La Roux, Bulletproof | 1 Hit WONDERful

In the 25th edition of 1 Hit WONDERful (2025), we highlight “Bulletproof” performed by La Roux. 

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 25^th edition of 1 Hit WONDERful (2025), we dive into “Bulletproof”, the one-hit wonder by La Roux.

“This time, baby, I’ll be bulletproof.” Word. I’ll be the first to admit that for a long time, I thought that La Roux was one person 😅… Sure, Elly Jackson was the singer and face of La Roux, but the Grammy-winning English synthpop act also included producer Ben Langmaid. Of course, now, La Roux is only Elly… confusing! Anyways, La Roux is renowned for their 2010 hit, “Bulletproof”.  “Bulletproof” appeared on La Roux, released in 2009, but the single didn’t debut on the pop charts until 2010.  Notably, it peaked at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100. It was certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America in 2011.  It is the only song by the synthpop act that charted on the pop charts. You know what that means… La Roux is a one-hit wonder.

In 2010, “Bulletproof” was a big hit. An understatement! The sound of the record is sleek to the nth degree with its sharp rhythmic synths and infectious groove. The chorus, excerpted earlier, is the crème de la crème of the song. Elly Jackson brings plenty of personality, expression, and resolve to this bulletproof joint, which dabbles in the universal topic of L-O-V-E. Also, “Bulletproof” gives a heaping dose of empowerment… women’s empowerment. This time, she won’t catch any strays – stray bullets that is! “Been there, done that, messed around / I’m having fun, don’t put me down,” she sings in the first verse, continuing, “I’ll never let you sweep me off my feet / I won’t let you in again.” Ooh-wee! She shoots her own bullets in the second verse, singing, “Do-do-do your dirty words / Come out to play when you are hurt? / There’s certain things that should be left unsaid.” The theme and lyrics are easy to follow but meaningful. This is a prime example of an electrifying, fun pop song with a positive message. Unfortunately, La Roux had no other pop hits but “Bulletproof” is an enduring, heavyweight track, PERIOD.