4 Two-Hit Wonders From the 1980s

We’ve heard of one-hit wonders, especially in the 1980s. But what about two-hit wonders? Plenty of artists from the big hair era hit the charts with two big hits, only to fade into obscurity soon after. We think these artists deserve some props for making it big twice. Let’s look at five two-hit wonders from the 1980s!

1. Quiet Riot

Two Hits: “Cum On Feel the Noize” and “Bang Your Head (Metal Health)”

This glam rock band made it big two different times in 1983 with “Cum On Feel the Noize” and “Bang Your Head (Metal Health)”. The former was a no. 5 hit on the Billboard charts, while the latter made it to no. 31. They are both great songs, but “Cum On Feel the Noize” is a real classic that defined that particular era.

2. General Public

Two Hits: “Tenderness” and “I’ll Take You There”

“I’ll Take You There” was a sophomore hit that did well in 1994, but “Tenderness” was a big hit in 1984. So, we think General Public deserves to be on our list of two-hit wonders from the 1980s.

In a way, General Public was a bit of a supergroup; it contained members of The Beat, Dexy’s Midnight Runners, The Specials, and The Clash. This new wave outfit made some stellar music, and we’re surprised that “Tenderness” and “I’ll Take You There” only made it to the Top 30.

3. Tesla

Two Hits: “Love Song” and “Signs”

“Love Song” was a hit in 1989, and “Signs” did even better in 1991. Still, we’ll add Tesla to our list of two-hit wonders from the 1980s.

Tesla was, for lack of a better word, charming. In an era where sappy love songs about loss and heartbreak while having huge heads of hair were quite popular, Tesla’s lead singer crooned over hope and true love. Both “Love Song” and “Signs” are great pieces of work.

4. A-Ha

Two Hits: “Take On Me” and “The Sun Always Shines On TV”

Everyone and their mother has heard the 1985 no. 1 hit “Take On Me”. It’s still popular today, decades after it first hit the airwaves. Just as well, “The Sun Always Shines On TV” was another big hit for A-Ha that year, when it peaked at no. 20.

The Norwegian synth-pop outfit struggled to gain commercial success as the 1990s progressed, and they subsequently broke up. Though, they didn’t stop them from kicking off multiple reunion tours in the years since.

Photo by Tim Roney/Getty Images

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