This article celebrates four notable songs from 1988 that peaked at number two on the US pop charts, narrowly missing the top spot. It highlights the near-misses of well-established acts, illustrating that chart success, even for hugely popular bands, doesn't always culminate in reaching number one, though the songs are still remembered fondly.

The four songs are The Bangles' cover of Simon & Garfunkel's "Hazy Shade Of Winter" from the Less Than Zero soundtrack, Pet Shop Boys' "What Have I Done To Deserve This?" featuring 1960s icon Dusty Springfield, INXS's "Devil Inside" from their Kick album, and Elton John's "I Don't Wanna Go On With You Like That" from his Reg Strikes Back album. Despite stalling at number two, each act had already achieved or would go on to achieve chart-topping success elsewhere, softening the sting of these particular near misses.