Hit Songs "Rejected" By Other Artists
Jul 11, 2011 22:32:15 GMT -5
Post by johnm1120 on Jul 11, 2011 22:32:15 GMT -5
Stemming from a conversation I had with a co-worker earlier today. So we all know that some songs were not recorded by the artist the song was intended for, but became a hit anyway. Sometimes the artist turned it down, sometimes it was the label, or in other times it was recorded, but it either wasn't released, or it didn't do anything. Feel free to post examples.
*This thread is not for "cover songs", but more for songs that were either rejected by other artists, or flopped for/didn't get released by another artist, and the latter resulted in a hit.
Adam Lambert - Whataya Want From Me
Originally co-written and recorded by Pink for her Funhouse album, however the song did not make the cut.
--------------------------------------------------
Air Supply - Making Love Out of Nothing At All
Originally written for Meat Loaf, however his record label didn't want to pay royalties to Jim Steinman. He took back the song and it became a #2 hit for Air Supply (Bonnie Tyler later recorded it as well).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bonnie Tyler - Total Eclipse of the Heart
Originally written for Meat Loaf, but like with MLOONAA, his label refused royalites to Steinman, so he gave it to Bonnie. Incidentally, at one point both Steinman songs were #1 and #2 on the Hot 100 simultaneously.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
B.O.B. - Nothin' On You & Airplanes
Both songs written for Lupe Fiasco, but they went to B.O.B. instead. According to reports, the move almost cost Lupe his record deal.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boy Meets Girl - Waiting For A Star to Fall
Originally written for Whitney Houston, but Arista rejected the song.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Britney Spears - ...Baby One More Time
Originally offered to TLC who turned it down, citing they felt it was too immature. The backstreet Boys also reportedly passed on it.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Britney Spears - Toxic
Originally offered to Kylie Minogue who turned it down.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Carpenters - Sing
Written for the TV Series "Sesame Street" Barbra Streisand also recorded the song, which flopped. After hearing the song Karen Carpenter wanted to record it, despite her manager thinking she was crazy for wanting it. Their version reached #3.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Carrie Underwood - Jesus Take The Wheel
Originally offered to Sara Evans, who thought it was "stupid." The song was then offered to Rascal Flatts, who thought it was more suited for a woman.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Celine Dion - Because You Loved Me^
Turned down by Toni Braxton, who was finishing up her 2nd album, and by Mariah Carey who had already released her album and was focusing on her tour.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Charli XCX - Boom Clap
Originally written for Hilary Duff, but her management team passed on it. Charli kept the song for herself.
Cher - I Found Someone
Co-written by Michael Bolton, the song was originally recorded by Laura Branigan. The song flopped, but became Cher's comeback hit 2 years later.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Christina Aguilera - I Turn To You
Recorded by All-4-One and used for the "Space Jam" soundtrack. It was not released as a single. Christina's version went top 5.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gloria Estefan - Heaven's What I Feel
Originally recorded by Celine Dion for her Let's Talk About Love album, but the song was scrapped as it didn't "fit" the album. It became a top 10 AC hit for Gloria Estefan.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
How Do I Live*
Originally recorded by LeAnn Rimes for the movie "Con Air." However the film producers thought that Rimes' version was not "pop" enough. The song was then recorded by Trisha Yearwood which got to #23 on the Hot 100. Rimes released her version anyway, getting the song to #2 and spending a record 69 weeks in the Hot 100.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Faith Hill - There You'll Be
Originally offered to Celine Dion. She turned it down fearing it would be labeled as "My Heart Will Go On Part 2." The song later was nominated for an Academy Award.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jordin Sparks - Battlefield
Originally offered to Rihanna, who turned it down after the Chris Brown incident.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kelly Clarkson - I Do Not Hook Up
Written and recorded by Katy Perry, before she broke, however the entire album ended up being scrapped.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kelly Clarkson - Miss Independent
Originally offered to Christina Aguilera, but at the last minute passed on it. Destiny's Child were also reportedly interested in the song.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kelly Clarkson - Since U Been Gone
Passed on by several female artists, most notably (confirmed) Hilary Duff who didn't think she could reach the high notes.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lady Antebellum - American Honey
Originally written for Carrie Underwood.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lady Gaga - Telephone
Britney Spears originally recorded a demo of the song, but it was scrapped from her "Circus" album.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LeAnn Rimes - Blue
The song was originally written for Patsy Cline, who had intended to record it before her untimely death in a plane crash. 34 years later, 13-year old LeAnn Rimes became the first singer to record it.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Leona Lewis - Bleeding Love
Co-written by Ryan Tedder and Jesse McCartney to be used for Jesse's 3rd album. He recorded the song, but scrapped it thinking it didn't fit the record.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mary J Blige - Rainy Dayz
Originally meant for TLC's 3D album.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Miranda Lambert - The House That Built Me
Originally offered to Blake Shelton who was going to record it, but Miranda loved the song so much, he gave it to her.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Natalie Cole - This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)
Originally offered to Aretha Franklin who turned it down.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Prince - I Wanna Be Your Lover
Orignally written for Patrice Rushen
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pussycat Dolls - Don't Cha
Recorded by Tori Alamaze. The single flopped and Tori was dropped from the label. The song was also offered to The Sugababes and to Paris Hilton. Both turned it down.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rihanna - S.O.S.
Originally offered to Christina Milian. She rejected the song, resulting in a breakthrough for Rihanna, and Christina got "Say I" and a pink slip.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rihanna - Umbrella
Originally written for Britney Spears' "Blackout" era, but Jive turned down the song saying she had enough material. Taio Cruz recorded the song, but it didn't get released. Mary J. Blige was offered the song and was interested, but it had already gone to Rihanna.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Santana f/Michelle Branch - The Game of Love
Turned down by Rob Thomas. Feared it would be considered "Smooth Part 2" Tina Turner also recorded a version of the song, but it did not get released until 4 years after Michelle's vocals made it a hit.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Selena Gomez - Who Says
Originally offered to and recorded by Jordin Sparks. However, Selena's version got released first.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sinead O'Connor - Nothing Compares 2 U
Originally recorded by "The Family" in 1985. The song did not get released as a single.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sugar Rush*
The song was originally recorded by the pop group A-Teens, and was later recorded by Dream Street. Although neither version of the song was officially released as a single, the song led to tension between the two groups.
Taio Cruz - Break Your Heart
Taio wrote the song for Cheryl Cole's solo album, but her label rejected the song. He then kept it for himself.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Taylor Dayne - Love Will Lead You Back
Diane Warren originally wanted Whitney Houston to sing the song, but Clive Davis insisted that Taylor sing it instead.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Taylor Dayne - Send Me A Lover
Originally recorded by Celine Dion for her 2nd album. It didn't make the cut and the song was offered to Taylor. 4 years later, Celine's version was released to promote the compilation album "Women For Women 2" and cracked the AC chart.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Weather Girls - It's Raining Men
Turned down by several divas including Diana Ross and Donna Summer.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Toni Braxton - Another Sad Love Song
Originally offered to Anita Baker, who turned it down to focus on her pregnancy.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Toni Braxton - How Could An Angel Break My Heart
Babyface originally wrote the song for his own album, but later decided it was more suited for a woman.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Toni Braxton - Un-break My Heart^
Orignally offered to Celine Dion
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vanessa Williams - COlors of the Wind
Originally turned down by Whitney Houston
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vanessa Williams - Save the Best For Last
This song was shopped around to several artists including Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and Barbra Streisand.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Whitney Houston - How Will I Know
Song was meant for Janet Jackson.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
So Celine Dion and Toni Braxton turned down each other's huge hits. Imagine if they had been recorded as originally intended? (And both are Diane Warren songs!)
Thank you for your contributions:
14887fan
Air Jordin
Au$tin
brightredsongs
Ch, r. ïs
chatoyant
Disco Cowboy
ificanthaveyou
indulgecountry
Inner Visioned
jazzysoul47
Mack
Typo
*This thread is not for "cover songs", but more for songs that were either rejected by other artists, or flopped for/didn't get released by another artist, and the latter resulted in a hit.
Adam Lambert - Whataya Want From Me
Originally co-written and recorded by Pink for her Funhouse album, however the song did not make the cut.
--------------------------------------------------
Air Supply - Making Love Out of Nothing At All
Originally written for Meat Loaf, however his record label didn't want to pay royalties to Jim Steinman. He took back the song and it became a #2 hit for Air Supply (Bonnie Tyler later recorded it as well).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bonnie Tyler - Total Eclipse of the Heart
Originally written for Meat Loaf, but like with MLOONAA, his label refused royalites to Steinman, so he gave it to Bonnie. Incidentally, at one point both Steinman songs were #1 and #2 on the Hot 100 simultaneously.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
B.O.B. - Nothin' On You & Airplanes
Both songs written for Lupe Fiasco, but they went to B.O.B. instead. According to reports, the move almost cost Lupe his record deal.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boy Meets Girl - Waiting For A Star to Fall
Originally written for Whitney Houston, but Arista rejected the song.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Britney Spears - ...Baby One More Time
Originally offered to TLC who turned it down, citing they felt it was too immature. The backstreet Boys also reportedly passed on it.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Britney Spears - Toxic
Originally offered to Kylie Minogue who turned it down.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Carpenters - Sing
Written for the TV Series "Sesame Street" Barbra Streisand also recorded the song, which flopped. After hearing the song Karen Carpenter wanted to record it, despite her manager thinking she was crazy for wanting it. Their version reached #3.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Carrie Underwood - Jesus Take The Wheel
Originally offered to Sara Evans, who thought it was "stupid." The song was then offered to Rascal Flatts, who thought it was more suited for a woman.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Celine Dion - Because You Loved Me^
Turned down by Toni Braxton, who was finishing up her 2nd album, and by Mariah Carey who had already released her album and was focusing on her tour.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Charli XCX - Boom Clap
Originally written for Hilary Duff, but her management team passed on it. Charli kept the song for herself.
Cher - I Found Someone
Co-written by Michael Bolton, the song was originally recorded by Laura Branigan. The song flopped, but became Cher's comeback hit 2 years later.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Christina Aguilera - I Turn To You
Recorded by All-4-One and used for the "Space Jam" soundtrack. It was not released as a single. Christina's version went top 5.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gloria Estefan - Heaven's What I Feel
Originally recorded by Celine Dion for her Let's Talk About Love album, but the song was scrapped as it didn't "fit" the album. It became a top 10 AC hit for Gloria Estefan.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
How Do I Live*
Originally recorded by LeAnn Rimes for the movie "Con Air." However the film producers thought that Rimes' version was not "pop" enough. The song was then recorded by Trisha Yearwood which got to #23 on the Hot 100. Rimes released her version anyway, getting the song to #2 and spending a record 69 weeks in the Hot 100.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Faith Hill - There You'll Be
Originally offered to Celine Dion. She turned it down fearing it would be labeled as "My Heart Will Go On Part 2." The song later was nominated for an Academy Award.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jordin Sparks - Battlefield
Originally offered to Rihanna, who turned it down after the Chris Brown incident.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kelly Clarkson - I Do Not Hook Up
Written and recorded by Katy Perry, before she broke, however the entire album ended up being scrapped.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kelly Clarkson - Miss Independent
Originally offered to Christina Aguilera, but at the last minute passed on it. Destiny's Child were also reportedly interested in the song.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kelly Clarkson - Since U Been Gone
Passed on by several female artists, most notably (confirmed) Hilary Duff who didn't think she could reach the high notes.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lady Antebellum - American Honey
Originally written for Carrie Underwood.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lady Gaga - Telephone
Britney Spears originally recorded a demo of the song, but it was scrapped from her "Circus" album.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LeAnn Rimes - Blue
The song was originally written for Patsy Cline, who had intended to record it before her untimely death in a plane crash. 34 years later, 13-year old LeAnn Rimes became the first singer to record it.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Leona Lewis - Bleeding Love
Co-written by Ryan Tedder and Jesse McCartney to be used for Jesse's 3rd album. He recorded the song, but scrapped it thinking it didn't fit the record.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mary J Blige - Rainy Dayz
Originally meant for TLC's 3D album.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Miranda Lambert - The House That Built Me
Originally offered to Blake Shelton who was going to record it, but Miranda loved the song so much, he gave it to her.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Natalie Cole - This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)
Originally offered to Aretha Franklin who turned it down.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Prince - I Wanna Be Your Lover
Orignally written for Patrice Rushen
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pussycat Dolls - Don't Cha
Recorded by Tori Alamaze. The single flopped and Tori was dropped from the label. The song was also offered to The Sugababes and to Paris Hilton. Both turned it down.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rihanna - S.O.S.
Originally offered to Christina Milian. She rejected the song, resulting in a breakthrough for Rihanna, and Christina got "Say I" and a pink slip.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rihanna - Umbrella
Originally written for Britney Spears' "Blackout" era, but Jive turned down the song saying she had enough material. Taio Cruz recorded the song, but it didn't get released. Mary J. Blige was offered the song and was interested, but it had already gone to Rihanna.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Santana f/Michelle Branch - The Game of Love
Turned down by Rob Thomas. Feared it would be considered "Smooth Part 2" Tina Turner also recorded a version of the song, but it did not get released until 4 years after Michelle's vocals made it a hit.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Selena Gomez - Who Says
Originally offered to and recorded by Jordin Sparks. However, Selena's version got released first.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sinead O'Connor - Nothing Compares 2 U
Originally recorded by "The Family" in 1985. The song did not get released as a single.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sugar Rush*
The song was originally recorded by the pop group A-Teens, and was later recorded by Dream Street. Although neither version of the song was officially released as a single, the song led to tension between the two groups.
Taio Cruz - Break Your Heart
Taio wrote the song for Cheryl Cole's solo album, but her label rejected the song. He then kept it for himself.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Taylor Dayne - Love Will Lead You Back
Diane Warren originally wanted Whitney Houston to sing the song, but Clive Davis insisted that Taylor sing it instead.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Taylor Dayne - Send Me A Lover
Originally recorded by Celine Dion for her 2nd album. It didn't make the cut and the song was offered to Taylor. 4 years later, Celine's version was released to promote the compilation album "Women For Women 2" and cracked the AC chart.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Weather Girls - It's Raining Men
Turned down by several divas including Diana Ross and Donna Summer.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Toni Braxton - Another Sad Love Song
Originally offered to Anita Baker, who turned it down to focus on her pregnancy.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Toni Braxton - How Could An Angel Break My Heart
Babyface originally wrote the song for his own album, but later decided it was more suited for a woman.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Toni Braxton - Un-break My Heart^
Orignally offered to Celine Dion
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vanessa Williams - COlors of the Wind
Originally turned down by Whitney Houston
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vanessa Williams - Save the Best For Last
This song was shopped around to several artists including Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and Barbra Streisand.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Whitney Houston - How Will I Know
Song was meant for Janet Jackson.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
So Celine Dion and Toni Braxton turned down each other's huge hits. Imagine if they had been recorded as originally intended? (And both are Diane Warren songs!)
Thank you for your contributions:
14887fan
Air Jordin
Au$tin
brightredsongs
Ch, r. ïs
chatoyant
Disco Cowboy
ificanthaveyou
indulgecountry
Inner Visioned
jazzysoul47
Mack
Typo