On the B-Side: 10 Songs That Should Have Been Hits
There is nothing quite like a hit—one of those catchy, feel-good songs that will always sound just as great as the time you first heard it.
Chart toppers like “Uptown Girl” by Billy Joel, or Bruce Springsteen’s “Born to Run,” are among some of the most overplayed songs of all time. Still, no matter how many times you have listened, you simply cannot resist the urge to shout out the chorus or crank up the volume in the car.
While these songs are unforgettable, nothing compares to the lesser-known tracks—the ones that feel like a well-kept secret between you and your favorite artist.
So, on the rare occasion you are sick of “Uptown Girl” or “Born to Run” and need something fresh, try out one of these.
1. Stevie Wonder- “Don’t Wonder Why”
Despite its obscurity, “Don’t Wonder Why” is from one of Wonder’s most successful albums, Signed Sealed And Delivered. Songs like “Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours)” and “Heaven Help Us All” proved to be much more favorable to the public.
Regardless, those familiar with Stevie Wonder’s work will likely agree that this may be one of the biggest oversights in music history. With a powerful instrumental introduction and deep-cutting lyrics, you can nearly feel his pain and vulnerability through the radio.
2. The Beatles- “Julia”
A band as big as The Beatles has very few if any, songs that go without recognition. But, with the hype surrounding hits like “Hey Jude” and “Let It Be,” it is easy for pieces like “Julia” to go neglected.
John Lennon wrote and sang the tune in tribute to his late mother, who passed when he was only 17 years old. With intimate lines, the music legend lets fans see a much softer side of him.
“Half of what I say is meaningless
But I say it just to reach you, Julia”
3. Radiohead- “Bones”
“Bones” is about being stuck in a state of mental numbness. However, its grungy undertones and head-banging chorus make the audience feel more than alive.
With lyrics like the ones below, the song itself ironically acts as medication.
“Now I can’t climb the stairs
Pieces missing everywhere
Prozak painkillers”
4. Bruce Springsteen- “Darkness On the Edge of Town”
There are few and far between moments where a song with bleak lyrics can evoke feelings of joy. That being said, tracks like this make the feeling too hard to deny.
“Darkness On the Edge of Town” follows the story of a man who loses everything—his money, wife, and hope. Nonetheless, the passion in Springsteen’s voice and upbeat melody make it difficult for listeners to not belt the words, despite how depressing they may be.
5. Eagles- “Ol’ 55”
Originally written and recorded by Tom Waits, “Ol’ 55” paints a picture of a man driving away from his love interest’s home, recounting the night they spent together.
The Eagles transformed a simply sung, minor hit with colorful lyrics into a masterpiece. The band added dimension and heart to the song with their vocal harmonies and trademark southern flair.
6. Billy Joel- “Nocturne”
How can a musician say so much without saying anything at all? Well, it’s easy for those as brilliant as Billy Joel.
“Nocturne” is a B-side off Joel’s first studio album, Cold Spring Harbor. The classical piece showcases his strength as a pianist, serving as the perfect conclusion to a beautifully crafted record.
7. Led Zeppelin- “Boogie with Stu”
Filled with “yeah-yeah-yeah” and “hey babes,” “Boogie with Stu” is certainly one of the less lyrically developed songs on this list. Even so, its old-timey sound and big piano solo make it tough to turn off.
8. U2- “Bad”
The ability to sing a song is a talent, but the ability to tell a story is a gift. That right there is the difference between U2 and other artists.
In “Bad,” Bono illustrates the struggles that come with drug addiction, masking a dark theme with thoughtful words.
“True colors fly in blue and black
Bruised silken sky and burning flag
Colors crash, collide in bloodshot eyes”
9. Pink Floyd- “Fat Old Sun”
Now, we’ll admit, it has been a very mild fall. But, if you are anything like us and find yourself longing for summer on one of those rare chilly days, then this is the song for you.
“Fat Old Sun” describes the ideal summer evening— watching the sunset, surrounded by the smell of grass and the sound of church bells. With lyrics so descriptive, it is almost easy to forget that we are stuck in November.
10. Neil Young- “From Hank to Hendrix”
Known for his sentimental lyrics and distinctive voice, “From Hank to Hendrix” embodies who Neil Young is as an artist.
The ballad begins with one of Young’s classic harmonica introductions and subtly fades into raw, emotional lines.
“The same thing that makes you live
Can kill you in the end”
The hidden gem features instruments like the banjo and pedal steel guitar, adding elements of country to an otherwise folky song.
Did we miss any of your favorite hidden gems? Leave a comment below!