- Contributed
Blu Cantrell

Latoya Campbell, Outlook Youth Writer

"Oh yea, that song was a hit all right, wonder what happened to him/them?" Every now and then I find myself saying that. My question is: What makes a song a one-hit wonder? In the music industry, a one-hit wonder is an artiste generally known for only one hit single.

According to wikipedia.com the hits of many one-hit wonders are novelty songs that are, to an extent, deliberately short-lived, recorded for humour or to cash in on a fad. Because one-hit wonders are only popular for a brief time, their hits often have nostalgic value and are featured on era-centric compilations and soundtracks to period films.

Most music industry insiders consider a song in the top 40 positions of Billboard Magazine's Hot 100 to be a hit. Thus, any performer who only recorded one song that reached the Top 40 is, technically, a one-hit wonder. However, the term is more generally applied to musicians best known for only one song, meaning that some artistes who fit the above criteria are not considered one-hit wonders, while others who do not are considered such.

Well, I hope you agree with these local and international artistes that I deemed as one-hit wonders.

Los Del Rico - Macarena (1996)

This song brings back memories of it being overplayed at parties when I was much younger! The bouncy beat, the funny lyrics, and the rest of the song make it oh-so catchy. Deeh Macarena!

Right Said Fred - I'm too sexy (1992)

It was 1992 when these Germans broke on to the scene by releasing a song about, well, being sexy. These guys were too sexy for their car, their shirt, their cat, and so on. Well, what can I say, more than, it's a song that's gone down in history.

Baha Men -Who let the dogs out (2000)

These three from Bahamas surely took the world by storm when they released their hit song!

J-Kwon - Tipsy(2004)

This rap song had everyone rocking to its beat. Only when you understand the intent behind this song, can one actually 'rate' it. It's a club song. Nothing more, nothing less

Afroman - Because I got high (2001)

This song definitely scores an 'A' in providing the listener with a catchy sing-along-type chorus and a somewhat humorous view of the life of someone unable to escape the walls of a marijuana-dependent existence.

Hit 'Em Up Style (Oops) - Blu Cantrell

Cantrell created a storm on the airwaves with her hit song where she ruins her cheating boyfriend's credit to get back at him in the vindictive "Hit 'Em Upstyle (Oops!)."

Predator - Mad sick head nuh good

Ok, what can I say more than, Predator's head was certainly gone when he made up this crazy song! However, in my books this has got to be a Jamaican one-hit wonder.

Ravon - My Bad

After performing with Shaggy and Rik Rok, Ravon came out with his hit song My Bad!

While we're on the subject; I wonder what happened to the first rising stars winner! What's his name again, oh right, Cavan. "You don't feel my pain." Quite contrary Cavan, we certainly do.