5 One-Hit Wonders From the Late ‘80s You Might Have Forgotten

It’s massively understating it to say that the 1980s were a wild, unpredictable time for music. Tastes were changing so rapidly that a song that might have worked one year could easily get lost in the shuffle the next. There’s no doubting the second half of the decade featured a different musical identity than the first.

One thing that didn’t change much, however, throughout the entirety of the decade: the prevalence of unique one-hit wonders. Here are five that dented the Top-40 charts (some just barely) in the years from 1987 to 1989 that are deserving of being rediscovered.

“I Don’t Mind at All” by Bourgeois Tagg (No. 38 in 1987)

The name sounded like some sort of political statement to those who didn’t know any better. In actuality, it was just the combined names of Brent Bourgeois and Larry Tagg. They ended up in some heady company when it came to “I Don’t Mind at All,” found on their 1987 album Yoyo. Todd Rundgren produced the track, and the video was directed by David Fincher. All that aside, what stands out here is the lovely melody, very Beatlesque in nature. Juxtaposed against that is the somewhat sour sentiment poured out by the narrator at the end of a love affair.

“Mary’s Prayer” by Danny Wilson (No. 23 in 1987)

What was it about 1987 and misleading artist names? Most of us around at the time figured that Danny Wilson was the name of a singer/songwriter responsible for “Mary’s Prayer.” Maybe even a relative of The Beach Boys’ Wilsons, considering the high-pitched vocals, ornate harmonies, and relentless melodism of the track. But no, Danny Wilson was actually a Scottish band that took their name from an old movie. In any case, the chorus might lead you to believe lead singer Gary Clark is singing about a lost love, but a closer listen suggests religious themes at play. Super-catchy track, though, no matter your interpretation.

“Love Changes (Everything)” by Climie Fisher (No. 23 in 1988)

Here’s yet another band moniker that might throw you for a loop, although we admit Climie isn’t your typical first name. Simon Climie had already built up a reputation as a songwriter, penning hits for Pat Benatar and the duo of Aretha Franklin and George Michael. Meanwhile, Rob Fisher was coming off pop-star success as one of the two men who formed Naked Eyes (from “Always Something There to Remind Me” fame). The two Brits connected for a couple of late ’80s albums, with “Love Changes (Everything),” a buoyantly optimistic single, making the biggest impact.

“Heaven Help Me” by Deon Estus (No. 5 in 1989)

Breaking through as a new artist in the ’80s wasn’t always an easy thing to do, which is why having a famous friend help out was never a bad idea. Think of Rockwell getting an assist from Michael Jackson on “Somebody’s Watching Me,” or Glass Tiger nabbing Bryan Adams on “Don’t Forget Me (When I’m Gone).” Estus did something similar, calling in a favor from George Michael, for whom he’d played bass both on Wham! records and Michael’s solo stuff. Michael’s silky vocals give a boost, but Estus deserves credit for creating a track that mixes a sultry groove with romantic uncertainty.

“Pure” by The Lightning Seeds (No. 31 in 1989)

In the beginning, Ian Broudie utilized the name Lightning Seeds for what was essentially a one-man recording effort. He came up with the name after mishearing a Prince lyric from “Raspberry Beret” (Thunder drowns out what the lightning sees). Down the road, Broudie would employ a full band to play the music he created. “Pure” started on a very modest scale with a minimal number of pressings, but it just kept charming everybody in its path until it became a wider success. A deserving one as well, as Broudie crafted one of the most uplifting anthems of the synth-pop era.

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