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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Sean Murphy

Remember these? A look back at Scotland's best one-hit wonders

Scotland has produced some incredible bands and singers over the years from performers like Lulu, Simple Minds and Average White band through to Biffy Clyro, Travis and Frightened Rabbit.

But what about those acts that hit the headlines then promptly disappear from the limelight?

From 'Mary's Prayer' by Danny Wilson to Alabama Tree's 'Woke Up This Morning', here are some of the most recognisable Scottish one hit wonders.

Mary's Prayer by Danny Wilson (1987)

This breezy summer tune, with its soaring chorus, was the biggest hit for Danny Wilson, a Scottish pop group formed in Dundee in the late 1980s.

Though it was their only big success in the charts - even going on to feature in the Ben Stiller film There's Something About Mary - it served to launch the career of songwriter Gary Clark, who would go on to write a string of big hits for the likes of Demi Lovato, The Wanted and McFly.

'Inside' by Stiltskin (1994)

Topping the charts in 1994, Inside by Rock group Stiltskin is one of the heavier entries on this list, with its punchy guitar riffs and raw chorus.

Written by multi-instrumentalist/songwriter Peter Lawlor - who reportedly played every instrument used for the song, Inside found fame as the track for the now famous Levi's advert 'Creek' and as the soundtrack to Sky Sports Scottish Football coverage in early 2000s.

'Feels Like Heaven' By Fiction Factory (1984)

This new wave classic was the instantly recognisable song by Perth post punk pop band (try saying that with a mouth full) Fiction Factory, who found success in central Europe and Scandinavia with this, their only big hit.

Hugely popular for its opening piano riff and haunting lyrics, it was eventually covered by the Manic Street Preachers for their Everything Must Go 20th anniversary tour.

Woke Up This Morning by Alabama Three  (1997)

The theme tune to arguably one of the best TV shows ever made in the Sopranos, Alabama Three's song Woke Up This Morning has scored the band a huge hit without them even having to put a dent on the actual charts.

Tragically, Possil-born founder Jake Black - aka The Very Reverend Dr D Wayne Love - passed away last year. 

'Smile' by The Supernaturals (1997)

Though Glasgow-based Indie rock quintet The Supernaturals did try to tackle the charts on more than one occasion it was  'Smile' that left the longest impression and became their single biggest hit.

Utterly catchy, it became the theme song for a string of advertising campaigns and has since featured in multiple well known TV shows.

Colourblind by Darius Campbell-Danesh  (2002)

Glasgow-born Darius found fame talent competitions Popstars and Pop Idols before later refusing to sign with Simon Cowell.

He released this pop classic before going on to a new career in opera and starring in musicals in London's West End.

'Into the Valley' by The Skids (1979)

This punk classic was the most famous song released by Dunfermline band The Skids.

The gritty but rousing punk anthem hit the heights at number 10 in the charts. 

'Japanese Boy' by Aneka (1981)

'He said that he loved me never would go, oh oh, oh oh.'

This pop classic (and no.1 hit) is a heady hit of nostalgia and lost love, with Scottish singer Aneka, real name Mary Sandeman, dressed in a Japanese Kimono and singing to music that was distinctly influenced by the Land of the Rising Sun

'Girl Like You' by Edwyn Collins (1995)

Ex-Orange Juice singer and Dundee native Edwyn Collins is an industry veteran who struggled to get his solo career going before hitting the big time in the mid-90s with this monster of a hit.

It's since been used in everything from adverts to the cult film Empire Records.

Ebeneezer Goode by The Shamen (1992)

Founded in Aberdeen, The Shamen went through many iterations before finding fame with their 90s Dance blockbuster Ebeneezer Goode.

The controversial no.1 song, which was reportedly banned by the BBC, starred shock comedian and magician Jerry Sadowitz as the man himself.

Honourable mentions

Stealer's Wheel 'Stuck in the Middle with You' was a huge hit when it was released by Paisley natives Joe Egan and Gerry Rafferty and was even used in a famous scene in the film Reservoir Dogs.

'Magic' by Pilot would have made the list were it not for the fact, the Edinburgh band then had a no.1 follow up that no one remembers called January.

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