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No. 2 Hits Trivia

No. 2 Hits Trivia Quizzes

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21 quizzes and 225 trivia questions.
1.
  We're Number Two! - VOL I editor best quiz   best quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Ever think about those songs that stalled at Number Two on the Billboard charts? This series of quizzes will tell their story. Vol. I will focus on the 1960s.
Average, 10 Qns, maddogrick16, Dec 09 24
Average
maddogrick16 gold member
Dec 09 24
3782 plays
2.
  We're Number Two! - VOL II   top quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
A second volume of hits that peaked at Number Two on the Billboard charts, this one will also focus on music from the 1960s.
Average, 10 Qns, maddogrick16, Nov 20 09
Average
maddogrick16 gold member
1248 plays
3.
  We're Number Two! - Vol VII   top quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
We return to the 1960s for this volume of those Billboard hits that almost topped the charts... but just fell short. Interesting info, as usual, on the songs and artists!
Average, 10 Qns, maddogrick16, Apr 02 10
Average
maddogrick16 gold member
1502 plays
4.
  We're Number Two! - Vol. V   best quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
More hits from the 1960s that were denied the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Great songs - bad luck! Don't forget to read the info section. Lots of interesting stuff about the songs and the singers!
Average, 10 Qns, maddogrick16, Mar 11 10
Average
maddogrick16 gold member
919 plays
5.
  We're Number Two! - Vol VI   best quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Volume VI in this series of hits that could fare no better than Number Two on the Billboard Hot 100 will focus on the 1970s, primarily before 1975. Lots of interesting info included!
Average, 10 Qns, maddogrick16, Mar 27 10
Average
maddogrick16 gold member
880 plays
6.
  We're Number Two! - VOL III   best quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
For Volume III of this series, we'll focus on those lamented Billboard Number Twos from the 1970s. Have fun!
Average, 10 Qns, maddogrick16, Dec 17 09
Average
maddogrick16 gold member
1245 plays
7.
  We're Number Two! Vol. VIII   best quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
For this quiz, I've chosen Number Two Billboard hits from the 1960s that placed either Number One or Two on the U.K. charts. They had to be good to achieve that sort of consistency!
Average, 10 Qns, maddogrick16, Apr 14 10
Average
maddogrick16 gold member
862 plays
8.
  We're Number Two! - VoI. IV   top quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
We continue our Number Two hits series with a look at those that charted on Billboard from 1955 to 1959. Now those were the days!
Average, 10 Qns, maddogrick16, Dec 28 09
Average
maddogrick16 gold member
779 plays
9.
  We're Number Two - Volume X - The End   top quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
It took a couple of years but I finally remembered to wrap up this series of quizzes with a few more Hot 100 hits from the 1960s that couldn't quite reach the top rung of the chart! Enjoy.
Average, 10 Qns, maddogrick16, Mar 27 12
Average
maddogrick16 gold member
585 plays
10.
  Number Twos - Volume IX - Master's Edition   great trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Most of the Billboard Number Twos with memorable lyrical hooks by well known artists have been exhausted in previous volumes. This quiz is intended for 1960s music masters and should be more of a challenge. Good luck!
Average, 10 Qns, maddogrick16, May 02 10
Average
maddogrick16 gold member
542 plays
11.
  Classic Number Two Rated Hits on the UK Charts   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Following the quizzes concerning number twos on the Billboard Charts, a surprising number were found on the UK singles charts, compiled by the "Official Chart Company" - some quite astounding!
Easier, 10 Qns, muffin1708, Oct 23 21
Easier
muffin1708
Oct 23 21
429 plays
12.
  Second Among Equals    
Match Quiz
 10 Qns
Some artists never got higher than number two on the Billboard Hot 100. Here are a few of those artists, match them with their hit. Not all of these songs made number two, only the performers did.
Average, 10 Qns, Desimac, Jul 18 22
Average
Desimac gold member
Jul 18 22
215 plays
13.
  Still More Number Twos Never Reaching Number One    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Listed are ten more creditable songs that stalled at number two for a time on the Billboard Top 40 charts, along with the ones that deprived them of top spot.
Average, 10 Qns, muffin1708, Jun 10 17
Average
muffin1708
296 plays
14.
  Perennial Number Two Hits Never Reaching Top Spot    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Many highly rated songs have, surprisingly,been destined to occupy the "bridesmaid" position for a sustained period of time on the Billboard Top 40 charts. This quiz examines each one's nemesis. (cryptic clues may help)
Average, 10 Qns, muffin1708, Mar 09 19
Average
muffin1708
Mar 09 19
313 plays
15.
  More Number Two Hits Never Reaching Top Spot    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
There are still a great number of high quality songs that lingered on the Billboard Top 40 charts for three weeks or more. Here are ten others along with the hits stopping them. (Cryptic clues will help)
Average, 10 Qns, muffin1708, Jul 17 22
Average
muffin1708
Jul 17 22
327 plays
16.
  Musical Blockades    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
There have been many great songs over the years but some have been been blocked or overshadowed by even bigger songs. See if you remember these songs and artists who succeeded but also failed. All answers based on Billboard Hot 100 charts.
Tough, 10 Qns, RAgamer51, Jul 17 22
Tough
RAgamer51
Jul 17 22
401 plays
17.
  Classic Rock Lyrics--#2 Pop songs    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
I'll give the lyric, you name the artist. These songs all reached #2 on the 'Billboard' Hot 100.
Tough, 10 Qns, orcrush, Jul 19 22
Tough
orcrush
Jul 19 22
1880 plays
18.
  They Almost Made It    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
These are various questions regarding songs or artists that made it to number 2 on Billboard's USA Hot 100 chart and would have obviously been number one, but were kept out of the number one spot by another song or songs.
Tough, 10 Qns, trapt1, Jun 21 05
Tough
trapt1
1023 plays
19.
  The Number 2s of the 1960s    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
These songs (please excuse the cliche) were the bridesmaids, but not the bride. I hope you have fun with this one.
Tough, 10 Qns, sladeninj, Feb 22 22
Tough
sladeninj
Feb 22 22
1170 plays
20.
  Number Two Hits: 1968-1992    
Multiple Choice
 25 Qns
Usually, in music, we focus on the number one hits. How about we give credit for the runners-up? That is, these songs peaked at number two. Note that this quiz is based on US charts.
Tough, 25 Qns, GoodVibe, Oct 27 13
Tough
GoodVibe gold member
1315 plays
21.
  The Losers    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Some say that those who come second are the biggest losers. See how much you know about the second best-selling singles in Australia from 1988-1996.
Very Difficult, 10 Qns, Asja, Jun 21 05
Very Difficult
Asja
546 plays

No. 2 Hits Trivia Questions
1. In 1995 Michael Jackson became the first artist to debut at number one on the Hot 100 chart. What artist bumped him out of the number one spot the following week?

From Quiz Musical Blockades

Answer: Coolio

It was an amazing accomplishment to debut at the top but even more amazing that the song was only at the top for one week. "You Are Not Alone"(1995) was blindsided by Coolio's hit "Gangsta's Paradise" (1995) from the movie "Dangerous Minds" starring Michelle Pfieffer.

2. In May 1960, this Roy Orbison song topped out at number 2 on the billboard top 100. You would have thought it would be higher, as it was named one of the top 500 songs by Rolling Stones in 2004. Which song is it?

From Quiz The Number 2s of the 1960s

Answer: Only the Lonely

Roy Orbison was best known for his ballads of love and of course his dark sunglasses. Contrary to popular belief, he was not blind. He wore his sunglasses because he couldn't find his real glasses during one concert. After the success he had wearing them, it became his trademark.

3. This group, named because they are mixed American and British, was kept from the number one spot, spending TEN WEEKS at number two, by Olivia Newton-John in 1981-82. What was the song?

From Quiz They Almost Made It

Answer: Waiting For A Girl Like You

Foreigner got stuck at number two while "Physical" by Olivia Newton-John was at number one. (also "I Can't Go For That" by Hall & Oates kept "Waiting For A Girl Like You" from hitting number one in it's final week at number two).

4. What was the second highest-selling single in Australia in 1988?

From Quiz The Losers

Answer: Robert Palmer - "Simply Irresistable"

The top-selling single for 1988 was "(I've Had) The Time of my Life" by Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes.

5. 1968: Who had the instrumental "Classical Gas?"

From Quiz Number Two Hits: 1968-1992

Answer: Mason Williams & Williams

This song remains a classic.

6. 'Love to kick my feet 'way down the shallow water. Shoefly, dragonfly, get back t'your mother.'

From Quiz Classic Rock Lyrics--#2 Pop songs

Answer: Creedence Clearwater Revival

'Green River', #2 in 1969. CCR had 5 #2 songs without ever hitting #1.

7. In 1982 Olivia Newton-John started a fitness exercise craze with her hit "Physical". What song was forced to remain at number two on the Hot 100 for nine of the ten weeks that her song stayed at number one?

From Quiz Musical Blockades

Answer: "Waiting For A Girl Like You" by Foreigner

Its highly probable that if not for Olivia's hit Foreigner would have been number one for several weeks. Sometimes it's a case of bad timing that hurts a song. The song remained at number two for a tenth week when it was jumped by Hall and Oates' hit, "I Can't Go For That (No Can Do)".

8. "Daddy's Home" was this groups only hit, hitting the charts at #2 in May, 1961. Who was this group?

From Quiz The Number 2s of the 1960s

Answer: Shep and the Limelites

The Dovells also had a #2 hit in 1961. It was called "Bristol Stomp".

9. In 1983, Michael Jackson was "bad" as he kept two songs from hitting number one. "Do You Really Want To Hurt Me" (Culture Club) and "Shame On The Moon" (Bob Seger) were the victims. What was Michael's song?

From Quiz They Almost Made It

Answer: Billie Jean

"Billie Jean" skipped over "Shame On The Moon" to hit number one and stayed there for seven weeks while "Do You Really Want To Hurt Me" replaced "Shame On The Moon" at number two after four weeks.

10. What was the second highest-selling single in Australia in 1989?

From Quiz The Losers

Answer: Roxette - "The Look"

The top-selling single for 1989 was "Like a Prayer" by Madonna.

11. 'She said no huggy, no kissy until I get a wedding ring.'

From Quiz Classic Rock Lyrics--#2 Pop songs

Answer: Georgia Satellites

One of the great one hit wonders of all time, 'Keep Your Hands to Yourself' hit #2 in 1986.

12. In February 1982 there was a song that hit number two on the Hot 100 for six weeks and was kept out of the top spot by two songs. What was this hit single?

From Quiz Musical Blockades

Answer: "Open Arms" by Journey

"Centerfold" by J.Geils Band was number one for six weeks and during the last three weeks "Open Arms" was at number two. "Centerfold" was replaced by Joan Jett's song "I Love Rock 'n Roll" so Journey was forced to stay at number two for three more weeks.

13. Inspired by the dance craze that was going on in 1962, the #2 hit "Mashed Potato Time" was recorded by which artist?

From Quiz The Number 2s of the 1960s

Answer: Dee Dee Sharp

The Mashed Potato was a dance very closely resembling The Twist. It was a pretty easy dance, requiring three steps. Dee Dee Sharp followed this song up with "Gravy (For My Mashed Potatoes)" later on in the year.

14. The Boss had his shot at number one with "Dancing In The Dark" but was stopped at number two by the Purple One. What was the song that kept the Boss from his number one shot?

From Quiz They Almost Made It

Answer: When Doves Cry

"When Doves Cry" jumped over "Dancing In The Dark" (number two for four weeks) on July 7, 1984 to hit number one.

15. What was the second highest-selling single in Australia in 1990?

From Quiz The Losers

Answer: M.C. Hammer - "You Can't Touch This"

The top-selling single for 1990 was "Nothing Compares 2 U" by Sinead O'Connor.

16. 1970: What was the group that performed "Travelin' Band"?

From Quiz Number Two Hits: 1968-1992

Answer: Creedence Clearwater Revival & CCR

CCR had many number two hits.

17. 'It'll take you a couple of vodka and tonics to set you on your feet again.'

From Quiz Classic Rock Lyrics--#2 Pop songs

Answer: Elton John

Title track from the classic double album 'Goodbye Yellow Brick Road' hit #2 in 1973.

18. "Wipe Out" may be one of the best known #2 songs. Who was the band who recorded this song?

From Quiz The Number 2s of the 1960s

Answer: The Surfaris

Recorded as a "B" side song to the song "Surfer Joe", this song is considered to be the Surfers' anthem. The beginning maniacal laughter followed by the spoken words "Wipe Out" was actually done by the band's manager, Dale Smallen.

19. Donna Summer's first USA hit was poised to hit number one but Paul Simon's "50 Ways To Leave Your Lover" jumped from number 10 to number one, leaving Donna's song stuck moving from three to number two. What was her first hit?

From Quiz They Almost Made It

Answer: Love To Love You Baby

"Love To Love You Baby" was moving from three to two on Feb. 7, 1976 as "50 Ways To Leave Your Lover" moved from ten to number one. They both stayed at their same respective positions the following week, while the next week, "50 Ways.." stayed at number one, while "Love To Love You Baby" dropped to number four.

20. What was the second highest-selling single in Australia in 1991?

From Quiz The Losers

Answer: Ratcat - "Tingles" EP

The top-selling single for 1991 was "(Everything I Do) I Do It For You" by Bryan Adams.

21. 'Ooh, when you get through to me, it's always new to me.'

From Quiz Classic Rock Lyrics--#2 Pop songs

Answer: Foreigner

'Double Vision', #2 in 1978. Foreigner returned to the runner-up spot in 1981 with 'Waiting For a Girl Like You'.

22. The first release by an act that was to become very successful in the fifties and sixties had to contend with second spot despite taking top place in the Billboard Country Charts and on the Cashbox ratings. (see you later alligator)

From Quiz More Number Two Hits Never Reaching Top Spot

Answer: "Bye Bye Love" - The Everly Brothers

In fact about thirty artists had previously rejected "Bye Bye Love" before the Everly Brothers recorded it mainly for the sixty four dollars each was to receive for the session but showed no enthusiasm for it. The song was a trailblazer for the duo as it also scored a Top Ten on both the Canadian and UK Charts. Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel bought the single as kids and included it on their top album "Bridge Over Troubled Water", and George Harrison included it on his album "Dark Horse".

23. In March of 1996, what song by the Beatles debuted on the Hot 100 at number 11 but didn't even hit the Top Ten?

From Quiz Musical Blockades

Answer: Real Love

Amazing that a song would debut one step away from the Top Ten but never make it. "Real Love", "Free As A Bird" and "Now And Then" were all songs that were written by John Lennon which were re-mastered by the remaining members of the Beatles. The songs were part of the "Beatles Anthology". The song "All Those Years Ago"(1981) was a song written and recorded by George Harrison as a tribute to John Lennon. It peaked at number two for three weeks in 1981.

24. In 1966, a song based on a cartoon character reached Number Two on the charts. What cartoon character was it?

From Quiz We're Number Two! - VOL I

Answer: Snoopy

That song was "Snoopy vs. The Red Baron" by the Royal Guardsmen. It peaked on December 31, 1966 and was lodged at Number Two for four weeks. The Number One song for those four weeks and three more to boot was "I'm a Believer" by the Monkees. The Royal Guardsmen survived for four years largely on the backs of Snoopy and The Red Baron. Altogether, they would release four albums and 14 singles based on those characters before the well ran dry in 1969 when the group disbanded. Snoopy's owner, Charlie Brown, was the subject of a Number Two song by the Coasters but in 1959. The cartoon character "Alley-Oop" was also the lead character in a song of the same name by the Hollywood Argyles. However, it actually reached Number One in 1960. There was never a song during this era about Superman that became a Number Two charting hit. Herbie Mann recorded a Number 26 hit in 1979 with the title "Superman" but being unfamiliar with the song, I'm unsure whether it was about the "caped crusader" or not. Donovan's Number One hit "Sunshine Superman", also in 1966, makes an oblique reference to Superman as well as The Green Lantern but the song was not about him, per se.

25. What was the second highest-selling single in Australia in 1992?

From Quiz The Losers

Answer: Guns 'n' Roses - "November Rain"

The top-selling single for 1992 was "Achy Breaky Heart" by Billy Ray Cyrus.

26. 1972: Who had the number two song "Long Cool Woman (In a Black Dress)?"

From Quiz Number Two Hits: 1968-1992

Answer: Hollies

The Hollies were one of the groups of the British Invasion.

27. 'Well the DA was pumping my left hand and she was holding my right.'

From Quiz Classic Rock Lyrics--#2 Pop songs

Answer: The Hollies

'Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress', #2 in 1972. It took Graham Nash's departure for The Hollies to score their biggest hit.

28. In 1961, a song dedicated to an animal forged its way to Number Two on the Billboard charts and stayed there for three weeks. The singer notes that the little critter was "looking for a home". What animal song might we be discussing?

From Quiz We're Number Two! - VOL II

Answer: The Boll Weevil Song

"The Fly" by Chubby Checker was a Number Seven hit in 1961, the same charting position achieved by the Bent Fabric instrumental "Alley Cat" in 1962. "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" topped the charts for The Tokens, also in 1962. Brook Benton managed to chart 50 songs on the Hot 100 during his lengthy career and most of them featured his silky smooth baritone to great effect. Therefore, it's somewhat ironic that his biggest charting success would be a novelty type song that was largely spoken rather than sung. But, that's what "The Boll Weevil Song" was! Some of his other bigger hits were the Number Three "It's Just a Matter of Time" in 1959, the Number Three "Hotel Happiness" in 1963 and perhaps his most memorable hit, the Number Four "Rainy Night in Georgia" in 1970. The latter would be his final Top 40 hit and he faded from the musical scene thereafter, passing away in 1988 from complications due to spinal meningitis. Bobby Lewis' smash seven week Number One hit "Tossin' and Turnin'" prevented "The Boll Weevil Song" from climbing to the top of the Hot 100.

29. This band had two #2s in 1965 with "Count Me In" and "Save Your Heart For Me". Who was this band?

From Quiz The Number 2s of the 1960s

Answer: Gary Lewis and the Playboys

Gary Lewis, whose father is the famous comedian Jerry Lewis, and his band first song actually was a #1. "This Diamond Ring" was the song that propelled them into stardom in early 1965. However, by the time 1965 had ended, only two of the five band members that started the group remained.

30. This former lead singer for Stealer's Wheel was stuck at number two for 6 weeks during the summer of 1978 while Andy Gibb stayed at number one for seven weeks preventing this song from hitting number one. What was the song?

From Quiz They Almost Made It

Answer: Baker Street

Gerry Rafferty was the former lead singer of Stealer's Wheel; his solo effort of "Baker Street" sat at number two while "I Just Want To Be Your Everything" by Andy Gibb was at number one during the summer of 1978.

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Last Updated Dec 21 2024 5:49 AM
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