Album making is a meticulous art. It’s not just about writing great songs; it’s about fitting them together like pieces of a puzzle, ensuring they complement each other and create a cohesive listening experience. This often involves tough decisions, with certain tracks deemed unworthy of inclusion despite their quality.
Sometimes, the reasons behind these omissions remain shrouded in mystery. Perhaps a song didn’t fit the album’s overall vibe, or maybe it was simply a victim of time constraints. Whatever the case, these discarded tracks are often hidden gems, capable of standing on their own.
In this list, we’ll dig into the world of album cuts, exploring ten exceptional songs that didn’t make the final cut of their respective albums. From legendary rock bands to contemporary pop stars, we’ll uncover the stories behind these musical casualties and appreciate their brilliance in isolation.
10. Jeff Buckley – “Forget Her” (from Grace, 1994)
Jeff Buckley’s Grace is a timeless masterpiece that perfectly captures the singer-songwriter’s raw talent and unique voice. This ten-track album is a cohesive journey through Buckley’s musical influences, showcasing his ability to blend classic rock with his own innovative style. However, even perfection has its missing pieces.
One such gem is “Forget Her”, a hauntingly beautiful song that was inexplicably left off the original Grace album. Discovered and released posthumously, the track showcases Buckley’s signature melancholic guitar work and heartfelt lyrics. With lines like “Don’t fool yourself, she was heartache from the moment that you met her,” it’s clear that “Forget Her” is a song of exceptional quality.
It remains a mystery why Buckley chose to exclude this powerful track from Grace. Its absence is a glaring omission in an otherwise flawless album.
9. Fleetwood Mac – “Silver Springs” (from Rumours, 1977)
Stevie Nicks’ powerful live performance of “Silver Springs” has captivated modern audiences, offering a glimpse into the raw emotion behind the song. Her poignant lyrics, directed at former bandmate and lover Lindsey Buckingham, encapsulate the tumultuous atmosphere that permeated the creation of Fleetwood Mac’s iconic album, Rumours.
The song’s exclusion from the original Rumours tracklist remains a subject of fascination for fans. Many believe that “Silver Springs” would have seamlessly fit into the album’s narrative of love, loss, and betrayal. Its absence is a testament to the difficult decisions involved in crafting a cohesive record, even for a band at the peak of their creative powers.
Despite being relegated to the B-side of “Go Your Own Way”, “Silver Springs” has endured as a fan favorite, solidifying its status as one of Fleetwood Mac’s most beloved songs.
8. The Beatles – “Don’t Let Me Down” (from Let It Be, 1970)
The Beatles’ extensive discography is a treasure trove of musical experimentation and innovation. Their B-sides alone could fill multiple albums, and fans often debate their favorites. One song that consistently tops these lists is the soulful ballad “Don’t Let Me Down”.
Originally intended for inclusion on their final album, Let It Be, this track was ultimately cut at the advice of producer Phil Spector. Featuring John Lennon on lead vocals, “Don’t Let Me Down” is a heartfelt love song with infectious energy. Its exclusion from Let It Be remains a puzzling decision, as the song’s quality and emotional depth are undeniable.
The Beatles’ decision to omit “Don’t Let Me Down” from their final album has left fans wondering what might have been. Despite its absence from the original release, the song has since become a beloved classic, showcasing the band’s enduring talent and songwriting prowess.
7. PJ Harvey – “Memphis” (from Stories from the City, Stories from the Sea, 2000)
PJ Harvey’s Stories from the City, Stories from the Sea is a vibrant album that explores themes of love, hope, and the complexities of the world. While the record is largely upbeat, it also contains moments of introspection and melancholy. One such track is the poignant ballad “Memphis.”
This beautiful song is a tribute to the late Jeff Buckley, who tragically passed away in Memphis in 1997. Harvey’s lyrics capture a mix of grief and admiration as she reflects on Buckley’s life and untimely death. Despite the sadness of the occasion, she finds solace in the memory of his talent and the peaceful circumstances of his passing.
“Memphis” is a powerful and heartfelt song that demonstrates PJ Harvey’s ability to transform personal loss into art. Its inclusion on the B-side of Stories from the City, Stories from the Sea is a testament to the song’s special significance and its enduring impact on listeners.
6. Radiohead – “I Promise” (from OK Computer, 1997
Radiohead’s OK Computer is a landmark album that has been praised for its innovative sound and introspective lyrics. The 2017 reissue, OKNOTOK, introduced fans to a wealth of unreleased material, including the stunning track “I Promise”.
Featuring delicate acoustic guitar and Mellotron, “I Promise” is a poignant and understated song that showcases the band’s songwriting prowess. Originally written in 1996, Radiohead initially planned to rework the track for a future release but ultimately decided to include it as a demo on OKNOTOK.
This hidden gem of a song, along with other unreleased tracks, demonstrates the band’s creative depth and their ability to craft timeless songs.
5. Slowdive – “Changes” (from Pygmalion, 1995)
While Slowdive’s Souvlaki is often hailed as their masterpiece, Pygmalion is a criminally underrated album that deserves more recognition. With its atmospheric soundscapes and dreamy textures, Pygmalion stands as a testament to the band’s pioneering role in the shoegaze genre. Tracks like “Blue Skied an’ Clear” and “Crazy For You” showcase Slowdive’s ability to create immersive and otherworldly music.
The 2010 reissue of unveiled hidden treasures, including the ethereal track “Changes”. This previously unreleased gem is a sonic journey characterized by its gentle melodies and Neil Halstead’s ethereal vocals. The song’s mesmerizing atmosphere is enhanced by the interplay of guitars and otherworldly textures, creating a truly transportive listening experience.
“Changes” is a prime example of Slowdive’s artistry and their ability to craft music that transcends time and trends. Its inclusion on the Pygmalion reissue is a gift to fans who appreciate the band’s unique sound and their mastery of creating sonic dreamscapes.
4. Lana Del Rey – “Serial Killer” (from Born to Die, 2012)
Lana Del Rey boasts an extensive discography that includes countless unreleased tracks, many of which have become fan favorites. These hidden gems offer a glimpse into the singer-songwriter’s creative process and her evolution as an artist.
One such track is “Serial Killer”, a vibrant and catchy song that was originally intended for Lana Del Rey’s breakthrough album, Born to Die. Despite not making the final cut, the song has garnered a dedicated following and has even been performed live by the artist.
With its infectious melody and playful lyrics, “Serial Killer” showcases a different side of Lana Del Rey. While it differs from the more somber and cinematic sound of Born to Die, the song’s undeniable charm and energy make it a standout among her unreleased material.
3. The Strokes – “I’ll Try Anything Once” (from First Impressions of Earth, 2005)
The Strokes’ First Impressions of Earth is a quintessential New York indie rock album that showcases the band’s signature sound and Julian Casablancas’ poetic lyricism. The album opens with the energetic “You Only Live Once”, a track that sets the tone for the record. However, a hidden gem exists in the form of a demo that preceded it.
Titled “I’ll Try Anything Once”, this demo features a stripped-down arrangement with Nick Valensi’s haunting keys. Casablancas’ vocals are raw and intimate as he explores themes of life’s complexities and the choices that shape us. The song’s melancholic atmosphere contrasts beautifully with the album’s more upbeat tracks.
Unfortunately, “I’ll Try Anything Once” never made it onto the main album, instead being released as a B-side to “Heart in a Cage”. This overlooked gem is a testament to The Strokes’ songwriting talent and their ability to create music that resonates on multiple levels.
2. Prince – “Electric Intercourse” (from Purple Rain, 1984)
Prince’s Purple Rain is a masterpiece filled with iconic tracks that defined an era. While the album is packed with hits like “Let’s Go Crazy” and the title track, Prince’s creative output exceeded even the confines of such a legendary record. In 2017, fans were treated to a treasure trove of unreleased material, including the electrifying “Electric Intercourse”.
This previously unheard gem showcases Prince’s innovative sound and fearless approach to music. The song’s pulsating rhythms, combined with Prince’s soaring vocals, create an intoxicating atmosphere.
With lyrics that are both provocative and poetic, “Electric Intercourse” is evidence of Prince’s undeniable talent and his ability to push musical boundaries. It’s easy to imagine this track as a powerful addition to the original Purple Rain tracklist.
1. Bauhaus – “Dark Entries” (from In the Flat Field, 1980)
Bauhaus’ debut album, In the Flat Field, is a seminal work of gothic rock. However, the record notably excludes one of the band’s most iconic songs, “Dark Entries”. Released as a single in 1980, this haunting track would not appear on the album until a reissue eight years later.
“Dark Entries” is a quintessential Bauhaus song, showcasing the band’s dark and atmospheric sound. Peter Murphy’s distinctive vocals and the band’s hypnotic guitar work create a captivating and haunting atmosphere. The song’s inclusion on the original In the Flat Field album would have solidified its status as a cornerstone of gothic rock.
Regardless of its baffling exclusion from the initial release of In the Flat Field, the song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its power and influence on subsequent generations of artists.