When it comes to listening to music, chart-topping hits often dominate the radio, leaving lesser-known tracks — commonly called “B-sides” or “deep cuts” — to fall by the wayside. However, these hidden tracks, often tucked away on iconic albums or released as deluxe edition singles, can reveal more about an artist’s style and creativity than their big hits.
The term “B-side” originates from the era of vinyl records, specifically 45s, which only contained one song on each side. The A-side contained the lead single, and the B-side was an additional track that was never expected to garner as much praise or recognition. This concept has made its way into the CD era. But with the rise of streaming, deep cuts have gained popularity, as B-sides have declined in the 21st century as the music industry transitioned to digital format. These tracks now hold special significance for fans of beloved artists.
Deep cuts, though, are simply lesser-known tracks that only dedicated fans would seek out.
While classic artists like Joni Mitchell, The Beatles, Fleetwood Mac and Radiohead may come to mind, what about the contemporary artists of the 21st century who have kept the spirit of these tracks alive — sometimes in the form of a deep cut, or even as a B-side?
#1: Lorde, “The Louvre”
Tucked into her sophomore album Melodrama, Lorde’s “The Louvre” is a dreamy, understated ode to a fleeting romance. Its title references the Louvre, the famous art museum in Paris, France. While it may not have been a single, its blend of triumph and vulnerability captures the rush of young love as she sings, “Broadcast the boom, boom, boom / And make ’em all dance to it.” On “The Louvre,” Lorde compares a romance to a painting hanging behind the quintessential works of the Louvre.
While high-energetic hits like “Green Light” showcase an anthemic persona, “The Louvre” perfectly highlights Lorde’s ability to create intricate soundscapes filled with catchy pop sensibilities that make you want to rewind the song like the end of film credits.
#2: Carly Rae Jepsen, “Comeback”
“Comeback” from 2020’s Dedicated Side B, a follow-up to Dedicated, blends Carly Rae Jepsen’s signature pop vibes with emotional vulnerability. Featuring frequent Taylor Swift collaborator Jack Antonoff from The Bleachers, the song revolves around feelings of longing and reliving a past connection, with lyrics like, “Whatever happened to our inner glow? / Whatever happened to the song, the soul, the me I used to know?” Antonoff adds a touch of nostalgia that combines Jepsen’s airy vocals with a 1980s-inspired synth quality. The song goes beyond simple hooks and catchy melodies, balancing upbeat, danceable tunes with emotionally vulnerable lyrics.
#3: Halsey, “929”
One of Halsey’s most personal tracks, “929” almost feels like a diary entry when the singer opens the song by mentioning that she was born on 9:29 a.m. Nov. 29. The song differentiates other songs on the Manic album that include catchy beats and bold choruses and features a stripped-back, conversational tone that lets listeners into Halsey’s regrets and insecurities. It showcases their vulnerable side that doesn’t always show on their more radio-ready hits like “Closer” and “Gasoline.” At the end of Manic, “929” feels confessional and sincere as an honest gem that fans hold dear.
#4: Beach House, “Chariot”
Dream-pop band Beach House’s track “Chariot” delivers their signature space ethereality. Released as part of the 2017 compilation album B-Sides and Rarities, which featured rare, unreleased tracks, it embodies the band’s delicate, dreamlike aesthetic. The idea for a B-sides record came when the band realized how many non-album songs they had made over the years, many of which were difficult to find and hear. With lush layers of synths, reverb-heavy guitars and Victoria Legrand’s haunting vocals, the song offers a nostalgic quintessential Beach House vibe that feels beautifully timeless.
#5: Alvvays, “Forget About Life”
Canadian indie-pop group Alvvays’ “Forget About Life” has garnered a cult following for its themes of introspection and emotional complexity. While Alvvays may have well-known hit singles, it’s the atmospheric production and storytelling on “Forget About Life” that makes it a standout track in the band’s 10-year discography. Unafraid to explore emotion, the song showcases Alvvays’ clever lyricism, musicality and vulnerability. This combination sets “Forget About Life” apart, allowing listeners to appreciate the band’s artistic and lyrical nuances beyond their more commercial tracks.
#6: Gracie Abrams, “Brush Fire”
On “Brush Fire,” from her 2020 EP Minor, Gracie Abrams showcases her ability to create relatable narratives about yearning and vulnerability in relationships. With poignant lyrics and emotional delivery, the song may not have received as much mainstream attention as some of Abrams’ more popular tracks, making them less recognizable to casual listeners. Instead, its introspection and minimalistic production make this song feel genuine and authentic, showing Abrams as a thoughtful songwriter for the ages.
These tracks are the essence of what makes these artists iconic — through their ability to push boundaries and willingness to explore themes of love, vulnerability and reflection. They remain a part of the artists’ growth and creativity and have left a mark on fans without mainstream success.
