Songs That Re-Entered the Billboard Hot 100 — And Why They Came Back

Some songs never truly leave us. Whether it’s due to a legendary artist’s passing, a viral moment, or a powerful performance, certain tracks find their way back into the spotlight — and back onto the Billboard Hot 100. This playlist highlights iconic songs that re-entered the chart after their original release, each with a story behind its resurgence.

After the death of musical legends like Prince, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, and George Michael, fans around the world streamed their most beloved hits in tribute. Tracks like Purple Rain, Billie Jean, I Wanna Dance with Somebody, and Careless Whisper returned to the Hot 100, fueled by emotional outpourings and digital streaming spikes.

Others came back thanks to high-profile performances or pop culture moments. Lady Gaga’s Million Reasons soared again after her unforgettable Super Bowl halftime show. Meanwhile, Kate Bush’s Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God) became a surprise hit with Gen Z after it played a pivotal role in Netflix’s Stranger Things.

From timeless ballads like Unchained Melody and Stand By Me to viral throwbacks like Dreams by Fleetwood Mac, these songs prove that great music never truly fades — it just waits for the right moment to return.

Whether you’re revisiting old favorites or discovering them for the first time, this playlist celebrates the power of music to make a comeback — sometimes decades later.

Song that Re-Entered the Billboard Hot 100

• Control Myself – LL COOL J, Jennifer Lopez
• Not Ready to Make Nice – The Chicks
• Million Reasons – Lady Gaga
• All I Want for Christmas Is You – Mariah Carey
• Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God) – Kate Bush
• My Boo – Ghost Town DJs
• Thriller – Michael Jackson
• Dreams – Fleetwood Mac
• I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me) – Whitney Houston
• Twist And Shout – The Beatles
• Unchained Melody – The Righteous Brothers
• Stand By Me – Ben E. King
• Greatest Love of All – Whitney Houston
• How Will I Know – Whitney Houston
• Faith – George Michael
• Livin’ On A Prayer – Bon Jovi
• Kiss – Prince
• Billie Jean – Michael Jackson
• Purple Rain – Prince
• When Doves Cry – Prince
• Careless Whisper – George Michael
• Under Pressure – Queen, David Bowie
• Space Oddity – David Bowie
• Bohemian Rhapsody – Queen

Hot 100 Chart Re-entries

Spotify Playlist

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