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4 rock one-hit wonders from the 1980s that deserved so much more

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The 1980s were a fantastic era for music, but it concluded rather disappointingly. In a thriving landscape of exceptional post-punk and New Wave, commercial pop and hair metal groups seemed to proliferate like unwanted weeds. However, these bands were what the masses eagerly purchased, ensuring that record companies profited.

The 1980s had great music overall, but it got a bit disappointing towards the end with too much sappy pop and hair metal. These kinds of groups were like weeds in a good garden filled with post-punk and New Wave. Record companies made money by producing what most people bought.

In essence, those four bands positioned beneath were overshadowed excessively. Notably, two of them weren’t active bands throughout the 1980s, yet they achieved their most significant hit during that era.

In the ’80s scene, I was part of a group that truly belonged, yet some of our tunes were destined for eternal playlists. Regrettably, our love wasn’t reciprocated fully during that time, but looking back, we can truly cherish and admire those timeless tracks we created.

These 4 rock bands that had one big hit in the 1980s deserved so much better

A Flock of Seagulls

  • One hit: “I Ran (So Far Away)” (1982)

It seems illogical that a band could be deemed iconic while only having one major hit. Labeling A Flock of Seagulls as a “one-hit wonder” from the ’80s is incongruous, especially when you consider that they consistently appear in search results for such bands.

On U.S. mainstream rock charts, Seagulls enjoyed three top-10 hits: “I Ran (So Far Away)”, “Wishing (If I Had a Picture of You)”, and “The More You Live, the More You Love”. Their most successful album, “The Story of a Young Heart”, symbolizes the band’s overall achievement. This record is exceptional, yet it remains undervalued by many.

Big Country

  • One hit: “In a Big Country” (1983)

This particular listing might be confusing since it primarily focuses on American music charts, similar to how A Flock of Seagulls was categorized. Many lesser-known bands from the early ’80s were grouped together in this way, yet several of them deserved more attention. For instance, Big Country skillfully crafted guitar sounds that resembled Scottish bagpipes, and their music had a rich depth to it.

The initial four albums charted within the UK’s top 10, and they produced three songs that also ranked among the top 10. They seemed to merit greater appreciation from U.S. listeners.

XTC

  • One hit: “Dear God” (1987)

In simpler terms, we missed out on a great opportunity, and by “we,” I mean everyone throughout history. XTC was an influential band that emerged in the 1970s, shaping the generations that followed. Unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately, they were overly committed to their authentic selves.

This band, who achieved just one top-10 hit in the UK (“Sense Working Overtime”), might not initially seem impressive due to their catchy but somewhat predictable style, which can be likened to a hint of pop music. However, they use this style as a tool for crafting their unique tunes. While “Dear God” is an appealing track, it’s somewhat gimmicky. To truly appreciate them, I recommend delving into their extensive catalog.

Midnight Oil

  • One hit: “Beds Are Burning” (1988)

Midnight Oil can be compared to The Tragically Hip in a Canadian context, implying a similar style or influence. It’s important to note this comparison carries no disrespect; both bands are exceptional and deserved more enduring international acclaim than they received. The only explanation for including Midnight Oil here is that their “global hit” occurred outside of Australia, where they are more recognized.

Since their debut in 1982 with the album “10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1,” every subsequent release by Midnight Oil from Australia has made it to the top eight on Australian charts. Although they might have been too politically charged or focused too much on aboriginal issues for international tastes, their post-punk style is nothing short of brilliant.

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2025-06-03 13:02

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