One day while I was driving somewhere with my mom, I started talking about one-hit wonders, artists and bands that are popular in the mainstream public spotlight with just one song or for a very short amount of time. People love the artist and often play their song or a few of their songs on repeat. Then, not long after they flash onto the scene, immense public love for the artist or band fades. The artist may be remembered vaguely or may fade out of memory until people are otherwise reminded.
The “One-hit Wonders” playlist by Spotify France includes the song “Bad Day” by Daniel Powter. When I was in middle school, this song was incredibly popular, especially because it was used on "American Idol" when contestants didn’t make it to the next round. I still love this song and have many memories involved with it. However, there is no doubt that Daniel Powter is a one-hit wonder. I very vaguely remember Powter having another song, but I don’t think he and any of his other songs got much airplay after or aside from “Bad Day.” I never really listened to any of his other music.
Yet, just because Daniel Powter was a one-hit wonder in pop culture does not mean that he and more of his collection of music were not loved by anyone. There are probably several individuals who would view calling Daniel Powter a one-hit wonder as an insult toward him. They are aware of a greater portion of his catalogue of music and can list off several songs that they think are wonderful or all of his songs. Daniel Powter is not a one-hit wonder for these people.
There are a few artists whom I feel this way about. One such artist is Gotye. Gotye’s song “Somebody That I Used to Know,” featuring Kimbra, was extremely popular. It is a little unique, incredibly catchy, and has emotional, biting lyrics. This combination made for a hit. I loved “Somebody That I Used to Know” so much that I listened to the rest of the album it is on called "Making Mirrors." I have also listened to his other, older album "Like Drawing Blood." His music is unique in general and very artistic and experimental. Most of it would not be popular in mainstream culture. However, it is some of my favorite music.
The band fun. could also be considered a one-hit wonder. Their song “We Are Young” was incredibly popular when it came out. It was sung on "Glee" and used in a Taco Bell Super Bowl commercial. Their song “Some Nights” was pretty popular as well, also featured on "Glee." These songs are anthemic and catchy. Much like with Gotye, I know most or all of fun.’s songs and most or all of the songs on the albums "Some Nights" and "Aim and Ignite." I love fun. and their music.
It’s always a little odd when the artists and bands you love are little known and considered one-hit wonders by others.
