of minor hits which don't even come close to how big a hit wonderwall was. User:DanTheMusicMan2 (talk) 23:04, 3 February 2023 (UTC)
 * Exactly. Binksternet (talk) 23:11, 3 February 2023 (UTC)
 * "Don't Look Back in Anger" and "Champagne Supernova" were hits. Their inclusion on this list is ludicrous. NYnascar (talk) 10:49, 2 June 2023 (UTC)

Artists I Think Can Be Added
I think we should add: Augustana - Boston, Howie Day - Collide, Crazy Town - Butterfly, The Ting Tings - That's Not My Name, The Ready Set - Love Like Woe, Alexandra Stan - Mr. Saxobeat Nintendoswitchfan (talk) 10:01, 24 November 2017 (UTC)


 * Sources? - Sum mer PhD v2.0 16:41, 24 November 2017 (UTC)

Some sources, though I don't really know what can be considered as a reliable source since the article is now opinion-based: http://www.houstonpress.com/music/our-10-least-favorite-one-hit-wonders-6760197 https://www.scoopwhoop.com/inothernews/one-hit-wonders-music/ http://www.seventeen.com/celebrity/a30123/one-hit-wonders-were-still-singing/ https://www.buzzfeed.com/tanyachen/one-hit-wonders-then-now Nintendoswitchfan (talk) 14:59, 25 November 2017 (UTC)


 * They sound good to me. One criteria I use, is I've never heard of them. N1 — Preceding unsigned comment added by 184.69.174.194 (talk) 05:03, 12 March 2019 (UTC)

The article does not include Desmond Dekker. I don't know of anyone who does not consider Desmond Dekker not to be a one-hit wonder, especially with only one Hot 100 entry.98.149.97.245 (talk) 11:32, 21 May 2022 (UTC)

What about How Do You Talk To An Angel by The Heights, 1992?Bcroner (talk) 18:38, 9 July 2023 (UTC)


 * Yeah how come the media don't talk about one hit wonders from TV and Film very often DanTheMusicMan2 (talk) 20:11, 9 July 2023 (UTC)