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21 songs that should have been big hits but never were

BBG News

The process of a song becoming a hit remains unexplained, despite numerous AI models claiming to guarantee predictions. It’s still more about luck than skill, from the moment an artist or band chooses which song to release as a single, to when that single goes on sale (either in physical stores or streaming services), striving to make it onto the charts – everywhere you look, much like the enigmatic nature of hit-making described by Sir Paul McCartney.

Currently, a majority of the 21 songs listed below hold significant cultural significance, yet they didn’t make a substantial impact on the music charts, especially in the United States. A few managed to create a ripple elsewhere, but not nearly as much as expected when they first came out.

Simultaneously, certain tracks weren’t initially meant to be the main songs, and in other instances, weren’t ever issued as singles at all, yet they could have been. Perhaps it would have altered the outcome, but we can never truly tell.

These great songs never became hits

Beach Boys, “All Summer Long” (1964)

Through the title track of this self-named album, the Beach Boys were broadening their musical style, which may not have appealed to their hardcore fans who were accustomed to surf, cars, and girls themes. The album was successful, achieving gold status, but the single failed to make a significant impact.

The Who, “The Kids Are Alright” (1966)

Initially, The Who gained significant popularity in the UK and Europe, but they didn’t manage to make an impact on the American charts until 1967. One of their songs from this period became a symbol of the mod movement and served as inspiration for many power pop bands that followed. However, this song didn’t bring much success to the band in terms of chart performance.

Rolling Stones, “Under My Thumb” (1966)

Indeed, this song is frequently featured on various Stones compilations of greatest hits. However, it wasn’t issued as a standalone single back then. During that era, bands typically released no more than two singles from an album, maybe even two albums per year. The “Aftermath” album produced both “Paint It Black” and “Mother’s Little Helper,” so this particular song didn’t get its own single release.

Kinks, “Waterloo Sunset” (1967)

Although it managed to appear on the UK charts and other places, it seldom took the top spot, and in the U.S., it lagged significantly behind. Back then, it might have been seen as too soft, but nowadays, it’s often found on numerous lists of the best singles ever compiled.

Beatles, “Here Comes the Sun” (1969)

In 1969, if “The Abbey Road” album’s opening track had been released as a standalone single, it likely would have charted. However, tensions within The Beatles were escalating at that time, which might have contributed to its failure to gain traction on the 7-inch records.

Curtis Mayfield, “Move on Up” (1970)

Even after 55 years, one of Mayfield’s top tunes, featuring an outstanding brass ensemble, congas, and captivating lyrics, continues to draw everyone onto the dance floor. Regrettably, it wasn’t the crossover success it deserved when initially released.

Pink Floyd, “Fat Old Sun” (1970)

On the album “Atom Heart Mother” that received criticism, this standout track by David Gilmour was concealed. It bridged Pink Floyd’s early psychedelic period with what followed, and it’s no surprise that it would have been a hit single if released. That’s why Gilmour continues to perform it in his live concerts.

Rodriguez, “Sugar Man” (1970)

Everyone who watched the “Searching For Sugar Man” documentary is aware of how significantly Detroit’s Sixto Rodriguez impacted South Africa. However, during his time in Detroit and the U.S., Rodriguez was virtually unnoticed. Nowadays, he and his music are highly popular among fans.

Rod Stewart, “Every Picture Tells a Story” (1971)

During Rod Stewart’s peak as a hard rock artist, this particular release emerged. The self-titled album was produced in collaboration with an impressive group of musicians. Although both the album and its hit single “Maggie May” achieved success, this rock anthem failed to make a significant impact.

Big Star, “Ballad of El Goodo” (1972)

As a gaming enthusiast, I can relate when Big Star’s Alex Chilton stood at the top spot, but his iconic power pop band, arguably one of the finest within the genre, didn’t see any chart-topping singles during their time. This hauntingly beautiful ballad is no different.

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, “American Girl” (1977)

Back in the day, I was spinning records, and Tom Petty’s debut single didn’t exactly set the American charts ablaze. Or maybe it was because he was still finding his footing as an artist, or perhaps the Byrds-influenced sound wasn’t cool back then. Regardless, what we now know as a Petty classic struggled to gain traction, only reaching number 40 in the U.K. charts.

David Bowie, “Heroes” (1977)

Indeed, despite receiving significant hype and reaching the 24th spot in the UK charts, this work failed to make an appearance on the US Hot 100 at all. Yet, its undeniable quality and longevity suggest that it could very well climb the charts in the near future.

Elvis Costello, “Alison” (1977)

At the outset of his artistic journey, another musician had a beautiful, yet perhaps overly verbal ballad. Some listeners may have found it too verbose at the time. However, critics appreciated it, even if the public didn’t take notice immediately.

Blondie, “Hanging on the Telephone” (1978)

Initially, a rendition of a song by the brief-lived band The Nerves was popular among audiences in the U.K. and other regions, yet it failed to resonate in the U.S. during its release. Nowadays, it appears to be played (and streamed) more frequently than before.

Kate Bush, “Wuthering Heights” (1978)

Back when I was just 18 years old, I penned a song that marked my first step into the music industry. Surprisingly, it gained massive popularity across the UK, Australia, Ireland, Italy, New Zealand, and Portugal – even topping charts in those countries. However, unfortunately, it didn’t make an impact in the U.S. at the time. Now that she’s experiencing a comeback, I hope her renewed success will change that!

Grace Jones, “Pull Up to the Bumper” (1981)

This catchy song with a dance vibe managed to reach the second spot on both dance and U.K. charts, though not until five years later when it was re-released. It’s possible that its lyrics were considered too daring for the mainstream charts initially.

Sisters of Mercy – “This Corrosion”  (1987)

A tune that gained significant popularity in the U.K. (ranking seventh) and across Europe during its release, yet made little impact in the U.S., is one worth mentioning. Today, it’s recognized as a gothic rock classic, with an exceptional cover by Lambchop to boot.

Massive Attack, “Unfinished Sympathy” (1991)

This song, featuring Shara Nelson’s outstanding vocals and Will Malone’s arrangement, has been widely appreciated in the U.K. and Europe. However, it failed to make much impact in the U.S. Nowadays, it is often recognized as a timeless classic in the trip-hop genre.

Jeff Buckley, “Hallelujah” (1994)

Today, covers of Jeff Buckley’s rendition of this song have become common in TV talent shows, as opposed to the original by Leonard Cohen. Interestingly, despite being released, it failed to make an impact on the charts, a fact that seems surprising given its potential success.

The Postal Service, “Such Great Heights” (2003)

Back then, it was college radio stations that gained immense popularity and propelled this fantastic song to reach quite high on the charts (peaking at number 21). However, its success could have been even greater. Nowadays, it’s considered a classic of college radio.

Lana Del Rey, “Born to Die” (2011)

A popular hit in other regions (peaking at number nine in the U.K.), yet achieving minimal success in the U.S., this track gradually established a well-deserved fame. Its music video accumulated an impressive number of over 650 million views on streaming platforms.

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2025-04-07 13:00

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