3 Iconic Songs That Became No. 1 Hits Years After Their Initial Release

Like most things, time perfects them. Whether it is wine, art, or age, time is a criminally understated resource that simply makes things better. Well, time doesn’t just apply to those things listed above as it also does the same thing for music. As albums, musicians, bands, and songs have all been graced by the gratifying effects of time.

That being so, there have been many songs that have “flopped” upon their initial release. However, as years rolls by and taste and trends change their relvancy resurges. As a matter of fact, some even skyrocket all the way to the top of the charts. So, here are three songs to become No.1 hits years their initial release.

1. “Should I Stay or Should I Go” by The Clash

Released in 1982 on The Clash’s double sided single with “Straight to Hell,” the infamous song didn’t do too much when it first released. The song infact charted on the Billboard Hot 100, however, it didn’t even touch the top 40 spots. Although, it would be years later that the song climbed to relevancy.

Oddly enough, the moment that spiked The Clash song’s popularity was it’s appearance in a Levi’s Jeans commercial. Following the commercial, the song reached the No. 1 spot on the UK Singles Chart and garnered the band their first No. 1 hit.

2. “Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers

Mostly known for Elvis’ cover, “Unchained Melody” has become a quintessential and iconic love song. Released in 1965 on their album, Just Once in My Life, the song didn’t do horribly it’s first time around. After it’s first release, it reached to the No. 4 spot on the US Pop Chart and No. 14 in the UK. Though, that was not even close to end of the song’s lifespan.

After the tune became the theme song for the hit ’80s film, Ghost, starring Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze. The Righteous Brothers’ song shot to No. 1 in the UK, Austrailia, Austria, the Nethlerands, New Zealand, and Ireland. As a result of it’s success, the track became the Righteous Brothers’ fifth No. 1 hit.

3. “All I Want For Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey

This one may come as a surprise given that since it’s release in 1994 it has flooded the airwaves between the end of October and December every year for the last 30 years. Despite it’s enormus popularity, Carey’s holiday tune only reached reached No. 6 on the Billboard Hot Adult Contemporary chart and peaked at No. 2 on the UK charts upon its original release.

That being so, it took Carey’s holiday hit 25 years to reach No. 1 status. Finally, in 2019, “All I Want For Christmas Is You” reached the No. 1 spot the Billboard Hot 100. Subsequently, it has reached the No.1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023.

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