Top 10 90s One Hit Wonders You Forgot Were AWESOME
Mia Smith general
These 90s one hit wonders need to be on your playlist. For this list, we'll be looking at 90s hits from bands who may have had other successes, but are mostly associated with that one track. Our countdown includes “Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm", “Sleeping Satellite”, “In the Meantime”, and more!
Top 10 90s One-Hit Wonders You Forgot Were Awesome
Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the Top 10 90s One-Hit Wonders You Forgot Were Awesome.
For this list, we'll be looking at 90s hits from bands who may have had other successes, but are mostly associated with that one track.
Did we miss out on a forgotten 90s one-hit wonder? Let us know in the comments below.
#10: “Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm” (1993)
Crash Test DummiesCrash Test Dummies arrived on the scene in the early 1990s with this alternative and unorthodox rock song. With its unique sounds and deep lyrics, the track managed to find a wide international audience. It grew to become a top 10 hit in numerous countries, going to number one in several cases. The Canadian band's single isn’t without its fierce critics, which led to a backlash that might have soured people to the tune. If you learn more about its backstory, you’ll learn about its central story and its connection to childhood trauma that cuts deep with certain audiences. Sonically the piece's unique production also rounds out the final product with a delicate musical arrangement.
#9: “The Impression That I Get” (1997)
The Mighty Mighty BosstonesIf you remember the ska punk revival of the 1990s, you'll likely recognize this Mighty Mighty Bosstones hit. The song was a breakthrough with mainstream audiences who were unfamiliar with the genre. Modern audiences deserve to hear the track again to embrace its shameless charms. It also serves as a reminder that a great horn section can send any song into the stratosphere. Whether or not the release would connect with everyone today, there's a chance it could find another cult following. At the very least, "The Impression That I Get" encapsulates all of the good cheer associated with ska music.
#8: “Two Princes” (1993)
Spin DoctorsBands like the Spin Doctors were welcomed into the early 90s wave of alternative rock with open arms. While they did get some recognition with a few other tunes, it’s their signature single "Two Princes", coming off of their successful debut album "Pocket Full of Kryptonite” that contains all the talent and energy that guaranteed them success. Reaching the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100, the inviting track is a time capsule to a different decade and represents a specific pop music style. Eric Schenkman's great guitar work also interweaves with some memorable singing and scatting. Above all, “Two Princes” is wonderfully catchy and full of fun vibes for anyone from any generation.
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#7: “It Feels So Good” (1998)
SoniqueSonique came along during a surge of techno and electronic pop music at the end of the decade. Her most well-known track is "It Feels So Good," which made her a momentary star in the music world. It wasn't long after the song took off in the UK and grew in popularity around the world, including the US and many European countries that also embraced the sound as we entered the next millennium. With passionate vocals and the Eurodance beat, the artist’s work achieved more fame after it received another release years later. Riding the 90s zeitgeist, Sonique's single resonates with its undisputed power and entrancing arrangement.
#6: “Sleeping Satellite” (1992)
Tasmin Archer"Sleeping Satellite" is a pop single with imaginative lyrics and imagery. Audiences outside of the UK and Europe might not remember Tasmin Archer's efforts quite as well, but it has more than enough elements to deserve a revisit. The track itself uses dreamlike and spacey references to craft a romantic vision of the universe. Archer's vocals provide the finishing touches to this engaging number that can be interpreted in different ways to keep audiences coming back for more. The song features synthesized pop production to achieve its other-worldly feel but balances it with solid guitar and choral work that adds to its charm.
#5: “I Wish” (1995)
Skee-LoSkee-Lo's verses are much different from those of his contemporaries, being much more self-deprecating than those by traditional swaggering artists of hip-hop. His endearing and tongue-in-cheek tone invites people who feel inadequate to have an anthem all their own. The rapper's entire personality fits this particular song especially well, which helped him charm his way into the top twenty on the Hot 100. His only substantial hit also has a funky beat that keeps people coming back for more. Whether you love the lyrics or the flow, "I Wish" gives a welcome alternative to more traditional kinds of 90s rap.
#4: “Standing Outside a Broken Phone Booth with Money in My Hand” (1996)
Primitive Radio Gods"Standing Outside a Broken Phone Booth with Money in My Hand" is a long title, but it fits a song that is one of the more original numbers of the decade. The track uses a hypnotic drum beat and intriguing lyrics to lure in listeners to its musical vortex. With a little assist from B.B. King, the song really becomes special. The group uses a sample of King's "How Blue Can You Get" for the chorus, making it a worthy tribute to blues and rock music. Regardless of your preferred musical genre, this mysterious piece of music provides a different experience that demands multiple listens.
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#3: “I Love You Always Forever” (1996)
Donna LewisDonna Lewis's song "I Love You Always Forever" remains a highlight of the 90's pop scene. The Welsh performer received rave reviews for her first major release. Lewis' singing style separates her from others in her genre, bringing the audience into her world instead of projecting with a traditionally resonant sound. Her lyrics provide a sincere and positive outlook on a relationship in declaring love for someone else. Capturing the sometimes complex feelings of devotion, this single boldly delivers on its promise of honest songwriting. The track did surprisingly well on the dance club charts in the US (and even better when remade by Betty Who in 2006), as well as making an impact in Australia.
#2: “In the Meantime” (1996)
SpacehogNot only is “In the Meantime” a fun throwback to the glam rock era, it's also an incredibly impressive debut for the band Spacehog. Singer Royston Langdon belts his best falsetto in a performance that would make any vocalist proud. Most groups would love to have a track half as good as this several albums into their career, let alone as the first official release of their career. The song performed well on the rock charts around the world, but it wasn't enough to sustain their long-term success. It's still a miraculous effort full of stylistic flourishes and elements that any rock fan would love.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
“Narcotic” (1998), Liquido
Liquido Swept through Europe with This Hypnotic & Compelling Rock Track
“6 Underground” (1996), Sneaker Pimps
Anyone Nostalgic for Trip Hop Will Be Right at Home with This Moody Single
“Are You Jimmy Ray?” (1998), Jimmy Ray
Using Rockabilly & Hip Hop Elements, Jimmy Ray Unleashes an Unforgettable Earworm
“Flagpole Sitta” (1997), Harvey Danger
A Catchy Alternative Song That Builds to a Fun & Loud Chorus
“Brick” (1997), Ben Folds Five
A Contemplative Piano Ballad with Heartbreaking & Personal Lyrics to Melt Your Heart
#1: “Here Comes the Hotstepper” (1994)
Ini KamozeThere's catchy hip-hop tracks and then there's a place just above catchy where "Here Comes the Hotstepper" clearly resides. Ini Kamoze stirs together a rap and reggae production that could easily be a smash hit tomorrow. As the perfect song to bounce along to, this single never lets up as some of the most concentrated and potent music of its kind. "Here Comes the Hotstepper" was a welcome addition to the charts in its original run, bringing the world a certifiably great time in every way possible. It's also a perfect example of leaning into a fantastic groove and is blessed with a charismatic vocal.
