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Song Roulette

A Vulture series in which artists share the stories and strategy behind their lead singles.

song roulette

Aly & AJ Dug Themselves Out From the Past

 But their biggest hit, “Potential Breakup Song,” didn’t make it easy. By Devon Ivie

Previous Roulette Spins

  1. song roulette
    The Police Could Turn Anything Into a Hit“We were so popular it almost didn’t matter what we put out.”
    By Devon Ivie
  2. song roulette
    Billy Idol Wanted More, More, More AnthemsThe rocker’s core belief: Bigger and louder is often better.
    By Devon Ivie
  3. song roulette
    Dire Straits Had No Worlds Left to ConquerHow do you pick a single after releasing one of the best-selling albums of all time?
    By Devon Ivie
  4. song roulette
    The Bangles Were Always a DemocracyBut, as Susanna Hoffs recalls, picking lead singles was tricky territory.
    By Devon Ivie
  5. song roulette
    The B-52’s Were Too Weird to Mess WithKate Pierson never tried to write a hit. But the cosmos had bigger plans for her band.
    By Devon Ivie
  6. song roulette
    Shania Twain Built Her Own CountryShe didn’t get to make decisions about her career at first. One single changed that quickly.
    By Devon Ivie
  7. song roulette
    The Hives Just Want to Scare Other BandsPelle Almqvist didn’t see the potential in their most successful single. At least he can laugh about it now.
    By Devon Ivie
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