Two-Hit Wonders: 10 Artists Who Scored Twice!

One-hit wonders are common in the music industry, often due to catchy songs that quickly fade away. However, some musicians achieve the challenging task of releasing a popular follow-up, only to become two-hit wonders. Here are 10 artists who’ve experienced this relatively rare phenomenon, at least on the American charts.

Vanilla Ice: “Ice Ice Baby” and “Play That Funky Music”

In November 1990, Vanilla Ice’s “Ice Ice Baby” made history as the first rap song to top the Billboard Hot 100, propelling the genre into the mainstream. The song also sparked controversy due to debates over its authorship and unauthorized sampling of Queen and David Bowie’s “Under Pressure.” But surprisingly, it wasn’t Vanilla Ice’s only hit.

“Play That Funky Music” was initially promoted, but it didn’t gain traction. Darrell Jaye, a radio DJ from Georgia, flipped the record to its B-side and discovered “Ice Ice Baby.” Dave Morales, a DJ from Mississippi, helped the track dominate the airwaves. The success of “Ice Ice Baby” led to the rerelease of “Play That Funky Music,” which peaked at No. 4 in early 1991. Like its predecessor, this song faced a lawsuit for unpermitted sampling of Wild Cherry’s original version.

Cobra Starship: “Good Girls Go Bad” and “You Make Me Feel…”

Cobra Starship began with the theme song for Snakes on a Plane (2006), titled “Snakes on a Plane (Bring It),” but it didn’t chart. Mainstream success came with the 2009 song “Good Girls Go Bad,” featuring Leighton Meester, reaching No. 7 on the Hot 100.

Two years later, they released “You Make Me Feel…” featuring Sabi (and Robin Williams in the music video), also reaching No. 7. Cobra Starship disbanded in 2015, and frontman Gabe Saporta became a manager. He reflected on his pop experience, stating he doesn’t miss performing.

Soulja Boy: “Crank That (Soulja Boy)” and “Kiss Me Thru the Phone”

Soulja Boy exploded onto the scene in 2007 with “Crank That (Soulja Boy)” and its signature dance. The song topped the Hot 100 for seven weeks and earned a Grammy nomination. However, Soulja Boy faced criticism from other rappers, including Ice-T.

Determined to prove his critics wrong, Soulja Boy aimed to avoid being a one-hit wonder. “Kiss Me Thru the Phone,” featuring Sammie, reached No. 3 in 2009. After that, his presence on the charts faded.

Ugly Kid Joe: “Everything about You” and “Cats in the Cradle”

Ugly Kid Joe’s debut single, “Everything About You,” gained popularity after being featured in Wayne’s World (1992), reaching No. 9 on the Hot 100 in May 1992. Subsequent singles didn’t make an impact until their cover of Harry Chapin’s 1974 song “Cats in the Cradle” reached No. 6 in April 1993. The band broke up in 1997.

They reunited in 2010, but their songs haven’t matched the popularity of their two hits. Frontman Whitfield Crane admitted to tiring of playing the songs in the ’90s but now enjoys them due to the enthusiastic crowd reactions.

Taio Cruz: “Break Your Heart” and “Dynamite”

In 2010, English singer Taio Cruz dominated clubs with his dance anthems “Break Your Heart” and “Dynamite,” charting at No. 1 and No. 2 on the Hot 100, respectively. However, collaborations didn’t yield more hits.

Cruz commented on his inability to replicate his success, noting the importance of social media and viral trends. By 2020, he expressed happiness with his achievements and a lack of desire to chase fame.

Natasha Bedingfield: “Unwritten” and “Pocketful of Sunshine”

Natasha Bedingfield’s “Unwritten” was ubiquitous in 2006, becoming the most played song on U.S. radio, reaching No. 5 on the Hot 100, and serving as the theme song for The Hills. It also earned a Grammy nomination.

Two years later, Bedingfield scored another No. 5 hit with “Pocketful of Sunshine.” Despite efforts to maintain success in the States, she didn’t achieve long-lasting fame. Bedingfield seems content, suggesting that overexposure can be worse.

CeeLo Green: “Crazy” and “F**k You! (Forget You)”

“Crazy” was the debut single of Gnarls Barkley, comprised of CeeLo Green and producer Danger Mouse. It reached No. 2 on the Hot 100 and won a Grammy. Their next single didn’t fare as well, but Danger Mouse stated that chart success wasn’t their priority.

In 2010, Green had another hit under his name with “F**k You! (Forget You),” which reached No. 2 and earned another Grammy. Despite this, he didn’t achieve further chart-topping success but continued to release music and appeared on The Voice.

Limahl: “Too Shy” and “Never Ending Story”

Like CeeLo Green, Limahl is a two-time one-hit wonder. As the lead singer of Kajagoogoo, their 1983 single “Too Shy” reached No. 5. Limahl was later fired due to creative differences.

Limahl launched a solo career and sang the theme song for The NeverEnding Story (1984), which topped charts globally. Though it only peaked at No. 17 on the Hot 100, its appearance in Stranger Things boosted its popularity in 2019.

Psy: “Gangnam Style” and “Gentleman”

“Gangnam Style” was instantly successful in South Korea in 2012 and soon dominated charts worldwide. Its music video was the first on YouTube to reach 1 billion views and rose to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Psy’s follow-up, “Gentleman,” reached No. 5 on the Hot 100. The video received 18.9 million views on its first day, making it the most viewed video on YouTube within 24 hours. Psy aimed to avoid being a one-hit wonder and achieved it, though he didn’t surpass two hits in the States. He has maintained a successful career in Korea.

Carly Rae Jepsen: “Call Me Maybe” and “Good Time”

Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Call Me Maybe” was a significant hit in 2012, second only to Gotye’s “Somebody That I Used to Know.” It topped the Hot 100 for 9 weeks and received Grammy nominations.

Jepsen avoided one-hit wonder status with “Good Time” in collaboration with Owl City. This song also rescued Owl City from his one-hit wonder status earned with “Fireflies” in 2009. Both artists have continued to create music for their fan bases.

These artists prove that achieving two hits is a unique feat in the music industry. While they may not have sustained chart-topping success, their songs remain memorable and continue to resonate with listeners.

Which of these two-hit wonders surprised you the most? Share your thoughts and favorite songs in the comments below!

Leave your comment below!