Last Updated on May 2, 2025 by Matt Staff
The 1990s brought us a wildly diverse music scene. Music like grunge, alt-rock, hip-hop, and the early days of pop’s new era brought the music world to life. Tucked between the multi-platinum megastars were the one-hit wonders: bands that seemed to appear out of nowhere, drop a chart-topping song, and then quietly disappear. Even if their names didn’t stick, their songs became part of the decade’s soundtrack. Blaring from radios, featured in teen movies, and still popping up on throwback playlists today.
We’re tracking down what happened after the spotlight faded. Some kept making music, others changed careers entirely, and a few simply vanished. Whether their moment came through a quirky anthem, a heartfelt ballad, or a genre-defining hit, these bands left their mark. Here are 17 one-hit wonder bands from the ’90s and where they ended up.
1. Aqua – Barbie Girl (1997)
Aqua rose to international fame with their cheeky pop anthem “Barbie Girl.” After parting ways in 2001, the group reunited several years later and put out “Megalomania” in 2011. They’ve performed intermittently since then.
2. Chumbawamba – Tubthumping (1997)
This British band made waves with their rebellious energy and sing-along song. They officially broke up in 2012 after three decades, during which they tackled activism through music. Some members have since turned their attention to theater and community projects.
3. Len – Steal My Sunshine (1999)
Len captured a breezy, late-summer vibe with their only big hit. Although they released more music into the early 2000s, they faded from the mainstream. Brendan Canning went on to find success with a Canadian indie collective called Broken Social Scene.
4. Semisonic – Closing Time (1998)
“Closing Time” became a defining song of the late ’90s, even earning a spot in pop culture lore. Semisonic stopped releasing new music after 2001, though frontman Dan Wilson carved out a major songwriting career. He’s penned hits for artists like Adele and Taylor Swift.
5. Blind Melon – No Rain (1993)
This alternative band’s most iconic moment came with their whimsical video and bittersweet single. After lead singer Shannon Hoon died in 1995, the group paused before reforming with a new vocalist. They still tour and occasionally release new material.
6. Meredith Brooks – B***** (1997)
Meredith Brooks had a breakout moment with her defiant single. After her mainstream moment passed, she pivoted to behind-the-scenes work. She even recorded a children’s album and produced for other artists.
7. Snow – Informer (1992)
Snow brought Jamaican-style dancehall into the ’90s pop charts with his rapid-fire delivery. While later releases didn’t replicate that success, he stayed active in the Canadian music scene. He’s also been involved in charity work supporting affordable housing.
8. Jimmy Ray – Are You Jimmy Ray? (1998)
This British pop-rocker had a catchy tune that made him a brief stateside sensation. He opened for the Backstreet Boys and then stepped out of the spotlight. In recent years, he’s focused on producing and writing for others.
9. OMC – How Bizarre (1996)
OMC scored a global hit with their quirky, genre-blending track. The group struggled to follow it up, and frontman Pauly Fuemana sadly passed away in 2010. His legacy lives on in one of the most distinctive songs of the decade.
10. New Radicals – You Get What You Give (1998)
This uplifting anthem made the New Radicals a one-album wonder. The band disbanded shortly after their debut, with frontman Gregg Alexander stepping away. He’s since written chart-topping songs for a range of other artists.
11. B*Witched – C’est La Vie (1998)
This Irish girl group had a bubbly, denim-filled moment in the spotlight. After their split in the early 2000s, they reformed for a nostalgia tour in 2012. They’ve released new material and reconnected with longtime fans.
12. Lou Bega – Mambo No. 5 (1999)
Lou Bega brought mambo and swing back into the mainstream with his playful track. Though he never had another global hit, he’s continued performing and recording. His later work blends retro influences with modern pop.
13. Sir Mix-a-Lot – Baby Got Back (1992)
Sir Mix-a-Lot turned heads with this ode to women, a song that became a cultural touchstone. He’s remained active in the entertainment world through music and media. He’s also started appearing on podcasts.
14. 4 Non Blondes – What’s Up? (1993)
“What’s Up?” became an anthem of ’90s angst and empowerment. The band split not long after their first album, but lead singer Linda Perry found a second act behind the scenes. She became one of pop music’s most prolific writers and producers.
15. The Verve Pipe – The Freshmen (1997)
Their heartfelt ballad struck a chord with college radio listeners and remains their best-known track. While the band never replicated that success, they’ve stayed together. They released a new album in 2014 and continue to tour.
16. The Cranberries – Linger (1993)
Though better known in the alternative rock scene, “Linger” brought them mainstream attention. The Cranberries continued releasing albums until Dolores O’Riordan’s death in 2018. They disbanded the following year, leaving a lasting legacy.
17. Eagle-Eye Cherry – Save Tonight (1997)
Eagle-Eye Cherry made a huge impact with his smooth, acoustic-driven hit “Save Tonight.” Despite releasing other albums, he never duplicated that chart success. He has continued making music and touring, especially in Europe.
Craving more ’90s nostalgia?
Flip through 90 Pics That Totally Sum Up the ’90s, uncover the hidden meanings in 19 Popular Songs That Are Way Darker Than People Realize, and test your trivia chops with 11 Songs With Lyrics That Are Literally Nonsense.
