3 One-Hit Wonders From the 1980s That Were Actually Covers

When most people think of one-hit wonders, they remember quirky, strange songs that rose up to the top of the charts thanks to their originality. Songs about melting with you, safety dances, or running up hills. Rarely, though, do we think about cover songs that were performed by artists who didn’t originally write the tune themselves.

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But if you examine history, you’ll see that it happens more than our collective memory recalls. There are many cover songs that have earned their performers the status of one-hit wonders. Even if the artist who originally wrote the tune earned multiple Billboard hits in their career. Indeed, let’s explore some below. These are three one-hit wonders from the 80s that were actually covers.

“Funkytown” by Pseudo Echo from ‘Love An Adventure’ (1986)

Originally released by Lipps Inc. on their 1980 LP, Mouth to Mouth, this song was covered seven years later by Pseudo Echo for their 1986 record, Love an Adventure. A successful song for both acts, the tune hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for Lipps Inc. and No. 6 for the Australian new wave band Pseudo Echo, which put its own buzzy, electric guitar-driven rock spin on the popular disco offering.

“Respect Yourself” by Bruce Willis from ‘The Return Of Bruno’ (1986)

Originally released in 1971 by the Staple Singers on their LP, Be Altitude: Respect Yourself, this song was later covered by mainstream actor Bruce Willis for his album, The Return of Bruno. Many fans of the actor might not know that Willis had a musical alter-ego he called Bruno Radolini. And the album was released for the HBO special also titled The Return Of Bruno. The 1980s were a strange time to be alive, and this creative offering might be at the top of the list of reasons why! Incredibly, Willis’ version hit No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100.

“It’s Now Or Never” by John Schneider from ‘Now Or Never’ (1981)

Originally released by Elvis Presley in 1960—indeed, it’s one of The King’s signature songs—this track was later made into another hit by the big-voiced singer John Schneider. Released by Schneider in 1981 on the LP, Now Or Never. On it, he sounds a bit like Presley. But he also makes the track his own, offering a blend of 1960s style and 1980s modernity. Singing over strummed acoustic guitar, Schneider gives his best lounge singer crooning performance. The song shows why he was such a draw in the unique musical decade.

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