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5 debut singles that helped launch bands into stardom

BBG News

Every notable music group or performer must embark on a journey at some point. While some groups achieve success immediately, others gain prominence later on, often with a chart-topping single that propels them to stardom.

Either way that first song can set the tone for a legacy.

Below you’ll find a selection of five breakthrough singles that catapulted several beloved bands and musicians towards stardom, as we recognize them now.

These debut singles launched the careers of these iconic bands

No. 5- “Creep”- Radiohead

1985 saw the establishment of Radiohead, but their first debut single, “Creep,” wasn’t released until 1992. Interestingly, this release almost didn’t happen as the song was recorded at the behest of the band’s producers, Sean Slade and Paul Q Kolderie. The single was later put out by EMI that year. In Israel, “Creep” quickly became a radio favorite, eventually gaining traction in America where it became a hit on alternative rock stations.

For quite some time, the band held off performing this track because they faced demands to replicate its unique style in subsequent releases. However, eventually, it evolved into their iconic piece and has been a regular feature in their performances for the past 30 years.

No. 4- “Feels Like the First Time”- Foreigner

For the first time ever, Foreigner made a big entrance in 1977 with their highly praised debut studio album. To generate buzz for this album, they launched three singles, and the initial one among them, “Feels Like the First Time”, quickly became a timeless hit. This song peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 charts in 1977.

Since that time, Foreigner has continued its momentum, putting out nine albums that have collectively sold more than 80 million copies worldwide, with over 38 million of those sales happening in the U.S. It seems their long and celebrated musical journey is nearing its end, as they are now embarking on a farewell tour. If this tour concludes as planned, it will undoubtedly be a melancholic day for the music industry.

No. 3- “Anarchy In The UK”- Sex Pistols

Despite releasing just one album together as a band, the Sex Pistols significantly influenced the music industry by being among the originators of punk rock. Their debut single “Anarchy in the U.K.” released in November 1977, served as a battle cry for those who felt that rock and roll had been stolen from them, supporting their first and only album, Never Mind the Bollocks.

The band often found themselves embroiled in disputes because their first album, notoriously known for its content, holds the record as the most censored album in the annals of British music, owing to its rebellious lyrics that criticized the monarchy and government, which they referred to as fascist.

In the U.K., the song titled ‘Anarchy’ gained popularity among both fans and music critics, landing at number 56 on Rolling Stone‘s list of the 500 greatest songs ever. Eventually, this band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but they declined to attend the ceremony, upholding their initial anti-authority image that contributed significantly to their early success.

No. 2- “Good Times Bad Times”- Led Zeppelin

1969 marked the arrival of Led Zeppelin onto the music scene with their first album titled after the band itself. This debut release played a significant role in shaping the hard rock and heavy metal genres as we recognize them today. Their inaugural single, “Good Times Bad Times”, exemplifies the group at its peak performance. The track features the mighty drums of John Bonham, electrifying guitar licks by Jimmy Page, earth-shaking basslines from John Paul Jones, and energetic vocals from Robert Plant that set the pace high.

From 1969 to 1980, spanning a period of over 11 years, Led Zeppelin released eight studio albums, achieving global sales exceeding 300 million copies. Their innovative approach to music, emphasizing complete albums rather than individual singles, significantly impacted the industry and boosted their album sales. Despite disbanding in 1980 following the demise of John Bonham, Led Zeppelin remains a highly significant and influential rock and roll band today, recognized as one of the greatest in history.

No. 1- “Love Me Do”- Beatles

In the vibrant ’60s, the legendary band known as the Beatles swept across the globe like a musical hurricane, igniting Beatlemania everywhere they went. From 1962 to 1970, they ruled the airwaves, releasing a dozen studio albums that have been purchased by more than 600 million fans around the world – a record-breaking sales figure unmatched in music history.

For the first time, the Beatles were presented to the world in 1962 when they launched their initial single “Love Me Do.” This song eventually became platinum certified in the U.S. and gold certified in the UK, their native country. More recently, the Beatles re-issued this single as the reverse side of their final composition, “Now and Then,” marking a poignant conclusion to their iconic music career.

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2025-06-20 17:00

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