The 80s were the era of the “one-hit wonder:” artists whose top hit was made to overshadow their other work to get increased radio play, or simply surpassed the quality of their other music. Increasing popularity of top 40 pop radio led music consumers to listen exclusively to what played on their radio stations. This radio-fed way of exploring music led to the creation of the one-hit wonder, as there was less active searching for new tunes. Here is a list of the top 50 one-hit wonders of the 80s, some of them with music videos linked; you might recognize a few of these tunes from today’s radio play.

1. “867-5309 (Jenny)” Tommy Tutone
2. “99 Luftballons” Nena
3. “Africa” Toto
4. “And We Danced” The Hooters
5. “Breaking The Law” Judas Priest
6. “Can’t Fight This Feeling” REO Speedwagon
7. “Come on Eileen” Dexys Midnight Runners
8. “Don’t You Forget About Me” Simple Minds
9. “Don’t You Want Me” The Human League
10. “Down Under” Men At Work
11. “Every Rose Has Its Thorn” Poison
12. “Everybody Wants To Rule The World” Tears for Fears
13. “Eye Of The Tiger” Survivor
14. “Forever Young” Alphaville
15. “Funkytown” Lipps Inc.
16. “Ghostbusters” Ray Parker Jr.
17. “Here I Go Again” Whitesnake
18. “Hungry Eyes” Eric Carmen
19. “I Melt With You” Modern English
20. “I Ran So Far Away” Flock of Seagulls
21. “I Want Candy” Bow Wow Wow
22. “I’m So Excited” The Pointer Sisters
23. “(I’ve Had) The Time of my Life” Bill Medley
24. “It’s Raining Men” Weather Girls
25. “Jessie’s Girl” Rick Springfield
26. “Karma Chameleon” Culture Club
27. “Let’s Hear It For The Boy” Deniece Williams
28. “Mickey” Toni Basil
29. “My Girl” Suave
30. “Never Gonna Give You Up” Rick Astley
31. “Rockit” Herbie Hancock
32. “Safety Dance” Men Without Hats
33. “Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)” Eurythmics
34. “Tainted Love” Soft Cell
35. “Take Me Home Tonight” Eddie Money
36. “Take My Breath Away” Berlin
37. “Take On Me” a-ha
38. “The Final Countdown” Europe
39. “The Warrior” Scandal
40. “Total Eclipse of the Heart” Bonnie Tyler
41. “Video Killed The Radio Star” The Buggles
42. “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” Wham!
43. “Walk Like An Egyptian” The Bangles
44. “We Built This City” Jefferson Starship
45. “We’re Not Gonna Take It” Twisted Sister
46. “What I Like About You” The Romantics
47. “Whip It” Devo
48. “Working For The Weekend” Mahal & Mura
49. “You Spin Me Round (Like A Record)” Dead Or Alive
50. “Your Love” The Outfield