# One Hit Wonders who deserved better **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [April 23, 2011, 2:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-hit-wonders-who-deserved-better/579456 "2011-04-23T14:57:12Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![Argent\_Towers](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e8c25b/32.png) [@Argent\_Towers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Argent_Towers)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2011, 9:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-hit-wonders-who-deserved-better/579456/61 "2011-04-25T21:26:57Z")
> [@Superdude](#): > > Fiona Apple never really followed up “Criminal” and “Sleep to Dream” with anything, but I think she’s pretty okay. I disagree. _Extraordinary Machine_ was very well recieved as was that other album I can’t remember but it had some ridiculously long title. She is pretty well respected as a musician and songwriter. ---
**Author:** ![Anamorphic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/anamorphic/32/3057_2.png) [@Anamorphic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anamorphic)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2011, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-hit-wonders-who-deserved-better/579456/62 "2011-04-25T21:28:27Z")
The British band Space had a decent hit in the U.S. with “Female of the Species” in the mid-90s. The album it was off of, Spiders, was absolutely terrific, start to finish. I thought the follow up, Tin Planet, was also chock-full of catchy, interesting, unique rock songs, but they never had another chart hit in the U.S. Looking at their [wikipedia page](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_(English_band)), I see they had several other chart hits in the U.K., though. ---
**Author:** ![blondebear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blondebear/32/1022_2.png) [@blondebear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blondebear)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2011, 9:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-hit-wonders-who-deserved-better/579456/63 "2011-04-25T21:42:36Z")
Re: Fountains of Wayne–Strange that Stacy’s Mom became their “greatest hit”, when it was kind of a throwaway song for them. My take on the band’s lack of success was that Jody Porter was always wasted on stage; Chris and Adam’s songwriting talent couldn’t make up for that. ---
**Author:** ![Hampshire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hampshire/32/4887_2.png) [@Hampshire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hampshire)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2011, 9:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-hit-wonders-who-deserved-better/579456/64 "2011-04-25T21:52:22Z")
Swiss duo **Yello** are best known for _Oh Yeah!_ which was unforgetably used over the closing credits of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. They had been making albums since the early 80s and still put out a new album every few years. ---
**Author:** ![An\_Gadai](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/d6d6ee/32.png) [@An\_Gadai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/An_Gadai)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2011, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-hit-wonders-who-deserved-better/579456/65 "2011-04-25T22:01:12Z")
> [@Anamorphic](#): > > The British band Space had a decent hit in the U.S. with “Female of the Species” in the mid-90s. The album it was off of, Spiders, was absolutely terrific, start to finish. I thought the follow up, Tin Planet, was also chock-full of catchy, interesting, unique rock songs, but they never had another chart hit in the U.S. > > Looking at their [wikipedia page](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_(English_band)), I see they had several other chart hits in the U.K., though. They were my favourite band at the time _Female Of The Species_ came out. It was my favourite song for years after that too. ---
**Author:** ![Ike\_Witt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ike_witt/32/283_2.png) [@Ike\_Witt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ike_Witt)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2011, 10:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-hit-wonders-who-deserved-better/579456/66 "2011-04-25T22:25:49Z")
> [@Eutychus](#): > > They sold out. Last I heard they were playing folk music on the casino circuit. Getting second billing to puppet shows. It’s a bit sad really. ---
**Author:** ![SeldomSeen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/7ba0ec/32.png) [@SeldomSeen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SeldomSeen)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2011, 10:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-hit-wonders-who-deserved-better/579456/67 "2011-04-25T22:35:50Z")
Stepping into the wayback time machine…While they were actually a bit more than a OHW, \*\*The Cowsills \*\*never really achieved their full potential, nor did they ever come close to matching the popularity of _Indian Lake_. Loved that effortless 5-part harmony that seems to be peculiar to family groups. The band split up over internal squabbles, although the remaining members [continue to perform occasionally even today](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CEdkNtD2qU)more than 40 years after their one big hit. Also, **Brewer & Shipley** achieved lots of notariety with _One Toke Over the Line_, but practically disappeared from view afterwards. SS ---
**Author:** ![Quimby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/22d042/32.png) [@Quimby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quimby)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2011, 11:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-hit-wonders-who-deserved-better/579456/68 "2011-04-25T23:20:02Z")
> [@Little\_Nemo](#): > > I was at a flea market today and, inspired by your post, I bought a copy of _Welcome Interstate Managers_. Excellent! Enjoy! ---
**Author:** ![Anamorphic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/anamorphic/32/3057_2.png) [@Anamorphic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anamorphic)\ **Post date:** [April 26, 2011, 12:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-hit-wonders-who-deserved-better/579456/69 "2011-04-26T00:03:04Z")
> [@An\_Gadai](#): > > They were my favourite band at the time _Female Of The Species_ came out. It was my favourite song for years after that too. Me as well. I still listen to it from time to time, and am amazed at how well it holds up. ---
**Author:** ![Jman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jman/32/4416_2.png) [@Jman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jman)\ **Post date:** [April 26, 2011, 1:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-hit-wonders-who-deserved-better/579456/70 "2011-04-26T01:35:45Z")
> [@Superdude](#): > > Okay, I withdraw Counting Crows, though I still contend that they do not get the respect they deserve. Probably wise, given that all 5 of their albums have peaked in the top 10 on the US charts. I do love their work though…pretty darn good throughout. ---
**Author:** ![tumbleddown](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e9bcb4/32.png) [@tumbleddown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tumbleddown)\ **Post date:** [April 26, 2011, 6:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-hit-wonders-who-deserved-better/579456/71 "2011-04-26T06:46:49Z")
> [@Argent\_Towers](#): > > I disagree. _Extraordinary Machine_ was very well recieved as was that other album I can’t remember but it had some ridiculously long title. She is pretty well respected as a musician and songwriter. The other album was “When the Pawn Hits the Conflicts He Thinks like a King What He Knows Throws the Blows When He Goes to the Fight and He’ll Win the Whole Thing Fore He Enters the Ring There’s No Body to Batter When Your Mind Is Your Might So When You Go Solo, You Hold Your Own Hand and Remember That Depth Is the Greatest of Heights and If You Know Where You Stand, Then You’ll Know Where to Land and If You Fall It Won’t Matter, Cuz You Know That You’re Right.” I don’t know why I memorized that, when I can barely remember my own phone number, but I can’t get it out of my head. ---
**Author:** ![Jman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jman/32/4416_2.png) [@Jman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jman)\ **Post date:** [April 26, 2011, 12:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-hit-wonders-who-deserved-better/579456/72 "2011-04-26T12:02:32Z")
Chumbawamba is my pick. Everyone only knows Tubthumping, but they have a huge catalog and have changed styles several times. Their recent stuff is British folk rock. Listen to the Tubthumper album, then listen to “The Boy Bands Have Won” and you wouldn’t think they’re the same band. The latter album is brilliant, by the way. ---
**Author:** ![Martini\_Enfield](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/martini_enfield/32/11123_2.png) [@Martini\_Enfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Martini_Enfield)\ **Post date:** [April 26, 2011, 12:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-hit-wonders-who-deserved-better/579456/73 "2011-04-26T12:42:16Z")
> [@Superdude](#): > > Fiona Apple never really followed up “Criminal” and “Sleep to Dream” with anything, but I think she’s pretty okay. The only Fiona Apple song I’ve ever heard (and I’d wager the same is true for a great many other people) is her cover of _Across The Universe_ from the _Pleasantville_ soundtrack, FWIW. ---
**Author:** ![Oly](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/oly/32/8255_2.png) [@Oly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oly)\ **Post date:** [April 26, 2011, 12:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-hit-wonders-who-deserved-better/579456/74 "2011-04-26T12:58:17Z")
Aztec Camera - Their first two albums are excellent, from first track to last. The Go Gos - As above. Big Country - Ahead of their time. In some of their early music you can hear Pearl Jam and Soundgarden. The Stray Cats - Whether or not you like rockabilly, you have to admit these guys made a lot of noise for a three piece band, especially if you ever saw them live. ---
**Author:** ![Kamino\_Neko](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kamino_neko/32/34_2.png) [@Kamino\_Neko](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kamino_Neko)\ **Post date:** [April 26, 2011, 1:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-hit-wonders-who-deserved-better/579456/75 "2011-04-26T13:02:43Z")
> [@SeldomSeen](#): > > \*\*The Cowsills \*\*never really achieved their full potential, nor did they ever come close to matching the popularity of _Indian Lake_. Hair and The Rain, The Park, and Other Things both charted significantly higher than Indian Lake - #2 vs #10, according to Wiki, and checking a list of the overall popularity of the songs in a given year (by Billboard’s count), Hair is #13 for 1969, The Rain #49 for 1967, and Indian Lake #71 for 1968. ---
**Author:** ![Steophan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/steophan/32/9595_2.png) [@Steophan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steophan)\ **Post date:** [April 26, 2011, 1:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-hit-wonders-who-deserved-better/579456/76 "2011-04-26T13:34:22Z")
> [@Jman](#): > > Chumbawamba is my pick. Everyone only knows Tubthumping, but they have a huge catalog and have changed styles several times. Their recent stuff is British folk rock. Listen to the Tubthumper album, then listen to “The Boy Bands Have Won” and you wouldn’t think they’re the same band. The latter album is brilliant, by the way. Then try “English Rebel Songs” for something _really_ different. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [April 26, 2011, 1:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-hit-wonders-who-deserved-better/579456/77 "2011-04-26T13:42:02Z")
> [@Oly](#): > > The Go Gos - As above. I agree they’re great, but they weren’t quite one-hit wonders. They had 4 top 20 hits, and their first album even topped the Billboard charts for six weeks. ---
**Author:** ![NDP](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ndp/32/55_2.png) [@NDP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NDP)\ **Post date:** [April 26, 2011, 5:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-hit-wonders-who-deserved-better/579456/78 "2011-04-26T17:43:19Z")
> [@Argent\_Towers](#): > > I disagree. _Extraordinary Machine_ was very well recieved as was that other album I can’t remember but it had some ridiculously long title. She is pretty well respected as a musician and songwriter. I won’t disagree with you there but I do think the long gaps between album releases has prevented Fiona Apple from reaching the level of fame that many people predicted she’d achieve when she first came on the scene in 1996. It was three years between her first and “When the Pawn…” and nearly six between that and “Extraordinary Machine.” It’s now been another six years since her last release. ---
**Author:** ![Superdude](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/superdude/32/13450_2.png) [@Superdude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superdude)\ **Post date:** [April 26, 2011, 9:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-hit-wonders-who-deserved-better/579456/79 "2011-04-26T21:57:33Z")
I think we’re having a problem defining the terms here. The OP says > [@](#): > > FWIW, not going to Lawyer you if the band in question may have technically have more than one hit. Basically, I am thinking of Bands that are generally known for one or two songs but really have a great back catalog. I think some people are equating sales or chart positions with status. To me, anyway, there can be great bands who have a few songs chart well, but still be virtually unknown except for “signature songs.” I see a difference between, for lack of a better term, a “musician’s musician” and mass fandom. For instance, I love Wilco, and they have a lot of great music, and _Yankee Hotel Foxtrot_ hit #13 on Billboard’s charts, but I think the vast majority of people would be stumped to name one song by them. ---
**Author:** ![from\_a\_to\_z](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/5fc32e/32.png) [@from\_a\_to\_z](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/from_a_to_z)\ **Post date:** [April 27, 2011, 12:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-hit-wonders-who-deserved-better/579456/80 "2011-04-27T00:01:31Z")
> [@Annie-Xmas](#): > > I always thought [Mungo Jerry](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In_the_Summertime_(Mungo_Jerry_song)) deserved fame for more than In the Summertime. They were just ahead of their time. Yes I like them, and they are still with us, on YouTube. Some of these are less toe-tapping than foot-stomping, and they are among my favorites. I couldn’t find “Angel Mama”, and I did find these for your (dancing) pleasure: [ul] [li][Maggie](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7TRfbmx5n4)[/li][li][Got a Job](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d97_ORuRiDs)[/li][li][Somebody Stole My Wife](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOHcBYG6SOg)[/li][li][Hello Nadine](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLd4neudXoY)[/li][li][Lady Rose](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1MiCSPY0uG0)[/li][li][Gonna Bop Til I Drop](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEb1FD_ZcpI)[/li][/ul] [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-hit-wonders-who-deserved-better/579456.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-hit-wonders-who-deserved-better/579456.md?page=5)