The Top 10 Hidden Tracks on Rock Music Albums
Introduction
Hidden tracks have been a fascinating aspect of rock music, allowing artists to surprise and delight their fans with unexpected gems. These hidden tracks often went unnoticed until fans discovered them, and they have since become a staple of rock music culture. In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 hidden tracks on rock music albums, highlighting the creativity and innovation of these artists.
#10 – "Richard" – Tormato – (Yes)
Our list begins with Yes’s lesser-known gem, "Richard," which was initially only available on early editions of the UK cassette and 8-Track releases of the album Tormato. Unfortunately, it didn’t make it onto the vinyl or subsequent CD releases, making it a rare find for many fans. The track resurfaced in 2002 as part of the comprehensive box set In a Word: Yes (1969–). If this is your first encounter with "Richard," prepare to be captivated by its complexity and classic Yes craftsmanship – a superb way to start our exploration of hidden musical treasures.
#9 – "Terry’s Song" – Magic – (Bruce Springsteen)
Continuing our journey through the best hidden tracks on rock music albums, we encounter a poignant entry from Bruce Springsteen’s 2007 album, Magic. In a heartfelt homage to his late long-time assistant Terry Magovern, Springsteen added a song at the last minute, after the album’s artwork and tracklists were already finalized for initial pressings. As a result, the tribute song, tucked away after "Devil’s Arcade," serves as the album’s true finale. This wasn’t an attempt to hide the track, but rather a necessity due to the timing of Magovern’s passing. The song offers a moving reflection on friendship and loss, resonating deeply with anyone who has ever experienced the passing of a close friend.
#8 – "Under My Thumb" – White Light, White Heat, White Trash – (Social Distortion)
Landing at number eight on our list of the best hidden tracks on rock music albums is Social Distortion’s hard-hitting cover of the Rolling Stones’ classic "Under My Thumb." This high-energy punk rendition was cleverly hidden in their 1996 album White Light, White Heat, White Trash. Known for their knack for transforming classic songs into punk anthems – as evidenced by their well-received cover of Johnny Cash’s "Ring of Fire" – Social Distortion adds a unique edge to this Stones staple, making it a standout hidden gem.
#7 – "Everybody Knows" – Actual Miles: Henley’s Greatest Hits – (Don Henley)
On the initial pressings of Don Henley’s first greatest hits album Actual Miles: Henley’s Greatest Hits, a cover of Leonard Cohen’s song "Everybody Knows" was included as a hidden track. Although it was assigned a track number on the CD, it was initially not credited, but it was eventually acknowledged in later pressings of the album.
#6 – "Key to the Highway" – Dirty Work – (The Rolling Stones)
The Rolling Stones have included several hidden tracks on their albums throughout their career, starting with Their Satanic Majesties Request. However, the hidden track that really stands out is found on their 1986 album Dirty Work. Titled "Key to the Highway," this track features a remarkable blues piano solo by Ian Stewart. Stewart’s contributions to the music of The Rolling Stones were substantial, and it’s fitting to honor him by including this exceptional piece on our list of the best hidden tracks of all time.
#5 – "Hero" – No Rest for the Wicked – Ozzy Osbourne
Ozzy Osbourne’s hidden track "Hero" stands as one of the standout cuts on his 1988 album No Rest for the Wicked. On early releases of the album, the song was not credited in the liner notes or on the back covers. In later editions, it was properly titled and acknowledged, but in the initial issues, it remained an unheralded gem. This thrilling hidden track has since been recognized as one of the most exciting hidden tracks of all time.
#4 – "Growth" – Woman and Children First – Van Halen
Because we’re huge Van Halen fans here, we had to include "Growth" from their album Woman and Children First, released in 1980. This very short, 18-second piece of music follows the track "In a Simple Rhyme." Despite its brevity, in just 18 seconds, Eddie Van Halen and the band manage to deliver a mind-blowing musical experience.
#3 – "A Flock of Wah-Wahs" – But Seriously Folks – Joe Walsh
As much as we tried to stay away from all those hidden messages and unedited tracks that contain just speech at the end of an album, and there are thousands of them, we just had to include this one by Joe Walsh. It’s just so funny and it just surprises the heck out of you because you’re not expecting it. After a few moments of silence after the song "Life’s Been Good," it appears on the CD. This is just vintage Joe Walsh personality 101.
#2 – "Train in Vain" – London Calling – (The Clash)
Just off the top spot on our 10 Best Hidden Tracks On Rock Music Albums list is a song that will probably surprise many people. "Train in Vain," from The Clash’s 1979 album London Calling, famously emerged as an unlisted hidden gem. This song, marked by its absence from the initial album artwork and liner notes, found its secret place as the closing track due to a last-minute addition after the album’s cover had already been printed. Not originally planned for the album, "Train in Vain," was initially intended as a giveaway for a music magazine, but when that fell through, the band decided to include it on London Calling. Because the artwork was already finalized, the song slipped into the album as a hidden track, unmentioned on the sleeve or track listing. Its unexpected position gave it a mysterious aura and a surprise factor that delighted listeners and remains a highlight of the album.
#1 – "Her Majesty" – Abbey Road – The Beatles
We close out our 10 Best Hidden Tracks On Rock Music Albums list with maybe the most popular hidden track of all time. "Her Majesty" is a short, playful track by the Beatles that unexpectedly closes their 1969 album, Abbey Road. Composed and performed solely by Paul McCartney, the song is a light-hearted ditty about Queen Elizabeth II. It stands out not only for its content but also for its status as one of the earliest examples of a hidden track in rock music.
Originally part of the album’s long medley, McCartney removed "Her Majesty" because it disrupted the flow between other songs. Instead of discarding it, as McCartney had instructed, the studio engineer saved the track by attaching it to the end of the album after a brief silence. This addition was unlisted on the initial album sleeves due to an oversight, as the covers had already been printed. This accidental inclusion turned into a beloved Beatles quirk, embodying the band’s penchant for happy accidents.
Clocking in at just 23 seconds, "Her Majesty" is the Beatles’ shortest song. It starts with an unexpected chord and ends abruptly, giving it a unique, unfinished quality that intrigues listeners. Despite its brief playtime, the song captures the inventive spirit of the Beatles and remains a memorable piece of music history.
Conclusion
In conclusion, hidden tracks have been an integral part of rock music, offering fans a sense of discovery and excitement. From Yes’s "Richard" to the Beatles’ "Her Majesty," these hidden gems have become an iconic part of rock music culture. Whether it’s a surprise track, a cover song, or a tribute to a late band member, these hidden tracks showcase the creativity and innovation of the artists who created them.
FAQs
Q: What is a hidden track?
A: A hidden track is a song or piece of music that is not listed on the album’s tracklisting or liner notes, but is included on the album anyway.
Q: Why do artists include hidden tracks on their albums?
A: Artists may include hidden tracks for a variety of reasons, such as to surprise fans, to pay tribute to someone or something, or to showcase their creativity and innovation.
Q: Can I find hidden tracks on all rock music albums?
A: No, not all rock music albums include hidden tracks. However, many artists have included hidden tracks on their albums over the years, and it’s become a popular way to add an extra layer of excitement and surprise to an album.
Q: How do I find hidden tracks on an album?
A: To find hidden tracks on an album, you’ll need to listen to the album carefully and pay attention to any unusual silence or unusual track lengths. You can also search online for lists of hidden tracks on specific albums.
Q: Are hidden tracks only found on physical albums?
A: No, hidden tracks can be found on both physical and digital albums. However, some hidden tracks may only be available on certain formats, such as vinyl or CD.
Q: Are hidden tracks a dying breed?
A: While the practice of including hidden tracks on albums may have declined in recent years, it’s still a popular way for artists to add an extra layer of excitement and surprise to their music.
