Which Hits Were Initially Scrapped or-Rejected from Albums?

Music history is rife with stories of songs that were initially rejected or discarded from albums but went on to become iconic hits. These tracks often criticized and dismissed by bands themselves proved to be the defining moments of their careers. This article explores some of these critical omissions, highlighting how these discarded tracks achieved unforeseen success and contributed significantly to music culture.

David Bowie’s "Starman"

"Starman" is one of David Bowie’s most beloved songs, but initially, he had no plans to include it on his iconic "Ziggy Stardust" album. The song was written during a crucial period of Bowie’s career, a time when he was experimenting with new sounds and identities. "Starman" wasn’t seen as a necessary addition to an already packed album. Thankfully, it wasn’t dismissed entirely, as it quickly found its way into public consciousness through its use in a television advertisement, ultimately leading to its legendary status in the music industry.

Radiohead's "High and Dry"

"High and Dry," the lead single from Radiohead’s second album "The Bends," is another example of a track that was initially considered too humble. Thom Yorke wrote and recorded it during his high school days, and even he didn’t believe it was worthy of album inclusion. However, the world would later realize its potential as a standout single, achieving substantial airplay and commercial success.

Fleetwood Mac's "Silver Spring"

Acluding a standout track from Fleetwood Mac on their album would have been a no-brainer, yet "Silver Spring" remained on the cutting room floor. Written by Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham, the song demonstrated exceptional musicianship and artistry. It was ultimately omitted from their studio album, yet has since been embraced through live performances and compilation albums, etching its name in the band’s legacy.

Simple Minds’ "Don’t You Forget About Me"

A pivotal moment in the history of Simple Minds’ career saw the band discarding a song that would eventually become one of their most recognizable tracks. "Don’t You Forget About Me" was penned and produced by Keith Forsey and Steve Schiff, but it was initially rejected by band members. After internal discussion and persuasion, the song was recorded but later left off the 1985 album "Once Upon a Time". Ultimately, its inclusion in the soundtrack of the film "The Breakfast Club" turned the tide, sending it to the top of the US Billboard Hot 100 and international charts. It's a testament to how a single song can define a film and a band's career.

Deep Purple’s "Smoke on the Water"

A dramatic tale of a live performance gone awry involving Deep Purple during a concert at the Montreaux Casino in Switzerland is the genesis of one of their greatest tracks, "Smoke on the Water." The story behind the creation of this song is a testament to perseverance and unpredictability in the world of music. The band's decision to record a warm-up track that ended up becoming the curtain-raiser for their next album led to a spontaneous expansion that resulted in a seven-minute track. Upon realizing the song was too long, they had to edit it to a more manageable three minutes, later turning it into the iconic single that cemented their place in rock history.

These stories underscore the importance of staying open to new opportunities and the indomitable potential of music. Many of these rejected or discarded tracks would never have seen light of day if they were not rescued, reworked, and released. It’s a fascinating reminder that sometimes the greatest hits start from a place of doubt or dismissal.

Discover more unreleased hits and dedicated music articles and continue to explore the originality and resilience of the music industry.