Hidden Gems: Big Hits That Never Made It to the UK Top 10

When discussing the UK music charts, it's easy to focus on the hit songs that make it to the top. However, there are many big hits that, despite their sales prowess and cultural impact, fail to make it into the coveted UK Top 10. These songs often get the attention of regular listeners, yet they remain off the radar for the masses. Let’s explore some of these hidden gems and why they might not have made it to the top.

Big Songs that Missed the Top 10

Consider Adele’s "Set Fire to the Rain". This powerful ballad has sold an incredible million copies in pre-streaming days. Despite its massive success, the song surprisingly never cracked the UK Top 10. This highlights how certain songs can resonate deeply with listeners and achieve commercial success, yet still falter in the most competitive part of the charts.

Two notable examples of such songs are:

Drivers Seat - "Sniff ’n’ The Tears" (1979) Quarterflash - "Harden My Heart" (1981)

Both of these songs are fan favorites, often heard regularly on stations like Radio 2. "Sniff ’n’ The Tears" peaked at number 17 in the UK singles chart, while "Harden My Heart" managed to chart at 49. Despite their stellar performances and widespread recognition, these tunes fell just short of the coveted top 10 spot. They are testament to the varied nature of musical fandom and how genres, artists, and listeners can overdeliver in terms of recognition and appreciation.

Defining a “Big Song”

A song qualifies as a "big hit" if it sold in the millions of copies, even if it didn't manage to break into the Top 10. This is especially true for genres like Country Music, which may have a different set of listeners and chart criteria. For instance, the Florida Georgia Line hit "Cruise" reached number 75 in the UK Top 100 during the era of digital downloads. This achievement is significant, especially considering the ease of exposure through the internet and digital platforms.

There are also songs that are instantly recognizable and beloved by many, yet they don't make it to the Top 10, such as:

“In the Wind” by Hall Oates “Piano Man” by Billy Joel “Free Bird” by Lynyrd Skynyrd “Let’s Get It On” by Marvin Gaye “Born to Run” by Bruce Springsteen “Baby Got Back” by Sir Mix-A-Lot

These songs, while iconic and often sung along to by fans, remain just outside the Top 10. Their memorable tunes and universal appeal underscore the unique challenges that sometimes prevent even big hits from reaching the pinnacle of the charts.

A Personal Favorite – "Love Comes Quickly" by The Pet Shop Boys

The Pet Shop Boys released their 1986 single "Love Comes Quickly," which peaked at number 19 on the UK chart, well below "West End Girls" at the top of the chart. Neil Tennant, a co-founder of The Pet Shop Boys, has called it one of his favorite tracks. This song holds a special place in the hearts of many, including myself. A personal anecdote from years ago, when I asked a colleague for a romantic date and was disappointed by her response, this track provided me with some solace. As the local FM station played "Love Comes Quickly" on the way home, it served as a reminder of love and the power of music to resonate with us in unexpected ways.

In conclusion, while the UK Top 10 remains a prime showcase for major chart successes, it's the songs that miss out on this recognition that often hold a deeper connection with listeners. These hidden gems are treasures in their own right, offering a unique blend of art, emotion, and cultural significance that can touch the hearts of many beyond the narrow confines of the top 10.