How One Song Can Change a Career—The Greatest Breakout Hits in Music

Elvis Presley – "Heartbreak Hotel" (1956)

Elvis Presley – "Heartbreak Hotel" (1956), The Beatles – "I Want to Hold Your Hand" (1963), Bob Dylan – "Like a Rolling Stone" (1965), Queen – "Bohemian Rhapsody" (1975), Michael Jackson – "Billie Jean" (1983), Madonna – "Like a Virgin" (1984), Nirvana – "Smells Like Teen Spirit" (1991), Britney Spears – "...Baby One More Time" (1998), Eminem – "My Name Is" (1999), Beyoncé – "Crazy in Love" (2003), Kanye West – "Through the Wire" (2003), Rihanna – "Umbrella" (2007), Lady Gaga – "Just Dance" (2008), Adele – "Rolling in the Deep" (2010), Lil Nas X – "Old Town Road" (2019)

Elvis Presley's "Heartbreak Hotel" was a groundbreaking moment in music history, launching him into the limelight as the King of Rock and Roll. The song's unique blend of country and rhythm and blues struck a chord with audiences, establishing Presley as a cultural icon.

It quickly soared to number one on the Billboard charts and sold over a million copies, setting the stage for his subsequent chart-topping hits. "Heartbreak Hotel" not only transformed Presley's career but also paved the way for the rock music era that dominated the late 1950s and beyond.

His influence on popular culture remains impactful today, as he continues to be a symbol of musical innovation and rebellion.

The Beatles – "I Want to Hold Your Hand" (1963)

Elvis Presley – "Heartbreak Hotel" (1956), The Beatles – "I Want to Hold Your Hand" (1963), Bob Dylan – "Like a Rolling Stone" (1965), Queen – "Bohemian Rhapsody" (1975), Michael Jackson – "Billie Jean" (1983), Madonna – "Like a Virgin" (1984), Nirvana – "Smells Like Teen Spirit" (1991), Britney Spears – "...Baby One More Time" (1998), Eminem – "My Name Is" (1999), Beyoncé – "Crazy in Love" (2003), Kanye West – "Through the Wire" (2003), Rihanna – "Umbrella" (2007), Lady Gaga – "Just Dance" (2008), Adele – "Rolling in the Deep" (2010), Lil Nas X – "Old Town Road" (2019)

The Beatles' "I Want to Hold Your Hand" ignited the phenomenon known as Beatlemania, sweeping across the United States and heralding the British Invasion. Released in late 1963, this iconic track quickly climbed to the top of the Billboard Hot 100, marking the band's first number-one hit in America.

With infectious harmonies and captivating melodies, the song captured the hearts of a generation. The Beatles' success with this track not only revolutionized their careers but also altered the landscape of popular music, inspiring countless artists and sparking a cultural revolution in the 1960s.

Bob Dylan – "Like a Rolling Stone" (1965)

Elvis Presley – "Heartbreak Hotel" (1956), The Beatles – "I Want to Hold Your Hand" (1963), Bob Dylan – "Like a Rolling Stone" (1965), Queen – "Bohemian Rhapsody" (1975), Michael Jackson – "Billie Jean" (1983), Madonna – "Like a Virgin" (1984), Nirvana – "Smells Like Teen Spirit" (1991), Britney Spears – "...Baby One More Time" (1998), Eminem – "My Name Is" (1999), Beyoncé – "Crazy in Love" (2003), Kanye West – "Through the Wire" (2003), Rihanna – "Umbrella" (2007), Lady Gaga – "Just Dance" (2008), Adele – "Rolling in the Deep" (2010), Lil Nas X – "Old Town Road" (2019)

Bob Dylan's "Like a Rolling Stone" is often hailed as one of the greatest songs of all time, marking his transformation from a folk singer to a rock legend. The song's innovative structure and poetic lyrics redefined popular music, blending rock with literary depth.

Upon its release, it reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and became an anthem of the 1960s counterculture. Dylan's ability to convey complex emotions and social commentary through his music set a new standard for songwriters, solidifying his place in music history as a voice of a generation.

Queen – "Bohemian Rhapsody" (1975)

Elvis Presley – "Heartbreak Hotel" (1956), The Beatles – "I Want to Hold Your Hand" (1963), Bob Dylan – "Like a Rolling Stone" (1965), Queen – "Bohemian Rhapsody" (1975), Michael Jackson – "Billie Jean" (1983), Madonna – "Like a Virgin" (1984), Nirvana – "Smells Like Teen Spirit" (1991), Britney Spears – "...Baby One More Time" (1998), Eminem – "My Name Is" (1999), Beyoncé – "Crazy in Love" (2003), Kanye West – "Through the Wire" (2003), Rihanna – "Umbrella" (2007), Lady Gaga – "Just Dance" (2008), Adele – "Rolling in the Deep" (2010), Lil Nas X – "Old Town Road" (2019)

Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" redefined the concept of a rock opera, showcasing the band's eclectic style and theatrical flair. This unique track, with its blend of ballad, opera, and hard rock elements, captivated listeners and challenged traditional song formats.

Upon its release, it topped charts in multiple countries and became one of the best-selling singles of all time. "Bohemian Rhapsody" not only established Queen as a global powerhouse but also influenced generations of musicians to experiment with their sound and storytelling, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of rock music.

Michael Jackson – "Billie Jean" (1983)

Elvis Presley – "Heartbreak Hotel" (1956), The Beatles – "I Want to Hold Your Hand" (1963), Bob Dylan – "Like a Rolling Stone" (1965), Queen – "Bohemian Rhapsody" (1975), Michael Jackson – "Billie Jean" (1983), Madonna – "Like a Virgin" (1984), Nirvana – "Smells Like Teen Spirit" (1991), Britney Spears – "...Baby One More Time" (1998), Eminem – "My Name Is" (1999), Beyoncé – "Crazy in Love" (2003), Kanye West – "Through the Wire" (2003), Rihanna – "Umbrella" (2007), Lady Gaga – "Just Dance" (2008), Adele – "Rolling in the Deep" (2010), Lil Nas X – "Old Town Road" (2019)

Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean" played a pivotal role in propelling his album "Thriller" to become the best-selling album of all time. The song's infectious bassline and Jackson's iconic dance moves, including the moonwalk, captivated audiences globally.

It reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, solidifying Jackson's status as the King of Pop. Additionally, "Billie Jean" revolutionized music videos, transforming them into an essential promotional tool for artists.

Jackson's groundbreaking approach to performance and visual storytelling set new standards in the music industry, forever changing the way artists engage with audiences.

Madonna – "Like a Virgin" (1984)

Elvis Presley – "Heartbreak Hotel" (1956), The Beatles – "I Want to Hold Your Hand" (1963), Bob Dylan – "Like a Rolling Stone" (1965), Queen – "Bohemian Rhapsody" (1975), Michael Jackson – "Billie Jean" (1983), Madonna – "Like a Virgin" (1984), Nirvana – "Smells Like Teen Spirit" (1991), Britney Spears – "...Baby One More Time" (1998), Eminem – "My Name Is" (1999), Beyoncé – "Crazy in Love" (2003), Kanye West – "Through the Wire" (2003), Rihanna – "Umbrella" (2007), Lady Gaga – "Just Dance" (2008), Adele – "Rolling in the Deep" (2010), Lil Nas X – "Old Town Road" (2019)

Madonna's "Like a Virgin" marked a turning point in her career, establishing her as the Queen of Pop. The song's provocative lyrics and catchy melody resonated with audiences, leading it to become a massive commercial success.

It reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, solidifying Madonna's image as a bold and innovative artist. The success of "Like a Virgin" set the stage for her future hits and cemented her influence on pop culture, as she continually pushed boundaries and challenged societal norms throughout her illustrious career.

Nirvana – "Smells Like Teen Spirit" (1991)

Elvis Presley – "Heartbreak Hotel" (1956), The Beatles – "I Want to Hold Your Hand" (1963), Bob Dylan – "Like a Rolling Stone" (1965), Queen – "Bohemian Rhapsody" (1975), Michael Jackson – "Billie Jean" (1983), Madonna – "Like a Virgin" (1984), Nirvana – "Smells Like Teen Spirit" (1991), Britney Spears – "...Baby One More Time" (1998), Eminem – "My Name Is" (1999), Beyoncé – "Crazy in Love" (2003), Kanye West – "Through the Wire" (2003), Rihanna – "Umbrella" (2007), Lady Gaga – "Just Dance" (2008), Adele – "Rolling in the Deep" (2010), Lil Nas X – "Old Town Road" (2019)

Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" ushered in the grunge era and brought alternative rock into the mainstream. The song's raw energy and angst resonated with a generation disillusioned by the excesses of the 1980s.

Upon its release, it topped the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart and became an anthem for youth culture. The success of "Smells Like Teen Spirit" not only transformed Nirvana's career but also paved the way for other alternative bands to gain recognition, reshaping the musical landscape of the early 1990s and giving rise to a new era of rock music.

Britney Spears – "...Baby One More Time" (1998)

Elvis Presley – "Heartbreak Hotel" (1956), The Beatles – "I Want to Hold Your Hand" (1963), Bob Dylan – "Like a Rolling Stone" (1965), Queen – "Bohemian Rhapsody" (1975), Michael Jackson – "Billie Jean" (1983), Madonna – "Like a Virgin" (1984), Nirvana – "Smells Like Teen Spirit" (1991), Britney Spears – "...Baby One More Time" (1998), Eminem – "My Name Is" (1999), Beyoncé – "Crazy in Love" (2003), Kanye West – "Through the Wire" (2003), Rihanna – "Umbrella" (2007), Lady Gaga – "Just Dance" (2008), Adele – "Rolling in the Deep" (2010), Lil Nas X – "Old Town Road" (2019)

Britney Spears' "...Baby One More Time" introduced her as the biggest pop star of the early 2000s and reignited the teen pop genre. The song's catchy hook and memorable music video captured the attention of audiences worldwide, leading it to debut at number one on the Billboard Hot 100.

Spears' success with this track not only launched her career but also influenced a new generation of pop artists. The song's impact on pop culture is undeniable, setting the standard for future teen pop sensations and solidifying Spears' status as a cultural icon.

Eminem – "My Name Is" (1999)

Elvis Presley – "Heartbreak Hotel" (1956), The Beatles – "I Want to Hold Your Hand" (1963), Bob Dylan – "Like a Rolling Stone" (1965), Queen – "Bohemian Rhapsody" (1975), Michael Jackson – "Billie Jean" (1983), Madonna – "Like a Virgin" (1984), Nirvana – "Smells Like Teen Spirit" (1991), Britney Spears – "...Baby One More Time" (1998), Eminem – "My Name Is" (1999), Beyoncé – "Crazy in Love" (2003), Kanye West – "Through the Wire" (2003), Rihanna – "Umbrella" (2007), Lady Gaga – "Just Dance" (2008), Adele – "Rolling in the Deep" (2010), Lil Nas X – "Old Town Road" (2019)

Eminem's "My Name Is" introduced his alter ego, Slim Shady, and catapulted him into the mainstream. The song's humorous yet provocative lyrics resonated with listeners, leading it to become a commercial success and reach number 36 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Eminem's unique style and storytelling ability set him apart from other artists, making him a household name. The success of "My Name Is" laid the foundation for his subsequent albums and established him as one of the most influential figures in hip-hop, known for his lyrical prowess and distinct voice.

Beyoncé – "Crazy in Love" (2003)

Elvis Presley – "Heartbreak Hotel" (1956), The Beatles – "I Want to Hold Your Hand" (1963), Bob Dylan – "Like a Rolling Stone" (1965), Queen – "Bohemian Rhapsody" (1975), Michael Jackson – "Billie Jean" (1983), Madonna – "Like a Virgin" (1984), Nirvana – "Smells Like Teen Spirit" (1991), Britney Spears – "...Baby One More Time" (1998), Eminem – "My Name Is" (1999), Beyoncé – "Crazy in Love" (2003), Kanye West – "Through the Wire" (2003), Rihanna – "Umbrella" (2007), Lady Gaga – "Just Dance" (2008), Adele – "Rolling in the Deep" (2010), Lil Nas X – "Old Town Road" (2019)

Beyoncé's "Crazy in Love" marked her transition from Destiny's Child to a solo superstar. The song's infectious beat and powerful vocals showcased her talent and charisma, leading it to become a chart-topping hit.

It reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and solidified Beyoncé's status as a leading figure in the music industry. The success of "Crazy in Love" not only transformed her career but also set the stage for her future endeavors as a solo artist and cultural icon, influencing the sound and style of pop music for years to come.

Kanye West – "Through the Wire" (2003)

Elvis Presley – "Heartbreak Hotel" (1956), The Beatles – "I Want to Hold Your Hand" (1963), Bob Dylan – "Like a Rolling Stone" (1965), Queen – "Bohemian Rhapsody" (1975), Michael Jackson – "Billie Jean" (1983), Madonna – "Like a Virgin" (1984), Nirvana – "Smells Like Teen Spirit" (1991), Britney Spears – "...Baby One More Time" (1998), Eminem – "My Name Is" (1999), Beyoncé – "Crazy in Love" (2003), Kanye West – "Through the Wire" (2003), Rihanna – "Umbrella" (2007), Lady Gaga – "Just Dance" (2008), Adele – "Rolling in the Deep" (2010), Lil Nas X – "Old Town Road" (2019)

Kanye West's "Through the Wire" highlighted his resilience and storytelling ability, launching his rap career. The song, recorded while West was recovering from a near-fatal car accident, resonated with listeners and showcased his unique approach to hip-hop.

It reached number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100 and established West as a formidable force in the music industry. The success of "Through the Wire" set the stage for his subsequent albums and solidified his reputation as an innovative artist, known for pushing boundaries and redefining the genre.

Rihanna – "Umbrella" (2007)

Elvis Presley – "Heartbreak Hotel" (1956), The Beatles – "I Want to Hold Your Hand" (1963), Bob Dylan – "Like a Rolling Stone" (1965), Queen – "Bohemian Rhapsody" (1975), Michael Jackson – "Billie Jean" (1983), Madonna – "Like a Virgin" (1984), Nirvana – "Smells Like Teen Spirit" (1991), Britney Spears – "...Baby One More Time" (1998), Eminem – "My Name Is" (1999), Beyoncé – "Crazy in Love" (2003), Kanye West – "Through the Wire" (2003), Rihanna – "Umbrella" (2007), Lady Gaga – "Just Dance" (2008), Adele – "Rolling in the Deep" (2010), Lil Nas X – "Old Town Road" (2019)

Rihanna's "Umbrella" transformed her from a rising star into a pop and fashion icon. The song, featuring Jay-Z, became a massive commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning multiple awards.

Its catchy hook and empowering lyrics resonated with audiences, solidifying Rihanna's place in the music industry. The success of "Umbrella" not only changed her career trajectory but also influenced the sound of pop music in the late 2000s, as she continued to evolve as an artist and trendsetter.

Lady Gaga – "Just Dance" (2008)

Elvis Presley – "Heartbreak Hotel" (1956), The Beatles – "I Want to Hold Your Hand" (1963), Bob Dylan – "Like a Rolling Stone" (1965), Queen – "Bohemian Rhapsody" (1975), Michael Jackson – "Billie Jean" (1983), Madonna – "Like a Virgin" (1984), Nirvana – "Smells Like Teen Spirit" (1991), Britney Spears – "...Baby One More Time" (1998), Eminem – "My Name Is" (1999), Beyoncé – "Crazy in Love" (2003), Kanye West – "Through the Wire" (2003), Rihanna – "Umbrella" (2007), Lady Gaga – "Just Dance" (2008), Adele – "Rolling in the Deep" (2010), Lil Nas X – "Old Town Road" (2019)

Lady Gaga's "Just Dance" introduced her avant-garde pop style and marked the beginning of her dominance in the music industry. The song's infectious beat and catchy lyrics led it to become a commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100.

Gaga's unique fashion sense and theatrical performances set her apart from other artists, making her a cultural phenomenon. The success of "Just Dance" established Gaga as a leading figure in pop music and paved the way for her future hits, characterized by her distinctive blend of music, fashion, and performance art.

Adele – "Rolling in the Deep" (2010)

Elvis Presley – "Heartbreak Hotel" (1956), The Beatles – "I Want to Hold Your Hand" (1963), Bob Dylan – "Like a Rolling Stone" (1965), Queen – "Bohemian Rhapsody" (1975), Michael Jackson – "Billie Jean" (1983), Madonna – "Like a Virgin" (1984), Nirvana – "Smells Like Teen Spirit" (1991), Britney Spears – "...Baby One More Time" (1998), Eminem – "My Name Is" (1999), Beyoncé – "Crazy in Love" (2003), Kanye West – "Through the Wire" (2003), Rihanna – "Umbrella" (2007), Lady Gaga – "Just Dance" (2008), Adele – "Rolling in the Deep" (2010), Lil Nas X – "Old Town Road" (2019)

Adele's "Rolling in the Deep" established her as a global powerhouse with a timeless voice. The song's powerful vocals and emotional depth resonated with audiences, leading it to become a commercial success and reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100.

Its critical acclaim and numerous awards solidified Adele's status as one of the most influential artists of her generation. The success of "Rolling in the Deep" not only transformed her career but also set the stage for her subsequent albums and continued impact on the music industry, as she captivated listeners with her soulful sound.

Lil Nas X – "Old Town Road" (2019)

Elvis Presley – "Heartbreak Hotel" (1956), The Beatles – "I Want to Hold Your Hand" (1963), Bob Dylan – "Like a Rolling Stone" (1965), Queen – "Bohemian Rhapsody" (1975), Michael Jackson – "Billie Jean" (1983), Madonna – "Like a Virgin" (1984), Nirvana – "Smells Like Teen Spirit" (1991), Britney Spears – "...Baby One More Time" (1998), Eminem – "My Name Is" (1999), Beyoncé – "Crazy in Love" (2003), Kanye West – "Through the Wire" (2003), Rihanna – "Umbrella" (2007), Lady Gaga – "Just Dance" (2008), Adele – "Rolling in the Deep" (2010), Lil Nas X – "Old Town Road" (2019)

Lil Nas X's "Old Town Road" broke genre barriers and went viral on TikTok, becoming a cultural phenomenon. The song's unique blend of country and hip-hop resonated with audiences, leading it to set a record for the longest-running number one on the Billboard Hot 100.

Its success transformed Lil Nas X's career, establishing him as a leading figure in contemporary music. The impact of "Old Town Road" on the music industry is significant, as it challenged traditional genre classifications and showcased the power of social media in promoting music, highlighting the evolving landscape of the music world.

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