Surprising Second Songs from One-Hit Wonders

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1. A-ha

A-ha’s “Take On Me” is a song that has become a timeless classic, known for its catchy synth-pop melody and groundbreaking music video. Yet, many are unaware that they followed up with another hit, “The Sun Always Shines on T.V.” This track reached the Top 10 in the UK and even charted in the U.S., although it didn’t achieve the same level of fame. The song carries a more dramatic tone with its lush synth-heavy sound, showcasing the band’s musical depth. Despite its quality, “The Sun Always Shines on T.V.” remains overshadowed by “Take On Me.” It’s a hidden gem, revealing a different facet of A-ha’s musical prowess that deserves more recognition.

2. Gotye

Gotye’s “Somebody That I Used to Know” took the world by storm with its haunting melody and relatable lyrics. However, his second single, “Eyes Wide Open,” didn’t receive the same attention. This track maintains Gotye’s unique sound, with layered instrumentation and emotional depth. Despite its artistic merit, it was overshadowed by the massive success of his collaboration with Kimbra. “Eyes Wide Open” is a testament to Gotye’s ability to create evocative music, yet it remains largely unknown to the general public. It’s a song that showcases his talent beyond the confines of his breakout hit.

3. Chumbawamba

Chumbawamba’s “Tubthumping” became an anthem of resilience and celebration in the late ’90s. However, their follow-up single “Amnesia” failed to capture the same commercial success. This politically charged track retained the band’s catchy style, yet it didn’t resonate with audiences in the same way. Despite this, Chumbawamba continued to produce music for three decades, exploring various genres and themes. “Amnesia” serves as a reminder of the band’s willingness to address social and political issues through their music, even if it didn’t achieve the same level of fame.

4. Soft Cell

“Tainted Love” by Soft Cell is a synth-pop classic, but their song “Say Hello, Wave Goodbye” is often overlooked. This melancholic ballad dives deep into emotional territory, showcasing the duo’s lyrical prowess. The song has even been covered by artists like David Gray, highlighting its enduring appeal. While “Tainted Love” defined their career, “Say Hello, Wave Goodbye” deserves recognition for its artistic depth and emotional resonance. It’s a track that reveals the band’s ability to create music that resonates on a more personal level.

5. Lou Bega

Lou Bega’s “Mambo No. 5” was a playful hit that dominated the airwaves, but his follow-up “Tricky, Tricky” didn’t achieve the same success. This song follows a similar formula, maintaining the upbeat vibe that made Bega famous. However, it remained largely under the radar, overshadowed by the massive popularity of “Mambo No. 5.” Despite its catchy melody, “Tricky, Tricky” serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of fame and the challenges artists face in replicating their initial success.

6. The Buggles

The Buggles are synonymous with the dawn of the MTV era, thanks to “Video Killed the Radio Star.” Yet, their follow-up “Living in the Plastic Age” showcased a similar quirky charm and futuristic sound. Despite its innovative style, it was overshadowed by their debut hit, failing to make a significant impact on the charts. The song reflects the band’s artistic vision, offering a fascinating listen for fans of ’80s music. It’s a track that highlights The Buggles’ ability to create music that was ahead of its time.

7. Sir Mix-A-Lot

Sir Mix-A-Lot’s “Baby Got Back” became a cultural phenomenon with its bold lyrics and catchy beat. However, his second single “Put ‘Em on the Glass” didn’t enjoy the same fame. The track maintains the same bold energy but lacks the radio-friendly appeal that made his debut a hit. While it found minor success in clubs, it largely went unnoticed by mainstream audiences. “Put ‘Em on the Glass” offers a glimpse into Sir Mix-A-Lot’s creative process and his willingness to push boundaries with his music.

8. Eagle-Eye Cherry

Eagle-Eye Cherry’s “Save Tonight” is a beloved acoustic-driven hit, but his follow-up “Falling in Love Again” didn’t capture the same magic. The song features a similar chill vibe, yet it failed to resonate with listeners in the same way. While “Falling in Love Again” is a nice track, it remains a footnote in Cherry’s career, overshadowed by his breakout success. This serves as a reminder of the challenges artists face in replicating their initial triumphs and the unpredictable nature of the music industry.

9. Len

Len’s “Steal My Sunshine” is a quintessential summer anthem, but many may not know they released “Feelin’ Alright” afterward. This track maintains a similar sun-soaked aesthetic but failed to make a lasting impression. Interestingly, Len produced a full album that explored different sounds and styles, showcasing their versatility as artists. Despite their efforts, “Feelin’ Alright” remains largely forgotten, highlighting the unpredictability of the music industry and the difficulty in sustaining success.

10. Big Country

Big Country’s “In a Big Country” is a classic rock anthem, but their follow-up “Fields of Fire” is often overlooked. This track features the band’s signature Scottish rock sound, complete with bagpipe-like guitar riffs. While it charted in the UK, it struggled to gain traction elsewhere. “Fields of Fire” exemplifies the band’s unique style and serves as a reminder of their contributions to the rock genre during the ’80s. Despite not achieving the same level of fame, it’s a song that showcases Big Country’s musical identity.

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