One-hit wonders of '89? Kill me now

Let's face it: By the year 1989, all the truly great music was long-gone, and we were all staring the 90s straight in the face. That's right, a decade of choreographed stage shows, nonsensical lyrics and musicians who couldn't find an interesting beat if you gave them a $10 bill, some Pabst Blue Ribbon and a funnel.

So it's with great trepidation and all-out fear and loathing that Stuck in the 80s is going to cover the one-hit wonders of 1989 in this week's show. You can expect me to be spitting up bile, cursing the sky and screaming into pillow as I cry myself to sleep for a week after we're done recording.

In the meantime, look over some of the songs that music websites have deemed as one-hit wonders of that year, and let me know what you like and what songs are missing.

Comments

[John Hays]

Wow, I'm not the only one who remembers Michael Damian's Rock On cover? I'd say it's iffy since it's a cover.

[Michelle]

I say Jeff Healey can't be on the list because he ruled "Road House."

But I would add: "Toy Soldiers" by Martika and "Rock On" by Michael Damian from "The Young and the Restless."

[Big Tex]

This just lends credibility to my belief that 80's music began in 1978 with the release of The Cars' first album and ended sometime in 1988. For example, I can't consider Paula Abdul an 80's artist. What was the last great 80's release? Kick by INXS? Hysteria by Def Leppard? Discuss.

[Bassnote]

Oh well, 3 out of 5 ain't bad. I still can't stand Bette Midler though.

[Walter Cox]

Again with the Oils hatred. You're gonna feel really awkward when you have to cover some story and end up face to chin with big, gangly Peter Garrett.

[John Hays]

Oh yeah, I forgot that Extreme released the second album.

Bette Midler not only had the entire Beaches soundtrack but she also had a hit with "From A Distance" as well as "The Rose", so I don't think she should make the list.

Blame Wikipedia for Love & Rockets and Jeff Healey, it lists them both as one hit wonders.

[jane]

Jody Watley -- not a one hit wonder. She charted with "Looking for a New Love" in '87.

[David Jenkins]

I agree with Bassnote - no way is Love and Rockets a one-hit wonder. Fine Young Cannibals certainly qualifies though ...

[Bassnote]

More Than Words was 1991.

Love and Rockets, and Jeff Healey are not one hit wonders.

Bust A Move - Young MC
Toy Soldiers - Martika
Me So Horny - 2 Live Crew
Reel Love - Jody Watley

Wind Beneath My Wings - Bette Midler : I know she had a hit with "The Rose" in 1979, but this song is so grating and annoying that it should count as a one hit wonder. And it had been a decade since she had a hit.

[John Hays]

You know you'll get the a-ha backlash "they're huge! not a one hit wonder!", but go ahead and do it anyway, that was their only real hit in the US!

[Spears]

I'd put Midnight Oil on there just for fun. Least favorite Aussie band.

[John Hays]

Okay, so 1989 wasn't a good year for one hit wonders (this WAS the year of Milli Vanilli, after all), but it wasn't a bad year for music overall:

Garth Brooks debut album released

BTW, although they may have released other songs, I would nominate the following as top one hit wonders for 1989:

Fine Young Cannibals She Drives Me Crazy
Extreme More Than Words
Nenah Cherry Buffalo Stance
Faith No More Epic
Young MC's Bust A Move
Soul II Soul Back To Life
Midnight Oil Beds Are Burning