1. Let It Be – The Beatles
“Let It Be” emerged during The Beatles’ turbulent final days, with Paul McCartney writing it as the group was unraveling. Its tone was so emotional and reflective that there was hesitation over releasing it as a single. Some worried it would be too heavy given the band’s internal struggles. Yet once it was released, the song quickly became a beacon of hope and comfort for fans. Its uplifting message and gospel-inspired piano line resonated deeply, helping the band leave behind one of their most beloved tracks. “Let It Be” turned a painful chapter in their history into one of their most enduring legacies.
2. Maggie May – Rod Stewart
“Maggie May” was never intended to be a hit. It was released as the B-side to “Reason to Believe,” with the label assuming it was just a filler track. But when radio DJs began playing it instead, listeners immediately connected with its storytelling and Stewart’s distinctive raspy voice. The unexpected popularity forced the label to flip the single, turning “Maggie May” into the lead. The song went on to top charts in both the UK and the US, becoming Stewart’s breakthrough hit. Its rise from overlooked B-side to classic rock essential shows how sometimes the biggest successes come from the most surprising places.
3. Bohemian Rhapsody – Queen
When Queen brought “Bohemian Rhapsody” to their label, executives nearly shut it down. At over six minutes long with operatic sections, shifting tempos, and no clear chorus, it was considered too strange for radio. Freddie Mercury refused to back down, insisting the song was exactly how it should be. The gamble paid off when a London DJ took a chance and played the entire track on air, sparking massive listener demand. Soon, the song climbed to number one in the UK and became a defining anthem of rock. Today, “Bohemian Rhapsody” is regarded not just as Queen’s signature song, but as one of the most innovative and beloved recordings in music history, forever proving that risks can change the soundscape of popular music.
4. Go Your Own Way – Fleetwood Mac
“Go Your Own Way” was born out of turmoil during the recording of Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours. Lindsey Buckingham’s sharp lyrics, directed at Stevie Nicks, created tension within the band, and there was debate over whether the track was too personal to release. Yet despite the discomfort, it became the album’s first single and set the stage for Rumours to become one of the best-selling albums of all time. With its driving beat and emotional honesty, the song turned raw conflict into timeless art. Its success proved that authenticity, even when painful, could resonate powerfully with listeners. Today, “Go Your Own Way” stands as both a rock radio staple and an enduring example of how personal struggles can fuel creative breakthroughs.
5. Born to Run – Bruce Springsteen
Bruce Springsteen poured his soul into “Born to Run,” obsessing over its sound for months. He wanted it to feel larger than life, mixing elements of rock, soul, and Phil Spector’s wall of sound. Record executives, however, worried it was too grand and overloaded with instruments. Despite the doubts, Springsteen refused to compromise. When the song finally reached radio, it electrified audiences and became his breakthrough. The track not only launched Springsteen into superstardom but also captured the restless spirit of American youth in the 1970s. “Born to Run” turned from a near-overproduced gamble into a timeless anthem, proving that ambition in music can pay off when paired with passion and authenticity.
6. Stairway to Heaven – Led Zeppelin
When Led Zeppelin debuted “Stairway to Heaven,” some in the music industry thought it was too long and meandering for radio. At over eight minutes, it lacked a traditional chorus and built slowly toward its explosive climax. Yet word-of-mouth among fans made it one of the most requested songs in rock history, even without an official single release. The track grew into a defining piece of Zeppelin’s identity, blending folk, hard rock, and mystical lyrics into a unique masterpiece. “Stairway to Heaven” didn’t just defy radio conventions, it redefined what a rock song could be, inspiring countless bands to experiment with length, structure, and ambition in their own music.
7. Hotel California – The Eagles
When The Eagles recorded “Hotel California,” their label hesitated to back it. At over six minutes long with dark, cryptic lyrics, it wasn’t the kind of track executives expected to succeed on radio. Some even worried its themes were too bleak. But when it was finally released, the haunting guitar solos and mysterious storytelling captured audiences around the world. The song quickly became the centerpiece of The Eagles’ career, winning a Grammy and cementing their place in rock history. Today, “Hotel California” is considered one of the greatest rock songs ever recorded, showing how pushing beyond safe boundaries can create timeless art.
8. American Pie – Don McLean
Don McLean’s “American Pie” nearly didn’t make it to radio because of its unusual length. At more than eight minutes, stations feared audiences wouldn’t stick around. But its poetic storytelling about “the day the music died” struck a chord with listeners, who demanded to hear it in full. Despite the doubts, the song soared to number one in 1972 and became one of the most iconic folk-rock ballads of all time. Its mix of mystery, nostalgia, and cultural commentary ensured its lasting influence. What was once seen as impractical for airplay became a defining piece of American music history.
9. More Than a Feeling – Boston
“More Than a Feeling” was created by Tom Scholz in his basement using homemade recording equipment, and the label doubted its quality from the start. Executives weren’t sure a home-produced track could stand up to studio-polished hits. But when the song was released in 1976, its soaring vocals and instantly recognizable guitar riff made it an instant success. It became the launchpad for Boston’s career and a staple of classic rock radio. The story of “More Than a Feeling” is proof that passion and creativity can shine through any recording limitations, ultimately redefining expectations for debut singles.
10. Imagine – John Lennon
When John Lennon released “Imagine,” some thought it was too controversial, especially its lyrics calling for a world without religion, possessions, or borders. There were concerns that it might alienate listeners rather than inspire them. Yet the song’s gentle melody and powerful message of peace gave it lasting universal appeal. Over time, “Imagine” became more than a song, it grew into an anthem embraced around the world during moments of reflection and unity. What was once viewed as risky became one of the most iconic songs of all time, firmly securing Lennon’s legacy as both a musician and a voice for peace.
11. Superstition – Stevie Wonder
“Superstition” was originally written by Stevie Wonder for guitarist Jeff Beck, but Motown urged Stevie to keep it for himself. At first, he was hesitant, but once released, it became one of his biggest hits. The song’s funky clavinet riff and infectious rhythm dominated the charts and showcased Stevie’s genius for blending groove with socially aware lyrics. Winning a Grammy and topping the Billboard Hot 100, “Superstition” didn’t just elevate Stevie’s career, it helped define the sound of ’70s funk and soul. What nearly slipped through his fingers became a cornerstone of his legacy and one of the most recognizable songs in modern music.
12. Go All the Way – Raspberries
The Raspberries’ “Go All the Way” sparked controversy from the moment it was recorded. Some radio stations considered its lyrics too suggestive, leading to talk of banning it. But instead of sinking, the song caught fire with listeners who loved its mix of power-pop energy and Beatles-inspired harmonies. Released in 1972, it climbed the charts and became the band’s defining hit. While its edgy reputation made executives nervous, the song ultimately captured the rebellious spirit of the early ’70s. Today, “Go All the Way” remains a classic example of how a song once deemed too risky can end up shaping a genre.
13. What’s Going On – Marvin Gaye
When Marvin Gaye presented “What’s Going On” to Motown, Berry Gordy flat-out rejected it, calling it too political and worried it would hurt the label’s clean image. But Gaye stood his ground, refusing to record anything else until the song was released. When it finally hit the airwaves in 1971, its soulful plea for peace and social justice struck a deep chord with listeners. It became a landmark single, opening the door for more socially conscious music in mainstream R&B and soul. What began as a battle of wills turned into one of the most important songs of all time, proving that music can be both powerful and transformative.
14. Tiny Dancer – Elton John
“Tiny Dancer” was released in 1971 but initially struggled on radio. Many programmers thought it was too slow, too long, and lacked the immediacy needed for a hit. As a result, it charted modestly at first. But over time, fans embraced its heartfelt lyrics by Bernie Taupin and Elton John’s soaring vocals. Its revival came decades later when it was featured in the 2000 film Almost Famous, which introduced it to a new generation. Now, “Tiny Dancer” is one of Elton John’s most cherished songs, proving that true classics sometimes need time, and the right moment, to shine.
15. Sweet Home Alabama – Lynyrd Skynyrd
When Lynyrd Skynyrd wrote “Sweet Home Alabama,” they intended it as a playful response to Neil Young’s songs criticizing the South. At first, they didn’t expect it to resonate much beyond their regional fanbase. Instead, the song took off nationally, becoming an anthem that transcended its original context. Its catchy guitar riff and sing-along chorus made it a staple of rock radio, while its cultural impact continues to spark conversations decades later. What started as a tongue-in-cheek rebuttal turned into one of the most enduring Southern rock songs ever recorded, cementing the band’s place in music history.
16. Black Dog – Led Zeppelin
When Led Zeppelin recorded “Black Dog,” producers worried its unusual time signature and stop-start rhythm would confuse listeners and make it difficult for radio play. Robert Plant’s soaring vocals paired with Jimmy Page’s intricate riffs created a track that didn’t follow traditional rock structures. Yet instead of alienating fans, the song became one of Zeppelin’s most celebrated hits, showcasing their fearless approach to hard rock. Released in 1971, it opened their landmark album Led Zeppelin IV and set the tone for a record that would shape the future of rock. What was once seen as too complex became a defining anthem of the genre.
17. Dancing Queen – ABBA
ABBA’s “Dancing Queen” almost didn’t make the cut because Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson weren’t sure it fit the band’s evolving sound. They worried it might feel too disco-heavy compared to their usual pop style. But when they performed it live, the reaction was overwhelming, convincing them to release it. The song became a worldwide sensation in 1976, topping charts in over a dozen countries, including the U.S. Its joyful energy and timeless melody cemented it as ABBA’s signature hit. “Dancing Queen” proved that trusting audience response can turn hesitation into one of the most beloved pop songs of all time.
18. Free Bird – Lynyrd Skynyrd
At over nine minutes long, “Free Bird” left record executives doubtful about its chances for radio success. They feared audiences wouldn’t have the patience for such an extended track. But its heartfelt balladry, followed by a legendary guitar solo, made it irresistible to rock fans. Released in 1973, it became Skynyrd’s most requested live song and an enduring anthem for freedom and defiance. Today, cries of “Play ‘Free Bird’!” are part of rock concert culture. What was once considered too long became one of the most iconic performances in rock history, solidifying the band’s legacy.
19. Smoke on the Water – Deep Purple
“Smoke on the Water” was almost dismissed as too simple by critics and producers. Built around one of the most famous riffs in rock history, it didn’t seem sophisticated compared to other progressive tracks of the era. But its raw power and storytelling, recounting the fire that destroyed a casino in Switzerland, resonated strongly with listeners. Released in 1972, it became Deep Purple’s defining song and a beginner’s rite of passage for countless guitar players. The track’s simplicity turned into its strength, proving that sometimes the most straightforward ideas leave the deepest impact.
20. Piano Man – Billy Joel
When Billy Joel released “Piano Man” in 1973, Columbia Records didn’t know how to market it. The song was a semi-autobiographical ballad about Joel’s days playing in bars, filled with vivid characters and a sing-along chorus. Executives doubted whether such a personal, storytelling song would catch on. But listeners connected instantly, and it became his first major hit. Over time, “Piano Man” has grown into Joel’s signature song, closing nearly every concert he performs. What once seemed too niche to succeed became a universal anthem that has endured for generations.
This story 20 Iconic Songs That Almost Never Got Released, And How They Changed Music Forever was first published on Daily FETCH
