Remembering the one-hit wonders of the 2000s

WBUR | By Here & Now Newsroom

Published August 1, 2025 at 11:54 AM EDT

Click here for the original audio.

Rolling Stone put out its ranking of the top 50 one-hit wonders from the 2000s in June, and some of the songs might surprise you. We revisit host Asma Khalid’s walk down memory lane with one of the folks behind the list: Maura Johnston, a freelance writer and instructor at Boston College.

This article was originally published on WBUR.org.

Related Content

A young rock duo from Ukraine gets a boost from Metallica, and a very special concert

Hanna Palamarenko

Two tween brothers in western Ukraine known for their hard-rock guitar performances in viral videos reposted by Metallica play their first solo show for a special audience.
Chappell Roan's thick-skinned 'The Subway' captures a survivalist New York mood

Hazel Cills

Her latest single has a new sound (wistful '90s acoustic pop), and a new vibe (toughing out whatever NYC public transportation throws at you, from rats to trash to unexpected encounters with your ex).
All-women trio La Perla drops festive and socially conscious rhythms

The music of the all-women trio La Perla from Bogotá, Colombia, is focused on a handful of rhythms from the Caribbean coast.
Tyler, the Creator's surprise album tops the charts.

Rodney Carmichael

Don't Tap the Glass is a bit of a left turn: a hyperkinetic, summertime LP with an urgent appeal to move the masses.
John Lennon's 'Mind Games' garners a Grammy for his son Sean

Here & Now Newsroom

Sean Ono Lennon won his first Grammy award for Best Boxed Set or Limited Edition Package with his new edition of "Mind Games," his late father John Lennon's 1973 album.

You make NHPR possible.

NHPR is nonprofit and independent. We rely on readers like you to support the local, national, and international coverage on this website. Your support makes this news available to everyone.

Give today. A monthly donation of $5 makes a real difference.