Even if you had the #focus groups tested and executives approving your next singles, things can go awry when they don't meet certain expectations whether it's artistic or chart-wise. Not to be confused with charity singles or stand-alone singles... actually it does get confusing because artists want to save face and deem these rejected lead singles as something else, commonly referred to as 'buzz' or 'promo' tracks.
Let's just consider any changes of plans as a sign from #god, including with the following pop songs.
There will also be a few honorable mentions of songs released around the same time but also did not make any cut.
7. Focus by Ariana Grande
Intended for: Moonlight/Dangerous Woman (2016)
Replaced by: "Dangerous Woman"
Release: She teased the song on social media and on her Honeymoon tour, and slowly unveiled the single cover art following the release, showing a new look with platinum blonde hair. AG3 was initially called Moonlight with the title track later appearing on Dangerous Woman.
Cancellation: Although appearing in the top 10 of the Hot 100, the song received mixed reviews, and it probably did not measure up to the intended success for a lead single her label was looking for.
Appeared on any album format? Yes, it got Japanese bonus track'd on DW.
6. Louboutins by Jennifer Lopez
Intended for: Love? (2011)
Replaced by: "On the Floor"
Release: Like Ari, J.Lo decided for a change in look with alterego "Lola" (a la Sasha Fierce) with the "Who Is Lola?" teaser, featuring red lips and choppy bangs. The Lola alterego was abandoned after releasing "Fresh Out the Oven". She promoted next intended lead single "Louboutins" a few times on television, including the AMA's where she fell mid-performance but swiftly got back up.
Cancellation: Mixed reception from critics, did not even chart in the Hot 100, no airplay, and was completely scrapped before any music video was to be made
Appeared on any album format? No
Honorable mentions: "Fresh Out the Oven", Brandy's original recording of the demo
5. Go Girl (ft. T-Pain) by Ciara
Intended for: Fantasy Ride (2009)
Replaced by: "Never Ever"
Release: A demo version of the song leaked on the internet a month before its official release. It peaked at #78 in the US but #1 in Japan.
Cancellation: Overall just underperformed, and when the FR tracklisting came out, the song was not listed. It was later on deemed as a 'promo single'.
Appeared on any album format? Yes, it got Japanese bonus track'd for Fantasy Ride.
4. Player ft. Chr*s Brown by Tinashe
Intended for: Joyride (2018)
Replaced by: "No Drama"
Release: From her own words, it was the #label that hooked up the Chr*s Brown feature. It was announced as the official lead single for Joyride (I can't believe it's been three years, bless), and reached #3 on the US
Cancellation: While Tinashe was just speaking ha truth, Chr*s Brown had to get stupid about the whole thing, so the song was just dropped.
Appeared on any album format? No
Honorable mentions: "Party Favors", "Superlove" (which was the next intended lead and still did not appear on any album format)
3. SuperLove by Charli XCX
Intended for: Sucker (2014)
Replaced by: "Boom Clap"
Release: The song was released and uploaded onto Soundcloud 5 months after True Romance LP, which was quite soon to already move onto another project. "Boom Clap" proved to be the next hit to be the actual lead single to focus on. Highkey the only song on this list deserving justice. #JusticeforSuperlove
Cancellation: As Wiki states, "it ultimately was not included on 2014's Sucker."
Appeared on any album format? No, and it had its chance to be Japanese bonus track'd but was replaced with "Red Balloon."
2. Pretty Girls (ft. Iggy Azalea) by Britney Spears
Intended for: 9th studio album/Glory (2016)
Replaced by: "Make Me"
Release: Iggy announced the collaboration would be on Britney's next album at the time, and that it was a true 'duet' because they sung the chorus together. I just wanna know why did Britney's hairstyle switch when they were on the car @ 2:43. It peaked at #29 on the Hot 100.
Cancellation: ?? I guess cause it flopped and no one was here for Eggs.
Appeared on any album format? No
1. FourFiveSeconds by Rihanna, Kanye West, Paul McCartney
Intended for: 8th studio album/Anti (2016)
Replaced by: "Work"
Release: Kanye was initial executive producer of R8 and snatched this collab with Paul McCartney. It was a moderate success in Rih's standards and peaked at #4 on the Hot 100.
Cancellation: ?? Navy tell me about these singles lol.
Appeared on any album format? No.
Honorable mentions: "Bitch Better Have My Money", "American Oxygen"
ONTD, has your fav been a victim of a common situation?
Sources: 1234567