Some songs climb the charts, disappear, and never return. Others barely make a dent in the Billboard Hot 100 when they’re released, only to become cultural fixtures years later thanks to movies, commercials, sports events, or viral moments. Here’s a look at 15 tracks that missed the Top 40 but now feel impossible to escape — the ones you hear in grocery store aisles, at weddings, and on every nostalgic playlist.
The Romantics – “What I Like About You”
Peaked at #49 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1980. Its real fame came later through Budweiser commercials, sports arenas, and heavy oldies radio play.
Modern English – “I Melt with You”
Reached just #78 in 1983. It became an enduring ’80s staple after appearing in Valley Girl and receiving strong MTV rotation.
Lindsey Buckingham – “Holiday Road”
Charted at #82 in 1983. Forever linked to National Lampoon’s Vacation, it resurfaces with each new sequel and in various pop culture nods.
Elton John – “Tiny Dancer”
Peaked at #41 in 1972. It achieved iconic status decades later, especially after its prominent use in Almost Famous.
The Clash – “Should I Stay or Should I Go”
Initially hit #45 in 1982 and #50 on a 1983 re-entry. A Levi’s commercial in the ’90s and recurring soundtrack placements fueled its second life.
Isley Brothers – “Shout (Part 1)”
Reached #47 in 1959 and #94 in 1962. Over time, it became a standard at weddings, sporting events, and in countless films.
Pixies – “Where Is My Mind?”
Never charted significantly on the Hot 100, but exploded in popularity after closing out Fight Club and becoming a sync favorite.
Seal – “Kiss from a Rose”
Initially made little impact before being featured in Batman Forever. It went on to spend multiple weeks at #1 in 1995.
The Cardigans – “Lovefool”
Underperformed at first, then took off worldwide after its inclusion in Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet soundtrack.
The Wannadies – “You and Me Song”
Barely noticed upon release, but gained international recognition through the Romeo + Juliet soundtrack.
Billy Vera & The Beaters – “At This Moment”
Peaked at #79 in 1981 before a Family Ties storyline sent it to #1 in 1987.
Violent Femmes – “Blister in the Sun”
Did not chart in 1983 but became a cult classic after features in Grosse Pointe Blank and other films.
Queen – “Don’t Stop Me Now”
Not a major US chart success on release, but achieved global recognition after Shaun of the Dead and years of sports and advertising use.
Phil Collins – “In the Air Tonight”
While it charted modestly in 1981, its appearance on Miami Vice cemented its place as one of Collins’s defining songs.
Kate Bush – “Running Up That Hill”
Peaked at #30 in 1985 before a massive resurgence in 2022 thanks to Stranger Things, sending it back into the Top 10 globally.
Chart numbers aren’t always the best measure of a song’s staying power. These tracks show how cultural moments, media placement, and decades of re-discovery can transform modest hits — or outright chart flops — into timeless anthems. Sometimes, the real success story doesn’t start until years after release.