19 Music Hits That Almost Didn’t See The Light Of Day
Music history is full of hits that almost never reached our ears.
Behind several iconic tracks are stories of hesitation, studio debates, misplaced tapes, and near-cancellations that could have erased them before they had a chance to shine.
It’s astonishing to realize how close a few chart-toppers came to being shelved, forgotten, or rewritten entirely.
Yet fate, persistence, or one bold decision pushed them forward, turning near-misses into cultural milestones.
1. Billie Jean – Michael Jackson
Producer Quincy Jones initially wanted to cut this track from the Thriller album. He thought it was too weak compared to the other songs.
Michael Jackson fought hard to keep it, insisting it was essential. Good thing he did, because it became one of the best-selling singles of all time and defined an entire generation of pop music.
2. Radioactive – Imagine Dragons
Record executives told the band this song was too strange for radio. Its unusual production and dark lyrics didn’t fit the mainstream mold they were looking for.
Imagine Dragons refused to change their vision. Eventually, the track spent a record-breaking 87 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, proving that weird can definitely work.
3. Hey Ya! – OutKast
When Andre 3000 first played this for his label, they were confused. It didn’t sound like typical hip-hop, and radio stations initially refused to play it.
The funky, upbeat vibe eventually won everyone over. Now it’s impossible to hear those opening chords without wanting to shake it like a Polaroid picture at every party.
4. Someone Like You – Adele
Adele’s label worried this piano ballad was too slow and sad for commercial success. They pushed her to release more upbeat singles instead.
She insisted on putting her heart out there. The raw emotion connected with millions, and the song topped charts worldwide while making everyone cry into their coffee cups.
5. Smells Like Teen Spirit – Nirvana
Kurt Cobain thought this song was too similar to other bands and almost kept it off Nevermind. He worried people would think he was copying the Pixies.
His bandmates convinced him otherwise. The track exploded onto MTV and basically invented grunge as we know it, changing rock music forever with its rebellious energy.
6. …Baby One More Time – Britney Spears
TLC and the Backstreet Boys both passed on this catchy tune before it landed in Britney’s lap. They didn’t see the potential that would launch a pop princess.
Britney’s team took a gamble on the unknown teenager. That bet paid off massively when the song skyrocketed to number one and made her an overnight sensation worldwide.
7. Lose Yourself – Eminem
Written for the movie 8 Mile, this track almost didn’t make the final cut. Eminem struggled with the pressure and nearly gave up on finishing it.
He recorded the verses in one take between movie scenes. That spontaneous energy captured lightning in a bottle, earning him an Oscar and cementing his legacy forever.
8. Big Yellow Taxi – Joni Mitchell
When Joni first performed this environmental anthem, critics dismissed it as too simple and preachy. Radio programmers thought the message was too political for airplay.
But the catchy melody and clever lyrics about paving paradise eventually won hearts. Decades later, it remains an ecological rallying cry that still resonates with new generations.
9. Umbrella – Rihanna
Believe it or not, Britney Spears turned down this song first. Her team didn’t think it was strong enough for her comeback album.
Rihanna snatched it up and made it her signature hit. The ella-ella-eh refrain became instantly iconic, launching her into superstardom and earning her first Grammy Award ever.
10. Chandelier – Sia
Sia wrote this powerful anthem for someone else to sing. She was tired of the spotlight and didn’t want to be a solo artist anymore.
Her label convinced her to keep it for herself. The song’s vulnerability about addiction and partying struck a chord worldwide, while that unforgettable music video became a cultural phenomenon.
11. Rolling in the Deep – Adele
Before this became a powerhouse anthem, some producers thought it was too angry for mainstream audiences. They questioned whether listeners would embrace such raw emotion.
Turns out, everyone loves a good revenge song. This track became Adele’s breakthrough in America, selling millions and earning her multiple Grammy Awards along the way.
12. Nothing Compares 2 U – Sinéad O’Connor
Prince wrote this heartbreaker, but his own version flopped and went unreleased for years. Nobody paid much attention to the song at all.
When Sinéad covered it with that haunting vocal and iconic tear-filled video, magic happened. Her stripped-down interpretation became a worldwide smash that defined 1990 and showcased her incredible talent.
13. Since U Been Gone – Kelly Clarkson
Pink and Hilary Duff both rejected this pop-rock banger before Kelly got her hands on it. They thought it didn’t match their musical direction.
Kelly transformed it into her breakthrough moment beyond American Idol. The song’s fierce independence and catchy hooks proved she was more than just a reality TV winner.
14. Torn – Natalie Imbruglia
Most people don’t realize this is actually a cover. The original version by Ednaswap went nowhere, and two other artists tried it first.
Natalie’s version finally cracked the code. Her vulnerable delivery and that unforgettable music video made it a global phenomenon, launching her music career from her acting background.
15. Fallin’ – Alicia Keys
Record labels initially rejected Alicia’s demo because they wanted her to sound more like mainstream R&B. They thought her classical piano style was too old-fashioned.
She stayed true to her artistic vision. This soulful debut single showcased her incredible talent, earning her five Grammy Awards and establishing her as a serious artist.
16. Total Eclipse of the Heart – Bonnie Tyler
Originally written for a vampire musical, this dramatic ballad seemed too theatrical for radio. Record executives thought it was over-the-top and too long.
But that epic, operatic quality made it unforgettable. It shot to number one and became the ultimate power ballad, still dominating karaoke nights and wedding playlists everywhere.
17. Jolene – Dolly Parton
When Dolly brought this desperate plea to her label, they worried it was too vulnerable. Country music at the time favored stronger, more confident female characters.
But Dolly’s raw emotion made it timeless. The song has been covered hundreds of times and remains her most iconic track, proving vulnerability is actually strength.
18. With or Without You – U2
Bono struggled with the lyrics for months and almost scrapped the whole thing. The band fought over the arrangement, and producer Daniel Lanois nearly gave up.
They finally nailed it in the studio. The song became U2’s first number-one hit in America and remains their most recognizable track, proving patience pays off.
19. Dreams – Fleetwood Mac
Stevie Nicks wrote this in just ten minutes during the band’s most turbulent period. Everyone was breaking up, and tensions nearly destroyed the entire Rumours album.
Yet somehow, their pain created magic. This dreamy track became their only number-one single, proving that sometimes the best art comes from the worst circumstances.
