I was part of the “MTV generation” (I turned 13 in 1981), but never once watched MTV or listened to pop radio. All my friends and myself listened to was country. 100%. And now, all I listen to is the classic rock radio station, which plays little to no '80s cheese.
So I recognized 11 right off. Another couple due to very recent circumstances. For example, the “Major Tom” sequel due to my DVD set for Breaking Bad. So, 13?
I got 31, mostly from what I remember seeing on MTV in its early years and songs from movies.
Some groups aren’t really one-hit wonders, but it’s not as egregious as a lot of one-hit wonder lists.
I thought some of the choices were a bit odd. Why have a Stan Ridgeway song (and not one I remember from back in the day) when he is much better known as the singer of Wall of Voodoo, who have one of the all time great one-hit wonders in “Mexican Radio”? Turns out that while ol’ Stan never had solo hit in his native US, he had a to 10 in the UK.
I was wondering about that too, but it turns out that Mexican Radio was a pretty modest commercial hit. More a cult hit than anything.
Personally I am a BIG fan of the Ridgeway-era Wall of Voodoo and at least the first album with Andy Prieboy in his place was pretty solid as well. One of those quirky, underrated bands. But yeah, they’re mostly known as a one-sorta-hit wonder.