The latest singles may dominate the charts, but the true treasure lies in the deep cuts. B-sides, often more personal, experimental, or raw than the songs intended for radio, are where artists let their genius loose. We’re diving into ten tracks that should have had their moment in the spotlight.

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Lady Gaga – “Perfect Celebrity”
This rare, unreleased track is an essential look into Lady Gaga’s early, provocative dance-pop genius. It is an electro-clash anthem that satirizes the cult of fame and celebrity culture with biting lyrics and pulsing synths. The track offers a raw, unfiltered blueprint of the attitude and sound that would soon define her career, proving that even her vault tracks are iconic.

Taylor Swift – “A Place In This World”
A perfect piece of throwback country-pop, this track is a masterpiece of youthful self-discovery. It captures the quintessential teenage feeling of searching for identity and direction. The raw guitar work and honest lyrics predate her global superstardom, offering a vulnerable glimpse into the beginnings of her journey as a songwriter.

Ariana Grande – “Only 1”
This gem is pure, blissful R&B that should have been a single based on its effortless groove alone. The song blends a smooth, 90s-inspired slow jam beat with Grande’s signature heavenly whistle tones. It’s a sweet, minimalist track that showcases her vocal agility and proves her talent extends far beyond her usual maximalist production.

Tame Impala – “The Boat I Row”
This B-side captures the familiar dreamy, psychedelic rock of Kevin Parker but delivers a surprisingly laid-back and introspective energy. The track is built on hazy guitars and a slow, hypnotic groove, making it a favorite among dedicated fans for its perfect representation of Tame Impala’s signature sonic escapism.

Dominic Fike – “King of Everything”
This early track solidifies Fike’s appeal with its signature genre-blending style, mixing soft vocals with sharp, hip-hop-influenced production. It’s a confident, effortless demonstration of his ability to fuse alt-rock melancholy with playful, rhythmic pop, showcasing his versatile range as an artist.

Troye Sivan – “Honey”
A delightful piece of shimmering synth-pop, “Honey” is a joyous B-side that is perfect for late-night drives. The song features a bright, infectious melody and Sivan’s effortless, yearning vocals, proving that his talent for crafting euphoric, yet intimate, anthems extends beyond the tracklist hits.

beabadoobee – “10:36”
This track is a masterclass in modern alt-rock, delivering a punchy, nostalgia-soaked sound. It is a fan favorite for its honest, raw energy and memorable guitar hooks, capturing the messy, anxious energy of early adulthood with simple, direct power.

Charli XCX – “Mean Girl”
A high-energy, unapologetic pop banger, “Mean Girl,” should have been a single based on its pure, hyper-pop confidence. The song is fast, loud, and playfully aggressive, confirming Charli XCX’s status as a pioneer constantly pushing the limits of commercial pop.

Justin Bieber – “Pray”
This deeply heartfelt, gospel-tinged ballad offers a moment of genuine sincerity amidst his early pop stardom. The track is a simple, uplifting dedication to faith and hope, allowing Bieber’s raw vocal talent to shine through a clean, inspirational arrangement.

Tate McRae – “Messier”
This track serves as a raw, emotional exploration of relational chaos, making it an ideal emotional centerpiece in her catalog. The song features intimate, specific lyrics set to a moody, contemporary alt-pop production, showcasing McRae’s ability to capture the fragile complexity of heartbreak.