Top 20 Best One-Hit Wonders of All Time

The absolute wonder child among modern pop hits. Built around a subtle sample of Luiz Bonfá, it unfolds a bittersweet post-breakup drama in which Belgian-Australian Gotye and singer Kimbra take apart each other's perspective; winner of the Grammy for Record of the Year, with billions of views.

Linda Perry's raw, screaming vocals and that acoustic guitar intro exploded into a worldwide sensation in 1993. That massive 'hey-ey-ey, what's going on?' cry is one of the most sung-along choruses of all time.

The ultimate anthem for outsiders and underdogs from 2000. Brendan B. Brown's falsetto and that crunchy acoustic guitar tell a charming teenage story about unrequited love and Iron Maiden tickets.

A synth-pop version of Gloria Jones' 1964 northern soul track. Marc Almond's dramatic vocals and the minimalist, bouncing synth beats made this the best-selling single of 1981 in the UK.

Although the band enjoyed a respected reputation in the UK, this was their only monumental global mega-hit. The majestic orchestral string sample and Richard Ashcroft's defiant walk in the video made it a generation-defining anthem.

A festive whirlwind of Celtic folk, fiddles and blue-eyed soul from 1982. That accelerating climax and Kevin Rowland's wild vocals gave the British band an unforgettable worldwide number-one hit.

One of the most recognizable guitar riffs in rock history, drenched in heavy fuzz and handclaps. Although Greenbaum himself was Jewish, he reportedly wrote this gospel-rock masterpiece about the afterlife in about fifteen minutes.

In 1997, the British anarchist punk band accidentally scored one of the biggest party anthems on the planet. That indestructible slogan 'I get knocked down, but I get up again' was shouted along in every pub in the world.

Originally by American rock band Ednaswap, but transformed in 1997 by the Australian singer into one of the most-played radio classics of the '90s. Her disarming vulnerability and that acoustic guitar sound remain timelessly fresh.

Four simple acoustic guitar chords and a driving pop beat: that's all the Swedish singer (and half-brother of Neneh Cherry) needed in 1997 to deliver a worldwide singalong about fighting the approaching dawn.

Gregg Alexander's sparkling 1998 pop anthem with that indestructible piano riff and a fiery plea for hope amid cynicism. It has been praised by fellow musicians such as U2's The Edge as one of the great pop songs.

A bizarrely catchy indie-pop hit driven by a cheerful bass run and a whistled chorus. Only on closer listening does its dark subject become clear: an unsettling look into the mind of a troubled young man.

Written in just a few minutes, it grew into a worldwide hit in 2001. Afroman's relaxed flow and self-mocking lyrics about how every good intention goes up in smoke made this an unprecedented comedy hip-hop phenomenon.

An irresistible 2003 power-pop hit inspired by The Cars. The humorous lyrics about a teenager with a crush on his friend's mother became a huge cult classic, helped by the video starring Rachel Hunter.

The ultimate Italo disco one-hit wonder from 1985. That irresistible 'oh-oh-oh' jungle cry and the pumping synthesizers made singer Jimmy McShane a worldwide dance icon overnight.

A catchy 1982 new wave hit full of synth riffs and a medieval-tinged atmosphere. The Canadian band wrote the song in protest against bouncers banning pogo dancing in clubs: 'We can dance if we want to!'

Marked by that sunny, cheerful guitar riff and the iconic 'bee girl' in the video. Shannon Hoon's relaxed, psychedelic folk vocals ironically sing about feeling down and longing for a rainy day to stay inside.

Written by Eric Bazilian (The Hooters). Over an acoustic riff, Osborne asks an intriguing existential question in her warm, soulful voice: 'What if God was one of us?'

Made famous by an iconic Levi's commercial in 1996. The contrast between the sped-up electronic intro and the heavy glam-rock guitars made it, at the time, one of the fastest-selling debut singles in UK history.

The ultimate female pop-rock anthem of 1997. Brooks rejected stereotyped expectations by embracing all the contradictory sides of her personality, from lover to child to mother; a worldwide top-five hit.