Rick Springfield Has More Hits Than You Think
Rick Springfield’s Resume Includes More Than “Jessie’s Girl”
Fans Defend Against One-Hit Wonder Label
True fans and the musically astute know Rick Springfield’s discography, but they also know that they have to defend accusations that Rick Springfield is a one-hit wonder. I had to do this recently with my bf. The conversation went like this:
“Did Todd Rundgren have many hits?” I asked my bf as we were listening to “Hello, it’s Me” on the SiriusXM Yacht Rock channel. Todd Rundgren raised Liv Tyler for a few years while he was dating her mother, that’s all I know about him.
My bfs response to me about Rundgren’s hits: “More than Rick!”
I stared at my bf, wondering when he became so musically vindictive. No need to be so hostile towards Rick (as he’s known in my house). Rick’s a nostalgic favorite of mine that truthfully my bf is probably a little jealous of. Just like I am with my bf and the air fryer. He’s constantly talking about the air fryer.
My bf is more into video games than music, so it’s not surprising that he is completely unaware of Rick’s records, but this belief about Rick isn’t uncommon; “Jessie’s Girl” was a mega hit, some people can’t see beyond it, I guess.
“Rick has more hits than you think,” I replied. Having to explain that Rick isn’t a one-hit wonder is annoying.
Did “Don’t Talk to Strangers” “I’ve Done Everything For You” and “Human Touch” record themselves? Would Rick be touring, selling out venues, starring in movies and TV shows if he was riding on one hit? Of course not.
Luckily I had the ability to quickly compare numbers at my disposal. Let’s use the internet for what it was meant for: proving that I am right, something other middle children will understand (no one ever believes us). I quickly got on the Billboard’s site and crunched the numbers.
How Many Hit Songs Does Rick Springfield Have?
Rick Springfield
No. 1 hits: 1
Top 40: 17
Top 100 songs: 21
Oh, I’m sorry. Does that say 21 Top 100 hits for Rick?
Remembering this all started because my bf said Todd Rundgren had more hits than Rick I look up those numbers (no offense to Mr. Rundgren, but due to my bfs dismissal of Rick, I must do this):
Todd Rundgren
No. 1 hits: 0
Top 40 songs: 4
Top 100 songs: 8
Rick Springfield Has 21 Top 100 Songs
Yeah, when I read those stats to my bf I might’ve done an “I was right dance.” The numbers just speak for themselves. What are those 21 top songs that span decades?
Jessie’s Girl
I’ve Done Everything For You
Don’t Talk to Strangers
Affair of the Heart
Love is Alright Tonight
Love Somebody
Rock of Life
State of the Heart
Bop ‘til You Drop
Souls
Human Touch
Bruce
Speak to the Sky
Don’t Walk Away
What Kind of Fool Am I
I Get Excited
Celebrate Youth
Taxi Dancing
Take a Hand
What Would the Children Think
American Girls
Worth noting Rick has one more #1 hit song than Bruce Springsteen who has shockingly never reached that top spot. Rick and Bruce are tied with 17 Top 40 hits. Read about the Springfield & Springsteen connection here.
Bookmark this page and use it next time someone says “(name of band) has more hits than Rick.”