Hit Songs That Almost Didn't Make The Album
It's wild to think that some of our all-time favorite songs almost didn't make the cut, right? Can you imagine a world without these bangers? Sometimes, artists and their teams don't always see the potential in a track initially. Maybe it doesn't quite fit the vibe of the album they're crafting, or perhaps they're just not feeling it at that moment. But thankfully, cooler heads prevail, and these gems eventually find their way onto our playlists. So, let's dive into the stories behind 20 hit songs that almost didn't make it onto the albums we love.
1. "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey
"Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey is an anthem for dreamers everywhere, but it almost didn't make the Escape album. Imagine that! This iconic track, with its unforgettable opening piano riff and Steve Perry's soaring vocals, has become a staple at karaoke nights and sporting events worldwide. But initially, some within the band and at the record label weren't entirely convinced. The song's unconventional structure, with its delayed chorus, raised concerns. It wasn't until the very end of the song that the chorus kicks in. Some felt it was too long of a wait for the payoff. However, guitarist Neal Schon and keyboardist Jonathan Cain fiercely championed the song, believing in its potential to connect with listeners on a deep emotional level. They recognized the underlying message of hope and perseverance within the lyrics and melody. Thank goodness they did! "Don't Stop Believin'" has gone on to become one of the best-selling rock songs of all time, proving that sometimes the unconventional path leads to the greatest rewards. It is a song that resonates with so many people because it speaks to the human spirit's resilience. The lyrics tell a story of people from different walks of life searching for something more, for connection, and for a place to belong. And the powerful chorus, when it finally arrives, delivers that message with such force that it leaves you feeling inspired and ready to take on the world. The song's enduring popularity is a testament to the power of belief, both in oneself and in the magic of music. It is a reminder that even when things seem uncertain, we should never give up on our dreams. The story of "Don't Stop Believin'" is a powerful reminder that sometimes the songs that are initially overlooked can become the biggest hits. It takes vision, perseverance, and a little bit of faith to recognize a truly special song. And in this case, the band's belief in their music paid off in a major way. The song's success is a testament to the power of music to inspire and uplift, and it is a reminder that even in the face of doubt, we should never stop believing in ourselves. It's a timeless classic that will continue to resonate with generations to come.
2. "One More Night" by Phil Collins
Phil Collins's "One More Night" is a soulful ballad that tugs at the heartstrings, but it nearly didn't make it onto the No Jacket Required album. This song, with its signature saxophone solo and Collins's raw, emotional vocals, became a massive hit, but its journey to the top wasn't always smooth. Initially, Collins himself wasn't entirely sold on the track. He felt it was too simple and repetitive, lacking the complexity he often strived for in his music. The song's straightforward structure and lyrical content gave him pause. He wondered if it was too generic, too predictable for his audience. However, producer Hugh Padgham heard something special in the song's vulnerability and urged Collins to reconsider. Padgham recognized the emotional depth beneath the surface and believed that the song's simplicity was actually its strength. He felt that the song's honesty and directness would resonate with listeners on a deeply personal level. Collins eventually came around, and "One More Night" became one of his signature songs. The song's success is a testament to the power of simplicity and vulnerability in music. It is a reminder that sometimes the most powerful songs are the ones that are the most honest and direct. The song's raw emotion and relatable lyrics resonated with listeners around the world, making it a timeless classic. "One More Night" is a reminder that even when we're feeling lost and alone, there's always hope for connection and reconciliation. The song's message of longing and desire for reconciliation is something that many people can relate to. It speaks to the human need for connection and the pain of separation. The song's enduring popularity is a testament to its emotional power and its ability to connect with listeners on a deep level. The story of "One More Night" is a reminder that sometimes the songs that we doubt the most can become our biggest hits. It is a testament to the importance of collaboration and the power of a fresh perspective. And in this case, the producer's belief in the song helped to bring a timeless classic to the world. It's a song that continues to resonate with listeners today, a testament to its enduring power and emotional depth.
3. "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" is a hauntingly beautiful masterpiece, but it was almost lost to obscurity. This song, now considered a modern-day standard, was initially met with lukewarm reception. It's hard to believe, but Cohen himself struggled with the song for years, writing countless verses and variations before settling on the version we know today. The song's initial release on his 1984 album Various Positions didn't make much of a splash. In fact, the album itself was rejected by Cohen's American record label. It wasn't until years later, through covers by artists like John Cale and Jeff Buckley, that "Hallelujah" began to gain recognition. Buckley's rendition, in particular, became a touchstone, introducing the song to a new generation of listeners. The song's raw emotion and spiritual depth resonated with audiences, and it quickly became a favorite for film soundtracks and television shows. "Hallelujah" has since been covered hundreds of times, becoming a staple at weddings, funerals, and other important life events. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to express both joy and sorrow, faith and doubt. The song's lyrics are filled with biblical imagery and metaphors, but its message is ultimately universal. It speaks to the human experience of love, loss, and the search for meaning. The story of "Hallelujah" is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of artistic vision. It is a reminder that sometimes the greatest songs take time to find their audience. And in this case, the song's journey to recognition was a long and winding one, but ultimately it has become one of the most beloved songs of all time. The song's enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless beauty and emotional depth. It is a song that will continue to resonate with listeners for generations to come. The story of "Hallelujah" is a reminder that sometimes the songs that are initially overlooked can become the most enduring and beloved. It's a testament to the power of music to transcend time and connect with people on a deep emotional level. The song's journey from obscurity to iconic status is a remarkable one, and it is a reminder that sometimes the greatest masterpieces take time to find their audience.
4. "Creep" by Radiohead
Radiohead's "Creep" is an angsty anthem of self-deprecation, but it almost didn't make the cut for their debut album, Pablo Honey. This song, with its distinctive quiet-loud dynamics and Thom Yorke's vulnerable vocals, became a surprise hit, but its initial reception within the band was mixed. Some members felt it was too straightforward, too much of a departure from their more experimental leanings. They worried that the song's simplicity would undermine their artistic credibility. In fact, the band initially shelved the song after recording it, deeming it not good enough for the album. It was only after some persuasion from their record label that "Creep" was included as a B-side on a single. However, the song quickly gained traction on radio, becoming an unexpected hit. Its raw emotion and relatable lyrics resonated with listeners, particularly teenagers, who felt alienated and misunderstood. "Creep" catapulted Radiohead to international fame, but the band also developed a love-hate relationship with the song. They felt it overshadowed their other work and struggled to escape its shadow. Despite their reservations, "Creep" remains one of Radiohead's most recognizable songs, and it continues to be a staple of their live performances. The song's enduring appeal lies in its honesty and vulnerability. It speaks to the universal experience of feeling like an outsider, of not fitting in. The song's lyrics are raw and confessional, and Yorke's vocals perfectly capture the song's emotional intensity. The story of "Creep" is a reminder that sometimes the songs that we are most ambivalent about can become our biggest hits. It is a testament to the power of music to connect with listeners on a deep emotional level, even when the message is uncomfortable or unflattering. The song's success is a testament to the power of authenticity and the importance of embracing vulnerability in art. It's a song that continues to resonate with listeners today, a testament to its enduring power and emotional depth. The journey of "Creep" from a B-side to a global phenomenon is a fascinating one, and it is a reminder that sometimes the most unexpected songs can have the biggest impact.
5. "Wonderwall" by Oasis
Oasis's "Wonderwall" is a Britpop classic and a singalong favorite, but it almost ended up on the cutting room floor. This song, with its iconic acoustic guitar intro and Liam Gallagher's distinctive vocals, has become an anthem for a generation, but its path to success wasn't entirely straightforward. The song was written by Noel Gallagher, who initially intended to sing it himself. However, after some deliberation, he decided that Liam's voice was better suited to the song's emotional intensity. The band also debated whether to include the song on their album (What's the Story) Morning Glory?. Some felt it was too similar to their other songs, while others worried that it was too soft and sentimental for their image. However, Noel Gallagher fiercely championed the song, believing in its potential to connect with listeners. He recognized the song's emotional core and its ability to capture the feeling of longing and hope. "Wonderwall" went on to become one of Oasis's biggest hits, and it remains one of the most popular songs of the 1990s. Its enduring appeal lies in its simplicity and its emotional honesty. The song's lyrics are cryptic and open to interpretation, but its message of hope and connection is universal. The song's melody is instantly memorable, and Liam Gallagher's vocals perfectly capture the song's emotional intensity. The story of "Wonderwall" is a reminder that sometimes the songs that we doubt the most can become our biggest hits. It is a testament to the importance of trusting your instincts and the power of a strong melody and heartfelt lyrics. The song's success is a testament to the band's ability to create music that is both timeless and emotionally resonant. It's a song that continues to resonate with listeners today, a testament to its enduring power and emotional depth. The journey of "Wonderwall" from a potential B-side to a global phenomenon is a fascinating one, and it is a reminder that sometimes the most unexpected songs can have the biggest impact.
6-20. Other Hits That Almost Didn't Make It
We've only scratched the surface, guys! There are so many more stories of hit songs that almost didn't see the light of day. Think about songs like:
- "I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor: Initially a B-side, this song became a massive anthem of empowerment.
- "No Scrubs" by TLC: The group wasn't sure about the song's message at first, but it became a feminist anthem.
- "Lose Yourself" by Eminem: Eminem initially struggled with the song's chorus but it turned out to be one of his biggest hits.
- "Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana: Kurt Cobain was initially hesitant about the song's simple structure, but it became a generation-defining anthem.
- "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen: The record label initially balked at the song's length and unconventional structure.
- "Hey Jude" by The Beatles: Initially considered too long, this song became one of their most iconic tracks.
- "Like a Prayer" by Madonna: Some within Madonna's camp felt the song was too controversial, but it became a defining moment in her career.
- "Sweet Child o' Mine" by Guns N' Roses: The band didn't initially take the song seriously, but it became one of their signature tunes.
- "Livin' on a Prayer" by Bon Jovi: Jon Bon Jovi initially disliked the song, but it became one of their biggest hits.
- "Crazy in Love" by Beyoncé ft. Jay-Z: Initially thought to be too different for Beyoncé, this song became a career-defining hit.
- "Umbrella" by Rihanna ft. Jay-Z: Many artists passed on this song before Rihanna made it her own.
- "Since U Been Gone" by Kelly Clarkson: Clarkson initially resisted the song's pop sound but it became a massive hit.
- "Run the World (Girls)" by Beyoncé: Many people doubted the song's unconventional sound, but it became a feminist anthem.
- "We Found Love" by Rihanna ft. Calvin Harris: Rihanna initially hesitated about the song's electronic sound, but it became a massive hit.
- "Good as Hell" by Lizzo: This song took a while to find its audience, but it eventually became a body-positive anthem.
These stories remind us that the path to success is rarely linear. Sometimes, the songs that are initially overlooked or doubted are the ones that resonate the most deeply with listeners. It's a testament to the subjective nature of taste and the unpredictable magic of music. So, the next time you hear a song you love, remember that it might have had a close call! It's pretty amazing to think about how many incredible songs we almost missed out on. These stories make you appreciate the power of persistence, collaboration, and a little bit of luck in the music industry.