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From One-Hit Wonders to Million-Selling Hits: The Top 10 Chart-Topping Songs and Their Earnings

by Staff Account

One-hit wonders are musicians or bands that achieve massive success with just one song but are never able to replicate that level of success again. These songs become cultural touchstones and are often played on the radio, in movies, and at parties for years to come. In this blog post, we'll take a look at the top ten best-selling one-hit wonder songs, the albums they were on, and the earnings they generated.

  1. "Macarena" by Los Del Rio - Album: A Mi Me Gusta - Earnings: $60 million

Released in 1993, "Macarena" became a worldwide sensation in 1996 thanks to a remix by the Bayside Boys. The song topped the charts in multiple countries and became a cultural phenomenon, with people doing the dance at parties, sporting events, and even political rallies. The song earned an estimated $60 million in royalties and sales.

  1. "Tainted Love" by Soft Cell - Album: Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret - Earnings: $10 million

Originally recorded by Gloria Jones in 1964, "Tainted Love" was reimagined by Soft Cell in 1981 and became a smash hit in the UK and the US. The song has since been covered by numerous artists and used in movies, TV shows, and commercials. It has earned an estimated $10 million in royalties and sales.

  1. "Take On Me" by a-ha - Album: Hunting High and Low - Earnings: $5 million

Released in 1985, "Take On Me" became a worldwide hit thanks to its innovative music video that combined live action with animation. The song has since been covered by numerous artists and used in movies, TV shows, and commercials. It has earned an estimated $5 million in royalties and sales.

  1. "Video Killed the Radio Star" by The Buggles - Album: The Age of Plastic - Earnings: $3 million

Released in 1979, "Video Killed the Radio Star" became the first music video ever played on MTV and helped to launch the channel. The song has since been covered by numerous artists and used in movies, TV shows, and commercials. It has earned an estimated $3 million in royalties and sales.

  1. "Who Let the Dogs Out" by Baha Men - Album: Who Let the Dogs Out - Earnings: $2 million

Released in 2000, "Who Let the Dogs Out" became a party anthem and was played at sporting events and clubs around the world. The song has since been used in movies, TV shows, and commercials. It has earned an estimated $2 million in royalties and sales.

  1. "Mambo No. 5 (A Little Bit Of...)" by Lou Bega - Album: A Little Bit of Mambo - Earnings: $2 million

Released in 1999, "Mambo No. 5" became a worldwide hit thanks to its catchy melody and infectious chorus. The song has since been used in movies, TV shows, and commercials. It has earned an estimated $2 million in royalties and sales.

  1. "Come On Eileen" by Dexys Midnight Runners - Album: Too-Rye-Ay - Earnings: $1 million

Released in 1982, "Come On Eileen" became a worldwide hit thanks to its infectious melody and sing-along chorus. The song has since been covered by numerous artists and used in movies, TV shows, and commercials. It has earned an estimated $1 million in royalties and sales.

  1. "I'm Too Sexy" by Right Said Fred - Album: Up - Earnings: $1 million

Released in 1991, "I'm Too Sexy" was a tongue-in-cheek pop song by British band Right Said Fred. It became a worldwide hit, reaching #1 in the UK and the US, and topping charts in many other countries. The song's catchy chorus and playful lyrics made it an instant classic, and it has since been used in movies, TV shows, and commercials. "I'm Too Sexy" has earned an estimated $1 million in royalties and sales. The song was featured on Right Said Fred's debut album, "Up," which also included the hit singles "Don't Talk Just Kiss" and "Deeply Dippy." Despite the band's continued efforts to release new music and stay relevant, "I'm Too Sexy" remains their signature song and their only major hit.

  1. "867-5309/Jenny" by Tommy Tutone - Album: Tommy Tutone 2 - Earnings: $500,000

Released in 1981, "867-5309/Jenny" was a catchy rock song that became a huge hit in the US, reaching #4 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song's title and chorus were based on a real phone number, which led to many people calling the number and asking for Jenny. The song has since been used in movies, TV shows, and commercials. "867-5309/Jenny" has earned an estimated $500,000 in royalties and sales.

  1. "Achy Breaky Heart" by Billy Ray Cyrus - Album: Some Gave All - Earnings: $40 million

Released in 1992, "Achy Breaky Heart" was a country-pop song that became a massive hit, topping charts around the world and becoming one of the best-selling singles of all time. The song's catchy melody and line dance made it a favorite at parties and events. "Achy Breaky Heart" has since been covered by numerous artists and used in movies, TV shows, and commercials. The song has earned an estimated $40 million in royalties and sales, and helped to launch Billy Ray Cyrus's career.

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