15 Iconic Songs That Almost Weren’t Produced

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Did you know that Spotify has over 180 million music lovers, each with diverse playlists for date nights, road trips, and even sleepy-time lullabies? Believe it or not, some of these songs were not meant to reach our ears. Here are 15 common songs that you probably didn’t know might have never existed today.  

I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor

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Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive” has become one of the best resilience songs. But did you know it was almost relegated to the B-side of a single? This wouldn’t have doomed the song but would have affected its initial visibility. Fortunately, Gaynor fought to make it part of the A-side, believing in its empowering message.  

“Umbrella” by Rihanna

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“Umbrella” was initially offered to Britney Spears, who turned it down. Several other artists also passed on the track before it landed in Rihanna’s hands (she was 19 then). The song transformed her career because it became one of Rihanna’s biggest hits of 2007 and built her status as a pop superstar.

“Toxic” by Britney Spears

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The track “Toxic” by Britney Spears was originally intended for Janet Jackson, whose team bowed out. Soon after, Britney Spears took it up and gave it her all. It became one of Spears’ most acclaimed singles, with a Grammy in the Best Dance Recording category.

“Rolling in the Deep” by Adele

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Adele’s powerhouse tune “Rolling in the Deep” almost didn’t happen due to writer’s block. During a frustrating session, her producer, Paul, encouraged her to channel her emotions into the song. The result was a chart-topping hit that catapulted Adele to international stardom.

“Halo” by Beyoncé

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Remember that emotional Beyoncé ballad “Halo” from her album I Am… Sasha Fierce? This song was originally offered to singer Leona Lewis, but due to scheduling conflicts, Lewis couldn’t record the track. Luckily for us (and Beyoncé’s career!), the song landed in her lap.  

“Happy” by Pharrell Williams

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Pharrell Williams’ infectious piece “Happy,” which went viral with YouTube views hitting millions in days, was almost scrapped during the recording process. Feeling uncertain about the song, Pharrell considered abandoning it. However, his team convinced him to persevere, and the track became a global anthem of positivity.

“Shape of You” by Ed Sheeran

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Most artists typically get others to write songs for them. Not Ed Sheeran, who effortlessly does it. When he wrote “Shape of You,” he had Rihanna in mind as the singer. However, the trajectory changed during a session with co-writers Steve Mac and Johnny McDaid when he decided to keep the song for himself. 

“Born to Run” by Bruce Springsteen

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Columbia Records, hungry for a hit after flops, piled pressure on 1975’s “Born to Run.” The song nearly stalled under the weight of expectation but instead became his standout anthem, launching The Boss into superstardom. Its strongholds are cinematic storytelling, energetic production, and emotional resonance by Springsteen.

“Stayin’ Alive” by Bee Gees

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Imagine a disco world without “Stayin’ Alive”! The famous Bee Gees almost left this off the “Saturday Night Fever” soundtrack, unsure it fit the vibe. Thankfully, their manager, Robert Stigwood, intervened and saved a song that would become synonymous with the era and a dance floor classic for decades.  

“Like a Prayer” by Madonna

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The song “Like a Prayer” by Madonna, directed by Mary Lambert, courted controversy before it premiered. This provocative video featured burning religious imagery and was deemed blasphemous by some. Despite pressure to alter the song, Madonna refused to budge. 

“Rehab” by Amy Winehouse

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Amy Winehouse, the powerful vocalist’s “Rehab,” a standout from 2006’s “Back to Black, ” was almost lost to the world” because the label resisted its release in the beginning. They questioned its commercial appeal (a standard industry concern), but the release paid off thanks to Winehouse’s persistence.

“Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey

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Journey’s creation “Don’t Stop Believin” dared to be different in a bygone era of predictable pop. Its unorthodox structure clashed with the norm, nearly landing it off the album, but the band’s insistence prevailed. This gamble on a musical maverick birthed an enduring anthem that resonates today. 

“Shallow” by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper

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A Star is Born’s “Shallow” by Gaga, Andrew Wyatt, Anthony Rossomando, and Mark Ronson almost missed its mic drop moment. Bradley Cooper, who directed the movie, was unsure about including the song, but Lady Gaga’s passionate performance convinced him otherwise. The track became a huge success, even winning an Oscar for Best Original Song.

“Hurt” by Johnny Cash

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“Not my style,” Cash first grumbled about covering Nine Inch Nails’ “Hurt.” His persistent producer, Rick Rubin, championed the idea, and true to his word, Cash’s deep, weathered voice breathed new life into the song, transforming his rendition into a haunting masterpiece.  

“Clocks” by Coldplay

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Coldplay nearly relegated “Clocks” to the scrapheap during recording, feeling it didn’t resonate with them. Though they recorded it, the song ended up with other unfinished tracks named “Songs for #3.” Deciding to give it another shot, “Clocks” surprisingly blossomed into one of their biggest hits, even winning a Grammy Award.

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