10 Iconic Rock Anthems That Never Became Singles

Ever hummed a killer rock tune and wondered why it wasn’t a massive radio hit? Singles are often the music industry’s teasers, designed to lure us into buying albums. But sometimes, the real gems, the songs that define an era or an artist, don’t get that spotlight. It’s a fascinating peek into how music gets marketed, with artists, producers, and labels all having a say.

Often, the songs chosen for single release are picked for their immediate catchiness or radio-friendly length. This means some truly groundbreaking or deeply resonant tracks get left behind. Yet, these unsung heroes often become fan favorites, live staples, and enduring classics. Let’s dive into 10 iconic rock songs that, believe it or not, were never released as singles but absolutely rock our world.

10. “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles

Appearing on The Beatles’ final recorded album, Abbey Road, “Here Comes the Sun” is a beacon of optimism. Penned by George Harrison, it was his way of expressing relief from the band’s internal struggles and business pressures. He famously wrote it in Eric Clapton’s garden, feeling a sense of freedom.

Interestingly, John Lennon didn’t feature on this track, perhaps due to the friction between him and George at the time. This might have influenced its non-selection as a single. Yet, its enduring appeal is undeniable. When The Beatles’ catalog hit iTunes in 2010, “Here Comes the Sun” was their top-selling song in the first week, proving its timeless charm.

9. “Ramble On” by Led Zeppelin

Featured on the monster album Led Zeppelin II, “Ramble On” is a testament to the band’s diverse influences. Led Zeppelin, along with their manager Peter Grant, prioritized full albums and powerful live shows over churning out radio hits. They even secured creative control over their releases, a rare feat.

While “Whole Lotta Love” was a clear choice for a single, “Ramble On” showcases a different side of Zeppelin. With its gentle verses, explosive chorus, and lyrical nods to Tolkien, it’s a journey in itself. The song beautifully blends acoustic folk with hard rock, a signature of their legendary sound.

8. “Can’t You Hear Me Knocking” by The Rolling Stones

This seven-minute-plus epic from The Rolling Stones’ 1971 album Sticky Fingers is pure rock ‘n’ roll swagger. The first part is classic Stones riff-rock, but then it unexpectedly transitions into a lengthy, improvised instrumental jam. In an era where singles were often capped at three minutes for radio play, its length was a hurdle.

Many argue that had the jam session been trimmed for a single edit, it would have been a massive hit. The song’s main riff is instantly recognizable, and its inclusion in films like Casino and Blow has cemented its place in pop culture, far surpassing some of the album’s actual singles in terms of lasting impact.

7. “L.A. Woman” by The Doors

The title track from The Doors’ final album with Jim Morrison, L.A. Woman, is a raw, bluesy masterpiece. Recorded shortly after Morrison’s controversial trial, the album marked a return to their roots. While “Love Her Madly” and an edited “Riders on the Storm” were chosen as singles, “L.A. Woman” remained an album cut, despite its epic scope.

Clocking in at nearly eight minutes, the song vividly paints a picture of late 1960s Los Angeles, complete with Morrison’s iconic “Mr. Mojo Risin’” chant. It feels like Morrison’s gritty, poetic farewell to the city that made him, and many fans feel it deserved a single release, perhaps even as a B-side.

6. “Ziggy Stardust” by David Bowie

The title track from David Bowie’s groundbreaking concept album, The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars, is central to its narrative. It tells the story of an alien rockstar, and the song itself is a piece of rock history. It’s even recognized by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as one of the “Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll.”

Surprisingly, RCA executives initially felt the album lacked a clear single. In response, Bowie wrote “Starman,” which then got the single treatment. Bowie himself often preferred his albums to be experienced as complete works. As a result, “Ziggy Stardust” never charted but went on to heavily influence the glam rock movement and remains one of his most iconic creations.

5. “Space Truckin’” by Deep Purple

From Deep Purple’s massively successful 1972 album Machine Head, “Space Truckin’” is a cosmic adventure. While the album gave us the legendary “Smoke on the Water,” and singles like “Highway Star,” this closing track also packs a serious punch. Four of the album’s seven tracks became singles, but this gem was overlooked.

With its thunderous opening featuring Jon Lord’s organ and Ritchie Blackmore’s guitar, and Ian Gillan’s soaring vocals about interstellar travel, it’s a high-energy rocker. “Space Truckin’” has remained a staple in Deep Purple’s live shows and a fan favorite, perfect for any road trip, whether on Earth or among the stars.

4. “Stone Cold Crazy” by Queen

A track from Queen’s 1974 album Sheer Heart Attack, “Stone Cold Crazy” is often cited as a precursor to thrash metal. It’s a blistering, fast-paced departure from the band’s more operatic and elaborate sound. The song was a regular feature in Queen’s live performances for years and was even included on their Classic Queen compilation.

Despite its innovative sound and live popularity, “Killer Queen” was the album’s main single in the U.S. While “Killer Queen” is undeniably brilliant, “Stone Cold Crazy” showcased Queen’s raw, hard-rocking capabilities. It would have been a powerful follow-up single, demonstrating the band’s incredible versatility.

3. “Going Mobile” by The Who

Nestled within The Who’s legendary 1971 album Who’s Next, “Going Mobile” is a charming and often overlooked track. Written and sung by guitarist Pete Townshend (Roger Daltrey didn’t feature on this one), the song celebrates the freedom of life on the road in a mobile home. It’s tonally upbeat and showcases the pure musical chemistry of Townshend, Keith Moon, and John Entwistle.

The album produced massive hits like “Baba O’Riley” and “Won’t Get Fooled Again,” which understandably became singles. However, even when other tracks from the Who’s Next sessions were later released as singles, “Going Mobile” was left out. It eventually got its due, appearing on a greatest hits compilation, highlighting its enduring appeal.

2. “Casey Jones” by the Grateful Dead

One of the Grateful Dead’s most recognizable songs, “Casey Jones” appeared on their 1970 album Workingman’s Dead. Despite its laid-back, Americana feel, the lyrics touch on the darker theme of cocaine use, reflecting some of the band’s realities at the time. It quickly became a classic rock radio staple and a fixture in their live shows, performed over 300 times.

There was some talk of altering the lyrics, particularly the line “high on cocaine,” to make it more radio-friendly for a single release. However, the band decided against it, feeling it would neuter the song’s message. “Uncle John’s Band” was the album’s sole single, but “Casey Jones,” with its iconic refrain, arguably holds a bigger place in rock history.

1. “YYZ” by Rush

For most bands, a four-and-a-half-minute instrumental wouldn’t be single material, but Rush wasn’t most bands. This Canadian trio was celebrated for their incredible musicianship, and their fans embraced their complex instrumental pieces. “YYZ,” from their 1981 masterpiece Moving Pictures, is a prime example. The title itself is the airport code for Toronto Pearson International Airport, and the song’s distinct rhythm mimics the Morse code for YYZ.

While “Tom Sawyer” and “Limelight” became the album’s hit singles, “YYZ” carved its own legendary path. It was a constant in their live performances and even earned a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Instrumental. Over time, “YYZ” has become a beloved fan favorite, proving its power and enduring appeal—single or not.

These ten tracks are a testament to the fact that a song doesn’t need to be a single to become an anthem. They live on through albums, live shows, and the hearts of fans, proving that great music always finds its audience. Their stories remind us that sometimes the deepest cuts are the ones that resonate the most.