3 Hidden and Bonus Rock Tracks That Should Have Made It to the Initial Release of Their Albums

There are various reasons why some songs don’t make it onto an album. One of the most common reasons is when a song is released as a B-side on a single for the album. Oftentimes, when a single sells well, an artist will include the track on the album as a bonus track. Other times, a song can be included as a hidden track at the end of an album, a pleasant surprise for the listener. Here are 3 hidden or bonus tracks that should’ve made it on the album.

Ozzy Osbourne’s “Whole World’s Falling Down”

In 1992, Ozzy Osbourne embarked on his retirement tour. Ultimately, he wouldn’t stick with these plans as he returned in 1995. Osbourne released Ozzmosis on October 23, 1995. The first single, “Perry Mason”, was released on November 13, 1995. The B-side track was called “Whole World’s Falling Down”, a song written by Tommy Shaw of Styx and Jack Blades of Night Ranger. They became a songwriting duo at the time, following a hiatus from their supergroup Damn Yankees. Ozzmosis was a successful release, reaching No. 4 on the Billboard 200.

In 2002, the bonus track version of Ozzmosis included the track “Whole World’s Falling Down”, along with the song “Aimee”. “Whole World’s Falling Down” contains one of Zakk Wylde’s best guitar riffs and solos on the album. Also included on the album is bassist Geezer Butler, with whom Ozzy performed alongside in Black Sabbath. This song serves as a return to the pure hard rock sound of Black Sabbath.

Counting Crows’ “Big Yellow Taxi” ft. Vanessa Carlton

In 2002, Counting Crows covered the classic Joni Mitchell song, “Big Yellow Taxi”. Featured on the cover was singer Vanessa Carlton, best known for her hit “A Thousand Miles”. The song was included as a hidden track at the end of their album, Hard Candy. Originally, the hidden version didn’t feature Carlton, but the song was included on the film soundtrack for Two Weeks Notice. Newer releases of Hard Candy included the Vanessa Carlton feature, which was released as a single. Counting Crows’ “Big Yellow Taxi” peaked at No. 42 on the Billboard Hot 100, but was an international hit. It was the band’s first Top 20 hit in the UK, peaking at No. 13. Additionally, it was a top-ten hit in Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand.

The Clash’s “Train In Vain (Stand By Me)”

In 1979, The Clash had already finished their upcoming album, London Calling. The band had a song they were going to use for a giveaway promotion for NME. Ultimately, those plans were scrapped, and the band had an extra track. They decided to include the song in their new album, but the artwork had already been sent to the printers. This last-minute track wouldn’t be featured on the album’s track listing and would only appear as a hidden bonus track at the end. “Train In Vain (Stand By Me)” was released as the third single from London Calling. It was the first single by The Clash to reach the Top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 23 in 1980. Later releases include the track on the album due to the single’s success.

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