Songs That Were Almost Never Released But Became Major Hits

Some of the biggest songs in music history almost didn’t see the light of day, if you can believe it. Behind nearly every chart-topping single is a story of artistic doubt, reasons fueling artists to keep their music locked away forever. Yet fate, persistence, and a little luck sometimes push these songs into the spotlight and our ears forever.

247 Tempo took a deep dive into some of our most iconic tracks that were nearly shelved, scrapped, or hidden away before catching fire with listeners around the world. In many of these exact cases, executives doubted their commercial appeal, or even the artists themselves questioned whether the songs fit their true vision. What ultimately unites each of these pieces is the surprising journey from nothing to something, and something greater than the artists could dream of.

Sources for this piece include Billboard archives, Rolling Stone features, NME, Songfacts, and interviews with the artists themselves. Let's check out these major hits, just how big they were, and why they almost never saw the light of day.

• Year Released: 1983
• Billboard Hot 100: #1 for 7 weeks

Initially, Epic Records questioned whether this song was strong enough for the Thriller album. Michael Jackson insisted it be included, convinced of its power. His persistence turned it into one of the defining hits of his career and a cornerstone of pop history.

• Year Released: 1989
• Billboard Hot 100: #1

Madonna’s label feared backlash over this song's controversial religious imagery and almost completely pulled support. She pushed forward, believing the song represented her artistry to a T. The gamble paid off, cementing her status as a pop star from then on.

• Year Released: 1988
• Billboard Hot 100: #1

The band initially considered this song a throwaway track, built around one of Slash’s practice riffs. Reluctance to release it as a single was overcome by label insistence. In the end, it became their only U.S. #1 and a hard rock classic.

• Year Released: 2010
• Billboard Hot 100: #1

Adele doubted this song’s mainstream appeal and nearly buried it as a hidden album track. However, her producers convinced her it would truly showcase her range and raw emotion. The song ended up defining her career, dominating charts worldwide for months on end.

• Year Released: 1998
• Billboard Hot 100: #1

Initially offered to TLC, this iconic song almost never made it to Spears’ debut. Jive Records took a chance on the then-unknown teenager. It became a generational anthem and launched her into superstardom; could you imagine life without this song?

• Year Released: 1991
• Billboard Hot 100: #6

Kurt Cobain initially viewed this iconic song as too derivative of other punk bands and didn’t think it should be a single. The label pushed it out, sensing its overall potential. It ignited the grunge movement and transformed alternative rock, though Cobain remained disappointed in its popularity, likely until the very end.

• Year Released: 2020
• Billboard Hot 100: #2

Originally left off early versions of her album, this beloved track nearly went unreleased. After late revisions, it became a centerpiece of her Future Nostalgia album. Its disco-pop sound turned into one of the most-streamed hits of the decade.

• Year Released: 1975
• Billboard Hot 100: #23

Columbia executives nearly dropped Springsteen early in his career, doubting his mass-market appeal. That's why he felt obligated to pour everything into “Born to Run” as a last shot. The single’s success saved his career and also became an American rock anthem.

• Year Released: 2006
• Billboard Hot 100: #9

Winehouse initially refused to record this controversial song, saying she didn’t like how personal it was. Producer Mark Ronson convinced her otherwise, so she went for it. It became her signature hit and a haunting anthem of defiance, even in the face of her passing.

• Year Released: 1977
• Billboard Hot 100: #1

The Bee Gees wrote this song as complete and utter filler for the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack. The producers weren’t sure it had single potential, and the band agreed. However, its release propelled disco into the mainstream and defined an era, despite everyone's doubts about it.

• Year Released: 2013
• Billboard Hot 100: #1

Lorde’s minimalist style was considered too unconventional for pop radio. Her label debated whether to even release this song and the rest of the album internationally. Ultimately, it went on to top charts worldwide and win two Grammys, playing on the radio nonstop for nearly a year.

• Year Released: 1967
• Billboard Hot 100: #1

Originally an Otis Redding song, Franklin's team hesitated to back her reinterpretation of Respect. Franklin fought to release her version, reworking it into a feminist anthem. It became her defining hit and a cultural milestone, largely replacing the original version in everyone's collective memory.

• Year Released: 2007
• Billboard Hot 100: #1

This track was actually offered to multiple artists before landing with Rihanna. Some execs doubted its hook would resonate, but she took a chance with Jay-Z on releasing it. It became one of the most iconic pop songs of the 2000s and is still remembered fondly today.

• Year Released: 1995
• Billboard Hot 100: #8

Noel Gallagher wasn’t sure if Wonderwall truly represented the band’s sound and thought it might not connect. The label insisted, sensing a hit. It became Oasis’s most recognizable anthem worldwide and is still mentioned, both seriously and humorously, to this day.

• Year Released: 2019
• Billboard Hot 100: #1 for 19 weeks

Initially dismissed as a novelty track, this hit nearly went unnoticed until TikTok boosted its popularity. Labels hesitated until it became a viral sensation, booking Lil Nas X's first album shortly after. It set the record for the longest-running #1 in Hot 100 history.

• Year Released: 1981
• Billboard Hot 100: #9

At first, Journey’s label didn’t want this song as a single, favoring other tracks. However, the band pushed back, convinced of its universal message. Decades later, it remains one of the most downloaded songs of all time.

• Year Released: 2002
• Billboard Hot 100: #1

Eminem nearly cut this track from the 8 Mile film due to time constraints on filming. Producers pushed him to record it anyway, and it won an Oscar, ultimately becoming one of his signature hits.

• Year Released: 2008
• Billboard Hot 100: #1

Initially considered too experimental, Poker Face was almost passed over for single release. Gaga’s team believed in its electronic edge, and so she persevered. It went on to dominate global charts and win a Grammy, cementing it in music history.

• Year Released: 1992
• Billboard Hot 100: #1 for 14 weeks

Clive Davis was unsure if this song fit The Bodyguard soundtrack, considering other options. Houston fought for its inclusion, and thank goodness for that; it became one of the best-selling singles of all time.

• Year Released: 2004
• Billboard Hot 100: #10

The Killers originally buried this track as a B-side, unsure of its potential and likability. DJs picked it up in clubs across the U.S., and fan response pushed it into the spotlight. It became a modern rock anthem that never seems to leave the charts, even today.