Deezer creates its One Hit Wonder playlist to celebrate One Hit Wonder Day (25th September) and the songs which made their artist famous for just one hit. The streamer looked at its 2023 streaming data to find out which one-track triumphs people still cling to and has curated a playlist especially for the occasion.
Tones and I’s “Dance Monkey” stands out as the most streamed global one-hit wonder hit on Deezer. This song has found a special place in the hearts of those aged 26 to 35, with over 31% of streams in 2023 originating from this age bracket. While one reason for the song’s streaming success might be its 2019 release, positioning it squarely in the digital music streaming era, Deezer notes that its list features a nearly even distribution of songs from both the pre- and post-millennium eras.
Unsurprising songs
Survivor’s enduring classic “Eye Of The Tiger” from 1982 has rightfully earned its place on this list, continuing to inspire and motivate people all over the world, even to this day. It enjoys almost equal popularity among those aged 36 to 45 (25.4%) and the 26 to 35 age group (25.1%).
Additionally, the presence of Acqua’s “Barbie Girl” is hardly a surprise considering the success of the Barbie film, as the song witnessed an almost twofold increase in streams in July.
Surprising songs
Haddaway’s “What Is Love?” saw the highest number of streams among Gen Z listeners this year, accounting for nearly 28% of its audience. Deezer found that their 20 biggest one-hit wonders showed little difference between different age groups ranging between 18 to 45 years. This well-balanced listenership suggests that one-hit wonders have the power to transcend time and establish connections across a wide range of age groups.
However, a few songs stand out, such as “Replay” by Iyaz which is a favourite amongst Gen Z listeners with nearly 49% streaming it. Vanessa Carlton’s “A Thousand Miles” holds a special place with 37% popularity among those aged 26 to 35, while the 36 to 45 age group appears to favour House of Pain’s “Jump Around” (33%).
Deezer’s Top 20 one-hit wonders
- Tones And I – Dance Monkey
- Gotye – Somebody That I used To Know
- Walk The Moon – Shut Up And Dance
- Gnarls Barkley – Crazy
- Hoobastank – The Reason
- Acqua – Barbie Girl
- Icona Pop – I Love It
- Aventura – Obsesion
- Survivor – Eye Of The Tiger
- Eiffel 65 – Blue (da ba dee)
- The Calling – Wherever You Will Go
- The Verve – Bittersweet Symphony
- Haddaway – What Is Love
- Nena – 99 Luftballons
- Vanessa Carlton – A Thousand Miles
- Los Del Rio – Macarena
- Iyaz – Replay
- Dexys Midnight Runners – Come On Eileen
- Corona – The Rythm of The Night
- House of Pain – Jump Around
