Song Name
|
Artist
|
Release Year
|
Hint
|
Wipe Out
|
Surfaris
|
1963
|
This instrumental surf rock hit may be the most recognizable song of the genre.
|
In the Year 2525
|
Zager and Evans
|
1969
|
This cautionary tale describes humanity's future in one-thousand-year snapshots.
|
In the Summertime
|
Mungo Jerry
|
1970
|
This carefree skiffle hit eventually sold 30 million copies.
|
My Sharona
|
The Knack
|
1979
|
This love song was allegedly written in just fifteen minutes about the lead singer's girlfriend.
|
Video Killed the Radio Star
|
The Buggles
|
1979
|
This synth-pop hit heralding the popularity of television was the first music video played on MTV.
|
Whip It
|
Devo
|
1980
|
This new wave song, supposedly about American optimism, was one of the most unexpected smash hits of the 1980s.
|
Come on Eileen
|
Dexys Midnight Runners
|
1982
|
This jaunty tune about escaping a quiet town contains Celtic folk influences.
|
It's Raining Men
|
The Weather Girls
|
1982
|
This disco-inspired hit was originally offered to Donna Summers, who turned it down.
|
99 Luftballons
|
Nena
|
1983
|
This German-language new wave hit is actually about nuclear war.
|
Take On Me
|
a-ha
|
1984
|
This catchy love song is perhaps better known for its sketchy animated music video.
|
Don't Worry, Be Happy
|
Bobby McFerrin
|
1988
|
This feel-good smash hit gains its title from an Indian guru's personal mantra.
|
Just a Friend
|
Biz Markie
|
1989
|
This rap song is the story of a man trying to uncover his girlfriend's infidelity.
|
Ice Ice Baby
|
Vanilla Ice
|
1990
|
Vanilla Ice wrote his only number one hit when he was sixteen.
|
Macarena
|
Los Del Rio
|
1993
|
This famously catchy dance hit is actually about a woman cheating on her boyfriend in the military.
|
Barbie Girl
|
Aqua
|
1997
|
This cheery Scandinavian pop tune led to a lawsuit by toy company Mattel.
|
Closing Time
|
Semisonic
|
1998
|
This enduring rock song is about the transition between two periods of life (or about being born).
|
Teenage Dirtbag
|
Wheatus
|
2000
|
This song about unrequited high school love is also a protest against musical censorship.
|
Who Let the Dogs Out
|
Baha Men
|
2000
|
This enduring party anthem wants to know the identity of whoever released the canids.
|
Smooth Criminal
|
Alien Ant Farm
|
2001
|
This nu-metal track is a rendition of a Michael Jackson hit from 1988.
|
You're Beautiful
|
James Blunt
|
2005
|
This deceptively dark song was inspired by a meeting with Blunt's ex-girlfriend on the subway.
|
Somebody That I Used to Know
|
Gotye feat. Kimbra
|
2011
|
This duet has a music video consisting of a naked Gotye being painted into a wall.
|