RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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Not every hit gets all the way to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 , but some legendary songs have gotten as close as possible to the top spot, peaking at No. 2.
This week, Billboard rounded up our staff picks for the 100 best songs to peak at No. 2 on the Hot 100 , celebrating the earworm hits that came agonizingly close to the top of the chart. Now, we want to know which one is your favorite.
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The poll includes our top 10 standout No. 2 hits, which span decades and genres, including Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” and Prince and the Revolution’s “Purple Rain” to Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance” and Missy Elliott ‘s “Work It.” (If your favorite No. 2 hit isn’t among the options, there’s an “Other” field that allows you to freely write in your pick.)
The songs on the ballot represent just a portion of the many memorable hits that have fallen just one spot short of the Hot 100 summit. From songs that became defining moments for their artists to tracks that have endured for generations, the history of No. 2 hits is filled with records that remain just as culturally significant as chart-toppers.
Billboard has explored the phenomenon from several angles over the years, including just how three artists were able to score No. 2 Hot 100 hits without “ doing anything on the songs ,” and how 12 artists managed to reach No. 2 on the Hot 100 with their first hit, but unfortunately never happened to land on the chart again.
You can check out our full list of best No. 2 hits to see which songs made the staff’s cut.
Now it’s your turn: Which song is the best No. 2 hit of all time? Vote in the poll below, and let us know if there’s another No. 2 hit that deserves a spot on the list.
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