10 One Hit Wonders Of The 2000's

I don't know what to call that decade. I refuse to say The Oughts as some of come to do. The zeroes? The tens? The 00's? I don't think there is a term for them that rolls off the tongue easily. So i'll say it like this: Here's 10 One Hit Wonders from 2000-2009.

1. "I Believe In A Thing Called Love" - The Darkness

It was impossible to ignore this song when it came out. Whether you connected with their Hair-Metal throwback motif or not the song was catchy and would stick to your psyche. Admit it. While The Darkness were moderately successful in the UK, "I Believe In A Thing Called Love" was the only song that caught on here in North America and since then the band has had a less than stable existence. Though I heard they reformed earlier this year...time will tell I suppose.

2. "Angels On The Moon" - Thriving Ivory

This song was written in the wake of 9/11 but it wasn't released until Thriving Ivory's self-titled major label debut in 2008. It's one of those songs that was used in countless moody scenes in dramatic TV shows, so it's lifespan has been definitely prolonged.

3. "Jerk It Out" - Caesars

Caesars are a band from Sweden who's only claim to fame outside of their native country is the infectious and habit forming groove "Jerk It Out". It rose to fame after being featured in an iPod commercial. Such a medium has also helped other foreign bands break through in North America, like Jet and The Fratellis.

4. "Since I Left You" - The Avalanches

This one just slips in under the wire. The Avalanches were an Australian electro-pop group known for creating songs out of countless samples and hooks from other songs. Their debut album of the same name was written and recorded in the late 90's and into early 2000 and was finally released in November of that year. The song "Since I Left You" is a masterpiece. Stitched together from songs by artists like Main Attraction, The Duprees and Tony Mottola. It's a dream-like song that can stop the listener in their tracks and takes them to a place in their mind long forgotten and missed. The Avalanches second album has been in the works since 2005, here's hoping lightning can strike twice. The video for this is great too.

5. "Move Your Feet" - Junior Senior

"Move Your Feet" is the best known song by Danish pop duo Junior Senior. It's notoriety has perhaps helped along by it's animated music video that consists of pixelated animation that resembles something out of MS Paint.  The members of Junior Senior split in 2008 to pursue solo projects, leaving "Move Your Feet" as the pair's nadir.

6. "Finding Out True Love Is Blind" - Louis XIV

Louis XIV formed in 2003 in San Diego, California and are best known for their garage rock single "Finding Out True Love Is Blind". The single had all the sexual innuendos and suggestive lyrics the band became known for and eventually banned from the state of Alabama for. The band broke up in 2008. No more carrot juice!

7. "Wherever You Will Go" - The Calling

Ahhh The Calling...this one takes me back. I never know what to think about these guys. It seems like they got caught between the two decades and were never given a fair shot. Some felt they were a boy-band with instruments, others lumped them in with the likes of Creed and that's the kiss of death right there. "Wherever You Will Go" was their first and biggest hit coming out in early 2001. After which The Calling had a few line up changes and decided to call it quits in 2005.

8.  "Almost Lover" - A Fine Frenzy

Perhaps it's too early to call this young lady a one hit wonder. It can be taken as an insult to most artists after all. A Fine Frenzy dropped "Almost Lover" on us in 2007 and hasn't had a notable song in North America since. Some of her songs have gotten airplay internationally, but definitely not anything to write home about. I'll include her, but still have hopes to hear more greatness from Alison Sudol (real name) in the future. There's just something about a girl and a piano.

9. "Shut Your Mouth" - Pain

Another international entrant on the list. Pain are from Sweden and are known for their fusion of heavy metal and techno. "Shut Your Mouth" was their cross over the ocean hit. Short, bitter and to the point. Catchy from the get go and full of energy which is exactly what one would expect from a Swedish metal band. Some funny stuff going on in the video too.

10. "House Of Jealous Lovers" - The Rapture

I don't get how a song can be released and not get noticed, then a year later it's re-released and it's a huge hit. That's what happened with "House Of Jealous Lovers" by The Rapture. First came out in 2002 to no one's excitement and then got noticed a year later. OK, maybe calling this a huge hit is a stretch but it's a fantastic song, brimming with New York underground energy. It's a catchy song, but interesting at the same time. Rock music that you can dance to, how long has it been since you've heard someone say that?

Thanks again!!

Look for a big list coming up soon!!
JZ