What qualifies as a one-hit wonder?

[BertKoor]

! (/end thread)

We are trying to determine where the boundaries are, not find the definitive example.

Definitions belong on wikipedia:

A one-hit wonder is any entity that achieves mainstream popularity and success for a very short period of time, often for only one piece of work, and becomes known among the general public solely for that momentary success. The term is most commonly used in regard to music performers with only one top-40 hit single that overshadows their other work. Sometimes, artists dubbed "one-hit wonders" in a particular country have had great success in others.

So what for me is a one-hit-wonder could be an artist with a long track record for you. There you go, it's all relative and thus can be discussed per artist until the cows come home.

[Chemik]

I've always considered the term as mainstream's America's attempt at marginalizing all of the new wave bands I loved in the 80s and early 90s. Nevermind a-ha released like 10 albums and hit their peak around their 3rd and 4th. The reality is, most modern pop stars are barely even 1 hit wonders and then they are gone forever. At the end of the day, all anyone will remember Mumford & Sons for is one middling decent song but, because they are ugly as sin to look at, they are considered to have "integrity".

[harryupbabble]

Sure, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder but are Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel handsome? And what about Walter Becker and Donald Fagen? And Bob Dylan? And the Rolling Stones? And how about ZZ Top? They are not one hit wonders?

Oh wait, Art Garfunkel is kind of handsome but Paul Simon is the one who wrote all their hits.

[Delta Sign]

Would Radiohead be considered a one-hit wonder?
I mean, they had a few somewhat successful tracks, but they'll always remain the "Ahh, those are the guys who made creep, right?" guys

I always wondered if that's how they got on SNL
Some executive must have been like "Ahh, those are the guys who made creep, right?" again and booked them, only to find out creep isn't representative of their music at all


Funnily enough many people discovered them through that performance.

[BertKoor]

Would Radiohead be considered a one-hit wonder?

With their row of top-selling albums & singles ?? No chance..

[mumpcake]

I'm skeptical about "Nude" charting at #37 in the US. Next highest is #78 for "High and Dry", not exactly a "hit".

[BertKoor]

I'm skeptical about "Nude" charting at #37 in the US. Next highest is #78 for "High and Dry", not exactly a "hit".

Better watch column "US Alt"