4 One-Hit Wonders From the 1990s That Would Dominate the Charts Today

Bash on one-hit wonders all you want, but one thing you can’t argue with is the catchiness of them. After all, they didn’t grace the charts because they were some epic and beautiful piece of music. No, they graced the charts because they were catchy pop singles that could make even an 80-year-old with arthritis get up and dance.

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Catchy songs are catchy songs, and that will seemingly always remain catchy. That being said, here are four one-hit wonders from the 90s that would dominate the charts today.

“Bittersweet Symphony” by The Verve

The Verve‘s 1997 single, “Bittersweet Symphony”, is often considered to be one of the most iconic songs of the 90s. However, and unfortunately, it was the band’s only major hit. Following the single’s release, it peaked at no. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 and at no. 2 on the UK Charts.

This song might have been released nearly 30 years ago, but it still gets significant streams and listening time. Hence, it could likely still dominate the charts in 2025. Also, the sound of the song is timeless, and its catchiness will surely never grow old.

“What’s Up” by 4 Non Blondes

The 90s saw a lot of one-hit wonders, and the 4 Non Blondes are certainly one of the more notable ones thanks to their single, “What’s Up”. Released in 1993, “What’s Up” never actually reached no. 1 on any major American charts, but it did peak at no. 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became an instant classic of the 90s.

Given the single’s consistent notoriety, it’s fair to assume that it would perform fairly well on the charts today. Furthermore, the main facet that would surely cement this single as a 2025 chart contender is the chorus. The chorus is unforgettable, and to this day, when Linda Perry starts screaming, everyone knows what song is playing.

“You Get What You Give” by New Radicals

If you haven’t heard the New Radicals‘ single, “You Get What You Give”, through your earbuds, you’ve certainly heard it on the soundtrack of some film. It is a quintessential 90s pop-rock anthem, which is why it peaked at no. 36 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a widely popular, commercial, one-hit wonder success.

Thanks to its contagious positivity and uplifting melody, this song would surely dominate the charts if it were released today. In other words, it is very conducive to repeat plays. Hence, its listening numbers would possibly go through the roof.

“B*tch” by Meredith Brooks

This one might be a hot take given just how heavy it leans into the prototypical 90s sound, but Meredith Brooks‘ 1997 hit, “B*tch”, is one of the most notable songs of the decade. Following its release, the single peaked at no. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and garnered her two Grammy nominations.

Like most of these singles, Brooks’ song likely would grace the charts in the present day, given that it has all of the qualities of a prototypical pop anthem. It’s bubbly, lighthearted, and catchy, nearly to a fault. Though when it comes to chart domination, catchy is good, because catchy means success. And this song is, well, catchy.

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