The 2010s was a decade packed with memorable hits, many of which came from artists who suddenly vanished after their one big success. For music lovers and nostalgia seekers, this list highlights the best one-hit wonders of that era—songs that captured the moment and still resonate today. Whether you’re reminiscing or discovering hidden gems, these tracks showcase the diversity and creativity that defined the decade’s pop landscape.
1. Carly Rae Jepsen – “Call Me Maybe” (2011)
Arguably the most iconic one-hit wonder of the 2010s, Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Call Me Maybe” skyrocketed to global fame with its catchy chorus and playful lyrics. Written by Jepsen, along with Tavish Crowe and Josh Ramsay, the song became a cultural phenomenon, topping charts in over 30 countries. Its infectious hook and relatable story of infatuation made it a staple on radio, TV, and parties worldwide, cementing Jepsen’s place as a one-hit wonder, despite her later critically acclaimed albums.
2. Gotye featuring Kimbra – “Somebody That I Used to Know” (2011)
Belgian-Australian artist Gotye’s “Somebody That I Used to Know” was a haunting, minimalist track that captured the heartbreak of lost love. Featuring Kimbra, the song’s unique blend of indie pop and art-rock, combined with its memorable music video, helped it top charts in over 20 countries. Its viral success, fueled by social media and YouTube, made it an instant hit, but Gotye never replicated this level of mainstream success, leaving it as his defining moment.
3. Psy – “Gangnam Style” (2012)
South Korean rapper Psy’s “Gangnam Style” became the first YouTube video to reach one billion views, turning him into an international sensation. The satirical song and dance parody poked fun at South Korea’s affluent Gangnam district, but its catchy hook and humorous dance moves made it a viral phenomenon. Despite the global craze, Psy largely remained a one-hit wonder in the West, with few subsequent hits matching the viral impact of “Gangnam Style.”
4. Baauer – “Harlem Shake” (2013)
“Harlem Shake” by Brooklyn producer Baauer became a meme in 2013, igniting an internet craze with its drop and accompanying dance videos. The song’s simple yet infectious beat made it a club and festival staple, and it topped the Billboard Hot 100 for several weeks. Although Baauer continued producing music, no other track matched the viral success of “Harlem Shake,” making it a quintessential 2010s one-hit wonder.
5. OMI – “Cheerleader” (2014)
Jamaican-American singer OMI’s “Cheerleader” gained widespread popularity with its uplifting reggae-inspired sound. Originally released independently in 2012, it was re-released in 2014 after a remix by Felix Jaehn, which propelled it to the top of charts worldwide. The song’s positive vibe and catchy chorus made it a summer anthem, but OMI struggled to replicate this success with subsequent singles, solidifying his status as a one-hit wonder of the decade.
6. Meghan Trainor – “All About That Bass” (2014)
Meghan Trainor’s debut single “All About That Bass” was a playful, body-positive anthem that topped charts around the world. Its retro-inspired sound and catchy chorus helped it become a cultural staple, especially among young audiences. Despite her subsequent hits, Trainor is often remembered primarily for this breakout track, which defined her career as a one-hit wonder in the public eye for much of the 2010s.
7. Silento – “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)” (2015)
Silento’s “Watch Me” became a viral dance craze in 2015, thanks to its infectious beat and easy-to-learn dance moves. The song dominated social media and TikTok, making it a household name among teens and young adults. Although Silento released other singles, none achieved the same level of cultural impact, ensuring “Watch Me” remains his signature hit.
8. Desiigner – “Panda” (2016)
New York rapper Desiigner’s “Panda” was a trap anthem that gained rapid popularity for its aggressive flow and memorable hook. It debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and was widely played in clubs and on radio. Despite this success, Desiigner’s subsequent releases failed to reach similar heights, making “Panda” his defining moment as a one-hit wonder.
9. Luis Fonsi featuring Daddy Yankee – “Despacito” (2017)
While Luis Fonsi’s “Despacito” became one of the biggest hits of all time, it’s worth noting that Fonsi’s earlier work didn’t reach the same level of international fame. The collaboration with Daddy Yankee, along with a remix featuring Justin Bieber, turned “Despacito” into a global phenomenon, breaking records and dominating charts. Yet, Fonsi didn’t sustain this massive success with subsequent singles, making “Despacito” his one-hit wonder moment in the mainstream spotlight.
10. Lil Nas X – “Old Town Road” (2019)
“Old Town Road” by Lil Nas X became a cultural phenomenon, blending country, rap, and trap in a way that captivated audiences. Its viral success on TikTok and streaming platforms led to it spending a record 19 weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. Despite the song’s monumental popularity, Lil Nas X has continued to evolve artistically, but “Old Town Road” remains his signature hit, epitomizing a one-hit wonder for the 2010s.
How to Choose
When selecting the best one-hit wonder songs of the 2010s, consider what resonates most with you—whether it’s the song’s catchiness, cultural impact, or how it defined a moment in time. Look at how the song influenced pop culture, its chart performance, and whether it still holds a place in your personal playlist. Ultimately, the best one-hit wonder is the one that evokes nostalgia or surprise, reminding us how a single song can leave a lasting impression.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are these songs truly one-hit wonders? Yes, most of these artists are primarily known for one major hit from the 2010s, although some may have minor successes or critical acclaim for other work.
- Can a song be considered a one-hit wonder if the artist has other popular songs? Usually, a one-hit wonder is defined by the artist’s inability to replicate the success of their biggest hit, regardless of other releases.
- Why do some artists only have one hit? Factors include changes in musical direction, label issues, or simply that their one song struck a chord that wasn’t repeated.
- Are these songs still popular today? Many continue to be nostalgic favorites, viral TikTok clips, or playlist staples, maintaining their cultural relevance.
- Did any of these artists return to mainstream success later? Most struggled to replicate their initial success but may have niche followings or critical acclaim for other projects.
Final Thoughts
The 2010s produced a fascinating mix of one-hit wonders that defined the musical landscape of the decade. These songs, whether viral sensations or chart-topping hits, showcase how a single track can capture the zeitgeist and leave a lasting legacy. While some artists faded into obscurity, their hits continue to bring joy, nostalgia, and surprise to new generations of listeners. Ultimately, these songs remind us of the unpredictable and vibrant nature of pop culture in the 2010s.
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