What makes a song flop?

In the world of music, the term "flop" is often used to describe songs that fail to meet the expectations set by artists, their fans, or their record labels. However, defining what constitutes a flop can be quite subjective. According to Tom Breihan, executive editor at StereoGum and author of The Number Ones Twenty Chart-Topping Hits That Reveal the History of Pop Music, a flop is largely dependent on the expectations surrounding a song.

Pre-established expectations, whether from fans, artists, or labels, play a significant role in determining whether a song is considered a flop or not.

For some artists, flopping can be a result of misreading the moment or simply not producing the right song for their audience at the right time. Nevertheless, many established artists have managed to bounce back from their flops. However, the journey back is rarely smooth, and it often involves overcoming a tarnished reputation or losing the goodwill of their fans.

One example of a critically beloved but commercially unsuccessful album is Emotion by Carly Rae Jepsen. After the massive success of her debut single "Call Me Maybe," Jepsen's subsequent album failed to garner the same level of success. Even though it received critical acclaim, it did not reach the sales figures expected by its creators and fans.

The success of a song is not solely dependent on the music itself. Virality and marketing play a crucial role in determining a song's fate. When an artist's persona is closely tied to their music, the failure of a song can impact the artist's image and career significantly. For instance, Lizzo's poorly received album has brought attention not just to the song's shortcomings but also to the artist's overall performance and image.

Katy Perry is another example of an artist who has experienced the ups and downs of a career marked by both monumental successes and notable flops. After dominating the charts with a string of hit singles, her subsequent albums have seen a decline in their commercial performance. Perry's return to the pop scene following a hiatus, entwined with various controversies, has further contributed to the perception of her recent albums as flops.

To be labeled a flop, a song does not necessarily need to be bad or lack merit. Even songs that have debuted at the top of the charts can turn into notorious flops if they fail to maintain their popularity over time. In 1996, Michael Jackson's "You Are Not Alone" is a prime example of such a song. Despite debuting at No. 1 and featuring a popular album, the song eventually entered the realm of notorious flops due to its lackluster performance and subsequent decline in popularity.