Successful eras you never saw coming

[salt]

Sometimes, an artist releases an album that seems like it's got a 100% chance of flopping. But either by some miracle or God deserting us, it ends up taking over the world somehow. Which of these hit eras, good or bad, caught you by surprise?

For me, it would have to be Train's "Save Me, San Francisco" era. Now, for the longest time, I considered them a Bush-era relic with a couple okay hits but overall pretty boring. So imagine my horror when "Hey, Soul Sister" starts blowing up and not only tortures everyone's ears for a solid decade, but lets Train become even bigger than in the early 2000s. To this day, that resurgence mystifies me, especially since Train were never one of the most fondly remembered late 90s/early 2000s bands.

[iHype.]

Jonas Brother's 2019 era. Never expected such a huge comeback and for them to get their biggest hit far after the 2000s.

[jasper0102]

Un Verano Sin Ti. Not only was the album bomb a big one (though compared to some of the other album bombs during that time i wouldn't call it the biggest overall), but the songs and album itself stuck around on the charts a lot longer than i, and probably most people were expecting. Leading to Bad Bunny getting 7 SONGS on the Hot 100 year-end list, all from the same album! And the #1 album of the year on the Billboard 200 to boot.

[rnb]

taylor’s midnights, metro’s heroes and villains and sza’s sos were all albums that were way bigger than I thought they would be

[jenglisbe]

Mariah's The Emancipation of Mimi era fits this one. Considering how low she'd fallen with the public in 2001 and then how Charmbracelet didn't move the needle much in 2002, in no way could I (or anyone) have predicted that in 2005 she'd release the biggest selling album of the year and it would contain the Song of the Decade. It was a full era, too, not just 1 hit. A truly iconic and legendry comeback.

Another one is definitely Adele's 21. Her debut did fine outside of the UK, but I can't imagine anyone thought she'd release one of the biggest albums of all-time with her second album. I feel like that era caught us all off guard.

[Ling-Ling]

Kylie Minogue's Fever comes to mind. After the middling success of her Deconstruction era, she had a nice comeback overseas with Light Years. But in the US especially, she was an 80's one-hit wonder footnote. I don't think anyone saw Fever and "Can't Get You Out Of My Head" coming.

[Private Dancer]

This isn't more so what I saw coming, but what people who were in those old times never saw coming

Private Dancer- Tina Turner
Breakout- Pointer Sisters
Forever Your Girl- Paula Abdul
Tell It To My Heart- Taylor Dayne
Control- Janet
Who's Zoomin Who- Aretha
Dionne- Dionne Warwick
Where Did Our Love Go- The Supremes
Imagination- Gladys Knight & The Pips
Stay With Me- Regina Belle
The Comfort Zone- Vanessa Williams


A lot of people who were there during that time, did not expect these eras to be very successful or even have a hit.

[Glass Joe]

Feb 16, 2023 1:23:11 GMT -5 salt said:

Sometimes, an artist releases an album that seems like it's got a 100% chance of flopping. But either by some miracle or God deserting us, it ends up taking over the world somehow. Which of these hit eras, good or bad, caught you by surprise?

For me, it would have to be Train's "Save Me, San Francisco" era. Now, for the longest time, I considered them a Bush-era relic with a couple okay hits but overall pretty boring. So imagine my horror when "Hey, Soul Sister" starts blowing up and not only tortures everyone's ears for a solid decade, but lets Train become even bigger than in the early 2000s. To this day, that resurgence mystifies me, especially since Train were never one of the most fondly remembered late 90s/early 2000s bands.

I actually really like Train. It almost seems like they were bigger in the 2010s than they were in the 2000s. "Hey, Soul Sister," "Is it Love," "Drive by," and "Play that Song" were all notable hits from the 2010s. "Play That Song" even being as late as 2017. I am a little surprised too by how successful they were in the 2010s, but definitely glad they could do so well in an era where Rock and Alternative bands were struggling on the charts. The 2010s were not so kind to even Pop Rock bands, opposite to how the 90s and 2000s were extremely kind to Pop Rock and Alternative. So I'm really glad Train did so well at that time.

[Glass Joe]

Feb 16, 2023 2:47:30 GMT -5 iHype. said:

Jonas Brother's 2019 era. Never expected such a huge comeback and for them to get their biggest hit far after the 2000s.

I thought the same thing about Panic! at the Disco when they scored 2 Top 10 hits (including a # 1 hit) in 2019. I thought they were bound to stay a one hit wonder from 2006.

[JukeboxJacob]

no one saw Olivia Rodrigo coming for THREE top 15 YE smashes lol

[Joe1240]

The Chainsmokers Era of Memories..Do Not Open with hits coming from 2015-2017.They were most known for Selfie song before this era. They were at one point mentioned as the possible Super Bowl Halftime Show for 2018/2019 because of this era. "Closer" with Halsey is the biggest hit from them in this era.

[divasummer]

Feb 16, 2023 11:51:23 GMT -5 Private Dancer said:

This isn't more so what I saw coming, but what people who were in those old times never saw coming

Private Dancer- Tina Turner
Breakout- Pointer Sisters
Forever Your Girl- Paula Abdul
Tell It To My Heart- Taylor Dayne
Control- Janet
Who's Zoomin Who- Aretha
Dionne- Dionne Warwick
Where Did Our Love Go- The Supremes
Imagination- Gladys Knight & The Pips
Stay With Me- Regina Belle
The Comfort Zone- Vanessa Williams


A lot of people who were there during that time, did not expect these eras to be very successful or even have a hit.

Why Taylor Dayne??
Wasn’t “Tell It To My Heart” her debut album?
I was only around 10 at the time and loved it.
I still listen to certain tracks today.

[Private Dancer]

Feb 17, 2023 20:20:26 GMT -5 divasummer said:

Feb 16, 2023 11:51:23 GMT -5 Private Dancer said:

This isn't more so what I saw coming, but what people who were in those old times never saw coming

Private Dancer- Tina Turner
Breakout- Pointer Sisters
Forever Your Girl- Paula Abdul
Tell It To My Heart- Taylor Dayne
Control- Janet
Who's Zoomin Who- Aretha
Dionne- Dionne Warwick
Where Did Our Love Go- The Supremes
Imagination- Gladys Knight & The Pips
Stay With Me- Regina Belle
The Comfort Zone- Vanessa Williams


A lot of people who were there during that time, did not expect these eras to be very successful or even have a hit.

Why Taylor Dayne??
Wasn’t “Tell It To My Heart” her debut album?
I was only around 10 at the time and loved it.
I still listen to certain tracks today.

TITMH the single and the album was not expected to do well like it did. The song blew up fast without an album being out. It also did ok in urban markets and did well internationally. Many people at the time, did not think she would even have multiple hits from that album. People expected it from Debbie and Tiffany, but Taylor was a suprise. At the time, people thought she'd be a dance club act until IALY came out and was big.

Not to mention on mediabase in the 80s, Don't Rush Me debuted at #16, and flow up the monitor fast.

[divasummer]

Feb 17, 2023 21:10:03 GMT -5 Private Dancer said:

Feb 17, 2023 20:20:26 GMT -5 divasummer said:

Why Taylor Dayne??
Wasn’t “Tell It To My Heart” her debut album?
I was only around 10 at the time and loved it.
I still listen to certain tracks today.

TITMH the single and the album was not expected to do well like it did. The song blew up fast without an album being out. It also did ok in urban markets and did well internationally. Many people at the time, did not think she would even have multiple hits from that album. People expected it from Debbie and Tiffany, but Taylor was a suprise. At the time, people thought she'd be a dance club act until IALY came out and was big.

Not to mention on mediabase in the 80s, Don't Rush Me debuted at #16, and flow up the monitor fast.

Ok I see what you’re saying.
Most of the other acts you had and others had mentioned had flopped prior and was making a comeback.
I remember after “I’ll Always Love You” blowing up they tried to go a little more the AC route with her. Even changing her debut albums cover after the 3rd single.
I actually skipped buying her full second album but love her third “Soul Dancing”.

[Private Dancer]

Feb 18, 2023 5:24:54 GMT -5 divasummer said:

Feb 17, 2023 21:10:03 GMT -5 Private Dancer said:

TITMH the single and the album was not expected to do well like it did. The song blew up fast without an album being out. It also did ok in urban markets and did well internationally. Many people at the time, did not think she would even have multiple hits from that album. People expected it from Debbie and Tiffany, but Taylor was a suprise. At the time, people thought she'd be a dance club act until IALY came out and was big.

Not to mention on mediabase in the 80s, Don't Rush Me debuted at #16, and flow up the monitor fast.

Ok I see what you’re saying.
Most of the other acts you had and others had mentioned had flopped prior and was making a comeback.
I remember after “I’ll Always Love You” blowing up they tried to go a little more the AC route with her. Even changing her debut albums cover after the 3rd single.
I actually skipped buying her full second album but love her third “Soul Dancing”.

I don't know why they changed her album picture after the 3rd single. It literally baffles me. I haven't heard Soul Dancing, but her 2nd album isn't nowhere as near as good as her first one. I will listen today.

[divasummer]

Feb 18, 2023 11:58:28 GMT -5 Private Dancer said:

Feb 18, 2023 5:24:54 GMT -5 divasummer said:

Ok I see what you’re saying.
Most of the other acts you had and others had mentioned had flopped prior and was making a comeback.
I remember after “I’ll Always Love You” blowing up they tried to go a little more the AC route with her. Even changing her debut albums cover after the 3rd single.
I actually skipped buying her full second album but love her third “Soul Dancing”.

I don't know why they changed her album picture after the 3rd single. It literally baffles me. I haven't heard Soul Dancing, but her 2nd album isn't nowhere as near as good as her first one. I will listen today.

I read after “I’ll Always Love You” did so well at AC that they wanted to soften up the album cover for that crowd.
I believe “Soul Dancing” is kind of the album that got her dropped and a possible rift with the label.
I believe Clive Davis said she wanted to write more and he was resistant and gave in I guess and was proven right according to him.
That album sold a lot less than her prior two.
My favorites on “Soul Dancing” are “Can’t Get Enough Of Your Love” which is a remake and was the biggest hit off the album.
“I’ll Wait”
Dance track “Say A Prayer”. There’s also a hot dance remix of this by Vission Lorimer.
Ballad and second single “Send Me A Lover”.
Ballad “Memories”.
I also remember liking the title track which was a dance track.
There’s also a track on there called “Dance With A Stranger” that sounded more like hers second album that I really like.
Back then I don’t remember hating any tracks and was surprised it didn’t do better.

[irice22]

With Gaga, Taylor, Rihanna, Beyonce, Kesha... I didn't think there was any room for Katy Perry in 2010. Boy was I wrong.

[Private Dancer]

Feb 18, 2023 12:21:45 GMT -5 divasummer said:

Feb 18, 2023 11:58:28 GMT -5 Private Dancer said:

I don't know why they changed her album picture after the 3rd single. It literally baffles me. I haven't heard Soul Dancing, but her 2nd album isn't nowhere as near as good as her first one. I will listen today.

I read after “I’ll Always Love You” did so well at AC that they wanted to soften up the album cover for that crowd.
I believe “Soul Dancing” is kind of the album that got her dropped and a possible rift with the label.
I believe Clive Davis said she wanted to write more and he was resistant and gave in I guess and was proven right according to him.
That album sold a lot less than her prior two.
My favorites on “Soul Dancing” are “Can’t Get Enough Of Your Love” which is a remake and was the biggest hit off the album.
“I’ll Wait”
Dance track “Say A Prayer”. There’s also a hot dance remix of this by Vission Lorimer.
Ballad and second single “Send Me A Lover”.
Ballad “Memories”.
I also remember liking the title track which was a dance track.
There’s also a track on there called “Dance With A Stranger” that sounded more like hers second album that I really like.
Back then I don’t remember hating any tracks and was surprised it didn’t do better.

CGEOYL she did well with that remake, I like I'll Wait and Send Me A a Lover I like as well. She did deserve better. Not to mention, her going bankrupt in 1996.

And yes her dance remixes are fire🔥

[Glass Joe]

I'm surprised by Morgan Wallen's rise to fame, but I really shouldn't be because people like people who are controversial and this guy is very controversial. But, that is probably the only reason because I don't think he's very talented. At all.

[🇯🇲 dollybaby 🇯🇲]

Honestly, Drake and Rihanna. Never thought they would become such huge stars today.

I remember watching Drake on Degrassi before he came huge, actuallly.

On Rihanna, I thought her image was molded a bit too similar to Beyonce's during Music of The Sun and A Girl Like Me, but she really became her own person during GGGB.

[Skibidi Bop Bop]

Arianna Grande as well. It takes a while before she earn her first number 1 and most successful album to date.

[Private Dancer]

Brandy's debut. According to her, when it first came out it wasn't selling and radio was not playing her songs. Then everything changed and it sold 6M. She said herself she did not expect it to be huge and others at the time didn't either.

[jenglisbe]

Feb 22, 2023 18:52:01 GMT -5 Private Dancer said:

Brandy's debut. According to her, when it first came out it wasn't selling and radio was not playing her songs. Then everything changed and it sold 6M. She said herself she did not expect it to be huge and others at the time didn't either.

Hmmm...the album came out in September 1994, and "I Wanna Be Down" was released the same month and hit #1 at R&B in October 1994. So, not sure what Brandy meant there? "IWBD" hit #1 in its 6th week on the R&B chart, so it rose pretty quickly. That was the album's second week out.

[Private Dancer]

Feb 22, 2023 21:27:13 GMT -5 jenglisbe said:

Feb 22, 2023 18:52:01 GMT -5 Private Dancer said:

Brandy's debut. According to her, when it first came out it wasn't selling and radio was not playing her songs. Then everything changed and it sold 6M. She said herself she did not expect it to be huge and others at the time didn't either.

Hmmm...the album came out in September 1994, and "I Wanna Be Down" was released the same month and hit #1 at R&B in October 1994. So, not sure what Brandy meant there? "IWBD" hit #1 in its 6th week on the R&B chart, so it rose pretty quickly. That was the album's second week out.

It came out in September, debuted on the bottom half in 1994. The sales were very much slow, and IWBD hit #1 around it's 8th week which was standard. I see where Brandy's coming from. It wasn't huge on arrival and she had failed attempts in the past. No one expected her debuted to be huge.