The Almost Number Ones: The Songs That Almost Got There, But Didn't

Monica Soriano
2 days ago
3 min read

Songs that were almost Number 1 on the charts but couldn’t get there… why?

Article Contributed by Monica Soriano

Screenshot of the Billboard Hot 100 week of March 5, 2005, with Green Day in the number 2 position.

The list of songs that could've gone number one but didn’t could be endless, but here are a few songs that were so close to being number one that they peaked at number one. They each have a reason as to why they didn’t reach the top spot.

Boulevard of Broken Dreams

The rock single that couldn’t beat out the hip hop club hit

This incredibly popular song almost peaked at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 Chart, but didn’t. Yes, Green Day’s “Boulevard of Broken Dreams,” released in 2004, was the second single from their highly successful album American Idiot, and it peaked at the #2 spot. Although the song was highly praised and even became a fan favorite, it unfortunately couldn’t reach the top spot. This happenstance was due to a massive hit by the title of “Candy Shop” by 50 Cent featuring Olivia. “Candy Shop” remained in the number one spot for nine consecutive weeks, and it became a club/party hit.

Bohemian Rhapsody

Charting unexpectedly over 15 years after its release, but still not number one

Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody," written by band member Freddie Mercury, was first released in 1975 as part of the band's album A Night at the Opera. Back when it was first released, the song peaked at number nine on the US Billboard Hot 100. It wasn’t until it was featured in the film Wayne’s World in 1992 that the song gained momentum once again. Over 15 years after its original release, “Bohemian Rhapsody” peaked at number two on the US Hot 100 Chart. It was only because of the song “Jump” by Kriss Kross (produced by Jermaine Dupri) that it was unable to reach the number one spot. It is still a surprising accomplishment to have charted higher the second time around.

We Can’t Stop

Miley leaves her mark regardless of the blurred lines

Miley Cyrus had “Wrecking Ball” and “Flowers” reach number one in the US Billboard Hot 100, and she came close to that same success with her song “We Can’t Stop”. There was just a major hit single that took over the radio back in 2013. The song “Blurred Lines” by Robin Thicke ft. T.I. and Pharrell Williams attained the coveted spot. It is a great achievement for Miley Cyrus to reach the number 2 spot, especially since she was the only female artist to be in the top 5 that week.

There are many more well-known songs that almost reached number one, but because of timing or the popular genres at the time, they didn’t. But there are also those instances where success comes back around years later. It is always a treat to see artists and songs get a second chance.

The artists listed above have had long-lasting careers, with Miley Cyrus still at the height of her success, and it is only through their continuous output of music, regardless of perception or numbers, that they are able to be considered legends today.