The Ultimate Two-Hit Wonder

[Draft Dodger]

Originally Posted by JonInMiddleGA

So if I'm reading things correctly here, Golden Earring basically breaks the scoring system because their two hits weren't higher than #10. Right?

Golden Earring was the first band I thought of.

[Suicane75]

Originally Posted by Jughead Spock

I'm thinking Mr. Mister oughta be in here.

Right around that same time, Level 42 and The Outfield. But yeah, Broken Wings and Kyrie were both top 10 singles I believe and then.....nothing.

[Draft Dodger]

and the second one I thought of is Corey Hart

1984 Sunglasses at Night. #7 in the US
1985 Never Surrender. #3 in the US (and #1 in Canada)

#3 song is It Ain't Enough (17th in 1984)

I'll leave the math to someone else

[Suicane75]

According to Wiki, Mister Mister had 3 top 10 singles. So there goes that. I'll be damned if I could tell you what the 3rd one was.

Edit: Just checked and watched the video for the 3rd song on YouTube. Is It Love was the title and the video brought back some vague memories of seeing it but I certainly didn't think it was a top 10 song.

Someone start a new thread for Three Hit Wonders. 3 Releases off of one album, all top 10, and then literally nothing else.

[SteveMax58]

Yeah, the scoring is a bit much on the cranium at this time but here's a couple that came to mind.

Dire Straits was the first to come to mind but they had 3 big hits. So doubt they'd even rank here.

Bad English
[1989] When I see you Smile #1
[1989] Price of Love #5
[1990] Possession #21


Deep Purple
[1968] Hush #4
[1973] Smoke on the Water #4
[1968] Kentucky Woman #38

[rowech]

Originally Posted by rowech

That's the way I am. Grading system is too in flux...


Ugly Kid Joe had a 6, 9, and never charted again

I think this is their score based on the rules...

Cat's in the Cradle #6 (1993) -- score of 25

Everything About You #9 (1992) -- score of 4

25 + 2*4 + 4*1 = 37

Song #3 (take your pick) -- score of 201 since nothing else ever charted

Final score 238

[Matthean]

Originally Posted by SteveMax58

Yeah, the scoring is a bit much on the cranium

Two songs in the top 100 with nothing else. Lowest score based on combined chart position. One could tweak the number for top ranking to top 40, or whatever, but it still is really straight forward to calculate.

[CrimsonFox]

I've always liked Talk Talk

It's My Life (1984) (superior version to Gwen Stefani's copy)
#31

11 - 31 = 0 + 0 = 0




Talk Talk (1982) - #75
#1 in South Africa
0 + 1 = 1


Such a Shame - #89
#1 Swiss
= 1

1 1 0

1 + 2*1 + 2*2 + 10*0 -12
= 7 - 12 = -5

what's interesting with this group is their highest ranking song did not have their highest score as the other songs scored #1 in other countries and it did not.

[rowech]

Originally Posted by Matthean

Two songs in the top 100 with nothing else. Lowest score based on combined chart position. One could tweak the number for top ranking to top 40, or whatever, but it still is really straight forward to calculate.

If all three songs have to be in the top 100...

Skid Row had:

18 and Life (1989) -- #4
I Remember You (1989) -- #6
Wasted Time (1991) -- #88 (Youth Gone Wild was #99)

[Shkspr]

Originally Posted by Suicane75

But yeah, Broken Wings and Kyrie were both top 10 singles I believe and then.....nothing.

Except for that pesky #8 hit, "Is It Love".

[CrimsonFox]

Originally Posted by Draft Dodger

Golden Earring was the first band I thought of.

awesome choice that would be:

"Twilight Zone" (1982) - #10 + #1 in Dutch
11-10 = 1 * 1 = 1 + 1 = 2
"Radar Love" (1973) - #13 + #1 in Germany and Spain
11-13 = 0 * 0 = 0 + 2 = 2
"When The Lady Smiles" (1984) - #76 + #1 Dutch
11-76 = 0 + 1 = 1

2 + 2*2 + 4*9 - 10*1 - 101-76
=
2+4+36-10-25
=
7
Damn Dutch...

The years between Rdar Love and Twilight Zone is probably the most we'll see really.

[CrimsonFox]

Thomas Dolby

She's Blinded Me With Science (1982) - #5 - #1 Canada
11-5 = 6 *6 = 36 + 1 = 37
Hyperactive (1984) - #62
11-62 = 0
Europa and the Pirate Twins (1983) - #67
11-67 = 0

37 + 2*0 + 4*2 - 0 - (101-67)
37 + 0 + 8 - 34 =

11

[CrimsonFox]

Originally Posted by Lathum

MC Hammer?

2 legit to quit and Hammertime?

Originally Posted by PilotMan

Nah, you forgot "Have You Seen Her" and "Pray."

So you've never heard of a little ditty called "Can't Touch This" ?

[cuervo72]

I'd offer up Power Station, but neither Some Like it Hot (6) nor Bang a Gong (Get it On) (9) reached the top 5. Communication (which I can't even remember) also too high at #34. They have virtually nothing else.

edit: Rose Royce not so bad - 1 for Car Wash, 10 for I Wanna Get Next To You, next highest is 39.

[cartman]

If a butterfly flaps its wings in Brazil, then a message board brings up Crowded House, and a band member then dies, does this prove Chaos Theory?

Crowded House drummer Peter Jones has died of brain cancer

[CrimsonFox]

Originally Posted by cuervo72

I'd offer up Power Station, but neither Some Like it Hot (6) nor Bang a Gong (Get it On) (9) reached the top 5. Communication (which I can't even remember) also too high at #34. They have virtually nothing else.

edit: Rose Royce not so bad - 1 for Car Wash, 10 for I Wanna Get Next To You, next highest is 39.

Power Station
11-6 = 5 -> 25
11-9 = 2 -> 4
0

25 + 2*4 + 0 - 0 - 101-34 = 25 + 8 - 67 = -35 ouch...

Rose Royce
11-1 = 10 + 1 -> 121
11-10 = 1 -> 1
0 (32)

121 + 2*1 + 1 - 0 - 69 = 124 - 69 = 53... really good score actually

[CrimsonFox]

Grateful Dead

"Touch of Grey" (1987) - #9 = 2
"Truckin" (1970) - #64 = 0
"Alabama Gateway" (1980) - #68 = 0

2 + 0 + 4*17 - 0 - 33
= 2+68-33 = 37

These longstanding no-hit groups may have something

[larrymcg421]

Fine Young Cannibals

She Drives Me Crazy (1989) #1 = 100 + 1 (AUS)
Good Thing (1909) #1 = 100
Don't Look Back #11 = 0


101
+
100*2
+
4*0
-
10*0
-
101-11


101
+
200
-
0
-
90
=
211

[CrimsonFox]

Originally Posted by Jughead Spock

I'm thinking Mr. Mister oughta be in here.

You'd think but after their 2 number ones, they had a #8

[CrimsonFox]

Originally Posted by CrimsonFox

So you've never heard of a little ditty called "Can't Touch This" ?

which reminds me...how about RIck James

You and I (78) - #13
Superfreak (81) - #16
17 (84) - #36

0 + 0 + 12 - 0 - 64 = -52
I'm Rick James, BITCH!

[Swaggs]

Someone with math skills do Vanilla Ice.

[CrimsonFox]

Originally Posted by Swaggs

Someone with math skills do Vanilla Ice.

My fingers refuse

[CrimsonFox]

Progrock time!

Yes
Owner Of A Lonely Heart (83) - 1 (1)= 101
Roundabout (71) - 13 = 0
Leave It (83) - 24 = 0

101 + 0 + 48 - 0 - 77 = 82!

Rush
New World Man (82) #21 (1)= 0+1 = 1
The Trees (78) #44 =0
Tom Sawyer (81) #44 =0

1 + 0 + 16 - 0 - 57 = -40

proving that if you sell out, you can do well on this chart

[Groundhog]

Originally Posted by M GO BLUE!!!

(On the US chart)

10cc

1975 - I'm Not in Love #2

1977 - The Things We Do for Love # 5

1977 - People in Love #40

(Although technically, in 1970 under the name "Hotlegs" they had a #22 song in Neanderthal Man.)

My match sucks + it won't win anyway...

Dreadlock Holiday didn't chart?

[larrymcg421]

A Taste of Honey

Boogie Oogie Oogie 1978 #1
Sukiyaki 1981 #3
I'll Try Something New #41

100
+
2*64=128
+
4*3=12
-
0
-
101-41=70
=
170




Whitesnake

Here I Go Again 1987 #1
Is This Love 1987 #2
The Deeper the Love #28

100
+
2*81=162
+
4*0=0
-
10*0=0
-
101-28=73
=
189




Bonnie Tyler

Total Eclipse of the Heart #1 1983 (#1 in 3 countries)
It's a Heartache #3 1977 (#1 in 3 countries)
Holding Out for a Hero #34

103
+
2*67 = 134
+
4*6=24
-
10*0=0
-
101-34=67
=
194

[CrimsonFox]

King Crimson

In the Court of the Crimson King(69) #80 = 0
0 + 0 + 0 - 0 - 0 = 0

[larrymcg421]

Deniece Williams

Too Much, Too Little, Too Late #1 1978
Let's Hear it For the Boy #1 1984 (1 other country)
It's Gonna take a Miracle #10

101
+
2*100 = 200
+
4*6 = 24
-
10*1 = 10
-
101-10 = 91
=
224

[CrimsonFox]

#1 on other US charts counts? huh. I didn't realize that!

[cuervo72]

Another scoring method might be to take points from Music VF, US & UK hits charts ••• Top Songs, Albums and Artists ; positive for the first two, negative for all following. I mean, a band like Yes may not have charted well on the overall charts, but had 3 #1s on the US Rock chart, and a ton of songs altogether.

[CrimsonFox]

Originally Posted by cuervo72

Another scoring method might be to take points from Music VF, US & UK hits charts ••• Top Songs, Albums and Artists ; positive for the first two, negative for all following. I mean, a band like Yes may not have charted well on the overall charts, but had 3 #1s on the US Rock chart, and a ton of songs altogether.

yeah Rush only charted well on rock charts too. Then there's the R&B and Dance and SOul charts for others groups... so many charts...

[Draft Dodger]

Neil Young could've been a contender here, but he had 2 hits in 72 before laying low chartwise until 93

apparently, Animotion had a 2nd hit song, which is completely news to me.

so you have Obession at #6 in 84 and Room to Move at #9 in 89.

[CrimsonFox]

oh yeah I remember Room to Move!

[Swaggs]

Terence Trent D'Arby with "Sign Your Name" and "Wishing Well."

Tracy Chapman with "Fast Car" and "Give Me One Reason."

Will to Power with "Baby, I Love Your Way" and "I'm Not in Love."

Simply Red with "Holding Back the Years" and "If You Don't Know Me By Now."

...and, this could be the winner: Sisquo with "The Thong Song" and "Incomplete."

[PineTar]

beaten to the punch. disregard.

[larrymcg421]

Originally Posted by Swaggs

Terence Trent D'Arby with "Sign Your Name" and "Wishing Well."

Tracy Chapman with "Fast Car" and "Give Me One Reason."

Will to Power with "Baby, I Love Your Way" and "I'm Not in Love."

Simply Red with "Holding Back the Years" and "If You Don't Know Me By Now."

...and, this could be the winner: Sisquo with "The Thong Song" and "Incomplete."

Simply Red looks like a winner...

If You Dont Know Me By Now #1 1989 (3 other countries)
Holding Back the Years #1 1986 (1 other country)
Something Got Me Started #23

103
+
2*101 = 202
+
4*3=12
-
10*0=0
-
101-23=78
=
239

[CrimsonFox]

Originally Posted by larrymcg421

Simply Red looks like a winner...

If You Dont Know Me By Now #1 1989 (3 other countries)
Holding Back the Years #1 1986 (1 other country)
Something Got Me Started #23

103
+
2*101 = 202
+
4*3=12
-
10*0=0
-
101-23=78
=
239

ugh that guy makes me vomit...

[CrimsonFox]

Pet Shop Boys
West End Girls 84 #1 (2) 102
What have I done to desrve this 87 #2 (1) 82
Always on my mind 87 #4 (5) 53

102 + 164 + 12 - 530 - 48 = 276 - 578 = -302

The Escape Club
(88) Wild Wild West 1 = 100
(91) I'll Be There 8 = 9
(88) Shake for the Sheik 28 = 0

100+18+12-0-73 = 130-73= 57


Thompson Twins
Hold Me Now 83 #3 (1)
Lay YOur Hands On Me 84 #6 (0)
King for a Day 85 #8 (0)

65 + 50 + 4 - 90 - 93 = 119 - 183 - -64

[CrimsonFox]

Madness

Our House 7
It Must Be Love 33
The Sun and the Rain 72

16 + 0 + 4 - 0 - 29 = -9


(sigh)

Oingo Boingo

Weird Science 45
Just Another Day 85

0+0+4-0-0 = 4

[CrimsonFox]

Rufus (Chaka Khan funk band)

74 Tell Me Something Good 3 (0)
75 Sweet Thing 5 (1)
75 Once You Get Started 10 (0)

64 + 74 + 4 - 10 - 91 = 142 - 101 = 41

Chaka Khan solo

84 I Feel for You 3 (3)
78 I'm Every Woman 21 (1)
81 Whatcha Gonna Do for Me 53 (1)

67 + 2 + 24 - 0 - 48 = 93 - 48 = 45

Close race!

[thealmighty]

Forgive my foolish query, but how can this be about the "Ultimate" two-hit wonder when many of the nominees have the third song charting in the top 40 or 50?

[cthomer5000]

Felt pretty good about The Motels (Suddenly Last Summer, Only The Lonely)... but 9, 9, 21 look like pretty weak numbers for this.

[larrymcg421]

It's going to take two #1's to win, or a 1, 2, and a very very low 3rd song.

Even Extreme with a 1, 4, and 95 only comes to 192 pts.

[cthomer5000]

Originally Posted by thealmighty

Forgive my foolish query, but how can this be about the "Ultimate" two-hit wonder when many of the nominees have the third song charting in the top 40 or 50?

Yeah, to me this is a big issue. I haven't looked at the math too closely, but i think artists should be getting heavily punished the farther up the chart song #3 goes. Exponentially so.

[cthomer5000]

The problem is the fact that airplay is factored heavily into the Billboard Hot 100. It's almost impossible to find a band that could have had 2 big hits that radio wouldn't then take a chance on repeatedly afterwards.

[cthomer5000]

Sublime are the first hunch of mine to only have 2 charting songs. 29, 43, and nothing else.

[larrymcg421]

Originally Posted by cthomer5000

Yeah, to me this is a big issue. I haven't looked at the math too closely, but i think artists should be getting heavily punished the farther up the chart song #3 goes. Exponentially so.

The problem is more the wide gaps in the top few spots. I think the doubling of the 2nd song is too much.

[larrymcg421]

Originally Posted by cthomer5000

The problem is the fact that airplay is factored heavily into the Billboard Hot 100. It's almost impossible to find a band that could have had 2 big hits that radio wouldn't then take a chance on repeatedly afterwards.

Well I think Extreme is the best example with a #1, #4, and #95.

And if we get rid of doubling the score for the 2nd song, then they have the highest score.

[cthomer5000]

Originally Posted by larrymcg421

Well I think Extreme is the best example with a #1, #4, and #95.

And if we get rid of doubling the score for the 2nd song, then they have the highest score.

Yeah that looks about perfect to me. Two genuine hits, something that only cracked the charts because of follow-up airplay, then nothing.

[DanGarion]

There are sure a lot of 3 hit wonders I can think of...

[CrimsonFox]

Men at Work 1 1 3 6 28 and then nothing