The Top 100 #2 Songs of the Rock Era, Part Seven

Other people in the music business put far too much importance on #1 songs.  While reaching #1 is a notable achievement, it means nothing unless competition is factored in.  In times where there is little competition, it isn't tough for a song to get to #1.  On the flip side, when there are several great songs out at the same time (ala 1967, 1969, 1973 or 1984, for example), it is extremely difficult to reach #1.  

In other words, when "Only Girl (In The World)" by Rihanna reached #1 for a single week in 2011, it faced some of the weakest competition of the Rock Era.  It faced just one song in The Top 500 Songs of the Rock Era* and only two in the top 1500.  

Contrast that to the competition faced by "Aquarius/Let The Sunshine In" by the 5th Dimension in 1969.  It faced two songs in The Top 100* and 15 songs in The Top 500* during its chart run in which it dominated the #1 position for six weeks.

All of the songs featured in this feature, in fact, faced tougher competition than Rihanna's song mentioned above.  So while they may not have gotten to #1 during their time period, they are as strong or stronger than many #1 songs of the Rock Era.

And here are 10 more of them:

Lyin' Eyes

Eagles

Don't Dream It's Over

Crowded House

Dream Weaver

Gary Wright

She's Not There

Zombies

Cherish

Kool and the Gang

Rosanna

Toto

Breathe

Faith Hill

Cry Like A Baby

Box Tops

Love On The Rocks

Neil Diamond

Start Me Up

Rolling Stones