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Quizzes > Entertainment & Pop Culture > Music

One Hit Wonders Trivia Quiz: Test Your Music IQ

Think you can ace this one hit wonders quiz? Name the iconic songs now!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper cut vinyl record and music notes on sky blue background for One Hit Wonders trivia quiz

This One Hit Wonders trivia quiz helps you see which catchy singles you still remember and which ones stump you. Get fast scoring and shareable results, pick up a fun fact or two, then try this related quiz or keep your streak alive with another quick quiz .

Which band released the 1982 one hit wonder "Come on Eileen"?
Fine Young Cannibals
Modern English
Dexys Midnight Runners
Simple Minds
Dexys Midnight Runners wrote and released "Come on Eileen" in 1982, and it became their signature track, reaching number one in both the UK and the US charts. Its blend of Celtic folk influences and pop sensibilities helped it stand out on the radio. The song's success was a defining moment for the band and remains an '80s classic. .
Which rapper had a one hit wonder with "Ice Ice Baby"?
Vanilla Ice
LL Cool J
Sir Mix-A-Lot
MC Hammer
Vanilla Ice released "Ice Ice Baby" in 1990 as the lead single from his album *To the Extreme*, sampling the bassline from Queen and David Bowie's "Under Pressure." It became the first hip-hop single to top the Billboard Hot 100. Despite his later career challenges, this track cemented his place in pop culture. .
Which Spanish duo is known for the 1995 one hit wonder "Macarena"?
Rio Roma
Los del Río
Los Amigos Invisibles
Los Lobos
Los del Río recorded "Macarena" in 1993, but it became an international phenomenon in 1996 with the Bayside Boys remix. The song topped charts in over ten countries and inspired a global dance craze. It remains one of the best-selling singles of all time. .
Which musician had a one hit wonder in 1969 with the song "Spirit in the Sky"?
Mungo Jerry
Norman Greenbaum
Paul Revere & the Raiders
Joe South
Norman Greenbaum wrote and recorded "Spirit in the Sky" as a solo artist in 1969. The song's gospel-tinged guitar riff and spiritual lyrics resonated with audiences, earning it a spot at number three on the Billboard Hot 100. It has since been featured in numerous films and commercials. .
Which Bahamian group scored a 2000 one hit wonder with "Who Let the Dogs Out?"?
The Beaches
The Avenues
Baha Men
The Turks
Baha Men recorded "Who Let the Dogs Out?" in 2000, and it became a global hit, winning the Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording in 2002. The track's catchy chorus and party vibe made it a staple at sporting events and dance floors. It remains their only major international hit. .
Which British trio had a one hit wonder in 1992 with "I'm Too Sexy"?
Right Said Fred
Fun Boy Three
The Proclaimers
3 Doors Down
Right Said Fred released "I'm Too Sexy" in late 1991, and it topped the Billboard Hot 100 in early 1992. Their tongue-in-cheek lyrics and fashion-inspired theme made it an instant pop culture moment. Despite follow-up singles, none matched its success. .
Which Norwegian band released the 1985 one hit wonder "Take On Me"?
ABC
Spandau Ballet
A-ha
Duran Duran
A-ha originally released "Take On Me" in 1984, but its innovative animated/live-action video and re-recorded track propelled it to number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 in 1985. The song remains synonymous with '80s pop and MTV's rise. .
Which British band had a 1997 one hit wonder with "Tubthumping"?
Chumbawamba
Blur
Pulp
Oasis
Chumbawamba released "Tubthumping" in 1997 as a breakthrough single, peaking at number six on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number two in the UK. Its anthemic chorus about resilience made it a global hit. It remains the band's best-known track. .
Which artist scored a 1999 one hit wonder with "Mambo No. 5"?
N-Trance
Kaoma
Lou Bega
Technotronic
Lou Bega released "Mambo No. 5" in 1999, featuring a sample of Pérez Prado's 1949 instrumental. The playful lyrics naming women and the upbeat rhythm propelled it to number three on the US Billboard Hot 100. It remains his sole major international hit. .
Which cheerleader chant-infused song became a 1982 one hit wonder for Toni Basil?
Mickey
Gloria
Amanda
Mandy
Toni Basil's "Mickey" was released in 1982 and features memorable cheerleader chants spelling out the name. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, making Basil one of the few female self-produced artists to top the chart with her debut single. .
Which synthpop duo had a one hit wonder in 1981 with "Tainted Love"?
Depeche Mode
Pet Shop Boys
Erasure
Soft Cell
Soft Cell's cover of Gloria Jones's 1964 song "Tainted Love" was released in 1981 and became a defining track of the synthpop era. It peaked at number eight on the US Billboard Hot 100 and topped charts across Europe. Its distinctive beat and vocal performance cemented its legacy. .
Which new wave band released the 1980 one hit wonder "Turning Japanese"?
The Vapors
The Stranglers
A Flock of Seagulls
The Police
The Vapors released "Turning Japanese" in 1980, and it became their only major hit, peaking at number 36 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The song's catchy riff and enigmatic lyrics made it a new wave staple. .
Which American disco group had a 1980 one hit wonder with "Funkytown"?
The Bee Gees
Lipps Inc.
KC and the Sunshine Band
Chic
Lipps Inc. released "Funkytown" in 1980, and the track hit number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 as well as in numerous countries. Its synthesizer groove and danceable beat made it a disco classic. .
Which German band scored a one hit wonder in 1983 with "99 Luftballons"?
Scorpions
Kraftwerk
Falco
Nena
Nena released the original German-language "99 Luftballons" in 1983, and the English version "99 Red Balloons" followed in 1984. The song peaked at number two on the US Billboard Hot 100 and became an anti-war anthem. .
Which composer released the 1984 instrumental one hit wonder "Axel F"?
Vangelis
Jan Hammer
John Williams
Harold Faltermeyer
Harold Faltermeyer composed and recorded "Axel F" for the film *Beverly Hills Cop* in 1984. The catchy synth melody became iconic and the single reached number two on the US Billboard Hot 100. It's one of the most recognizable instrumental hits of the 1980s. .
Which group had a 1989 one hit wonder with the dance track "Lambada"?
Baha Men
Los del Río
Kaoma
Milli Vanilli
Kaoma released "Lambada" in 1989, adapting the Brazilian song "Chorando Se Foi." The track topped charts in over 20 countries and popularized the dance style internationally. It later faced copyright disputes but remains a dancefloor staple. .
Which band's 1979 one hit wonder "Video Killed the Radio Star" was the first music video aired on MTV?
Blondie
The Cars
The Buggles
Ultravox
The Buggles released "Video Killed the Radio Star" in 1979, and when MTV launched on August 1, 1981, it chose this video as its first broadcast. The song's meta commentary on media evolution made it an enduring pop culture moment. .
Which artist released the 1983 reggae-influenced one hit wonder "Electric Avenue"?
Bob Marley
Eddy Grant
Jimmy Cliff
UB40
Eddy Grant wrote and recorded "Electric Avenue" in 1982, inspired by social unrest in London's Brixton area. The single peaked at number two on both the US and UK charts in 1983. Its fusion of reggae and pop-rock elements set it apart. .
Which Austrian singer had a 1985 one hit wonder with "Rock Me Amadeus"?
Peter Schilling
Falco Trio
Wolfgang Ambros
Falco
Falco released "Rock Me Amadeus" in 1985 to tie in with the film *Amadeus*. It became the only German-language song to reach number one on the US Billboard Hot 100. His blend of rap and pop in German was groundbreaking. .
Which Canadian band is known for the 1983 synthpop one hit wonder "The Safety Dance"?
Simple Minds
Rush
Men Without Hats
Platinum Blonde
Men Without Hats wrote and released "The Safety Dance" in 1982, and it became a US top 10 hit in 1983. The song's upbeat tempo and quirky video celebrating freedom of expression resonated widely. It remains their signature track. .
Which American rock band had a 1979 one hit wonder with "My Sharona"?
Boston
Blondie
Foreigner
The Knack
The Knack released "My Sharona" as their debut single in 1979, and it topped the Billboard Hot 100 for six consecutive weeks. Written by Doug Fieger and Berton Averre, its catchy guitar riff became one of rock's most recognizable hooks. .
Which British band had a 1985 synth-pop one hit wonder with "You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)"?
Yazoo
Frankie Goes to Hollywood
Soft Cell
Dead or Alive
Dead or Alive first released "You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)" in 1984, but the 1985 re-release made it a top 10 hit in the US and UK. Produced by Stock Aitken Waterman, its dance-pop energy and Pete Burns's vocals defined mid-'80s club music. .
Which Eurodance artist had a 1993 one hit wonder with "What Is Love"?
Corona
La Bouche
2 Unlimited
Haddaway
Haddaway released "What Is Love" in 1993, and it peaked at number 11 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number two in the UK. Its pulsating beat and memorable chorus have kept it a dancefloor staple for decades. .
Which American band released the 1977 hard rock one hit wonder "Black Betty"?
Thin Lizzy
Ram Jam
Bachman - Turner Overdrive
Nazareth
Ram Jam covered Lead Belly's folk song "Black Betty" in 1977, and their version reached number 18 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The gritty vocals and driving riff made it a classic rock radio favorite. .
What record did Soft Cell's "Tainted Love" break on the US Billboard Hot 100 when it charted in 1982?
It was the first synthpop song to win a Grammy
It held the top ten for 20 weeks
It became the longest?charting single with 43 weeks
It debuted at number one
Soft Cell's "Tainted Love" spent 43 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1982, breaking the record at the time for the longest-charting single in the chart's history. Its enduring popularity and frequent radio play contributed to its longevity. .
Which group's 1979 one hit wonder "Rapper's Delight" is credited as one of the first hip-hop singles to gain mainstream success by sampling Chic's "Good Times"?
Sugarhill Gang
The Treacherous Three
Run-DMC
Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five
"Rapper's Delight" by Sugarhill Gang sampled the bassline from Chic's "Good Times" and became one of the first hip-hop records to enter the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 36. Its success helped introduce rap music to mainstream audiences worldwide. .
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify iconic one hit wonders songs -

    Recognize memorable tracks that defined an era and became cultural phenomena after completing our one hit wonders trivia quiz.

  2. Recall artists behind famous one hit wonders -

    Test and improve your ability to match top artists to their single chart-topping hits in this entertaining one hit wonders quiz.

  3. Analyze trends in one hit wonders -

    Understand the musical and cultural factors that propelled these songs to enjoy a moment of widespread fame.

  4. Challenge music trivia skills -

    Gauge your knowledge of one hit wonders trivia and see how your score measures up against fellow music fans.

  5. Compare hits across decades -

    Observe how the style and impact of iconic one hit wonders songs evolved from the '80s through the 2000s.

  6. Share and discuss results -

    Encourage post-quiz engagement by offering insights and fun facts you can share with friends and other music aficionados.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Chart Success Patterns -

    Most famous one hit wonders secured a Top 10 spot on Billboard Hot 100 but faded quickly, a pattern you'll encounter in one hit wonders trivia. For example, Los del Río's "Macarena" topped the charts for 14 weeks in 1996 yet their follow-up singles barely cracked the Top 40. Mining Billboard archives helps build a mental timeline - "hit high, drop fast" becomes your go-to formula.

  2. Decade and Genre Mapping -

    Grouping iconic one hit wonders songs by decade and genre boosts recall in a one hit wonders quiz. The synth-pop buzz of "Take On Me" (1985) contrasts sharply with the alt-rock vibe of "Tubthumping" (1997), creating distinct mental buckets. Use a simple timeline chart - eighties electro, nineties grunge, and so on - to map hits quickly during music trivia one hit wonders challenges.

  3. Artist Lifecycle and Follow-up Analysis -

    Analyzing why famous one hit wonders never repeated success gives depth to your answers in one hit wonders trivia. For instance, Baha Men's reggae-infused "Who Let the Dogs Out?" hit #1 but the band struggled with label support and changing trends afterward. Reviewing artist bios on Rolling Stone or AllMusic reveals career inflection points that act as mnemonic anchors.

  4. Cultural Impact and Media Tie-Ins -

    Many one hit wonders gained extra longevity through film, TV, or advertising placements - a key trivia angle when studying one hit wonders trivia. "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" by The Proclaimers saw a resurgence in "Benny & Joon" (1993), solidifying its place in pop culture. Checking the Journal of Popular Culture archives shows how soundtrack features can cement a song's legacy.

  5. Mnemonic Devices for Easy Recall -

    Memory tricks transform music trivia one hit wonders into a breeze, like using the phrase "Decade Duo Drop" to remember that many hits peaked and vanished within the same two-year span. Chunk songs into small groups - think 5-song playlists per decade - and rehearse them like flashcards. Educational psychology studies (e.g., from APA) confirm that active recall through mnemonics boosts long-term retention.

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