In the digital music era, the idea of a ‘B-side’ might seem like a dusty relic of music history. But for decades, it was an essential part of how music was released, discovered, and—on occasion—unexpectedly adored. And every so often, a song meant to sit quietly in the shadows of the main single would end up stealing the spotlight. These are the moments we call the B-side effect.
It’s a reminder that music has a wonderful habit of defying expectations – and that sometimes, what was once considered filler turns out to be popular amongst the masses.
What Exactly Is A B-Side?
For those unfamiliar with the format, the B-side originally referred to the reverse side of a vinyl single. The A-side was the track the record label was backing for radio play, chart success, and sales—the hit, essentially. The B-side? That was often seen as the space for experiments, deep cuts, or songs not quite strong enough to lead a release.
But as music fans know, greatness doesn’t always follow the rules. Sometimes, the B-side resonated more deeply with listeners than the glossy A-side. Whether by fluke, word of mouth, or genuine emotional connection, these underdog tracks managed to rise through the ranks.
When The B-Side Became The Main Attraction
There are countless examples of B-sides becoming beloved tracks in their own right—or even surpassing the intended hit. Here are just a few that helped cement the B-side as more than just an afterthought:
I Will Survive – Gloria Gaynor (1978)
Originally the B-side to Substitute, this now-iconic anthem almost went unheard. DJs began flipping the record and playing I Will Survive instead, quickly turning it into a disco powerhouse and cultural touchstone. It went on to top charts and win a Grammy.
Maggie May – Rod Stewart (1971)
Released alongside Reason to Believe, Maggie May was not initially seen as the lead. But it was the B-side that caught people’s attention, becoming one of Stewart’s most enduring hits. Sometimes, it turns out that the flip side has a bit more heart.
God Only Knows – The Beach Boys (1966)
While technically a double A-side with Wouldn’t It Be Nice in the US, God Only Knows was the B-side in the UK—and went on to be considered one of the greatest love songs ever written. It’s a perfect example of the B-side holding hidden brilliance.
How Soon Is Now? – The Smiths (1984)
This haunting, reverb-heavy track was tucked away on the B-side of William, It Was Really Nothing. Today, it’s one of the most recognisable and widely loved songs in The Smiths’ catalogue – a reminder that even iconic bands can underestimate their own work.
Why Do B-Sides Sometimes Do Better?
There’s no single reason why B-sides take off. Often, they benefit from being less ‘produced for the market’ and more personal or experimental. They’re the songs that didn’t fit neatly into a label’s strategy but still meant something to the artist—or ended up meaning something to the audience.
In many cases, DJs, critics, or fans simply flipped the record out of curiosity and discovered something that resonated more than the lead track. Before the days of algorithmic playlists and endless skipping, you had to live with a record, play it through, and sometimes you stumbled on a surprise.
B-sides also offered artists the chance to take risks. Without the pressure of chart performance, musicians could try new sounds, write from a different perspective, or include tracks that felt more raw and unfiltered. It’s not surprising, then, that some of these tracks had a stronger emotional impact.
The Digital Era And The Disappearance Of The B-Side
With the rise of digital downloads and streaming, the concept of A-sides and B-sides has largely faded. Today’s ‘singles’ are often released one at a time, and playlists have taken over the curation role once held by record labels. You don’t have to flip anything—you just scroll, tap, or swipe.
But the spirit of the B-side still lives on. Artists often release bonus tracks, deluxe editions, or unexpected SoundCloud drops that hark back to the unpredictability of the B-side era. And fans continue to champion deep cuts—those lesser-known tracks that feel like secrets shared between artist and listener.
In Praise Of The Unexpected
The B-side effect reminds us that music doesn’t always follow a formula. Sometimes, the song everyone overlooked ends up being the one that sticks with us the longest. It’s a celebration of the underdog, the slow burn, and the discovery that magic can turn up where you least expect it.
So the next time you’re exploring an album, don’t just play the singles. Dig a little deeper. You never know what you might find hidden just beyond the spotlight, waiting to become your new favourite.
Superlocrian 