In music, reaching the #1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 is often seen as the ultimate achievement. However, some songs have achieved massive success without ever hitting that coveted peak. Instead, they’ve earned prestigious certifications, such as Diamond status, for surpassing 10 million units sold or streamed in the United States. These songs are proof that chart position doesn’t always equate to enduring popularity or commercial success. Let’s explore a fascinating list of songs that have achieved Diamond certification but never reached the #1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100. Let’s get into these rare gems.
1. “Rolling in the Deep” by Adele
A Massive Hit Without the Top Spot
Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep” was a game-changer in 2010. With its soulful vocals, emotional depth, and crossover appeal, the song became one of the most iconic tracks of the decade. Despite its widespread popularity, it never reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at #2. Nevertheless, the song went on to be certified Diamond by the RIAA, a testament to its lasting impact. With more than 10 million copies sold or streamed, “Rolling in the Deep” remains one of Adele’s most successful tracks globally, proving that even without the #1 spot, the song left a significant mark on pop culture.
2. “Let Her Go” by Passenger
A Global Phenomenon That Couldn’t Quite Reach #1
“Let Her Go” by Passenger is another example of a song that captured hearts worldwide but never clinched the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100. Despite peaking at #2, the 2012 track achieved immense success, reaching #1 in numerous countries and earning Diamond status in the U.S. in 2017. The gentle acoustic ballad about loss resonated with listeners and was widely used in various forms of media. Its journey to 10 million copies sold or streamed shows that strong emotional connections with audiences can lead to significant sales, even if chart performance isn’t at the pinnacle.
“Let Her Go” by Passenger (image via Getty)3. “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
A Funky Hit that Stayed at #2
“Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars is undoubtedly one of the catchiest tunes of the 2010s. Released in 2014, it topped the charts in several countries, became a viral sensation, and was a staple at parties and events. However, despite its infectious energy and undeniable popularity, it never hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at #2. Despite this, the song achieved Diamond certification in 2021, reflecting its enormous streaming and sales success. “Uptown Funk” proves that even without the #1 spot, a song can dominate the charts and become a cultural touchstone with a strong fan base.
“Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars (image via Getty)4. “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran
Romantic Ballad with a Diamond Certification
Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud,” released in 2014, is a quintessential love song that has made a lasting impact on pop music. Known for its heartwarming lyrics and smooth melody, the song became a wedding anthem for many couples around the world. While it topped the charts in several countries, in the U.S., it peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and never reached the #1 spot. Despite this, the song’s enduring popularity resulted in it earning Diamond certification in 2019. “Thinking Out Loud” serves as a reminder that a song’s legacy isn’t solely determined by its chart performance but by the deep emotional connections it forms with listeners.