3 One-Hit Wonders Whose Follow-up Track Was Even Better

One-hit wonder is a shallow title, to an extent that is. Yes, there are of course a handful of musicians and artists whose music career seemingly fizzled out after their second of fame. Though, on the contrary, there are a couple of artists who were given the title and then seemingly surpassed it. However, no one paid enough attention to realize that they did.

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Taking this into consideration, there have been several “one-hit wonders” whose careers have been wrongfully defined and dictated by the title. Thus, here are three one-hit wonders whose follow-up tracks are arguably better than their No. 1 hits.

“Let’s Make This Precious” by The Dexy Midnight Runners

Everybody of course knows the Dexy Midnight Runners for their 1982 No. 1 hit “Come On Eileen.” Not only was it a No. 1 hit, but it also became a light-hearted party anthem for the ’80s generation and cemented the Runners as a major voice of the decade. However, they surpassed their wrongful definition, with their follow-up single, “Let’s Make Love and Listen to the Music.”

Also released in 1982, the Runners’ single “Let’s Make This Precious,” didn’t perform nearly as well as “Come On Eileen,” but didn’t have quite the run. Specifically, the Runners’ track peaked at No. 75 on the UK chart, and that is why the Runners are not a one-hit wonder.

“What” by Soft Cell

Like the Dexy Midnight Runners, Soft Cell dominated the ’80s with their No. 1 hit song, “Tainted Love.” However, contrary to popular belief, Soft Cell’s career did not start and stop with their 1981 hit. Rather, they followed it up with their fairly successful 1981 single, “What.”

Upon its release, Soft Cell’s “What” was nearly as successful as their iconic single. Matter of fact, it settled at No. 3 on UK Singles Chart, just two spots below “Tainted Love.” So, again, did it meet the level of “Tainted Love,” no. However, it is certainly a close second, and helped them surpass the one-hit wonder title.

“Don’t Talk Just Kiss” by Right Said Fred

Right Said Fred climbed to fame thanks to their “I’m Too Sexy.” When it was released in 1991, the song peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and stayed there for a surprising three weeks. However, that was not the only track of theirs to grace the Billboard Hot 100.

Following their whopping success with “I’m Too Sexy,” Right Said Fred released “Don’t Talk Just Kiss” in 1992. Now, the song didn’t reach the top 10, actually it didn’t even reach the top 50, but it did reach the top 80, as it peaked at No. 76 on the most iconic chart of all time.

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