B-Side Revolutions: How Side Tracks Outshone Their Singles

Despite their typically secondary status, several B-side tracks have outshined their A-side singles and even became hits in their own right. Here are some notable examples from the history of music that showcase the enduring appeal and unexpected success of these hidden gems.

The Doobie Brothers: Black Water

The Doobie Brothers' acoustically-driven track "Black Water" is one of their biggest hits. Originally, it was a B-side to another track, with the intention of it not being a major draw. However, as it turned out, the acoustic nature of "Black Water" played a key role in its eventual success. It wasn't until a DJ in Los Angeles flipped the single and played "Black Water" that the song began gaining traction. Ultimately, it became one of their biggest hits, demonstrating how a B-side can sometimes capture the public's attention and achieve a level of success that surpasses its A-side counterpart.

Kraftwerk: The Model

Another example of a successful B-side is Kraftwerk's "The Model," which appears on the B-side of their track "Computer World." Despite the fact that Kraftwerk's original A-side was more widely promoted, 80 radio stations played "The Model," and it became their only number-one single success in the UK. This track showcases how the B-side can sometimes be overshadowed by its A-side but still achieve significant recognition and success.

Guns N' Roses: Sweet Child O' Mine

Perhaps one of the most unusual cases of a B-side becoming a hit is Guns N' Roses' "Sweet Child O' Mine." This song was originally released as a B-side, but a year after the band's debut album came out, it was played on the radio by a DJ in Los Angeles. This unexpected play led to the song's massive success and helped launch Guns N' Roses into the mainstream. It was a very unusual development, not just because of the B-side status, but because the success was triggered a year after the song's initial release.

Carl Douglas: Kung Fu Fighting

The quick creation and recording of "Kung Fu Fighting" by Carl Douglas was a result of the need for a B-side. This song not only saved Douglas's career but also helped him gain widespread recognition. The song's success highlights the potential of even hastily produced tracks to become major hits.

The Na Na Hey Hey Phenomenon

In an even more surprising turn of events, "Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye" by Paul Leka and Dale Frashuer became a massive hit. This track was initially recorded to ensure that "Sweet Laura Lee" by Gary Decarlo would get airplay on the radio. However, the B-side, which was hastily created, became so catchy that it quickly gained popularity. The record company realized they had a hit on their hands and renamed it, causing it to spend two weeks at number one in 1969. Today, it is still a beloved song featured at sporting events, further cementing its place in music history.

These examples illustrate how B-sides can sometimes capture the public's attention and achieve a level of success that surpasses their A-side counterparts. They highlight the potential of these hidden tracks and underscore the importance of not underestimating the power of the B-side in the music industry.