Sometimes, even the most iconic albums face an uncertain future, with some almost never seeing the light of day. Whether due to creative differences, production delays, or record label hesitation, these albums were close to being shelved. Yet, when they were finally released, they went on to become massive hits, forever changing the music industry and solidifying their place in history.
Fleetwood Mac – Rumours (1977)
“Rumours” by Fleetwood Mac was nearly derailed due to the intense personal conflicts among the band members. The album was created during a tumultuous time, with multiple breakups, divorces, and substance abuse issues plaguing the group. Despite this chaos, “Rumours” became one of the best-selling albums of all time, featuring hits like “Go Your Own Way” and “Dreams.” The emotional tension and raw feelings behind the scenes translated into a deeply personal and relatable album for listeners.
The Beatles – Let It Be (1970)
“Let It Be” almost got scrapped due to mounting tensions within The Beatles. As the band was on the verge of breaking up, the project was plagued by creative disagreements and logistical issues. Producer Phil Spector was later brought in to salvage the recordings, and despite mixed reviews at the time of release, the album went on to become one of the most iconic in The Beatles’ discography, featuring tracks like “Let It Be” and “The Long and Winding Road.”
Bruce Springsteen – Born to Run (1975)
Bruce Springsteen’s “Born to Run” was almost shelved due to a grueling recording process and intense pressure from the label. Springsteen was labeled the “next big thing,” and he was under immense pressure to deliver a commercial hit. The artist and his band spent months perfecting the sound, with countless takes of individual parts. Eventually, the hard work paid off, and “Born to Run” became a defining album of the 1970s rock era.
Pink Floyd – The Dark Side of the Moon (1973)
Before it became one of the most influential albums of all time, “The Dark Side of the Moon” faced numerous production delays and technical difficulties. The band was experimenting with new recording techniques and synthesizers, which caused some pushback from their record label. The abstract themes of insanity, greed, and time were initially seen as too niche, but the album struck a chord with listeners worldwide, staying on the Billboard charts for an astounding 741 weeks.
Nirvana – Nevermind (1991)
Nirvana’s “Nevermind” was initially doubted by their label, DGC Records, which expected modest sales for the album. The grunge movement hadn’t yet become mainstream, and there were concerns that the sound wouldn’t appeal to a wide audience. However, the unexpected success of the single “Smells Like Teen Spirit” catapulted the album into the global spotlight, making it one of the defining records of the 1990s.
The Beach Boys – Pet Sounds (1966)
“Pet Sounds” nearly never saw release due to the internal conflict between Brian Wilson’s experimental vision and the rest of the band’s commercial focus. The album broke from The Beach Boys’ signature surf rock sound, incorporating complex orchestration and introspective lyrics. Despite initial resistance from the band and the label, the album became a critical success and influenced generations of musicians with tracks like “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” and “God Only Knows.”
David Bowie – Low (1977)
David Bowie’s “Low” was part of his “Berlin Trilogy” and was heavily influenced by electronic and avant-garde music. The album’s experimental sound worried RCA Records, which feared it wouldn’t resonate with fans or sell well. Bowie was going through a personal crisis and artistic reinvention, but “Low” ultimately became a landmark album, shaping the post-punk and new wave movements.
The Rolling Stones – Exile on Main St. (1972)
“Exile on Main St.” was plagued by chaotic recording sessions, legal troubles, and drug use among The Rolling Stones. Recorded in the basement of a villa in the south of France, the album’s creation was far from smooth. The initial release was met with lukewarm reviews, and the band was close to shelving it. However, over time, “Exile” became a fan favorite and is now considered one of the Stones’ best works, showcasing their blues and rock roots.
Prince – 1999 (1982)
Prince’s “1999” almost didn’t make it to store shelves because Warner Bros. was concerned about the commercial viability of a double album, especially from an artist who was still rising in popularity. Prince insisted on releasing the project as a double LP, despite pushback. His gamble paid off, with the album featuring hits like “1999” and “Little Red Corvette,” solidifying his place as a pop and funk innovator.
U2 – The Joshua Tree (1987)
U2’s “The Joshua Tree” was an album filled with uncertainty. The band was struggling to refine their sound, and after the disappointment of their previous release, there was doubt about their future. The record was nearly shelved as the group feared it wouldn’t meet expectations. However, with iconic tracks like “With or Without You” and “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For,” the album became a massive hit, cementing U2’s global stardom.
Radiohead – OK Computer (1997)
“OK Computer” was initially met with hesitation by Radiohead’s label, which wanted the band to deliver more commercial hits similar to “Creep.” The experimental nature of “OK Computer” with its complex soundscapes, dark themes, and unconventional song structures, made the record label nervous. Nonetheless, the album became a critical and commercial success, helping Radiohead establish themselves as one of the most innovative bands of their generation.
Bob Dylan – Blood on the Tracks (1975)
Bob Dylan’s “Blood on the Tracks” faced numerous delays and re-recordings after Columbia Records expressed doubt about its marketability. The deeply personal and introspective nature of the album didn’t align with the typical Dylan sound, leading to hesitance. Once released, it became one of Dylan’s most celebrated albums, showcasing his ability to blend raw emotion with masterful songwriting.
Green Day – American Idiot (2004)
“American Idiot” almost didn’t happen after Green Day’s original recording sessions were stolen and never recovered. Facing a crossroads, the band decided to scrap the previous work and start fresh. The end result was “American Idiot,” a politically charged rock opera that resonated deeply with listeners, becoming one of the band’s most successful albums and earning multiple Grammy awards.
Marvin Gaye – What’s Going On (1971)
Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On” faced stiff opposition from Motown founder Berry Gordy, who feared that the album’s socially conscious themes of war, poverty, and police brutality would hurt Gaye’s commercial appeal. Gaye fought to have the album released, and it became a cultural touchstone, forever changing the landscape of soul music.
Michael Jackson – Off the Wall (1979)
Before “Thriller,” Michael Jackson’s “Off the Wall” was nearly overlooked by the music industry. Record executives were unsure how to market an album that mixed pop, R&B, and disco elements so freely. Jackson’s smooth vocals and Quincy Jones’ production brilliance turned the project into a massive hit, paving the way for Jackson’s future reign as the King of Pop.
The Clash – London Calling (1979)
The Clash’s “London Calling” was almost shelved due to its sprawling 19-track lineup and the band’s desire to release it as a double album. Columbia Records was reluctant, thinking the project was too long and eclectic to be commercially successful. But with its genre-bending mix of punk, reggae, and rock, “London Calling” became one of the most influential albums of all time.
Kanye West – The College Dropout (2004)
Kanye West’s debut album, “The College Dropout,” was almost shelved due to doubts from his label, Roc-A-Fella Records. West was primarily known as a producer, and there was skepticism about his ability to succeed as a solo artist. The album faced delays, but when it was finally released, its introspective lyrics and innovative production resonated with fans, launching West into superstardom.
Guns N’ Roses – Appetite for Destruction (1987)
“Appetite for Destruction” was nearly shelved after its initial release failed to gain traction. The band’s raw, aggressive sound was a sharp departure from the polished pop music dominating the charts. However, once MTV picked up the video for “Sweet Child o’ Mine,” the album exploded in popularity, eventually becoming one of the best-selling rock albums of all time.
Oasis – (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? (1995)
Oasis’ second album, “(What’s the Story) Morning Glory?” faced skepticism from its record label. After the modest success of their debut album, there were doubts about whether Oasis could replicate that success. The label also questioned the band’s decision to release the ballad “Wonderwall” as a single. Despite the doubts, “(What’s the Story) Morning Glory?” became a massive hit, defining the Britpop era.
Led Zeppelin – Led Zeppelin IV (1971)
Led Zeppelin’s fourth album faced production delays and pushback from Atlantic Records, which wanted a more traditional promotional campaign. The band, however, chose not to title the album, letting the music speak for itself. The result was a defining moment in rock history, with tracks like “Stairway to Heaven” cementing Led Zeppelin’s legendary status.
TLC – CrazySexyCool (1994)
TLC’s “CrazySexyCool” was plagued by internal conflicts, legal disputes, and financial issues, which almost led to the album being shelved. Despite these challenges, the album’s blend of R&B, hip-hop, and pop, along with iconic tracks like “Waterfalls,” propelled TLC to superstardom, making “CrazySexyCool” one of the best-selling albums by a female group.
This article originally appeared on UnifyCosmos.
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