Love ’em or hate ’em, these tracks were undeniably some of the catchiest, hookiest, poppiest tunes out there at one point.

During their time on the airway, these songs were almost impossible to avoid: at parties, formal events, school-dances, on television, and radio.

They took the general public by storm and surely secured these artist a spot in the archives of one-hit wonderland.

Now, I’m not taking away from these artists in terms of their talent and overall brilliance. I’m just highlighting the one and only track that seems to prominently define their musical careers.

So let’s get this nostalgia-trip started!

#5. La Roux – Bulletproof (2009)

Eccentric, dancy, and pretty intense are terms I’d used to describe this Electropop banger from  English singer Eleanor Kate “Elly” Jackson, better known as La Roux.

When this song found its way into the mainstream, it instantly received a lot of attention for its (at the time) unique and edgy sound.

The ante van guard aesthetics found in the music video only further garnered more attention for the track, engraving the song deeper into the minds of listeners the world over.

After 2009, roughly 2010 the song’s charm wore off and audiences were looking forward to more smash-hits from this exciting act. However, it never happened.

But hey, we still have bulletproof, which is still in my opinion a great listen.

#4. MAGIC! – Rude (2014)

Ah, 2014. This was the time where pop music was once again in its prominence – dominating the charts. A time before EDM/House and eventually Trap/Urban music each took the title of belle of the mainstream music ball.

And riding this prominent wave all the way to one-hit wonderland was Canadian band MAGIC! Rude skyrocketed to #1 on Billboard Hot 100 Charts and today has over 1.5 Billion views on YouTube.

Purghaps, its the relatability and passion woven into the lyrical content? Maybe its the reggae undertones that exude an infectious, feel-good vibe?Nevertheless, it’s clear the song was loved by people of all ages.

The young and the young at heart would play this song every chance they got. It was hella ubiquitous, much to the point where it got annoying and painful to endure.

That’s when you know you’ve had an amazing hit on your hands. And who knows? Maybe one day we’ll hear some more MAGIC from the band?

#3. Sean Kingston – Beautiful Girls (2009)

What can I say? 2009 was a really great year for music and Jamaican-American, singer/songwriter Sean Kingston definitely makes this statement plausible.

At the age of 20, Sean came out with this Doo-wop inspired jam that was basically Teen Pop gold. He reflects on the aftermath of young love going awry in a very catchy and somewhat bold way.

This song was internationally successful, especially in the Caribbean. I can recall watching this music video countless of times on Tempo when I was like what, 9? (P.S. Who else remembers Tempo?)

And don’t even get me started on this song’s hook. Whether you had a voice of pure gold or one of shimmering plastic, you belted to this chorus religiously.

Although this was the peak of Sean Kingston’s musical career, he left on a good note and will be remembered for years to come. (Hopefully)

#2. Leona Lewis – Bleeding Love (2009)

Like I said before, 2009 was a great year for music. Hits after hits after hits! And if you know anything about this song, you’d know that it’s heartfelt, moving, beautiful, and endearing.

British singer/songwriter Leona Lewis won audiences over with her enchanting voice and not to mention her criminal good looks. This song showcased her vocal range and ability to connect with listeners on a more personal level through a plethora of heavenly melodies.

Something profoundly absence in most of today’s music. This powerhouse pop record spent a well-deserved 7 weeks on the top of the Billboards. And solidified her sheer brilliance as an artist.

9 year old me use to squeal along to this masterpiece, despite not yet having the ability to properly digest the sincere lyrics, let alone understand the complexities of love.

Notwithstanding, every time you listened to this track you wanted more. More music like this. More sweet and moving appeals to the human emotions. Hell, more Leona Lewis.

She keeps bleeding, while we keeping waiting for her to return to music.

**Honorable Mentions**

  • Baha Men – Who Let The Dogs Out

  • Swedish House Mafia – Don’t You Worry Child

  • OMI – Cheerleader

  • Kiara – Gold

  • Kiesza – Hideaway

#1. Gotye – Somebody That I Used To Know ft. Kimbra (2011)

With over 1 billion views on YouTube and spending several weeks at the top of the charts, Australian-Belgian, multi-instrumentalist, singer/songwriter Gotye took the world by storm in 2011 with this Indie/Alternative/Pop super-smash hit.

I’d personally be very surprised if there was someone (old enough with a fully-developed memory during this time) who said they’ve never heard this song. It was omnipresent and well-deserving of all its critical acclaim.

Gotye and Kimbra (who still makes music) take turns exchanging soulful and fervent lyrics which are accentuated by what seems to identify as clinging xylophones in the background, and a minimalistic yet, eerie production.

In fact, this tune was so massive it went on to win 2 whole Grammy’s in 2012. One for Record of The Year and the other for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. The song was something not typically found in mainstream music, which is why I think its success was so satisfying.

Flash forward, it’s been 7 years since the song’s release and not a whistle from the genius mind of Gotye who gave us this amazing piece of art. Pretty ironic, since he’s now somebody that we all used to know. (Bad pun, I know.)

Did you enjoy today’s list? Which one-hit wonder track is your fave? What list would you like to see for next week? Feel free to mention your thoughts in the comment section below. If you liked this post, share it with others and don’t forget to check the sidebar or scroll down to Subscribe to the blog. You’ll receive a notification every time I upload a new post. Thank you so much for reading and I’ll see you next time on Introverted-Insight.

Cant get enough of #FiveOnFridays? Click here for more Top 5 music-related lists!