Unsung Hits: B-Sides That Became Bigger Than the A-Side
When it comes to the world of music, singles often come in two parts: the A-side, which is typically the main release, and the B-side, which is often overlooked. However, throughout the history of music, there are many instances where the B-side has transcended its conventional role and become a chart-topping hit in its own right. Let’s delve into some of these remarkable B-sides that have storylines all of their own.
Cases of B-Sides That Surpassed A-Sides
KISS: “Beth” against “Detroit Rock City”
One of the most notable examples is KISS’s “Detroit Rock City” from the 70s. Though “Detroit Rock City” was the A-side that opened the album, “Beth” quickly garnered more attention. Some radio stations started playing “Beth” more frequently, leading it to become a massive hit and even surpass “Detroit Rock City” in popularity. Peter Criss, one of the band members, began performing “Beth” in concerts along with a backing track. Interestingly, while “Detroit Rock City” remained more popular among KISS fans, “Beth” had a broader appeal and achieved chart success.
Other Stand-Alone B-Sides That Became Hits
Jasper Carrott and “Funky Moped” – In the 1970s, Jasper Carrott released the album “Funky Moped,” which included a B-side, “Magic Roundabout.” While the album itself performed well, it was this B-side that became the more popular track. “Magic Roundabout,” also known as “The Archies,” was censored for radio play but found its niche among fans. This interplay of B-side success and censorship stirred up interest in the track, eventually helping it climb the charts.
Streetband and “Toast” – Originally released as the B-side of another Streetband track, “Toast” eventually became the A-side. This re-release garnered more attention and success, proving that sometimes, a song needs to be heard again to shine.
Notable B-Sides That Became A-Sides
The Doobie Brothers: “Black Water” – Previously the B-side to “Another Park, Another Sunday,” “Black Water” was brought to the forefront by radio airplay and listener enthusiasm. When it caught fire, Warner Bros. reissued “Black Water” as the A-side, making it a significant hit on its own.
British and American Chart Success Stories
Rod Stewart and “Maggie May” – “Maggie May,” originally the B-side to “Reason to Believe,” became one of Rod Stewart’s most famous songs. An American DJ helped catapult “Maggie May” to the top of the charts in both the US and the UK, with it spending 6 weeks at No.1 in the UK singles chart. Similarly, Van Morrison’s “Gloria” was also originally a B-side before taking on a life of its own.
The Power of Persistence
JJ Cale’s “After Midnight” – “After Midnight” was originally a B-side to an obscure single by JJ Cale. Later, the song was re-recorded and re-released after Eric Clapton’s successful rendition became a hit. This strategy of re-releasing a song has proven effective in allowing the original version to shine once again.
Conclusion
As we’ve seen, the B-side can often surpass the expectations set by the main track. These songs hold a special place in the history of music, reminding us that sometimes the true gems are those that were overlooked at first. Whether it was due to clever positioning, radio airplay, or simply resonating with audiences, these tracks have proven that greatness can come from unexpected places. From KISS’s “Beth” to Rod Stewart’s “Maggie May,” the history of music is full of stories where B-sides became bigger than the A-sides that once overshadowed them.
By delving into these overlooked yet significant tracks, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the diverse and creative nature of music. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of rock, a casual listener, or simply someone who enjoys the tales behind the music, these stories offer a fascinating glimpse into the world of hitmaking.