One-hit-wonder lists usually say more about the compilers own lack of knowledge than they do about the music business.
That said, there ARE actually one-hit-wonders, just a lot fewer of them than a lot of writers imagine.
That said, there ARE actually one-hit-wonders, just a lot fewer of them than a lot of writers imagine.
I hated that song when it was a hit. But a funny thing happened. I bought that actual vinyl LP at an estate sale a couple of years ago and discovered they were actually a folk duet, and darned good at that genre. It’s a great album, except for that ridiculous “hit”.
Oh, and the Rooftop Singers’ “Walk Right In”.
I don’t think anyone would suggest that a hit song cannot make a career. It can and does. A performer who merits that title can make a very good living on tours is they have had a smash hit.
I spent a lot of time and money in Nashville recording studios trying to launch the career of someone who did not have a hit.
The ‘wonder’ is that some of those songs were hits, like Seasons In The Sun, Timothy, What Does The Fox Say, etal.