The Best Two-Hit Wonders of the ’80s | a-ha, General Public and Forgotten MTV Favorites

Everybody knows the phrase “one-hit wonder,” but what about the artists who managed to sneak onto the charts twice before disappearing from the spotlight? This week on the Stuck in the ’80s Podcast, Steve and Brad dive into the world of ’80s two-hit wonders — the bands and artists who briefly conquered the Billboard Top 40 during the MTV era before becoming beloved cult favorites among Gen X music fans.

The episode revisits the music and legacy of acts like a-ha, whose massive hit Take On Me became one of the defining music videos of the 1980s, and General Public, whose blend of ska, new wave and pop perfectly captured the sound of alternative radio before alternative radio truly existed. Along the way, Steve and Brad celebrate the songs, videos and forgotten chart moments that helped make these artists memorable even if mainstream radio eventually moved on.

The conversation also explores how the Billboard charts, MTV rotation and the explosion of pop culture during the 1980s created a unique environment where artists could burn brightly for a few years before disappearing into nostalgia history. From synth-pop and new wave to pop-rock and college-radio crossover acts, the episode revisits the music landscape that gave us so many unforgettable “almost huge” bands.

Like many Stuck in the ’80s episodes, the discussion goes beyond the charts themselves and taps directly into Gen X memory — hearing these songs on cassette decks, watching the videos after school on MTV and rediscovering forgotten favorites decades later through streaming playlists and YouTube rabbit holes. If you love forgotten ’80s songs, underrated bands, Billboard chart nostalgia and deep dives into the MTV generation, this episode belongs in your playlist.

The Stuck in the ’80s Podcast has spent more than 20 years celebrating the music, movies, television and pop culture of the greatest decade ever. Support the show on Patreon for bonus episodes, exclusive livestream hangouts, behind-the-scenes content and merch for longtime listeners.

And don’t forget: Steve and Brad will once again be part of The 80s Cruise, the ultimate floating celebration of ’80s music and nostalgia. Use promo code STUCK when booking your cabin to receive up to $250 in onboard cabin credit while sailing with fellow Gen X fans and enjoying performances and appearances from many of the decade’s biggest artists. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.