4 Songs That Finally Became Hits After Being Re-Released

Although it can seem like some songs were always destined to become hits, some of them didn’t top the charts initially. For some, it took a re-release for listeners to take notice. The fact that some songs didn’t become hits until their second or even third release is proof of how complicated the music industry can be, with the right combination of timing and exposure finally leading to success.

“Bringin’ On The Heartbreak” by Def Leppard

To promote their second album, High ‘n’ Dry, Def Leppard released the ballad “Bringin’ On The Heartbreak” as its second single in the summer of 1981. However, the track failed to chart. Its video was played often on the newly launched MTV. That helped propel sales of the album. The band’s label decided to rerelease the album, including a new version of “Bringin’ On The Heartbreak”. That time, it became a hit. It remains a staple of the band’s live sets.

“1999” by Prince

Prince originally released “1999” from the album of the same name in 1982. It peaked at No. 44 on the Billboard Hot 100. The track was released again a year later, peaking at No. 12, and a second re-release followed in 1985. That time, “1999” was released as a double A-side to capitalize on the popularity of “Little Red Corvette,” and it hit No. 2 in the UK. Prince also released a re-recorded version in 1999, and it re-entered the charts after his death.

“Nights In White Satin” by The Moody Blues

“Nights In White Satin” remains the most well-known song by English band The Moody Blues, but that might not have been the case if the band hadn’t released the track twice. It was first released in 1967 with the title “The Night” from the band’s album Days Of Future Passed. Its second release came in 1972, and it peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard charts. It also re-entered the charts two more times–first in 1979 and again in 2010.

“White Wedding” by Billy Idol

Billy Idol’s hit “White Wedding” was released as a single not once but three times. And the third time was a charm, especially in the UK. The song was originally released in 1982, followed by rereleases in 1983 and the summer of 1985 to promote the remix album Vital Idol. Although it was a hit in the US the first time around, “White Wedding” finally charted in the UK after its third release, peaking at No. 6.