Top 20 Cheesiest One Hit Wonders of the 1980s

These songs aren't bad, they're just a little over-the-top. For this list, we’ll be looking at extremely corny and melodramatic hit songs released in the 80s that marked the peak of the band/artist’s career. Our countdown includes “I Want Candy”, “Bette Davis Eyes”, “Pac-Man Fever”, “Come On Eileen”, “It’s Raining Men”, and more! Which of these cheesy one-hit wonders do you still listen to today? Let us know in the comments.

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#80s
#OneHitWonders
#Cheesiest
#Music
#Songs
#Cheesy
#Pop
#Rock
#1980s

[WatchMojo]

Which of these cheesy one-hit wonders do you still listen to today? Let us know in the comments.

[gorgophontes]

Nena may have never been heard from again in the US, but in Germany (and other European countries) she's had a long and successful career.

[anthonyhind]

I Melt With You is hardly "cheesy".Still sounds great.

[debbieanne]

Come on Eileen and 99 Luftballoons are 2 songs I have on my paylist today. Both awesome

[GrinderCB]

"Puttin' On The Ritz" was already being used a lot in movies and TV at the time. Gene Wilder and the Peter Boyle did the song in "Young Frankenstein" in the 70's

[VicGeorgeK]

Martha Wash of the Weather Girls would later lend her vocals to C & C Music Factory's songs like "Everybody Dance Now".

[weirdalfan]

The cheesiest one-hit wonders of the 80s are still better than today's music.

[keemie]

As a baby born in the late 70's growing up in the 80's I would say that that was the best time for music. Music was really and the pure talent can't be matched ever!!!

[tmr]

I'm so glad I was an 80's kid! This list brought back a ton of memories. Especially remembering running home from the school bus, turning on MTV to watch the daily top 10 videos. Back when MTV actually played music videos!

[MAJIK]

Anyone else baffled by the comment/saying referenced in this, "the eyes are the nipples of the face"?!? This was the first time I'd ever heard it and I wish I hadn't. WHO in the world says this?!?

[bdchiaccio]

Of course Limahl charted again when he went solo with Neverending Story which became a big sleeper hit in the US.

[coolnegative]

Many of these are neither cheesy nor "wonders." Many of these are true classics and well written songs as evidenced by their staying power.

[lenevee]

These songs are more catchy than cheesy! I remember coming home from elementary school and watching these videos on MTV. I still sing "too shy" and " come on Eileen" when I'm feeling happy.

[devinhyde]

The Waitresses have a Christmas song called "Christmas Wrapping" that still gets airplay every season....I think it might be as big as "I Know What Boys Like"

[LordChristoff]

20. I want candy - Bow Bow Wow
19. 867-5309/Jenny - Tommy Tutone
18. The future's so bright, I've got to wear shades - Timbuk 3
17. Betty Davis Eyes - Kim Carnes
16. Too Shy - Kajagoogoo
15. I melt with you - Modern English
14. Tarzan boy - Baltimora
13. I know what boys like - The waitresses
12. The safety dance - Men without hats
11. Pac-Man Fever - Buckner + Garcia
10. Maniac - Michael Sembello
9. Puttin on the Ritz - Taco
8. She blinded me with science - Thomas Dolby
7. Funky Town - Lipps Inc.
6. You spin me (like a record) - Dead or Alive
5. 99 Luftballons - Nena
4. Come on Eileen - Dexy's Runners
3. (I just) died in your arms - Cutting Crew
2. It's raining men - Weather Girls
1. Micky - Tony Basil

[HenryFernandoMartinezCopete]

I don’t know, but some of these are great tunes, they bring great memories to many of us! It’s a good thing that “cheesy” is just a subjective perception, not a fact…

[semper]

Imo "99 Luftballons" feels zero cheesy

[SaxyLament]

A lot of these didn't sound cheesy to me at all. "Ghostbusters" and "Walk the Dinosaur" are what I would call cheesy.

[melissateague]

Funky Town was the very first 45 single I ever bought at Peaches record store. My mother said she would treat us kids each to one single of our choice and that is the one I picked. I was only 7!

[margaret]

Dead Or Alive had MORE than a 1 hit wonder. They also had the song "Brand New Lover" among others.