Top 10 Attributes that Make Songs Radio Unfriendly

Note that none of these attributes completely rule out a song from becoming a hit, but they do reduce its chances.

Feel free to add any characteristics I may have missed, but please include only objective features and not subjective opinions about whether a song is good or bad. Also, only list factors that relate to the song itself, not external aspects like promotion.

The Top Ten

  1. Overly Complex Structure

    This and several other reasons explain why half of all Phil Collins-era Genesis songs are more popular than Supper's Ready.

    For example, a changing time signature or other complexities that make it hard for an untrained ear to follow.

    Genesis' "Supper's Ready" is an awesome song, yet it's obvious why it gets no airplay.

  2. Unusual Melody

    Generally, an unusual melody makes the song less catchy. More important than the lyrics in general.

  3. Unconventional Vocals

  4. Very Long

    Which song is the most radio friendly? Karn Evil 9 by ELP, Thick as a Brick by Jethro Tull, Lizard by King Crimson, or Baby by Justin Bieber?

    I think a better question would have been which one doesn't belong? We should all know that.

    Last year, Tool managed to get the first song over 10 minutes to chart on the Hot 100. In general, hit songs are usually much shorter.

    Normally, long songs will have a Radio Edit, which shortens them so they can be played on the radio.

  5. Heavy Instrumentals

    In 1973 - Larks' Tongues in Aspic, Part 2 by King Crimson

    In 1984 - The Call of Ktulu by Metallica

    In 1999 - The Dance of Eternity by Dream Theater

    In 2020 - ? probably some post-progressive deathcore jazz fusion electronic song.

    Probably self-explanatory. Not many people have the will to listen to really heavy music.

  6. Lack of Vocals

    A lot of people like to sing along to songs or listen for the lyrics, which isn't possible here.

  7. High Tempo

    Especially in the early 2010s, the average tempo of songs was considerably higher.

  8. Lack of a Chorus

    Similar to overly complex structures, this makes it harder to follow for some people.

  9. Distorted Instrumental

    Ranked lower because distorted instrumentals weren't as big a deal in the 1970s.

  10. In a Foreign Language

    Obviously, preferences differ around the world, but many people are reluctant to listen to music in a language they can't speak. Those that do become hits in a foreign market seem to primarily be gimmicky songs where the lyrics are not the main focus.

    11. The Newcomers
  11. ?

    Siren Sounds

  12. ?

    Swearing

    I had previously considered this under controversial lyrics. However, swearing is not controversial everywhere. For example, in Scandinavia it would not be a reason to avoid playing a song on the radio just because it contains such words.

    A radio station in Australia called Triple J allows swearing in songs. It's probably more of an adult radio station as opposed to the charts.

    13. The Contenders

  13. Controversial Lyrics

    Varies over time and place. Songs that are completely normal in Sweden might be controversial in the US and would be more so in say Iran.

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