Why weren't these classic songs released as singles?
22 November 2020, 19:00
Sometimes genius is there lurking in the grooves of your favourite LP... Here’s a list of the best songs that never had a single release….
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The Smiths - Cemetry Gates
One of the best songs to be included on the classic 1986 album The Queen Is Dead, this tragi-comic tale of Morrissey’s youthful pastime of hanging around cemeteries was never released as a single.
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The Stone Roses - This Is The One
A huge track from the Roses’ debut album, and the walk-on music for Manchester United. Strictly an album track, however.
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David Bowie - Oh! You Pretty Things
A highlight of Bowie’s career-defining 1971 album Hunky Dory, former Herman’s Hermits singer Peter Noone had already scored a hit with the song in the summer of 1971, so Bowie didn’t try and compete.
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New Order - Your Silent Face
Always a live highlight, this elegant Kraftwerk-influenced ballad kicks off side two of the Manchester band’s second album, Power, Corruption And Lies.
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Nirvana - About A Girl
This classic Kurt Cobain song was included on the band’s debut album Bleach in 1989, but became more famous following its inclusion in the MTV Unplugged special and album.
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Led Zeppelin - Stairway To Heaven
Led Zep were so famous in the 1970s that they didn’t need to release singles, so their most fanous song was an album-only delight.
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The Rolling Stones - Gimme Shelter
This massive tune from the Stones opened their brilliant Let It Bleed album, but never made it as a single in the UK in the 60s.
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Pixies - Where Is My Mind
Made famous by its inclusion in the film Fight Club, this indie classic kicked off Side 2 of the Boston band’s 1988 album Surfer Rosa.
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The Beatles - Here Comes The Sun
The Fabs issued a double A-side from the Abbey Road album - Come Together and Something - but George Harrison’s beautiful song was strictly for LP lovers.
