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Our “25 Best B-sides in Classic Rock History” article presents a list of songs that stand as some of our favorite B-sides we have ever collected. Many artists have been surprised when a song, sometimes one that almost didn’t make it onto the album, turns into the biggest hit of their career. This list showcases 25 favorites, not necessarily B-sides that became more popular than the A-sides—that would be a different type of article. This one is simply about the joy of discovery. We’ve always been drawn to B-sides, particularly non-album tracks, which are often the most exciting for collectors. Some of these are non-album tracks, while others are just songs that we liked better than the A-Sides
# 25 – “Keep On Growing” – B-Side to “If It Makes You Happy” – (Sheryl Crow)
This is a cover of the legendary Derek & The Dominoes song. Sheryl Crow released a lot of non-album tracks in the 90s when the CD Market was hot. Most of them were released on import singles, but there were a few released on domestic singles.
# 24 – “Harmony” – B-Side to “Bennie & The Jets” – (Elton John)
What a b-side this was. “Harmony” closes Elton John’s 1973 double album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road with a blend of warmth and melodic grace that reflects the creative peak of his early career. Written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, the song was recorded in May 1973 at Château d’Hérouville in France and produced by Gus Dudgeon. The musicians on the track include Elton John on piano and lead vocals, Davey Johnstone on guitar, Dee Murray on bass, and Nigel Olsson on drums, with additional harmony vocals from Johnstone and Murray.
# 23 – “We’re All Alone” – B-Side to “It’s Over” – (Boz Scaggs)
This B-Side became bigger than the A-Side. “We’re All Alone” was written and recorded by Boz Scaggs and first introduced on his 1976 album Silk Degrees. The version by Scaggs became the standard B-side of his international single release “Lido Shuffle,” where “Lido Shuffle” reached number eleven in the US and number thirteen in the UK. In Australia, Scaggs’ original reached number fifty-four as part of a double A-side with “Lowdown.” The track features Boz Scaggs on vocals and guitar, David Paich on acoustic piano and arrangements, Fred Tackett and Louis Shelton on guitar, David Hungate on bass, Jeff Porcaro on drums, Sid Sharp as string conductor and concertmaster, and a horn section including Tony Terran, Vincent DeRosa, Jim Horn, Paul Hubinon, Dick Hyde, Plas Johnson, Tom Scott and Bud Shank. Though initially positioned as a B-side, “We’re All Alone” would go on to become more widely known and covered, including a 1977 hit version by Rita Coolidge
# 22 – “Colour My World” – B-Side to “Beginnings” – (Chicago)
Every kid I knew in high school who played the piano a little always played this song. “Colour My World,” written by James Pankow of Chicago, was first recorded for the band’s second studio album Chicago, also known as Chicago II, in 1970. The song features Terry Kath on lead vocals and Walter Parazaider performing the flute solo, with Robert Lamm on keyboards, Peter Cetera on bass, and Danny Seraphine on drums. Produced by James William Guercio, the track was initially released in March 1970 as the B-side to “Make Me Smile” and later reissued in June 1971 as the B-side to the re-release of “Beginnings.” That single reached number seven on the Billboard Hot 100.
# 21 – “The 59th Street Bridge Song” – B-Side to “At The Zoo” – (Simon & Garfunkel)
“The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin’ Groovy)” was written by Paul Simon and recorded by Simon & Garfunkel for their 1966 album Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme. The track was recorded on August 16, 1966, and produced by Bob Johnston. It features members of the Dave Brubeck Quartet, with Joe Morello on drums and Eugene Wright on double bass. The song was named after New York’s Queensboro Bridge, known informally as the 59th Street Bridge, and captures Simon’s inspiration from an early morning walk across it. With its upbeat tone and short running time of one minute and forty-three seconds, the song was conceived as a musical impression rather than a full narrative. It was released in 1967 as the B-side to “At the Zoo,” and in 1971 was issued as an A-side single in several European countries with “I Am a Rock” as its B-side
# 20 – “Silver Springs” – B-Side To “Go Your Own Way” – (Fleetwood Mac)
Silver Springs was written by Stevie Nicks and recorded by Fleetwood Mac during the sessions for their 1977 album Rumours. The song was recorded between February and December 1976 at the Record Plant in Sausalito and Wally Heider Studios in Los Angeles, produced by Fleetwood Mac, Ken Caillat, and Richard Dashut. The recording featured Stevie Nicks on vocals, Lindsey Buckingham on guitar and backing vocals, Christine McVie on keyboards and piano, John McVie on bass, and Mick Fleetwood on drums and percussion. It was originally intended for inclusion on Rumours but was excluded due to its length and released instead as the B-side to “Go Your Own Way” in December 1976.
A live version was later recorded at Warner Brothers Studios in Burbank, California, on May 23, 1997, for the band’s reunion album The Dance, produced by Lindsey Buckingham and Elliot Scheiner. The live recording was released as a single on July 22, 1997, reaching number five on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart, number sixteen on the Adult Alternative Airplay chart, and number thirty-eight on the Canadian Top Singles chart. It was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals in 1998. The song was later included on Rumours (2004 remastered edition), Fleetwood Mac’s 25 Years – The Chain (1992), and Stevie Nicks’ Crystal Visions – The Very Best of Stevie Nicks (2007).
# 19 – “You Can’t Do That” – B-Side To “Can’t Buy Me Love” – (The Beatles)
We could do an entire book on the Beatles’ B-Sides. “You Can’t Do That” was written by John Lennon and credited to Lennon–McCartney. The song was recorded by The Beatles on February 25, 1964, at EMI Studios in London, and produced by George Martin. It was released on March 16, 1964, in the United States and March 20, 1964, in the United Kingdom as the B-side to the single “Can’t Buy Me Love.” The track featured Lennon on lead vocals and guitar, Paul McCartney on bass, cowbell, and backing vocals, George Harrison on 12-string guitar and backing vocals, and Ringo Starr on drums and bongos. The song was later included on the band’s album A Hard Day’s Night in the United Kingdom and on The Beatles’ Second Album in the United States.
# 18 – “Janey Dont You Lose Your Heart” – B-Side to ‘I’m Going Down” – (Bruce Springsteen)
“Janey, Don’t You Lose Heart” was written by Bruce Springsteen and recorded on June 16, 1983, at The Hit Factory in New York City, with additional backing vocals by Nils Lofgren recorded in 1985. The song was produced by Bruce Springsteen, Jon Landau, Chuck Plotkin, and Steven Van Zandt, with Toby Scott serving as audio engineer. It was released as the B-side to “I’m Goin’ Down” on August 27, 1985, under the Columbia label. The track featured Bruce Springsteen on vocals and guitar, Clarence Clemons on saxophone and tambourine, Roy Bittan on piano, Danny Federici on organ, Garry Tallent on bass, Max Weinberg on drums, and the group contributing handclaps. “Janey, Don’t You Lose Heart” was later included in 12″ Single Collection (1985), Tracks (1998), and 18 Tracks (1999).
# 17 – “Bad Company” – B-Side To “Can’t Get Enough Of Your Love” – (Bad Company)
Everyone loves this song, and I think most people don’t even realize it was released as a B-side. “Bad Company” was written by Paul Rodgers and Simon Kirke and recorded in November 1973 for the band’s debut album Bad Company. The song was released in 1974 on the Swan Song and Island labels and served as the B-side to “Can’t Get Enough of Your Love.” Produced by the band, the track featured Paul Rodgers on vocals and piano, Mick Ralphs on lead guitar, Boz Burrell on bass, and Simon Kirke on drums.
# 16 – “Sugar Mountain” – B-Side To “Loner” (Neil Young)
“Sugar Mountain” was written by Neil Young on November 12, 1964, his nineteenth birthday, while staying at the Victoria Hotel in Fort William, Ontario, during a tour with his Winnipeg band the Squires. The song reflects Young’s memories of his youth in Winnipeg, Manitoba. It was first recorded on December 15, 1965, for a demo session at Elektra Records in New York City, later appearing on The Archives Vol. 1 1963–1972. A live version recorded on November 10, 1968, at Canterbury House in Ann Arbor, Michigan, became the B-side to “The Loner” in 1969 and was later reissued as the B-side to “Cinnamon Girl.” This same live version was included on Young’s 1977 compilation Decade.
# 15 – “My City Was Gone” B-Side to “Back On The Chain Gang” (The Pretenders)
How do you release a song like this as a B Side? It’s so much cooler than the A-Side. “My City Was Gone” was written by Chrissie Hynde and first released as the B-side to “Back on the Chain Gang” on September 17, 1982, through Sire Records. It was later included on The Pretenders’ third studio album, Learning to Crawl, released on January 13, 1984. Produced by Chris Thomas, the track features Hynde on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, Martin Chambers on drums, Billy Bremner on lead guitar, and Tony Butler on bass guitar. Recorded in 1982 following the death of founding guitarist James Honeyman-Scott, the song marks one of the band’s early efforts to regroup and rebuild.
# 14 – “Pink Cadillac” – B-Side To “Dancing In The Dark” (Bruce Springsteen)
Most Bruce fans disliked “Dancing In The Dark.” They were all like WTF? The B-Side was more like it.“Pink Cadillac” was written by Bruce Springsteen and released on May 3, 1984, as the B-side to his hit single “Dancing in the Dark.” Recorded in 1983 during sessions for the Born in the U.S.A. album, the song was produced by Bruce Springsteen, Jon Landau, Chuck Plotkin, and Steven Van Zandt. The track features Springsteen on vocals and guitar, Clarence Clemons on saxophone, Garry Tallent on bass, and Max Weinberg on drums.
# 13 – “How Come U Don’t Call Me Anymore” – B-Side to “1999” (Prince)
It’s amazing that it was a throwaway B-side. What a vocal he delivers on this one. “How Come U Don’t Call Me Anymore?” was written and produced by Prince and first released on September 24, 1982, as the non-album B-side to his single “1999.” Recorded on April 28, 1982, at Sunset Sound Studios in Los Angeles, the track is a soulful piano ballad featuring only Prince’s voice and his own piano accompaniment. The song blends R&B and gospel influences, expressing themes of romantic longing and emotional distance. It later appeared on The Hits/The B-Sides compilation in 1993 and on the Girl 6 film soundtrack in 1996. Prince also performed it live on his 2002 album One Nite Alone… Live!
# 12 – “Nineteen Hundred And Eighty Five” – B-Side to “Band On The Run” – (Paul McCartney & Wings)
“Nineteen Hundred and Eighty-Five” was written by Paul and Linda McCartney and released on June 28, 1974, as the B-side to “Band on the Run.” Recorded in October 1973 at AIR Studios in London and produced by Paul McCartney, the song closes the Band on the Run album, serving as its climactic finale. The track features Paul McCartney on vocals, piano, bass, guitar, keyboards, and drums, Linda McCartney on backing vocals and keyboards, and Denny Laine on guitar and vocals, with orchestral arrangements by Tony Visconti performed by the Beaux Arts Orchestra.
# 11 – “Bad Side of The Moon” – B-Side to “Border Song” – (Elton John)
“Bad Side of the Moon” was written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin and first appeared as the B-side to “Border Song,” released on March 20, 1970. The track was recorded in January 1970 at Trident Studios in London during the sessions for Elton John’s self-titled second studio album, produced by Gus Dudgeon. Although not included on the original album release, it was later featured as a bonus track on the 1995 and 1996 reissues.
The song features Elton John on piano and vocals, Caleb Quaye on lead guitar, Alan Weighall on bass, Barry Morgan on drums, and backing vocals from Madeline Bell, Tony Burrows, Roger Cook, Lesley Duncan, Kay Garner, and Tony Hazzard. “Bad Side of the Moon” gained further recognition when Canadian rock group April Wine recorded their own version, which became a hit in Canada in 1972. Elton John himself later included the song in his live sets, and it appeared on 11-17-70, his first live album
# 10 – “Rain” – B-Side to “Fade Away” (Beatles)
“Rain” was written by John Lennon and credited to Lennon–McCartney. It was recorded by The Beatles on April 14 and 16, 1966, at EMI Studios in London, with George Martin serving as producer. Released on May 30, 1966, as the B-side to “Paperback Writer,” the song was created during the sessions for Revolver but did not appear on the album. Lennon sang lead vocals and played rhythm guitar, Paul McCartney played bass and sang backing vocals, George Harrison contributed lead guitar and harmonies, and Ringo Starr handled drums and tambourine.The single reached number twenty-three on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and topped charts worldwide as part of the “Paperback Writer” release
# 9 – “Long Distance Runaround” – B-Side To “Roundabout” (Yes)
“Long Distance Runaround” was written by Jon Anderson and recorded by Yes for their 1971 album Fragile. Produced by the band with Eddy Offord, the song was released as the B-side to “Roundabout” on November 12, 1971, in the United Kingdom and January 4, 1972, in the United States on Atlantic Records. The recording featured Jon Anderson on lead and backing vocals, Steve Howe on electric guitars, Chris Squire on bass, Rick Wakeman on RMI 300B Electra-Piano, harpsichord, and grand piano, and Bill Bruford on drums and percussion.
# 8 – “Born On The Bayou” – B-Side to “Proud Mary” (Creedence Clearwater Revival)
Recorded in late 1968 at RCA Studios in Hollywood, “Born on the Bayou” opened Creedence Clearwater Revival’s 1969 album Bayou Country and served as the B-side to the hit single “Proud Mary,” which reached number two on the Billboard charts. Written and produced by John Fogerty, the track featured Fogerty on lead vocals and guitar, Tom Fogerty on rhythm guitar, Stu Cook on bass, and Doug Clifford on drums. Fogerty crafted the song as an imagined vision of Southern life, evoking the heat and mystique of the region through lyrics about chasing down a “hoodoo,” a word he described as representing a mystical, spiritual presence. The song’s distinctive swamp rock sound came from Fogerty’s use of a Gibson ES-175 guitar run through an overdriven amplifier with tremolo. Clifford later recalled that the song began with his steady quarter-note beat during a rehearsal at Los Angeles’ Shrine Auditorium, eventually becoming one of the band’s most powerful recordings. “Born on the Bayou” was performed at Woodstock and went on to earn platinum certification in the United States and gold status in New Zealand.
# 7 – “Roadhouse Blues” – B-Side to “You Make Me Real” (The Doors)
Recorded between November 4 and 6, 1969, at Elektra Sound Recorders in Los Angeles, “Roadhouse Blues” became one of the defining tracks on The Doors’ 1970 album Morrison Hotel and served as the B-side to “You Make Me Real.” Produced by Paul A. Rothchild, the session featured Jim Morrison on vocals, Robby Krieger on guitar, Ray Manzarek on piano and Vox Continental organ, and John Densmore on drums, with blues musician Lonnie Mack contributing bass and John Sebastian playing harmonica under the pseudonym G. Puglese. The song captures the raw, live energy of the band’s club roots, with Morrison improvising lyrics that celebrated the outlaw spirit and reckless abandon of the American roadhouse. Morrison’s spontaneous vocal fueled its gritty performance takes and the band’s loose, blues-driven groove. “Roadhouse Blues” quickly became a concert staple and has remained one of The Doors’ most frequently covered songs
# 6 – “O’l 55” – B-Side to “Best Of My Love” (The Eagles)
# 5 – “I’ll Cry Instead” – B-Side to “An Innocent Man” (Billy Joel)
The Beatles have made a big dent in this list, deservedly so. How could they have not? They changed music culture, life itself. Billy Joel has long spoken about the influence the Beatles had on his music and life, and he has consistently shown great respect for the band through his fantastic cover versions of classic Beatles songs, this one being our favorite.
# 4 – Yellow Ledbetter – B-Side to “Jeremy” (Pearl Jam)
“Yellow Ledbetter” was recorded during the sessions for Pearl Jam’s debut album Ten in 1991 at London Bridge Studio in Seattle, Washington, with production handled by Rick Parashar and the band. Written by vocalist Eddie Vedder and guitarist Mike McCready, the song was released in 1992 as the B-side to the single “Jeremy.” The recording features Vedder’s improvised vocal delivery accompanied by McCready’s expressive lead guitar work, Jeff Ament on bass, Stone Gossard on rhythm guitar, and Dave Krusen on drums. Built around a blues-influenced progression, the track was excluded from Ten but later gained wide recognition through radio airplay and fan circulation. The loose, open-ended structure and emotive playing became hallmarks of Pearl Jam’s early sound. “Yellow Ledbetter” was later included on the 2003 compilation Lost Dogs and has since become a concert favorite, often closing the band’s live performances.
# 3 – “One Day At A Time” – B-Side to “Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds” (Elton John)
This was a double-sided cover single, as “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” was a cover of The Beatles’ track. However, the song “One Day at a Time” was Elton John’s cover of a John Lennon song that had been originally released on Lennon’s Mind Games album.
# 2 – “I’ll Get You” – B-Side to “She Loves You” (The Beatles)
“I’ll Get You” was recorded by The Beatles on July 1, 1963, at EMI Studios in London, produced by George Martin and engineered by Norman Smith. Written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, the song was first issued as the B-side to “She Loves You” on August 23, 1963, before being released as part of that single, which became one of the group’s biggest early hits. The recording featured Lennon on lead vocal and rhythm guitar, McCartney on bass and co-lead vocal, George Harrison on lead guitar, and Ringo Starr on drums.
# 1 – Hey Hey What Can I Do
“Hey, Hey, What Can I Do” was the flip side to Led Zeppelin’s “Immigrant Song.” It’s the only non-album track B-side that Led Zeppelin ever released. This song blew everybody’s mind. I remember the first time I heard this song when I flipped the single over. I put it in a blank 8-track and played it for my friends in the car, and they were blown away, wondering where the hell I got it.
Updated November 12, 2025
25 Best B-Sides In Classic Rock History article published on ClassicRockHistory.com© 2025
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