Ask Billboard is updated every week. As always, submit your questions about Billboard charts, sales and airplay, as well as general music musings, to askbb@billboard.com. Please include your first and last name, as well as your city, state and country, if outside the U.S.


WHAT SONGS SHOULD'VE BEEN SINGLES?

After posing the question, "What album tracks over the years do you think should've been released as singles?," in the last "Ask Billboard" (Jan. 20), responses came flooding in. Essentially, what songs do you feel sport radio-ready choruses but never got due process to receive widespread airplay?

Following is a sampling of songs that are well-known to so many despite their lack of a single release. Included, too, are tracks that still could be released.

Clearly, Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven" isn't the only song that fans wish had become a single. And, as that song reinforces, remaining an album track can still translate to iconic status years later.

Check out the e-mails below and please feel free to add your choices to the next "Ask Billboard" mailbag, when we'll continue the topic, via askbb@billboard.com.


Hi Gary,

I think that Madonna's "Into the Groove" would've been the biggest song of 1985 had it been released instead of "Angel," which is a nice song in its own right but not at the same level as "Groove" (which, as a 12-inch single-only, reached No. 19 on R&B/Hip-Hop Songs).

Another song comes to mind as a surefire hit if only it had been released: Whitney Houston's "All at Once." Like "Groove," "Once" was a popular album cut that received airplay.

Rod Villorante


Hi Gary,

In my opinion, there are too many great songs that should've been radio singles. One of the clearest cases? Shakira's "Men in This Town." The song from her 2009 album "She Wolf" could've been the necessary spark that allowed Shakira's set to keep on shining. Instead, it was kept hidden as an album track.

I agree with you with that Madonna's "Devil Wouldn't Recognize You" would've been a good single choice, along with Katy Perry's "Peacock," a sure bet for a Billboard Hot 100 No. 1.

Thanks,

Diego Pazos
Galicia, Spain


Hi Diego,

I agree, "Men in This Town" could've been a big pop hit, as I think it boasts one of her catchiest choruses. Instead, Epic released "Give It Up to Me," featuring Lil Wayne, as the follow-up to "She Wolf," a No. 11 Hot 100 hit. "Give" reached No. 29 on the Hot 100.

"Peacock" became a No. 1 on Dance/Club Play Songs but the song's not-so-subtle lyrics might be a stretch for pop radio. After "The One That Got Away," I think there's still another hit on Perry's "Teenage Dream" album: "Hummingbird Heartbeat." With another week of sales, the song should pass 100,000 in download sales, according to Nielsen SoundScan.


Hi Gary,

How about at least two songs from Britney Spears' "Blackout" CD: "Toy Soldiers" and "Heaven on Earth." And, unless RCA decides to release it from "Femme Fatale," I'd add "Trouble for Me" to that list.

Dick Anderson
Los Angeles


Hi Gary,

Lady Gaga's next single should be "Sheibe."

Germano Blanco
Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil


Hi Germano,

"Sheibe" does have a hooky chorus. Personally, I'd still prefer "Hair" as a pop radio single were another to be released from "Born This Way."

An Interscope executive confirmed to Billboard this week that he is not aware of any current plans for another single from the album.



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