Top 20 Musicians Who SAVED Their Careers with One Song

Top 20 Musicians Who Saved Their Careers with One Song

Welcome to WatchMojo, and today were counting down our picks for musicians whose careers lost momentum, only to be revived by a single track.

#20: Meat Loaf

Id Do Anything for Love (But I Wont Do That) (1993)

Sixteen years is a very long time between commercial successes. After Meat Loaf hit it big with his 1977 smash album Bat Out Of Hell, it took him that long to replicate that peak. The 70s and the 90s were two very different eras. And yet, when the supposed has-been put out Bat Out Of Hell II in 1993, the result was shocking. No-one expected Meat Loaf to have a massive career resurgence, but with the release of the power anthem Id Do Anything For Love, the 46-year-old scored the biggest hit of his career. Everything from the song itself to the bombastic music video was rock n roll gold. To this day, it remains one of the all-time great career comebacks.

#19: Red Hot Chili Peppers

Californication (1999)

After years of being known as a party-boy funk metal band, Red Hot Chili Peppers finally made it big in the early 90s. But the fame led to guitarist John Frusciante quitting the band rather abruptly, and not on good terms either. Replacement Dave Navarro was a rough fit, and their 1995 album One Hot Minute was underwhelming. So when Frusciante got sober and rejoined the band in 1998 to begin working on Californication, it was a real make-or-break moment. But sure enough, the album was a hit, revitalising the group and introducing a new anthemic, radio-friendly sound to their repertoire. It was never more clear than on the albums title track.

#18: Christina Aguilera

Moves Like Jagger (2011)

Christina Aguilera was by no means in dire straits in 2010; but after the album Bionic underperformed that year, people were genuinely wondering if Xtina had finally run out of gas. However, with the help of Adam Levine and Maroon 5, she shot right back up to the peak of commercial success with the hit single Moves Like Jagger. And in many ways, it was a genius move on Levines part to draft in Aguilera for this track. The song was destined to be a big seller regardless, but its undeniable that Christina was in peak form. Moves Like Jagger put her name right back onto the map.

#17: Mott the Hoople

All The Young Dudes (1972)

Mott the Hoople had a string of acclaimed albums in the years leading up to 1972, but failed to make it big commercially. However, just as they were considering calling it quits, David Bowie reached out with a song he wanted them to record. That song was Suffragette City, which the band rejected. However, two hours later, he rang them back and claimed that he had just written the perfect tune for them. This time, it was a glam rock masterpiece called All the Young Dudes. Before they knew it, it had single-handedly saved the bands career. They were instantly catapulted to genuine success, following through on that momentum with a run of critical and commercial hits.

#16: Neil Young

Rockin in the Free World (1989)

Neil Youngs legacy was already set in stone by the time the 70s concluded. Whether he was singing a lovelorn ballad by his piano or rocking out with his band Crazy Horse, Young had seen and done it all. But the 1980s were tough on him. Album after album, he completely failed to capture the spark that had defined his prime years. But in 1989, just as the grunge movement was emerging, Young managed to strike gold. The lead single from the album Freedom, titled Rockin in The Free World, was the best thing Young had released in years. It was an urgent anthem that set him on a return to form that was followed by a number of successful albums.

#15: Alanis Morissette

You Oughta Know (1995)

Alanis Morissette always had the ingredients to be a star. But before Jagged Little Pill, she hadnt found the right songs. Her early run was more mainstream pop, before her mega-hit third album skewed more alternative. When that lead single You Oughta Know came out, it instantly made Morissette the hottest thing in pop rock. And listening to it, its easy to see why. The attitude on display was a breath of fresh air in the mid-90s and sounds even better now. And beneath it all, You Oughta Know is the type of pop masterclass that most artists spend an entire career chasing. Its punchy, catchy, and comes delivered with an unmistakable angst that ties it all together.

#14: AC/DC

Thunderstruck (1990)

AC/DC rose from the death of lead singer Bon Scott to deliver their biggest album, Back in Black, with Brian Johnson upfront. But by the time the 80s concluded, the notion of them recapturing that old flame seemed a little far-fetched. In 1990, just as they were one more flop from dropping into the nostalgia band corner of the record store, AC/DC put out Thunderstruck. Its quite possibly the most thrilling track they have ever recorded. From its legendary guitar riff to Johnsons iconic vocal performance, everything about this song kicked AC/DC back into gear. It later became one of the highest-selling singles in music history.

#13: Elvis Presley

Suspicious Minds (1969)

Elvis Presley had been focusing on his film career through a large portion of the 1960s, letting his musical ambitions slide further into the rearview mirror. But in 1968, his televised comeback special proved that The King was still well The King! He hadnt performed live in seven years. But it wasnt until the release of 1969s Suspicious Minds that Presley found his way back to the top of the charts. The song is a timeless classic and it wouldve been a hit in any era. It caused a huge resurgence in Presleys popularity, marking his final #1 hit on the Billboard charts before his untimely death in 1977.

#12: Daft Punk

Get Lucky (2013)

Even by Daft Punks standards, eight years is a long time between albums. Despite their success in the late 90s and early 2000s, there was a whole generation who had barely heard of the duos best music. But just as they were fading into relative obscurity, out of nowhere they announced a new album, Random Access Memories. Lead single Get Lucky truly solidified their return. Not only did this send them to the top of the charts in several countries, but the Nile Rodgers- and Pharrell Williams-led track served up a blueprint for 2010s artists on where pop music was headed. And to this day, it still sounds as fresh as ever.

#11: Paul Simon

You Can Call Me Al (1986)

Paul Simon is now regarded as one of the greatest songwriters of all time. But after the breakup of Simon and Garfunkel, his solo career wasnt running as smoothly as he might have hoped. Despite some hits and critical successes, his 1986 album Graceland took him to a totally different level of fame and exposure. As soon as the general public heard the opening synth-line of You Can Call Me Al, they were hooked. For an artist who was 20-plus years into their career to release a single this relevant is truly commendable. It initially didnt sell well, but eventually went on to become one of his biggest solo hits.

#10: Jonas Brothers

Sucker (2019)

Over a decade after they were first burnin up the charts, the Jo Bros hit their biggest peak yet. In 2013, the Jonas Brothers disappointed fans when they canceled their tour, announced their split, and pursued solo careers and side projects. This period lasted until 2019, when they finally announced their reunion. Kevin, Joe, and Nick were all on board for Sucker, their comeback single, which blew their past success out of the water. While it was unknown if the groups grown-up fans from their Disney era would still be interested in their music, they came out in droves to support Sucker. The song went #1 and five times platinum, with nearly everyone relaminating their Jonas Brothers stan cards.

#9: P!nk

U + Ur Hand (2006)

Despite its title, Try This, many listeners skipped over P!nks third studio album. None of the singles caught on, so she went back to the drawing board for its follow-up, aptly titled Im Not Dead. While the lead single, Stupid Girls was a moderate success, second single Who Knew didnt go too far. Thankfully, her next song, U + Ur Hand was bold and controversial enough to halt her unlucky streak. With a catchy tune and explicit lyrics about shutting down creepy guys at the club, it had more longevity than P!nks other recent songs and set her back on the right track. Following the success of U + Ur Hand, she re-released Who Knew, which became one of her most enduring hits to date.

#8: Train

Hey Soul Sister (2009)

Heres a song that refuses to leave our left side brains. After Drops of Jupiter and some minor hits, many thought Train had left the station for good. The group took a multi-year hiatus in 2006 after their fourth album For Me, Its You underperformed, and it seemed unlikely theyd recapture their early success. But after releasing Hey Soul Sister in 2009, it slowly climbed up the Hot 100 until reaching a peak of #3 in 2010. The Jason Mraz-esque ukulele song received mixed reviews for its corny lyrics, but it undeniably sounded like a massive smash. Hey Soul Sister even surpassed Drops of Jupiter in popularity, becoming Trains signature song over a decade into their mainstream career.

#7: Aerosmith

Walk This Way (1986)

If you thought the Bad Boys from Boston were content to stay a 70s band, dream on. After guitarist Joe Perrys 1979 firing, singer Steven Tylers substance issues, and diminishing musical returns, Aerosmith had a rough go in the early-to-mid 1980s. Even when they reconciled with Perry, their 1985 album Done with Mirrors wasnt the comeback the group hoped for. Instead, that would happen a year later in the form of Walk This Way, Run-DMCs remake of Aerosmiths 1975 hit. The rap groups version, which included contributions from Tyler and Perry, resurrected Aerosmiths career out of left field and granted crossover success to both bands. For the rest of the 80s and into the 90s, Aerosmith fans wouldnt want to miss a thing.

#6: Marvin Gaye

Sexual Healing (1982)

One of Motowns defining artists, Marvin Gaye is synonymous with the soul music of the 1960s and early 70s. Sadly, the next decade was rough for him. Gaye experienced depression, addiction, and tax issues, and one of his unfinished songs was put on his 1981 album, In Our Lifetime, by Motown against his wishes. After parting ways with the label, Gaye went back to his roots with Sexual Healing. Updating the subject matter of his earlier hit, Lets Get It On, the 1982 song was a sultry slow jam with funk elements. Sexual Healing scored Gaye his first two Grammys, nearly 20 years into his career. While Gaye would tragically die less than two years later, Sexual Healing allowed him to enjoy a career revival.

#5: Britney Spears

Womanizer (2008)

The Princess of Pop has never left the publics radar, but shes had periods of staying there for all the wrong reasons. Britney Spears music career was doing fine when she saved it with 2008s Womanizer -- her previous album Blackout remains a fan-favorite to this day. However, she was just coming out the other side of her tumultuous personal life and it was unknown how it would impact her career. Thankfully, the obnoxiously catchy Womanizer showed that Britneys struggles wouldnt impact her hit-making abilities. The song became her first #1 since her debut single, ...Baby One More Time, and included a hit music video that served as the sequel to Toxic. Just when people thought she was slipping under, Britney found the perfect antidote.

#4: Cher

Believe (1998)

Mariah Carey may be known as the Songbird Supreme, but Cher is more like a phoenix. Shes practically immortal, always rising from the ashes and reinventing herself just when people are close to counting her out. Her most impressive pivot came in the late 90s, after health struggles, unsuccessful releases, and the death of Sonny Bono, her ex-husband and former duet partner. Chers comeback single, Believe, had a whole new sound, and we dont just mean a change in genre. Besides having a club-ready Eurodance vibe, it became one of the first hit songs to use Auto-Tune. Going #1 and earning Cher a Grammy for Best Dance Recording, Believe restored everyones faith in the Goddess of Pop.

#3: Santana

Smooth (1999)

Man, its a hot onehundred chart-topper! In 1999, Carlos Santana and his eponymous band made one of musics most random comebacks. Not being anywhere near the top of their game since the early 1980s, Santana stopped releasing new albums altogether following 1992s Milagro. However, after Carlos Santana had a meeting with record exec Clive Davis in the mid-1990s, the band began work on Supernatural, their blockbuster return to commercial relevance. The much-memed lead single, Smooth, featured vocals from Rob Thomas of Matchbox Twenty and compared love to a sweltering heat wave. With an updated sound, infectious guitar hook, and a current name in the mix, Smooth not only saved Santanas career and legacy, but gave them some coveted pop crossover appeal.

#2: Tina Turner

Whats Love Got to Do With It

With just one song, the Queen of Rock n Roll went from a secondhand emotion to the first artist on everyones minds. Tina Turner first rose to fame in a duo with then-husband Ike Turner in the 1960s, although they stopped working together in 1976 and divorced two years later. While Tinas first few solo works didnt take off, that changed when she took a five-year hiatus and returned with the 1984 album Private Dancer. One single, Whats Love Got to Do With It, was a modern, sexy rebrand that kickstarted her comeback as a free single woman ready to mingle with solo success. At the time, Tina became the oldest woman to top the Billboard Hot 100 at 44 years old.

#1: Mariah Carey

We Belong Together (2005)

Most people associate glitter with parties and celebrations, but in Mariah Careys case, it majorly derailed her career. The 2001 movie and soundtrack album Glitter were poorly-received commercial disappointments, and Careys 2003 follow-up album Charmbracelet failed to mitigate the damage. Thankfully, she got back on track for her next album, 2005s The Emancipation of Mimi particularly on the single We Belong Together. Interestingly, the R&B ballad lamenting a failed relationship could almost be read as a response to her declining career. Fortunately for Carey, the song totally turned things around. It became one of the longest-running #1 songs in history and spawned a feature-length comeback with The Emancipation, showing that Mariah Carey and the top spot truly do belong together.

Did we miss any legendary musical comebacks on our list? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.