15 Amazing Facts & Feats About No. 2 Hot 100 Hits
There’s no shame in peaking in the runner-up spot. The Beatles, the GOAT of pop groups, did it three times.
Billboard's latest list, The 100 Best Hot 100 No. 2 Hits, features a subjective ranking of the editorial staff's favorite runner-up singles since the chart began in August 1958. This list reveals that peaking at No. 2 is not as shameful as one might think. In fact, the music business has a saying about the worst positions to reach: No. 2, No. 6, No. 11, and No. 41.
Despite the disappointment of coming close to a No. 1 hit, the 100 Best Hot 100 No. 2 Hits list showcases many iconic songs that many people know and love. For instance, The Beatles stalled at No. 2 three times with their hits "Twist and Shout," "Do You Want to Know a Secret," and "Yellow Submarine." This demonstrates that even a legendary group like The Beatles experienced this runner-up position.
Interestingly, out of the 13 acts with 10 or more No. 1 singles on the Hot 100 chart, a full 12 have also experienced the No. 2 spot at least once. This fact highlights that being in the company of these accomplished artists is not something to be ashamed of. The list of 15 amazing facts and feats about No. 2 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 provides a deeper appreciation for these high-charting songs that didn't quite make it to the top spot.
Written by urgent.news from Billboard's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
