The Hits That Never Reached #1 (But Everyone Thinks They Did)
- Monica Soriano
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
The reasoning behind some of the hits in history never made it to the top spot on the charts.
Article Contributed by Monica Soriano
Just imagine, hearing the same songs everywhere you go - at a bar, a mall, a grocery store, or the radio, and thinking that there is no way it didn’t hit the number one spot on the charts. The reality is that some of the songs that marked our middle school, high school, or college experiences didn’t even come close to that coveted spot.
Singles that we now consider classics, and let's be honest, we hear a little too often, were not making the major mark on the music industry that we would’ve thought. For example, songs like The Killers’ “Mr. Brightside” and Ben E King’s “Stand By Me” are karaoke staples and even, dare we say, songs that transcend language barriers and unite people.
While those songs have become bigger than anyone would have imagined at their release, they were not near the number one in the charts. While One Direction’s “What Makes You Beautiful” and Taylor Swift’s “22” were being played by teens and preteens (and even adults), they were unable to reach the number one spot on the US Billboard Hot 100.
The Worldwide Impact of Sleeper Hits
About the songs that have made it to worldwide audiences, regardless of where they charted.
Looking back at some of the biggest songs from different generations and the impact they continue to have makes us wonder how or why they didn't chart higher. Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” is now an American classic because throughout the years it continued to be revived through TV series like The Sopranos, Glee, South Park , and many more.
Creating impact within music doesn’t always elicit a number 1 single. It is already admirable that this song peaked at number 9 in 1981 during a time when Olivia Newton-John was releasing music post -Grease and Diana Ross released “Why Do Fools Fall In Love”.
“Thriller” Continues to Re-Enter The Charts
One peculiar detail about Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” single is that it never reached the #1 spot on the US Billboard Hot 100 Chart. It might seem impossible, seeing how big an impact this song continues to have to this day.
In reality, “Thriller” was the last single from the album by the same name. It was a combination of timing and the album in its entirety already having spent three years in and out of the number one spot. For it to be the last single and to chart years after its release is not something many artists can accomplish. “Thriller” continues to weave in and out of the charts to this day and will continue to do so since it has become a Halloween fan favorite.
Pop - Culture Hits
Childhood favorites that marked upbringings, pop culture, and created super fans everywhere.
The songs you would hear before getting dropped off at school and again while getting picked up were on repeat on the radio. They were catchy, fun, and hypnotizing songs. It is impossible to think that with so much radio play and exposure, they didn’t reach number one. Even Eminem, Britney Spears, Lizzo, and One Direction had songs that only went number one in our homes.
“Stan” by Eminem was praised by fans for its heavy subject matter and incredible delivery by the artist. The track might have been a little too strong for casual listeners, but to fans, it was a sincere moment in music, even if it only peaked at number 51.
Many of Britney Spears’ most memorable hit songs, unfortunately, peaked at number 9, including “Oops!...I Did It Again " and "Toxic". Regardless, Britney created iconic moments in pop culture that will continue to be brought up again and again.
At one point in time, Lizzo was everywhere in the social media sphere. With her self-love and empowering anthems, she wasn’t just a musician but also an important part of guiding pop culture towards self-expression through music. Her single “Juice” was everywhere on social media and marketing campaigns, but it only peaked at number 82.
The Hits In Our Hearts
It is almost incomprehensible to think that One Direction has never had a number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart. Given how enormous their fame and fandom are, it almost felt expected for them to have charted higher.
Regardless of their success in the charts, One Direction, although not active, is a band that continues to be adored and talked about by many. The millions of lives they touched with their journey on X - Factor and their music is something that continues to be cherished. As stated above, “What Makes You Beautiful” was a huge hit worldwide, although it only reached number 4 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
There is an endless amount of artists that deserved more, many songs that were sleeper hits, and of course, there is only one top spot. The impact that music has within media, daily lived experiences that create memories, and the artists themselves is greater than keeping track of where songs land on the charts. With that being said, it is also important to support those songs that impact our lives as we create what will one day be known as history.
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