One Hit Wonder Lyrics By Year: 1980-1989 Multiple Choice Quiz | Music

Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. 1980: Although a very popular singer on the Canadian charts, Bruce Cockburn has only had one major hit on the Billboard charts. According to the lyrics from his popular hit song "Wondering Where the Lions Are", what is being thought about? "Sun's up, uuh huh, looks okay the world survives into another day and I'm thinking about ______________ some kind of ecstasy got a hold on me.

Answer: eternity

In Canada, Bruce Cockburn would have multiple hits, however, in the United States, he would only have one song reach the top 40. Much of his music is in the style of folk and jazz. His lyrics often incorporate Christian values, as well as environmental and humanitarian messages.

In 1980, "Wondering Where the Lions Are" from his album "Dancing in the Dragon's Jaws" peaked at #21. Shockingly enough, this hit song would give him an appearance on the comedy television show "Saturday Night Live".

2. 1981: In 1999, the music world suffered a tragic loss when Grover Washington Jr. suddenly passed away from a massive heart attack. He is considered by many to be a founder of the music genre "smooth jazz". He was quite successful on the R&B charts, however, was only able to reach the Billboard top 40 once. His hit song "Just the Two of Us" was performed with the ever popular Bill Withers. How should the popular chorus to this song be completed? "Just the two of us, we can make it if we try Just the two of us, just the two of us Building ________________ in the sky Just the two of us, you and I"

Answer: castles

Sadly, Washington Jr. had a massive heart attack in 1999 after a recording session for "The Early Show". "Just the Two of Us" went to #2 on the Billboard charts in 1981. During the 1982 Grammy Awards, Washington Jr. was given the award for Best R&B Song and for Best Jazz Fusion Performance.

As a result of his unique style and blend of musical talent, Washington Jr. leaves behind a strong legacy.

3. 1982: The early 1980s were filled with bands that claimed to be part of a genre known as New Wave. The one hit wonder band Haircut 100 was no exception. In August, 1982, their song "Love Plus One" peaked on the Billboard charts. What is the correct way to complete these lyrics? "Give ____________ some soul If I may be quite so bold Where does it go from here? Is it down to the lake I fear?"

Answer: love

Formed in England in 1980, Haircut 100 would record two albums between 1980 and 1984. Their first album "Pelican West" would produce their only U.S. Billboard song "Love Plus One" and peaked at #37. Two other songs from this album "Fantastic Day" and "Nobody's Fool" peaked in Britain, however, had very limited success in the United States.

In 1984, Haircut 100, recorded their album "Paint and Paint", however, this album was unsuccessful and would not even peak in Britain.

4. 1983: Although better known for her works in the popular Swedish band ABBA, singer Anni-Frid Lyngstad, recorded her own solo album "Something's Going On" under the name Frida. "I Know There's Something Going On" peaked at #13 on the Billboard charts. According to the lyrics, it won't be long until which event will occur? "I know there's something going on I know there's something going on I know it won't be long Won't be long before _____________"

Answer: you're gone

"I Know There's Something Going On" was the main single from her first album after going solo from ABBA during an "unofficial" break. The song includes backing drums, vocals, and guitars from music legends Phil Collins and Daryl Stuermer. This song has been documented on many television programs and has also been the best selling solo album of any former member from ABBA.

5. 1984: The Jump N' The Saddle Band are best known for producing the novelty smash hit "The Curly Shuffle". This hit went to #15 in January of 1984. The song was to pay homage to the Three Stooges. What characters would appropriately finish the lyrics? "Well, me and my friends love Curly and Moe We love Curly's brother, _______ and his fat clone, _______ It's such a delight to boogie and hustle Dancing all night doing the Curly shuffle"

Answer: Shemp, Joe

"The Curly Shuffle" is a catchy novelty swing song that was meant to mimic the comedic catch phrases of Curly Howard. In Canada, the song has been a success among other bands as well including The Knuckleheads. The band itself was founded and owned by Dave Roberts who subsequently became famous for writing Jerry Jeff Walker's hit song "Leavin' Texas".

6. 1985: Jojo, Candi, Maxi, and Cheri were the members of the one hit wonder band Mary Jane Girls. They were seen as the female version of Rick James. In 1985, they would release an R&B dance classic called "In My House". According to the lyrics, what kind of attention are the girls willing to devote to their man? "So when you need ______________ And it's me baby that you miss Here's the key to unlock the door To my house (to my house)"

Answer: some love and tenderness

"In My House" peaked at #7 on the Billboard Top 40 and at #1 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play in June of 1985. This would be the only mainstream success the band would have on the Billboard charts. They would be successful on the R&B and Dance charts with follow up hits "Break It Up" and "Wild and Crazy Love", however, neither of these would crack the top 40 on the Billboard charts.

7. 1986: The Blow Monkey's peaked at #14 in August of 1986 with their only hit song "Digging Your Scene". They formed in 1982 as a new wave band, but became more commercially successful after slowly changing their style to rock and jazz. In the opening lyrics to their hit song, what was it that the receiver received? "I just got Your ___________ baby So sad to see You fade away"

Answer: message

"Blowing Your Scene" was recorded for awareness in the negativity towards the gay population and the AIDS epidemic. The song received positive feedback and the album "Animal Magic" would go all the way to #21 on the British Albums Chart. Following their hit, The Blow Monkeys would have very little success outside of the UK.

They would go on to record three more albums before disbanding in 1990. After a hiatus of nearly 20 years, The Blow Monkeys reunited in 2007 to go on tour and record the album "Devil's Tavern" which was solely funded by "pre-ordering" by fans.

8. 1987: Actor Bruce Willis released the album "The Return of Bruno" in 1987. The entire album (with the exception of one song) were all cover songs. The song "Respect Yourself" was originally released by The Staple Singers in 1971 and peaked at #12 on the Billboard Charts. Bruce Willis' cover of this same tune peaked at #5. What rude act is being done according to the lyrics? "You _________ around women folk You don't even know their name Then you're dumb enough to think That it makes you a big ol' man"

Answer: cuss

"The Return of Bruno" was the debut album of Bruce Willis. "Respect Yourself" was a commercial success in both the US and in the UK. The songs were recorded with backing vocals by various mainstream artists including Booker T. Jones and The Temptations. The song peaked very high on the Billboard charts and the actual album itself peaked at #14 on the Billboard 200.

9. 1988: R&B group The Deele had a #10 hit on the Billboard charts called "Two Occasions" in May, 1988. The song was written for the album "Eyes of a Stranger" and written by Babyface, Darnell Bristol, and Sid Johnson. According to the lyrics of this popular song, what season should complete the blank? "A ___________ love is cozy But I need so much more It just intensifies my wants To have a love that endures"

Answer: winter

"Two Occasions" was one of only two singles released from the album "Eyes of a Stranger". The other was entitled "Shoot Em Up Movies". "Two Occasions" peaked at #10 on the Billboard Top 40 on May 21, 1988. "Two Occasions" is the only song on an album of nine tracks that features Babyface as the lead vocalist. All other songs had limited success.

After leaving The Deele, Babyface would go on to have success as a writer for popular musicians Paula Abdul, Karyn White, Pebbles, and Bobby Brown. Babyface has also had his own commercial success releasing nine solo albums between 1986 and 2007.

10. 1989: Canadian synthpop band Kon Kan released their one and only hit single "I Beg Your Pardon" peaking at #15 on the U.S. Billboard charts and #19 on the Canadian charts. The song sampled some of the music from Lynn Anderson's 1971 hit "I Beg Your Pardon (I Never Promised You A Rose Garden)". How should the lyrics to this Canadian classic be completed? "Smile for a while and let's be jolly Love shouldn't be so _______________ Come along and share the good times while we can"

Answer: melancholy

Kon Kan used samples for a variety of their songs on their debut album "Move to Move" in 1989. Some critics argue that as a result of this, they had limited success due to their lack of originality. Kon Kan released two more albums, "Syntonic" in 1990, and "Vida" in 1993, however, neither had much success. Lead singer Barry Harris was successful in a solo DJ'ing career and has worked in collaboration with Chris Cox to form the popular production team known as Thunderpuss. Together, they have successfully produced a variety of dance selections for popular musicians Madonna, Britney Spears, Whitney Houston, and many others.

Source: Author apathy100

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor Dalgleish before going online.
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One Hit Wonder Lyrics By Year: 1980-1989 Quiz

In this eleventh quiz in my series, we will look at ten one hit wonder bands that did not make the original cut of 80s quizzes. How well do you know the lyrics of these popular one hit wonders?

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