The week ending October 31, 1987, Australian synth-pop group Wa Wa Nee earned US #OneHitWonder honors when their funky, new wave-ish single “Sugar Free” entered the US #Billboard #Top40 at #39. It spent three weeks on the chart, peaking at #35. #WaWaNee #OneHitWondered #MusicSky

The group released their second album, Blush, in 1989. While it delivered hits at home like "Can't Control Myself," they disbanded later that year. Frontman Paul Gray went on to become a successful producer/songwriter until his passing in 2018. #WaWaNee #OneHitWondered

Wa Wa Nee’s 2nd single off their debut album, "I Could Make You Love Me," was a #5 hit in Australia… but failed to chart in the US. #WaWaNee #OneHitWondered #MusicSky

In the mid-to-late-’80s US synth-pop explosion, Aussie group Wa Wa Nee brought a slick mix of funk-driven basslines & high-energy new wave pop to America, briefly making their mark on the US #Top40 chart. #WaWaNee #OneHitWondered

Their breakthrough moment in America came with "Sugar Free," the 3rd single released off their debut album. Driven by an infectious bass synth line & catchy hooks, it peaked at #10 at home… before catching the attention of US pop radio. #WaWaNee #OneHitWondered #MusicSky

Aussie #SynthPop band #WaWaNee was huge in their native homeland but failed to find a worldwide audience. In 2012 they opened for #RickAstley on the Australian leg of his tour- Starckers loved their 1986 single “Sugar Free”
which critic #TadWhitmer called “a perfect pop song”

youtu.be/IeEAkQYJbgU

#Interestingly Wa Wa Nee’s 1986 debut single, “Stimulation” was a #2 hit in Australia… and even touched the US Billboard Hot 100, topping out at #86. Peak Aussie chart flex for a first single, but not much in America. #WaWaNee #OneHitWondered

#OneHitHistory The week ending October 31, 1987, Aussie synth-pop/funk group Wa Wa Nee earned US #OneHitWonder honors when their “Sugar Free” entered the US #Billboard #Top40 at #39. The single spent 3 weeks on the chart, peaking at #35. #WaWaNee #OneHitWondered

Wonderland Burlesque's
Down The Rabbit Hole:
Wa Wa Nee

wonderlandburlesque.blogspot.com/2025/02/wond...

Today, we take a look at New Zealand's Wa Wa Nee and their Prince-inspired pop!

#WaWaNee #Prince #NewZealand #PopMusic #MusicHistory #WonderlandBurlesque #gayblog #gay