The ’90s era of music produced some of the best sounds from every single genre. Bands like Alice in Chains and Nirvana were defining Seattle grunge, Shania Twain and Tim McGraw were propping up a golden era of country, and even classic rock giants like Yes and Metallica redefined their sound during this era. But one thing the ’90s were particularly good for was creating one-hit wonders that have remained earworms since debuting decades ago. And according to Collider, the era produced the best rock one-hit wonder in history.
Recently, the outlet named alternative rock band Blind Melon‘s “No Rain” the best one-hit wonder of all time, beating out some solid picks. Classics like “867-5309/Jenny” by Tommy Tutone (No. 2), “My Sharona” by The Knack (No. 5), and even the rock banger “All Right Now” by Free (No. 10) all took a back seat to the beloved ’90s tune.
Related: 1991 Pearl Jam Song, With Zero Chart History, Ranked Among Best Grunge Songs of All Time
The Story Behind Blind Melon’s ‘No Rain’
The history behind the cheery yet dismal one-hit wonder has fittingly complicated roots. According to Songfacts, Blind Melon bassist Brad Smith wrote the song before the band even formed. It was apparently inspired by a girlfriend who suffered from depression, who often complained on days when there was “no rain.” While he admits he thought he was writing the song from her perspective, he acknowledges that it was also about himself.
“The song is about not being able to get out of bed and find excuses to face the day when you have really, in a way, nothing,” he told the outlet.
While the song lives on in perpetuity, the track’s music video was perhaps equally iconic. In it, a little girl dons a bee costume for a school talent show and tap dances, only to be mercilessly mocked by the judges. Viewers immediately fell in love with her, making “The Bee Girl” one of the most recognizable faces of the era. Honestly, had she been around when social media was prevalent, she undoubtedly would have gone instantly viral.
The true tragedy behind this one-hit wonder is the story of what happened to the band’s lead singer, Shannon Hoon. Just two years after their major single success, and only two months after their second album, Soup, was released, Hoon died of a cocaine overdose at the young age of 28.
While the song is undeniably a quintessential ’90s tune, do you think it deserved the top spot? Tell us in the comments below!
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