15 B-Sides Fans Always Knew Were A-Side Material
Ever wonder why some of the best songs never made it to the top spot?
Music history is simply too full of incredible B-sides that deserved way more attention than they got.
These hidden gems often shine brighter than their A-side counterparts, leaving fans scratching their heads and wondering what record labels were thinking.
1. The Smiths – Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want
When Morrissey poured his heart into this achingly beautiful track, nobody expected it would become one of The Smiths’ most beloved songs.
Running just under two minutes, this gem captures pure longing in a way few songs ever manage.
Johnny Marr’s delicate guitar work creates a dreamy backdrop that feels almost too precious for this world.
Fans have been playing this track on repeat for decades, wondering why it wasn’t pushed harder as a single. Its emotional punch proves that sometimes the shortest songs leave the longest-lasting impact.
2. Oasis – Acquiesce
Both Gallagher brothers shine on this anthemic rocker that many fans consider Oasis’s best work. Liam and Noel trade vocal duties, creating a dynamic that perfectly captures the band’s swagger and vulnerability.
Released as a B-side to Some Might Say, this track became a concert staple that crowds went absolutely wild for.
The soaring chorus and raw energy make it impossible not to sing along at the top of your lungs. It’s proof that sometimes the best material gets hidden away.
3. The Beatles – Rain
Groundbreaking production techniques and backward vocals make this one of The Beatles’ most innovative recordings.
John Lennon’s lazy, hypnotic delivery creates an otherworldly vibe that was way ahead of its time back in 1966.
Ringo’s drumming absolutely steals the show, with a performance that drummers still study today. The reversed tape effects and slowed-down vocals pushed studio experimentation into new territory.
4. David Bowie – Velvet Goldmine
Glittery glam rock excess explodes through every second of this outrageous B-side from Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust period.
The song drips with attitude and sexual energy that perfectly captured the early 70s rock scene.
Originally intended for the Ziggy album, it got bumped but later appeared as a B-side. Marc Bolan gets a cheeky namecheck in the lyrics, adding to the song’s playful nature.
Bowie’s vocal performance is pure theatrical magic, reminding everyone why he was the king of reinvention.
5. Prince – How Come U Don’t Call Me Anymore?
Sitting alone at his piano, Prince delivered one of the most heartbreaking ballads of his entire career.
The vulnerability in his voice cuts straight through any defenses you might have, leaving you feeling every bit of his pain.
Originally a B-side to 1999, this stripped-down masterpiece showcases Prince’s incredible vocal range and emotional depth.
Alicia Keys later covered it, introducing the song to a whole new generation of fans. Raw emotion like this doesn’t come around very often in pop music.
6. Depeche Mode – Dangerous
Pulsing synthesizers and Dave Gahan’s brooding vocals combine to create pure electronic perfection on this underrated gem. The track builds tension masterfully, keeping listeners on edge from start to finish.
Hidden away as a B-side, this song showcases Depeche Mode’s talent for crafting dark, danceable music that hits you right in the feels.
Martin Gore’s songwriting shines through with lyrics that explore temptation and desire. Fans have long argued this deserved way more radio play than it ever received.
7. The Rolling Stones – Child of the Moon
Mystical and trippy, this psychedelic treasure shows a completely different side of The Rolling Stones. Brian Jones’s mellotron creates an eerie, dreamlike atmosphere that transports you to another dimension entirely.
Released as the B-side to Jumpin’ Jack Flash, this track got overshadowed by its harder-rocking companion.
The haunting melody and poetic lyrics reveal the band’s experimental side during their late-60s creative peak. It’s a shame more people didn’t get to experience this cosmic journey when it first came out.
8. U2 – The Sweetest Thing
Bono wrote this charming apology song for his wife after missing her birthday, and boy, does it tug at your heartstrings. The melody is incredibly catchy, with hooks that stick in your brain for days on end.
Originally a B-side to Where the Streets Have No Name, it finally got proper recognition when re-recorded years later.
The jangly guitars and sincere lyrics showcase U2’s ability to craft perfect pop songs. Sometimes love songs hidden on B-sides end up meaning more than chart-topping hits ever could.
9. Radiohead – Talk Show Host
Thom Yorke’s haunting falsetto floats over a sparse, hypnotic arrangement that feels like falling through space.
The song’s brooding intensity perfectly captures feelings of alienation and disconnection that defined 90s alternative rock.
Featured on the Romeo + Juliet soundtrack and as a B-side, this track became a fan favorite despite never being a proper single.
The minimalist production lets every element breathe, creating an atmosphere that’s both intimate and unsettling. Many consider it one of Radiohead’s finest moments.
10. The Cure – 2 Late
Robert Smith’s desperate vocals convey urgency and regret over a driving bassline that won’t quit. The song captures that awful feeling when you realize you’ve missed your chance at something important.
Tucked away as a B-side, this energetic track showcases The Cure’s ability to blend catchy melodies with emotional depth. The guitar work sparkles with their signature jangly sound while maintaining a darker edge. Fans have always wondered why this wasn’t given the spotlight it truly deserved back in the day.
11. Nirvana – Aneurysm
Raw grunge power explodes through this aggressive B-side that became a concert favorite.
Kurt Cobain’s vocals shift from quiet verses to explosive choruses, perfectly demonstrating the band’s signature loud-quiet-loud dynamic.
The song’s chaotic energy and dark humor made it a staple of Nirvana’s live shows despite being relegated to B-side status.
Dave Grohl’s pounding drums drive the track forward relentlessly. It’s the kind of song that makes you want to jump around your room like nobody’s watching.
12. Elton John – Grey Seal (Original Version)
Before the slicker remake appeared on Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, this raw original version showcased Elton’s early genius.
Bernie Taupin’s cryptic lyrics paint mysterious images that listeners are still trying to decode decades later.
The stripped-down production allows Elton’s piano playing and powerful vocals to take center stage.
Released as a B-side in 1970, it demonstrated the incredible songwriting partnership that would dominate the charts. Sometimes the first take captures magic that polished versions can’t quite recapture.
13. Queen – I’m In Love With My Car
Roger Taylor steps up to the microphone for this high-octane rocker that celebrates automotive obsession.
The revving guitar riffs and thunderous drums create the perfect soundtrack for speed enthusiasts everywhere.
Famously the B-side to Bohemian Rhapsody, this track supposedly caused arguments within the band about its placement.
Taylor’s passionate vocal performance proves drummers can absolutely front songs when given the chance. It’s a fun, slightly ridiculous anthem that doesn’t take itself too seriously while still rocking hard.
14. Blur – Young & Lovely
Bittersweet nostalgia drips from every note of this gorgeous Britpop gem that deserved way more attention. Damon Albarn’s vocals convey both affection and melancholy as he reflects on fleeting youth and beauty.
The lush instrumentation creates a dreamy atmosphere that perfectly complements the wistful lyrics.
Originally a B-side, it showcases Blur’s softer, more introspective side that often got overlooked during the Britpop wars. Many fans consider it one of the band’s most beautiful compositions, hidden treasure and all.
15. Madonna – Supernatural
Funky basslines and Madonna’s sultry vocals create an irresistible groove on this overlooked dance track.
The song’s mysterious vibe and tight production showcase her ability to craft club-ready hits that still feel intimate.
Released as a B-side during her imperial phase, this track demonstrates why Madonna dominated the 80s pop landscape.
The layered vocals and sophisticated arrangement prove she was more than just catchy hooks and controversial videos. It’s the kind of song that makes you wonder what other gems are hiding on B-sides.
