4 Songs That Failed on Release but Became Classics Later On

Not all classic hits were as big at the time as you’d think. Some artists’ most recognizable hits flopped initially, and then became hits later on. Let’s take a look at a few legendary classics that had a rough start but became iconic songs anyway.

“Hallelujah” by Jeff Buckley

Although originally a Leonard Cohen song, it was John Cale’s version in 1991 that inspired Jeff Buckley to cover the song. Released on his 1994 album Grace, Buckley delivered an intimate and moving performance with “Hallelujah.” The song wasn’t released as a single, and none of the singles from Grace charted. The album itself only reached No. 82 on the US Billboard 200. But following Jeff Buckley’s sudden and tragic drowning in the Mississippi River in 1997, the song quickly became a fan favorite. Grace went on to sell millions of copies.

“Mr. Brightside” by The Killers

You can play “Mr. Brightside” at any social gathering, and it’s a guarantee that people will sing along. You simply can’t have a karaoke night without this song. Surprisingly, the song was a “sleeper hit” in 2005. It took “Mr. Brightside” four months to reach the Top 10. Peaking at No. 10, it’s The Killers biggest hit. Nowadays, it’s an anthem chanted at sporting events in arenas around the world.

“Creep” by Radiohead

“Creep” was released as a single in September 1992. The song made it to No. 78 on the UK singles chart, but failed to gain popularity in the US until mid-1993. Radiohead was the first music guest on Late Night with Conan O’Brien. Following their performance of “Creep,” the single was reissued. In September 1993, “Creep” climbed to No. 7 on the UK Singles chart but stalled at No. 34 on the Billboard Hot 100. As of 2026, “Creep” is Radiohead’s most-streamed song.

“Dog Days Are Over” by Florence + the Machine

Initially released in 2008, “Dog Days Are Over” hit No. 89 on the UK Singles Chart. Following a music video release, the song re-entered the chart in January 2010, reaching No. 23. Later that year, Florence + the Machine performed the song at the 2010 MTV Music Awards. “Dog Days Are Over” broke the top 30, becoming the group’s first song to do so. The song peaked at No. 21 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and remains the group’s biggest release.