Hi,
I was just watching my DVD of “The World Is Not Enough” and was blown away by the great title song by Garbage. Why on earth did this song not become a smash? Oh well…I figured I’d throw the question out to the Teeming Millions to come up with some other favorite tunes that never really ‘caught on.’ What do you think?
Another one I’d throw out there: “Into Temptation” by Crowded House.
“My Affair” – Kirsty MacColl
“There’s a Guy Works Down at the Chip Shop Swears He’s Elvis” – Kirsty MacColl
“When My Baby’s Beside Me” – Big Star
“September Gurls” – Big Star
“When Lightning Starts” – The Three O’Clock
“Come With Me” – Translator
“Every Word Means No” – Lets Active
“Zero Hour” – The Plimsouls
Honorable mention for one that was a hit but deserved even more success if only for Clem Burke’s drum work:
“Dreaming” – Blondie
I’m sure I’ll think of more later
The Cigar Song - By Monica Lewinsky
Anything by the Bloodhound Gang.
“The One” - Tracy Bonham.
“The Gilded Cage” - The Story
“Don’t Give Up” - Peter Gabriel/Kate Bush
“Eulogy” - Tool
Please note: These only apply to the US. I don’t know how these did in Great Britain, for instance.
“Legacy”–The Gone Jackals
I suppose the chances of this being a hit were low considering it was on the soundtrack of a computer game (Full Throttle), but it’s one of the best rock songs I’ve ever heard. The Gone Jackals are also a great band, and they deserve better than the obscurity they’re currently in.
“Santa Monica” from the Savage Gardens self titled CD.
Never understood why over half the tracks in this CD became hits, whereas Santa Monica didn’t… 
“White on Blonde” from Texas’ White on Blond CD.
Say What You Want became a hit, however White on Blond didn’t…
the macarena
:: ducks and runs ::
“Annie’s Gone” by Redd Kross.
Anybody with an ear for pop heard this as an instant hit. Unfortunately, the timing was off, and the Seattle bands swept this gem off the charts. I still believe Redd Kross is one of the most underrated pop bands of all time.
Thank you John. Now I am not only dealing with a doctor mandated caffeine ban, but have the freakin’ macarena dancing circles in my tired little head. FEH!
I hate these “list” threads…OOOOOH makes me so mad!
“Boy About Town” The Jam
“O My Soul” Big Star (first pick went to “September Gurls” but rackensack beat me to the punch)
“Little Babies” Sleater-Kinney
“Devil Doll” X
Of course, something by Rush or Yes…
“The Last Resort” by the Eagles - beautiful melody, socially responsible lyrics, plus sung by a guy who’s on my laminated list.
but my favorite is The First Taste by fiona apple…it is the perfect song.