Billboard has published a staff-curated list of the 100 best songs in the Hot 100 chart's history to peak at number two without ever reaching the top spot. The list celebrates these "silver medallists" as some of pop's most enduring and beloved tracks, arguing that falling just short of number one is often down to unlucky timing or a stronger rival release rather than any lack of quality, and it also names the songs that blocked each entry from the top.

Billboard staff reviewed all 542 songs that have peaked at number two across the chart's 68-year history to compile their 100 favourites. Notable examples include Bruce Springsteen's "Dancing in the Dark", held off by Prince's "When Doves Cry"; Dr. Dre's "Nuthin' But a 'G' Thang", blocked by Snow's "Informer"; Creedence Clearwater Revival, who peaked at number two an unprecedented five times between 1969 and 1970 without ever topping the chart; and Olivia Dean's recent hit "Man I Need", kept off the summit by Ella Langley's "Choosin' Texas".