Top 30 Musicians Who SAVED Their Careers with One Song

#30: Kylie Minogue

“Can’t Get You Out of My Head” (2001)

It’s not as if Kylie Minogue had truly hit rock bottom in terms of commercial success, but her explosion in popularity in the late 80s and early 90s didn’t last forever. By the end of the decade, it was clear that she was on the downswing. Or at least that was the case before comeback single “Spinning Around” signalled a return to form. Could Kylie follow it up, though? That was the question. 2001’s “Can’t Get You Out of My Head” ended up becoming Minogue’s biggest selling track of all-time. It topped the charts in multiple countries and was her first US top-ten hit in 13 years, marking her return to the peak of pop music.

#29: T-Rex

“I Love to Boogie” (1976)

Even though T-Rex were right at the forefront of the glam rock movement of the early 70s, by the middle years of the decade, they had really lost some steam. Dabbling with gospel and disco styles didn’t help their commercial appeal, but thankfully, Marc Bolan and co. had a major resurgence in the works. 1976’s “I Love to Boogie” marked a return to vintage form for the group, peaking at number-13 on the UK charts. In a tragic twist, they wouldn’t get a chance to build on this success, as their singer, Bolan, would die in a car crash just a year after its release.

#28: George Ezra

“Paradise” (2018)

Although it seemed like George Ezra could have been destined for ‘one-hit-wonder’ status following his breakout track “Budapest”, he managed to prove his doubters wrong. Following up such a massive anthem like that is certainly not easy. However, his sophomore album yielded the single “Paradise”, which ended up providing Ezra with yet another hit. His polished and upbeat folk sound was building him an audience that were willing to return for every subsequent release. “Paradise” definitely played a big role in establishing him as a consistent chart presence, keeping his popularity at a real high.

#27: The Beach Boys

“Kokomo” (1988)

When 1988 rolled around, The Beach Boys were almost universally seen as being past their true creative peak. “Pet Sounds” was now over two decades old, and the prospects of them returning to the top of the US charts seemed like an impossibility. Despite the absence of band leader Brian Wilson from the sessions, the rest of the group managed to score a surprise comeback hit with “Kokomo”. The song’s simple and infectious nature seemed to resonate with people almost immediately, leading to a number-one spot on the Billboard charts. Even though critics did not enjoy it, it went on to become a surprisingly big seller, all things considered.

#26: Bee Gees

“Jive Talkin’” (1975)

Although the Bee Gees were primarily known as a pretty straight-laced pop vocal group in the 1960s, they were a classic example of a band that knew how to adapt to the times. In the face of decreasing record sales in the early 70s, the Gibb brothers pulled off one of the most inspired switch-ups in music history. “Jive Talkin’” was the first big example of the disco-infused Bee Gees, who would go on to dominate the charts from there onwards. They didn’t just get with the trends, they managed to set them - which is a challenging thing to do when you’re already a decade into your career.

#25: Kesha

“Praying” (2017)

After years of inactivity, Kesha didn’t return to the world of pop music with another dancefloor-filler, to pick up where she left off. No, after her infamous dispute with former producer Dr. Luke, she decided to take an introspective tone with her comeback. To say that she pulled it off would be an understatement. “Praying” gave us a look at a side of Kesha that we had never seen before, a sombre, authentic and resilient piece of music. This allowed Kesha to reclaim her own narrative and reenter the industry with renewed credibility and acclaim.

#24: Duran Duran

“Ordinary World” (1992)

There were quite a lot of 80s groups who didn’t quite manage to navigate their way into the 90s without some real trouble. Against all odds, Duran Duran made it into the top-ten in several countries in 1993 with “Ordinary World”, a song that marked a real pivot in sound and identity for them. Gone with the excess and glam that had defined much of their last decade. In its place was a more mature sound, an anthemic, almost alternative-rock style of music that fit in quite well with the times. Those who expected these 80s giants to fall off in a big way ended up getting forced to accept that Duran Duran were far more adaptable than previously thought.

#23: Billy Joel

“We Didn’t Start the Fire” (1989)

Despite failing to reach the highs of his earlier career with many of his 80s albums, it’s not like Billy Joel was totally out of the mix when it came to chart success. However, as the decade closed, it did seem like he had reached a commercial peak as an artist. Nobody expected Joel to rise all the way back to the top of the charts with “We Didn’t Start the Fire”. Eighteen years after his debut album, it was clear that Joel still had a lot to offer. Though critics have grown increasingly hard on the song, and even Joel himself isn’t a huge fan, it still allowed him to pull an unlikely return to form. All of a sudden, he was getting a second prime-run as a big seller.

#22: Madonna

“Hung Up” (2005)

There was very little that Madonna had left to prove by the time the turn of the century happened. Her late 90s output was among the most critically adored of her career, but when 2003’s “American Life” came out, it was seen as a misstep. Now twenty-plus years in, there was every chance that Madonna could’ve started a decline into a role as a legacy act. What many people didn’t anticipate was her finding yet another burst of momentum. 2005’s “Confessions on a Dancefloor” was a major return to form. Bolstered by the ABBA-sampling lead single “Hung Up”, this marked yet another creative turn for Madonna. In many ways, it was the perfect mix of disco nostalgia and contemporary production.

#21: Goo Goo Dolls

“Iris” (1998)

After spending years toiling as an alt-rock and punk-adjacent band, the Goo Goo Dolls didn’t seem like they were built to last. Thankfully, 1998’s “Iris” marked one of the most incredible u-turns a band had ever pulled off. They embraced a more commercially-viable, anthemic sound, leaning into their strong songwriting skills to produce one of the biggest songs of the decade. All of a sudden, they had a hit on their hands that would stand the test of time. This uber-successful track sparked a run of commercial success, allowing the Goo Goo Dolls to continue to fill arenas on the touring circuit to this day. And most recently, the song’s gone viral again.

#20: Meat Loaf

“I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t 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 “I’d 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”

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 album’s title track.

#18: Maroon 5 & 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 an appearance in their hit single, “Moves Like Jagger.” In many ways, it was a genius move on Levine’s part to draft in Aguilera for this track. The song was destined to be a big seller regardless, but it’s undeniable that Christina was in peak form. “Moves Like Jagger” put their names 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 band’s 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 Young’s 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 hadn’t 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, it’s 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. It’s 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.” It’s quite possibly the most thrilling track they have ever recorded. From its legendary guitar riff to Johnson’s 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 hadn’t performed live in seven years. But it wasn’t until the release of 1969’s “Suspicious Minds” that Presley found his way back to the top of the charts. The song is a timeless classic– and it would’ve been a hit in any era. It caused a huge resurgence in Presley’s 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 Punk’s 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 duo’s 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 wasn’t 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 didn’t 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 group’s 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!nk’s third studio album. None of the singles caught on, so she went back to the drawing board for its follow-up, aptly titled “I’m Not Dead.” While the lead single, “Stupid Girls” was a moderate success, second single “Who Knew” didn’t 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!nk’s 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)

Here’s 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, It’s You” underperformed, and it seemed unlikely they’d 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 Train’s 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 Perry’s 1979 firing, singer Steven Tyler’s 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” wasn’t the comeback the group hoped for. Instead, that would happen a year later in the form of “Walk This Way,” Run-DMC’s remake of Aerosmith’s 1975 hit. The rap group’s version, which included contributions from Tyler and Perry, resurrected Aerosmith’s career out of left field and granted crossover success to both bands. For the rest of the ‘80s and into the ‘90s, Aerosmith fans wouldn’t want to miss a thing.

#6: Marvin Gaye

“Sexual Healing” (1982)

One of Motown’s 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, “Let’s 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 public’s radar, but she’s had periods of staying there for all the wrong reasons. Britney Spears’ music career was doing fine when she saved it with 2008’s “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 Britney’s struggles wouldn’t 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. She’s 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. Cher’s comeback single, “Believe,” had a whole new sound, and we don’t 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 everyone’s faith in the Goddess of Pop.

#3: Santana

“Smooth” (1999)

Man, it’s a hot one…hundred chart-topper! In 1999, Carlos Santana and his eponymous band made one of music’s most random comebacks. Not being anywhere near the top of their game since the early 1980s, Santana stopped releasing new albums altogether following 1992’s “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 Santana’s career and legacy, but gave them some coveted pop crossover appeal.

#2: Tina Turner

“What’s Love Got to Do With It” (1984)

With just one song, the Queen of Rock ’n’ Roll went from a secondhand emotion to the first artist on everyone’s 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 Tina’s first few solo works didn’t take off, that changed when she took a five-year hiatus and returned with the 1984 album “Private Dancer.” One single, “What’s 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 Carey’s case, it majorly derailed her career. The 2001 movie and soundtrack album “Glitter” were poorly-received commercial disappointments, and Carey’s 2003 follow-up album “Charmbracelet” failed to mitigate the damage. Thankfully, she got back on track for her next album, 2005’s “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.

But what do you consider to be the single greatest career comeback in music history? Let us know in the comments below.