The greatest one-hit wonders of the 1990s

Including guilty pleasures and genuine classics

Olive, Flat Eric and 4 Non Blondes
Author: Scott ColothanPublished 12th Aug 2024
Last updated 15th Aug 2024

Ranging from Oasis to Blur, The Chemical Brothers to The Prodigy, the Spice Girls to Madonna, and Manic Street Preachers to The Verve, there were no shortage of blockbuster artists in the 1990s. They dominated the charts and released a succession of hit albums and singles that helped define the musical landscape of the decade.

Yet, for all these big-name acts, the 1990s was also a vintage decade for one-hit wonders. A flurry of artists suddenly appeared – often seemingly out of nowhere, other times via a TV advert for a certain jeans brand – and stormed the charts and airwaves with a huge song before disappearing into obscurity.

We’ve rounded up one-hit wonders from the 1990s, from guilty pleasures to genuinely brilliant bangers, check out the full list below.

The greatest one-hit wonders of the 1990s:

White Town – ‘Your Woman’ (1997):

Derby based one-man band White Town – aka Jyoti Mishra – stormed to Number 1 in January 1997 with his beguiling and totally unique electronic pop tour-de-force ‘Your Woman’.

Strangely infectious, ‘Your Woman’ was a truly international one-hit wonder topping the charts in Spain and Iceland and reaching the Top 10 in a dozen other countries.

Charles & Eddie – ‘Would I Lie To You?' (1992):

Not to be confused with the BBC gameshow of the same name, Charles & Eddie’s super-smooth, pop-tinged soul gem ‘Would I Lie To You?’ was ubiquitous upon its release in 1992. The American duo scored a few other very minor hits after ‘Would I Lie To You?’, but went their separate ways in 1997.

Crash Test Dummies – ‘Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm’ (1993):

Powered by the bass-baritone voice of singer Brad Roberts and the instantly catchy humming refrain of the chorus, Crash Test Dummies' ‘Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm’ peaked at Number 2 in the UK in May 1995. Lyrically the song is very dark with Brad narrating the stories of three children blighted by setbacks in life.

Mr Oizo – ‘Flat Beat’ (1999):

Whether you loved or loathed the headbanging yellow puppet Flat Eric, there’s no denying that Levi’s played a genius move with their TV commercial in 1999. The accompanying instrumental song ‘Flat Beat’ by French musician Mr Oizo with its squelchy electro-pop grooves reached Number 1 in the UK and countries around the globe.

4 Non Blondes – ‘What's Up?’ (1993):

Short-lived San Francisco alternative rockers 4 Non Blondes only released one album in their career, 1992’s ‘Bigger, Better, Faster, More!’, however it spawned the colossal anthem 'What's Up?' that reached Number 2 in the UK and sold more than 400,000 copies. Singer Linda Perry is now an esteemed producer and songwriter, and helped launch the career of a certain James Blunt.

Babylon Zoo - ‘Spaceman’ (1996):

Led by singer Jas Mann, Wolverhampton rockers Babylon Zoo scored a Number 1 UK hit with their electro-tinged track ‘Spaceman’ in January 1996 thanks to a Levi’s jeans commercial.

Incredibly, it was the fastest-selling debut single in British history at the time (overtaking The Beatles’ ‘Can’t Buy Me Love’) shifting 383,000 units in its first seven days alone. Despite a series of self-aggrandising interviews – including infamously on Brass Eye – Babylon Zoo predictably disappeared into obscurity.

Baz Luhrmann - ‘Everybody's Free (To Wear Sunscreen)’ (1999):

The surprise 1999 Number 1 hit from acclaimed Romeo + Juliet director Baz Luhrmann is essentially a spoken-word recital of an essay by journalist Mary Schmich, which offers various pieces of advice on how to live a happier life.

The chilled out backing music included a sample of Quindon Tarver’s choir cover of Rozalla’s 1991 song ‘Everybody's Free (To Feel Good)’, which was used in Romeo + Juliet.

OMC - ‘How Bizarre’ (1995):

The impossibly feel-good and summery ‘How Bizarre’ entered the charts like a ray of sunshine in 1995, peaking at Number 5. Selling over 400,000 copies on these shores alone, it was the New Zealand duo’s only hit. Tragically, OMC founder Phil Fuemana died of a heart attack in 2005 aged just 41, while singer Pauly Fuemana died five years later aged 40.

The Boo Radleys - ‘Wake Up Boo!’ (1995):

Wallasey indie band The Boo Radleys released six albums from 1990 to 1998 and scored seven Top 40 songs, however 1995’s anthem of optimism ‘Wake Up Boo!’ remains their only Top 10 smash. Such was its phenomenal popularity, accompanying album ‘Wake Up!’ even entered the album chart at Number 1.

Bran Van 3000 – ‘Drinking In LA’ (1997):

Canadian collective Bran Van 3000 entered the singles chart at Number 3 in February 1997 with their debut single ‘Drinking In LA’. The gem of track effortlessly fused pop with hip-hop and even deftly parodied Snoop Dogg’s ‘Gin & Juice’ with its “With my mind on my money and my money on my beer” line. Although they achieved further success in their native Canada, ‘Drinking In LA’ remains Bran Van 3000’s only UK hit song.

Olive - ‘You’re Not Alone’ (1997):

Fusing singer Ruth-Ann Boyle’s ethereal vocals with atmospheric electronic grooves and trip-hop beats, Olive’s ‘You’re Not Alone’ peaked at Number 1 in 1997. Following single ‘Outlaw’ was a minor hit for the trio, yet ‘You’re Not Alone’ remains their enduring anthem.

Meredith Brooks - ‘Bitch’ (1997):

US singer Meredith Brooks’ wrote the caustic, attitude packed ‘Bitch’ in response to her frustrations at not breaking through into the music industry. Fortunately, the song did the trick and propelled her to Number 6 on the UK singles chart, and she remained in the Top 10 for four weeks. Unfortunately, she failed to score another hit single.

The New Radicals – ‘You Get What You Give’ (1998):

An uplifting gem of a song that’s enough to put a smile on even the dourest cynic’s chops, The New Radicals’ ‘You Get What You Give’ was a Top 5 smash in the UK and a major hit around the globe. The New Radicals disbanded in 1999 after just one studio album, ‘Maybe You've Been Brainwashed Too’.

Len - ‘Steal My Sunshine’ (1999):

Another impossibly feel-good tune, Len vocalist Marc Costanzo wanted to imitate The Human League’s ‘Don’t You Want Me’ when he penned ‘Steal My Sunshine’ by alternating between male and female vocals. His plan clearly worked and ‘Steal My Sunshine’ reached Number 8 in the UK and Number 9 in the US. It remains their only hit on both sides of the Atlantic.

Spin Doctors – ‘Two Princes’ (1993):

The ridiculously catchy ‘Two Princes’ was a major international smash upon its release almost three decades ago. Peaking at Number 3 in the UK, it’s the Spin Doctors’ only Top 20 song here, although their other 1993 single ‘Little Miss Can't Be Wrong’ charted high internationally.

Cornershop - ‘Brimful of Asha’ Norman Cook Remix (1997):

Cornershop’s ode to Indian film culture originally reached Number 60 on the singles chart, however once Fatboy Slim himself Norman Cook gave it a sped-up remix it reached Number 1 in the UK.

Although Cornershop are still a reputable act writing and performing to this day – in fact, they released their latest studio album ‘England Is a Garden’ in March 2020 – they haven’t dented the Top 20 again in the past 23 years.

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones - ‘The Impression That I Get’ (1997):

Buoyed by jubilant trumpets and a euphoric chorus of “WELL I’VE NEVER HAD TO KNOCK ON WOOD”, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones ska punk anthem ‘The Impression That I Get’ reached Number 12 in the UK. It may be the Boston band’s only hit, but it’s an absolute belter.

The La’s - ‘There She Goes’ (1990):

Originally released in 1988, the Lee Mavers penned indie classic ‘There She Goes’ Number 13 upon its re-release in 1990. Rightfully regarded as one of the greatest indie anthems of all time, ‘There She Goes’ was The La’s only Top 20 hit before they went their separate ways in 1992.

Unlike many acts on this list, The La’s' legend was cemented with their self-titled October 1990 debut album 'The La's'. An absolute masterpiece.

Take a look through tours in 2024 and beyond:

ABBA - 'ABBA Voyage'

ABBA's virtual tour 'ABBA Voyage' started in May 2022. The tour sees the ABBA avatars accompanied by a 10-piece live band, all taking place in a custom-built arena at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London.


The shows were due to run until October 2022, but due popular demand from fans, they will now run until 2026.

Wet Wet Wet with special guest Heather Small

Wet Wet Wet have announced they will be going on touch in 2025 with special guest Heather Small. The band will be touring in January, February and October 2025.

Toto

Toto, the band behind hits such as 'Africa' and 'Rosanna', will grace the UK early in 2025 for a headline arena tour. Opening at Glasgow OVO Hydro on Saturday 1st February, Toto play Birmingham BP Pulse Live (Sun 2nd Feb), Manchester AO Arena (Tue 4th February) and London OVO Arena Wembley (Thu 6th Feb) on the short trek.

Jason Donovan

Jason Donovan has announced a huge tour for 2025 to celebrate 35 years in entertainment. Shows begin in February 2025, running through to the end of March.

Alison Moyet

Known for her solo hits 'All Cried Out', 'Is This Love?' and 'Love Letters', Alison Moyet will be taking her hits on the road in 2025. The singer will start in Dublin on 16th February 2025, before performing across the UK, ending in Aberdeen on 22nd March.

Cyndi Lauper

Cyndi Lauper has announced four UK dates for her 'Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Farewell Tour', due to take place in February 2025.

Mike + The Mechanics

Mike + The Mechanics have announced their 'Looking Back - Living The Years 2025 Tour', performing across the country in March and April 2025, including dates in Glasgow, Aberdeen, Manchester, Sheffield, and Birmingham, before finishing in London at the Royal Albert Hall.

Kim Wilde

'Kids in America' singer, Kim Wilde, has announced a brand new tour for 2025 - shortly after the release of her 15th studio album, 'Closer'. The UK leg of the tour, of the same name, will kick off in Birmingham on 14th March - and will span nine dates, including in London, Liverpool and Glasgow.

Gabrielle

Gabrielle has announced a tour for 2025 called 'A Place In Your Heart'. The singer will be playing 10 UK dates, starting in Glasgow on 2nd April 2025, playing at locations such as Newcastle, Birmingham, Manchester, and more before ending in Bournemouth on 19th April 2025.

Gary Barlow

Take That frontman Gary Barlow has announced he'll be taking his new 'Songbook Tour' across the UK and Ireland in 2025. He'll be heading to venues in London, Bournemouth, Liverpool, Manchester and many more in April, May and June, singing songs from his illustrious 35 year career.

Bryan Adams

Chart-slaying Canadian rocker Bryan Adams has announced a nine-date UK arena tour. Part of the 'Roll With The Punches' world tour, Bryan Adams' headline trek opens at Newcastle Utilita Arena on Thursday 8th May 2025 and visits Manchester, Leeds, Aberdeen, Glasgow, London, Liverpool and Nottingham before concluding at Birmingham bp pulse LIVE on Sunday 18th May 2025.

Kylie Minogue

Kylie Minogue has announced her latest tour will be called 'The Tension Tour' and will take place in the UK throughout May 2025. Speaking about her tour, Kylie said: "I am beyond excited to announce the TENSION TOUR 2025. I can't wait to share beautiful and wild moments with fans all over the world, celebrating the Tension era and more! It's been an exhilarating ride so far and now, get ready for your close up because I will be calling Lights, Camera, Action … and there will be a whole lot of Padaming!"

Eric Clapton

Eric Clapton will play four headline concerts in May 2025, his only UK dates of the year. Eric will return to his beloved London Royal Albert Hall for a three-night residency on Wednesday 21st, Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th May 2025. He will also play at Nottingham Motorpoint Arena on Sunday 18th May 2025, which is his first concert in the city for 17 years. Tickets are on sale now.

Bruce Springsteen

Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band have announced a trio of concerts for May and June 2025. The Boss and his legendary band will kick off their short run of shows with two nights at Manchester's Co-op Live on Saturday 17th and Tuesday 20th May 2025.
They will then play an outdoor concert at Liverpool Anfield Stadium on Wednesday 4th June 2025.

Billy Ocean

Billy Ocean will start his UK tour in Manchester at the O2 Apollo on Wednesday 4th June 2025, before travelling across England, Scotland and Wales, ending his tour on 30th June in Nottingham, and the Royal Concert Hall.

Lionel Richie

Lionel Richie has announced several UK dates as part of his 'Say Hello To The Hits' 2025 tour. Starting in Glasgow's OVO Hydro on Wednesday 4th June, before travelling to London, Sheffield, Birmingham and Manchester, Lionel has already added extra dates to his tour before it went on general sale.

Holly Johnson

Holly Johnson will celebrate the 40th anniversary of Frankie Goes to Hollywood's debut album 'Welcome to the Pleasuredome' with a June 2025 UK tour. Opening at Birmingham Symphony Hall on Friday 6th June, Holly Johnson visits London, Bath, Newcastle and Glasgow before culminating with a massive homecoming show at Liverpool M&S Bank Arena on Saturday 21st June.

Billy Joel

'Piano Man' Billy Joel has announced two UK dates for 2025. The singer will be performing in Liverpool and Edinburgh, making it the first time in more than 45 years that he'll be playing in those cities! He will be performing in Edinburgh on Saturday 7th June, and Liverpool on Saturday 21st June 2025.

Sting

Sting announces UK dates for his 'Sting 3.0' world tour. The tour sees the singer enter a new 'dynamic era', showcasing some songs from his huge back catalogue. On tour, Sting performs as part of a trio, with Sting on vocals and bass, Dominic Miller playing guitar and Chris Maas on drums.

Simple Minds

Scottish band Simple Minds have now announced a series of 2025 shows taking place at several festivals and outdoor locations, including Live At The Piece Hall, Halifax and Lincoln Castle, taking place in June and July 2025.

Smokey Robinson

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of his 'A Quiet Storm' album, Smokey Robinson will be playing four shows in the UK in July 2025, marking the first time he's performed in the UK for a decade. Tickets are on sale now.

Oasis

Oasis have reunited and now announced a UK tour taking place in July and August 2025, performing in Cardiff, Manchester, London and Edinburgh.

Simply Red

Simply Red have announced they will be going on tour to celebrate their 40th anniversary in 2025. The band will be performing 12 gigs in September and October 2025.

Marti Pellow

Marti Pellow has announced he will be going on an arena tour in 2025 to celebrate 30 years of his iconic song 'Love Is All Around', which he released when he was part of Wet Wet Wet, back in 1994. The tour begins in Bournemouth on Friday 24th October 2025, ending in London on Sunday 2nd.
Speaking about the tour and the upcoming announcement, Marti said: "To think it's been 30 years since 'Love Is All Around' became such a huge part of my life is amazing. It's not just my song – it belongs to the fans. Celebrating this milestone with them is going to be incredibly special. And I've got something exciting planned around the song itself – I can't wait to share more soon!"

ABC

ABC will return with their much-loved 'The Lexicon of Love' orchestral tour in 2025, with a 16-date run seeing them perform their masterpiece 1982 album 'The Lexicon of Love' in its entirety, alongside other hits from ABC's back catalogue - accompanied by The Lexicon Sinfonia conducted by Anne Dudley. The tour opens at Bournemouth International Centre on Thursday 30th October 2025 and wraps up Blackpool Opera House on Saturday 22nd November 2025, visiting Cardiff, Brighton, Birmingham, Southend, Nottingham, Sheffield, London, Newcastle, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Liverpool, Bath and Manchester along the way. Tickets go on sale from Aloud.com at 10am on Friday 6th December.

Cliff Richard

Cliff Richard has announced six UK dates as part of his 'Can't Stop Me Now' tour, which will see him perform across Australia, New Zealand and the UK in November and December 2025.

Read more:

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The greatest one-hit wonders of the 1970s

The greatest one-hit wonders of the 1980s

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