- “How 20 American Songs Shaped Social Movements Across Decades” - June 16, 2025
- The 14 Forgotten Stories Behind America’s Most Famous Landmarks - June 16, 2025
- 15 Times History Was Changed by a Single Speech - June 15, 2025
“Billie Jean” – Michael Jackson
Imagine a world without Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean.” It nearly happened. When Jackson presented “Billie Jean” to legendary producer Quincy Jones, Jones wasn’t impressed with the long intro. He wanted it cut, thinking radio stations would lose interest. But Jackson fought tooth and nail, confident in his vision. His stubbornness paid off: “Billie Jean” became the second single from Thriller, which remains the best-selling album in history with more than 70 million copies sold worldwide as of 2025. The song’s slinky bassline and mysterious lyrics about obsessive fans tapped into the fever of the 1980s, turning Jackson into a global icon. Its iconic music video and moonwalk debut on Motown 25 became pop culture milestones. Sometimes, trusting your gut changes everything.
“Bohemian Rhapsody” – Queen
Queen’s magnum opus, “Bohemian Rhapsody,” almost never made it to radio. The record label balked at the song’s six-minute length, calling it “too long” and “too weird.” The band, however, refused to compromise, fighting for the song’s full theatrical glory. Their gamble became legend. Upon release in 1975, “Bohemian Rhapsody” shot to No. 1 in the UK and eventually sold over 6 million copies. Its operatic sections, hard rock riffs, and emotional balladry were unlike anything before, baffling critics and delighting fans. Today, it’s recognized as one of the most influential and beloved songs in rock history. Sometimes, being weird is exactly what the world needs.
“Smells Like Teen Spirit” – Nirvana
Grunge wouldn’t be what it is without “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” Yet, label execs at DGC Records were skeptical. They worried the song’s raw energy and heavy distortion were too abrasive for mainstream radio. Nirvana’s frontman, Kurt Cobain, insisted on keeping the track’s fuzzy, rebellious sound intact. Released in 1991, the song exploded organically on college radio and MTV, launching Nirvana’s Nevermind album to over 30 million sales worldwide. “Smells Like Teen Spirit” became an anthem for a disaffected generation, signaling the dawn of the grunge era and reshaping the music industry almost overnight.
“…Baby One More Time” – Britney Spears
The world nearly missed out on Britney Spears’ career-defining hit. Pop songwriters Max Martin and Rami Yacoub originally crafted the track for TLC, who declined it. The song ended up with 16-year-old Britney Spears, then virtually unknown. It was a risk—could a teenager carry such a powerful pop anthem? The answer, resoundingly, was yes. Released in 1998, “…Baby One More Time” soared to No. 1 in at least 22 countries, selling over 10 million copies in the U.S. alone. Its music video became iconic, and the song ushered in a new era of teen pop. Sometimes, what’s meant for you finds its way.
“Lose Yourself” – Eminem
Eminem nearly tossed “Lose Yourself” in the trash. He recorded it on set in a trailer while filming “8 Mile,” frustrated by the pressure and chaos. At one point, Eminem doubted the song’s quality and relevance. Thankfully, he finished it. “Lose Yourself” became the centerpiece of “8 Mile,” earning Eminem the Oscar for Best Original Song—the first hip-hop song ever to do so. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 for twelve weeks and has since sold more than 10 million copies in the U.S. Its message of seizing opportunity struck a nerve worldwide, making it one of the most motivational songs ever recorded.
“Respect” – Aretha Franklin
Aretha Franklin’s “Respect” was a risk. Originally written and recorded by Otis Redding, the song’s bold reinterpretation by Franklin made her label nervous. Was the world ready for a woman to belt out such a powerful demand for dignity? Franklin’s version, released in 1967, became an instant hit, topping the Billboard Hot 100 and earning her two Grammy Awards. More than a chart-topping single, it became a rallying cry for the civil rights and feminist movements. Franklin’s ferocious vocals and the song’s urgent call for “respect” changed music and social history forever.
“Radioactive” – Imagine Dragons
Imagine Dragons’ breakout hit “Radioactive” almost didn’t happen. The band shopped the song around, but multiple labels rejected it for being too genre-blending and unconventional. Eventually, Interscope took a chance. Upon release in 2012, “Radioactive” slowly gained momentum, becoming one of the longest-charting songs in Billboard Hot 100 history with 87 weeks. Its mix of rock, pop, and electronic sounds appealed to a wide audience, earning it a Grammy nomination and over 14 million sales worldwide. What was once too strange for the industry became the new normal.
“Old Town Road” – Lil Nas X
“Old Town Road” started as a $30 beat and a dream. Lil Nas X bought the instrumental online and uploaded his country-trap track to SoundCloud and TikTok. Major labels ignored him at first. But the internet had other plans: the song went viral, leading to a remix with Billy Ray Cyrus. It broke the record for the longest-running No. 1 single in Billboard Hot 100 history, staying on top for 19 weeks. The song’s wild genre fusion sparked debates about what counts as country or rap, but its popularity was undeniable—over 18 million sales and counting. “Old Town Road” proved that sometimes, the gatekeepers don’t get the final say.
“Hallelujah” – Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” was nearly lost to obscurity. Released on his 1984 album “Various Positions,” the song was ignored by Columbia Records in the U.S. and barely noticed elsewhere. It took years—and countless covers, most notably by Jeff Buckley in 1994—for “Hallelujah” to catch fire. Today, it’s considered one of the most covered songs in the world, with hundreds of renditions and millions of streams. Its haunting simplicity and profound lyrics touch listeners across generations, showing that greatness sometimes takes time to bloom.
“Creep” – Radiohead
Radiohead’s “Creep” was a song nobody wanted. Their label thought it was “too depressing” and not marketable. When it initially flopped in the UK, the band almost gave up on it. But international radio picked it up, especially in Israel and the U.S., and the song exploded in popularity. “Creep” turned into Radiohead’s breakthrough single, eventually selling over 7 million copies worldwide. Its themes of alienation and longing made it an anthem for outsiders everywhere, and it still resonates today in concerts and covers.
“Rolling in the Deep” – Adele
Adele herself wasn’t sure about “Rolling in the Deep.” The song was born out of heartbreak, and the intensity of the recording session made her doubt its commercial appeal. Her producers encouraged her to finish it, sensing its raw power. When released in 2010, the song became a global smash, topping charts in over 20 countries and selling more than 20 million copies. It won three Grammys and helped Adele’s album “21” sell over 31 million copies worldwide. “Rolling in the Deep” proved that vulnerability can be a superpower.
“I Will Always Love You” – Whitney Houston
Few songs have the legacy of Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You.” But record executive Clive Davis was initially uncertain about Houston covering Dolly Parton’s country ballad for “The Bodyguard” soundtrack. Could a pop diva make it her own? Houston’s soaring vocals erased all doubt. The song spent 14 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and has sold over 20 million copies globally. Houston’s version is now considered a benchmark for vocal performance and emotional delivery, forever associated with love and loss.
“Seven Nation Army” – The White Stripes
Jack White almost left “Seven Nation Army” off The White Stripes’ 2003 album “Elephant,” thinking it was too odd and simplistic. But the hypnotic, infectious guitar riff struck a chord with listeners. The song became a global hit, winning a Grammy and inspiring countless sports chants and covers. Its riff is instantly recognizable and has become a symbol of defiance and unity at stadiums around the world. What seemed too weird is now utterly iconic.
“Imagine” – John Lennon
John Lennon’s “Imagine” faced pushback for its “anti-religious” and utopian lyrics. EMI executives and some radio stations were cautious about promoting such a bold vision of peace. But Lennon stood by his message. Since its release in 1971, “Imagine” has become one of the best-selling singles of all time, with more than 21 million sales worldwide. It’s recognized by the United Nations and frequently performed at peace events, symbolizing hope and unity for generations.
Besides founding Festivaltopia, Luca is the co founder of trib, an art and fashion collectiv you find on several regional events and online. Also he is part of the management board at HORiZONTE, a group travel provider in Germany.
