The world of music charts is often defined by the apex, the coveted number one position. Yet, within the vast landscape of the Billboard Hot 100, a unique narrative unfolds for songs that reached the second rung of the ladder. These are the "almost" chart-toppers, the tunes that came agonizingly close to the summit, but often found their own paths to enduring success and widespread acclaim on other Billboard charts and beyond. This exploration delves into the rich history of these high-achieving number two hits, revealing how many transcended their Hot 100 peak to become chart-topping anthems in their own right across various genres and territories.
The phenomenon of a song peaking at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 is a testament to its immense popularity, often indicating a fierce chart battle or a dominant reign by another track. While the immediate sting of not reaching number one might linger for artists and fans alike, a deeper dive into Billboard’s extensive charting history reveals that these near-misses frequently secured top honors on other significant charts. This analysis aims to illuminate these often-overlooked triumphs, providing context, data, and a broader appreciation for the multifaceted nature of musical success.
The Allure of the Runner-Up: A Fan’s Perspective
The discussion around songs that peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 was recently brought to the forefront by reader Pablo Nelson of Oakland, California. Nelson, an ardent follower of chart performance, commended Billboard’s writers for their exploration of the greatest number two hits, highlighting several personal favorites that resonated with him. His appreciation extended to Madonna’s two entries on the initial list, underscoring her consistent chart presence and impact.
Nelson further elaborated on his fascination with these near-number-one hits, submitting a second email that expanded the conversation to include songs that, while reaching number two on the Hot 100, may not have been featured in the initial compilation. His additions included a diverse range of tracks that exemplify the breadth of this chart phenomenon:
- Bobby Hebb’s "Sunny" (1966): This enduring classic was famously held back from the top spot by another warm-weather hit, "Summer in the City" by The Lovin’ Spoonful. The Lovin’ Spoonful themselves experienced the sting of the number two position twice with "Daydream" and "Did You Ever Have to Make Up Your Mind?" before finally achieving a number one.
- En Vogue’s "Hold On" (1990): This powerhouse track achieved number two on the Hot 100. Interestingly, it was the highest-charting song with the title "Hold On" that week, outranking Wilson Phillips’s own hit of the same name, which sat at number 22, and Madonna’s "Vogue" at number 33.
- Nena’s "99 Luftballons" (1984): This politically charged German new wave hit achieved remarkable success, reaching number two on the Hot 100. Its chart performance was notable for a song that addressed global themes and even referenced Captain Kirk.
- Twenty One Pilots’ "Stressed Out" and "Heathens" (2016): This popular duo demonstrated significant chart power, with both of these massive hits peaking at number two on the Hot 100 within the same year.
- George Michael’s "I Want Your Sex" (1987) and Wham!’s "Last Christmas": George Michael’s solo effort reached number two, while the enduring holiday classic by his former group, Wham!, has consistently been a strong chart performer, often nearing the top and inspiring hopes of a future number one.
Nelson’s detailed submissions underscore the rich tapestry of songs that have graced the second position on the Hot 100, prompting a broader examination of their wider chart impact.
Beyond the Peak: Chart-Topping Success Across the Spectrum
Billboard’s Gary Trust, in response to Nelson’s insights, acknowledged the engaging nature of discussing number two Hot 100 hits. He further elaborated on the current music landscape, noting Ella Langley’s historic run with "Choosin’ Texas" at number one on the Hot 100. This dominance, Trust pointed out, also prevented Langley’s other hit, "Be Her," from reaching number one, as it twice peaked at number two, directly beneath "Choosin’ Texas."
This scenario highlights a modern trend influenced by album releases and streaming habits, where artists can have multiple songs simultaneously charting high, sometimes blocking each other from the very top. Drake’s "Janice STFU" and "Ran to Atlanta" from his album ICEMAN also debuted at number one and number two respectively, showcasing this phenomenon. Similarly, Bad Bunny’s "Dtmf" hitting number one pushed "Baile Inolvidable" to its number two peak.
However, the conversation quickly shifts to the broader impact of these songs on other Billboard charts. Trust presented a compelling list of 21 tracks that, despite their number two Hot 100 peak, rightfully earned their place as chart-topping songs on other significant surveys. This list serves as a powerful counterpoint to the singular focus on the Hot 100, demonstrating the diverse ways in which music can achieve dominance.
A Chronology of Chart Dominance: Number 2s That Reached Number 1 Elsewhere
The following artists and their songs, while perhaps not reaching the ultimate peak on the Billboard Hot 100, secured number one positions on other crucial Billboard charts, solidifying their status as enduring hits:
- Ciara featuring Missy Elliott, "1, 2 Step" (2005): This R&B smash hit spent two weeks at number one on the Pop Airplay chart in 2005, showcasing its broad appeal beyond the R&B and Hip-Hop charts.
- Queen, "Bohemian Rhapsody" (1976/1992): This iconic rock anthem, after peaking at number nine on the Hot 100 in 1976 and number two in 1992, experienced a resurgence. Fueled by its memorable appearance in the film Wayne’s World, it topped multiple rock sales and streaming charts beginning in 2011, underscoring its lasting cultural impact.
- Elvis Presley, "Can’t Help Falling in Love" (1962): In an era with a more segmented chart landscape, this timeless ballad topped the Adult Contemporary chart (then known as Easy Listening) for six weeks in 1962. A later cover by UB40 also achieved number one status on the Hot 100 in 1993.
- Mariah Carey, "Can’t Let Go" (1992): Following a record-breaking streak of number one hits, Carey’s "Can’t Let Go" peaked at number two on the Hot 100. However, it dominated the Adult Contemporary chart for three weeks in 1992. Furthermore, two other number two Hot 100 hits from Carey, "Loverboy" (featuring Da Brat and Ludacris) in 2001 and "Shake It Off" in 2005, both reached number one on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and Radio Songs charts, respectively. The latter also famously spent 14 weeks at number one on the Hot 100 by another of Carey’s songs, "We Belong Together."
- Bruce Springsteen, "Dancing in the Dark" (1984): This anthemic track from "The Boss" ruled the Mainstream Rock Airplay chart for an impressive six weeks in 1984.
- Elton John, "Daniel" (1973) and "Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me" (1974/1992): Elton John has a distinguished history with number two Hot 100 hits. "Daniel" topped the Adult Contemporary chart in 1973, as did "I Don’t Wanna Go On With You Like That" in 1988. His 1974 number two hit, "Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me," found its ultimate chart victory in 1992 as a live duet recording with George Michael, reaching number one on the chart.
- Michael Jackson & Paul McCartney, "The Girl Is Mine" (1982-83): This collaboration from Michael Jackson’s monumental album Thriller was a dual chart-topper, leading both the Adult Contemporary and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs charts in 1982-83. Thriller itself remains a benchmark in music history, holding the record for the most weeks at number one on the Billboard 200 for an album by a solo artist, with an astounding 37 weeks.
- Drake, "Hotline Bling" (2015-16): This ubiquitous track spent 11 weeks at number one on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart in 2015-16, contributing to Drake’s record 32 number one hits on that particular survey.
- LeAnn Rimes, "How Do I Live" (1997): This power ballad, famously a number two hit on the Hot 100, spent an impressive 11 weeks at the top of the Adult Contemporary chart in 1997, demonstrating its widespread adult appeal.
- Gladys Knight & The Pips, "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" (1967-68): While Marvin Gaye’s version of this classic also achieved number one on the Hot 100, Gladys Knight & The Pips’ rendition was a dominant force on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, holding the number one spot for six weeks in 1967-68. Both versions are recognized for their artistic merit, having been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
- Linkin Park, "In the End" (2001): This iconic alternative rock track ascended to the top of the Alternative Airplay chart in late 2001 before crossing over to achieve success on the Pop Airplay chart.
- Dua Lipa, "Levitating" (2021): Despite peaking at number two on the Hot 100, "Levitating" was a monumental success, ruling the Radio Songs chart for seven weeks in 2021 and ultimately being named the top Hot 100 song of the year due to its sustained popularity and longevity. Lipa herself expressed her gratitude, calling the song’s performance "absolutely surreal" and "mind-blowing."
- Madonna, "Material Girl" (1985): As the "Queen of Pop," all six of Madonna’s number two Hot 100 hits achieved number one status on other charts, reinforcing her legendary drive for success. "Material Girl," along with "Causing a Commotion," "Express Yourself," and "Frozen," all topped the Dance Club Songs chart. Her hits "Cherish" and "I’ll Remember" each reached number one on the Adult Contemporary chart.
- Bebe Rexha & Florida Georgia Line, "Meant To Be" (2017-18): This genre-bending collaboration achieved a record-breaking 50 weeks at number one on the Hot Country Songs chart between 2017 and 2018, solidifying its status as a country music phenomenon.
- Miley Cyrus, "Party in the U.S.A." (2009): This patriotic anthem, which has seen a recent resurgence on the Hot 100, dominated the Pop Airplay chart in 2009, becoming a defining song of its era.
- Rihanna, "Pon de Replay" (2005): Rihanna’s debut single, which reached number two on the Hot 100, also topped multiple charts in 2005, including Dance Airplay. Her more recent number two Hot 100 hit, "Lift Me Up," also secured the number one position on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart in 2022.
- Def Leppard, "Pour Some Sugar on Me" (1988): The enduring anthem contributed to the band’s chart success through its music video. The Historia compilation, released in 1988, topped the Music Video Sales chart for five weeks, featuring studio and live clips of the iconic track.
- Patty Smyth featuring Don Henley, "Sometimes Love Just Ain’t Enough" (1987): This heartfelt ballad was a chart-topper on both the Adult Contemporary and Pop Airplay charts, showcasing its broad crossover appeal.
- The Rolling Stones, "Start Me Up" (1981): This quintessential 80s rock anthem spent 13 weeks at number one on the Mainstream Rock Airplay chart in 1981, cementing its status as a rock radio staple.
- John Denver with Fat City, "Take Me Home, Country Roads" (1971): While "Take Me Home, Country Roads" has not individually topped a Billboard chart, it played a pivotal role in the all-star medley "Forever Country" by Artists of Then, Now & Forever, which spent two weeks at number one on the Hot Country Songs chart in 2016. Bill Danoff, a co-writer of Denver’s hit, shared in a 2018 interview with Billboard that his fascination with the countryside during road trips inspired the song’s themes.
- Jewel, "You Were Meant for Me" (1997): This beloved ballad achieved number one success across multiple adult-oriented charts, topping Pop Airplay, Adult Pop Airplay, and Adult Contemporary in 1997.
A Special Mention: Spice Girls’ "2 Become 1"
Although it peaked at number four on the Hot 100, the Spice Girls’ romantic ballad "2 Become 1" deserves recognition for its significant international chart success. The song held the number one position on the Official Singles Chart in the United Kingdom for three weeks during the winter of 1996-97, demonstrating its profound impact beyond American shores.
Broader Implications: The Multifaceted Nature of Chart Success
The examination of these number two Hot 100 hits that achieved number one status elsewhere underscores a crucial point: chart success is not a monolithic concept. While the Billboard Hot 100 remains the premier benchmark for single song popularity in the United States, its influence is complemented by a diverse array of specialized charts that cater to different genres, formats, and demographics.
The data presented illustrates that a song’s inability to reach the very top of the Hot 100 does not diminish its overall cultural significance or commercial viability. In fact, these "almost" chart-toppers often demonstrate remarkable staying power and broad appeal across various platforms. The enduring popularity of these tracks, as evidenced by their dominance on genre-specific charts and their continued presence in popular culture, speaks to their inherent quality and their ability to connect with audiences on multiple levels.
Furthermore, the evolution of music consumption, particularly the rise of streaming and the impact of album releases, has introduced new complexities to chart dynamics. As seen with contemporary artists like Ella Langley and Drake, the internal competition within an artist’s catalog can prevent a song from reaching its absolute peak on the Hot 100, while still contributing to massive overall success. This phenomenon, while different from the historical chart battles of the past, reinforces the idea that chart performance is a dynamic and ever-changing metric.
Ultimately, the stories of these number two Hot 100 hits that conquered other charts offer a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of musical achievement. They remind us that while the summit of the Hot 100 is a significant milestone, the journey to chart success is often paved with numerous victories, each contributing to a song’s lasting legacy. These songs, whether they reached number one or number two on the Hot 100, have undeniably left an indelible mark on the history of popular music.