This year, we received an email that has lingered in my mind for several months, and I believe sharing it along with a public response could lead to some positive discussions.

As you will discover, our decision to include BLIND MELON and their iconic 1993 track “No Rain” in our compilation of the 40 Biggest One-Hit Wonders sparked outrage from one particularly passionate reader.

You can take a look at their unedited response, with the sender’s name removed for privacy:

Dear, Mr. Ultimate Classic Rock
Are you on drugs? Like a very one-hit good kind where you forget that music exists? You called Blind Melon a one-hit wonder, so I hope you have hangnails for the rest of your life. You need to be crucified for this and survive, with no food for two weeks on the cross; either that or the Chinese water drop method are the only appropriate forms of apology for this. BLIND MELON A ONE-HIT WONDER? EXCUSE YOU? DID YOU SNEEZE? DID YOUR FATHER BEAT YOU WITH A CD OF SOUP? You seriously deserve the highest legal form of torture in the world for this opinion, straight to North Sentinel Island. I apologize if my former comments seem a tad outlandish, and if you did have an abusive parent then it makes sense why you called Blind Melon a one-hit wonder. You must’ve got brain damage. That is the only reasonable solution to this capital error. I apologize for my former statements and they will also be retracted if you change this article and take Blind Melon off of it, otherwise, you are going to have to live the rest of your life as the actual IDIOT who called Blind Melon a one-hit-wonder.
My deepest condolences for the loss of your brain,
(NAME REDACTED)
(P.S., please lick the bottom of the dirtiest boot for even having this opinion.)

First, let’s clarify the facts surrounding the term “one-hit wonder”: Between 1992 and 1996, Blind Melon released a total of nine singles, but it was “No Rain” that managed to chart, peaking at an impressive No. 20 on the U.S. Billboard charts. Unfortunately, their career was tragically cut short by the untimely death of lead singer Shannon Hoon in 1995. In the past twenty years, the surviving members have reunited on two occasions, yet they have not produced any further charting singles.

More critically, what exactly is wrong with being labeled a one-hit wonder? There are millions of fans who not only recognize “No Rain” but also cherish it, fully aware of the heartwarming image of “the bee girl” that accompanies the song. If you are unaware of this iconic visual, I highly recommend watching the music video provided below. Achieving such a cultural milestone is no small feat, and it is something that countless artists aspire to replicate but often fall short of.

It’s important to note that our list does not claim that “Blind Melon” was lacking in talent or that they didn’t deserve additional hits. We never suggested that they only had one hit because it was their only quality song. Even if we had expressed such a sentiment – which we certainly did not – why should it provoke such a strong emotional reaction? After all, opinions on music are subjective. My personal memory of Blind Melon, apart from “No Rain,” is attending an unforgettable triple bill concert at Jones Beach in 1993, which was only enhanced by a torrential rainstorm.

This kind of outrage is reminiscent of the energy wasted on debates over which artists do or do not belong in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Ultimately, you are the one who knows your musical preferences, and you should celebrate the songs that have enriched your life. The opinions of others should not matter to such an extent that they drive you to extreme reactions, even in jest. Your personal collection of records and concert tickets is your very own Hall of Fame, and that’s the only one that truly holds significance. While I appreciate your fervor for Blind Melon and respect your enthusiastic defense of their legacy, it might be wise to dial down the intensity. How about we embrace a fresh start in 2025?