In the first edition of 1 Hit WONDERful (2025), we highlight “Pop Muzik” performed by M, Robin Scott’s new wave /synthpop project.
It only takes ONE hit to solidify a musical legacy 💯! On 1 Hit WONDERful, we highlight songs that were the SOLE hit by a given musician. It is possible that the artists appearing on this list earned a minor hit or two, BUT for the most part, that ONE hit earned them recognition. So, in the first edition of 1 Hit WONDERful (2025), we dive into “Pop Muzik” the one-hit wonder by M.
“Radio, video / Boogie with a suitcase / You’re living in a disco / Forget about the rat race.” Ooh, wee! Indeed, M (Robin Scott)! “Everybody made it /… Infiltrate it /… Activate it.” “Pop Muzik” earned Scott a number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in November 1979. The 12-inch version commences the new wave/ synth-pop project’s 1979 album, New York, London, Paris, Munich. “Pop Muzik” would be the sole charting single for M on the pop charts making Scott a one-hit-wonder. The good news is that M’s sole hit is wonderful!
“New York, London, Paris Munich
Everybody talk about pop muzik
Talk about pop muzik
Talk about pop muzik
Pop, pop, pop muzik
Pop, pop, pop muzik.”
Absolutely! “Pop Muzik” has a lot going for it. It features colorful production: bright, bubbly, and rhythmic synths, exuberant, funky horns, and a magnificent groove. From the beginning, the song gives off infectious vibes. It is danceable to the nth degree. Scott provides playful lead vocals that are chanted and talked rather than sung. The lyrics are novel which is part of the charm (“Sing it in the subway / Shuffle with a shoe shine / Mix me a Molotov / I’m on the headline”). Beyond the ear-catching, sometimes utterly silly lyrics (“Moonlight, muzak / Knick knack, paddy wack / Talk about pop muzik”), Scott is assisted by fun background vocals that emphasize that ‘pop music’ like “Shoobie-doobie-doo-wop,” “Pop, pop, shoo-wop,” and “Pop, pop, pop muzik.” “Pop Muzik” may be a one-hit-wonder, but this gold-certified bop is nothing short of special – a late 70s classic!
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