From reunions to long-awaited releases to songs reentering the charts – these music comebacks will go down in history. With surging sales, awards granted, and records broken, here are the 10 greatest music comebacks.
10. Kate Bush
In 2022, after an episode of Stranger Things heavily featured Kate Bush’s 1985 hit “Running Up That Hill,” she was on top again. The song shot up to #1 on the US Hot Rock & Alternative Songs. It also reached #1 in many countries. It peaked at #3 US Billboard Hot 100. The song surpassed its 1985 chart position of #30.
9. Cher
In 1998, Cher broke the Billboard Hot 100 record for longest gap between number-one singles. Her song “Believe” topped the charts 33 years and seven months after “I Got You Babe.” She was also 52 years old at the time, a rarity in pop music. The song topped the charts in over 23 countries and sold 11 million copies worldwide.
8. Red Hot Chilli Peppers
In 2022, Red Hot Chilli Peppers released their album “Unlimited Love.” It marked a reunion with original guitarist John Frusciante, who left the band in 2009. The group worked with producer Rick Rubin, who is renowned for helping groups make comeback albums. The group released their 14th #1 single on the alternative charts, “Black Summer.”
7. Spice Girls
The first Spice Girls comeback occurred in 2007, after being on hiatus since 2000. However, their bigger comeback was their 2019 sold-out tour that broke records and was the highest-grossing UK tour that year. They also won the Billboard Live Music Award for Top Boxscore for 2019. All of the original members returned except for Victoria Beckham.
6. Sophie Ellis-Bextor
British singer-songwriter Sophie Ellis-Bextor saw her 2001 single “Murder on the Dancefloor” return to the charts thanks to being featured in the film “Saltburn.” In 2024, the song reached #1 on the UK Dance Chart and #3 on the US Billboard Hot Dance/Electronic Songs Chart. This bests its 2001 performance of #2 on UK Singles and #15 on UK Dance.
5. Usher
Contemporary R&B and pop singer Usher is the 10th most award-winning musician of all time, selling over 100 million records. After recording his 2016 album “Hard II Love,” Usher went on an 8-year recording hiatus. In 2024, he made a comeback by releasing his 9th studio album, “Coming Home.” The album peaked at #2 on the US Billboard 200.
4. ABBA
Swedish pop group ABBA is one of the best-selling artists in music history, estimated between 150 million to 385 million sold worldwide. After releasing their 1981 studio album “The Visitors,” the group didn’t release another for 40 years. That changed with their 2021 album “Voyage” which went platinum in many countries worldwide.
3. Elvis
Even the “King” experienced a dip in popularity. Elvis focused on films during the 1960s. During 1967-68 only two of his singles cracked the top 40, the highest reaching #28. His “comeback” TV special, titled “Elvis,” aired on December 3, 1968. His 1969 single from the special, “If I Can Dream,” reached #12 and the soundtrack album went top 10.
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2. Girls Aloud
British-Irish pop girl group, Girls Aloud last played together in 2013. They are the UK’s biggest-selling girl group of the 21st century so far. In 2021, Sarah Harding died of breast cancer. But in May 2024, the remaining members reunited for a huge UK arena tour. They will headline Brighton & Hove Pride in August.
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1. No Doubt
No Doubt’s last studio album, “Push and Shove” was released in 2012. Formed in 1986, their climb was a slow one. Their eponymous debut album in 1992 failed to make an impact. Their third album “Tragic Kingdom” cemented the group with their #1 single “Don’t Speak.” In 2024, No Doubt will headline Coachella after not performing together since 2015.
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