Does an Artist need Hit Songs to be Considered Iconic?

[Yo GagaGaga 6,541]

In your opinion, does an artist need specific 'iconic' songs for them to be considered an icon, or is it possible for them not to have any

For example, I think Lana Del Rey will be remembered, but her highest charting song is summertime sadness, which I don't think is the song people most associate with her

Also Bjork will undoubtedly be remembered for decades, but her highest peak on the charts is #84

discuss

[Yo GagaGaga 6,541]

Sub-Question: Do you think Lana Del Rey has any specific "Iconic Songs". asking for a friend 

[Tom Nook 37,819]

No, I think the Artist needs to be just as equally iconic to be memorable. Look at the pina colada song everyone knows the song but does anyone even know the artist , same thing for Macarena 

[LordEnigma 11,313]

I think it more has to do with album than the singles... although an iconic single helps a lot!

But there are iconic singles out there that I don't even know the names of the artist!

[TimisaMonster 31,073]

Of course...otherwise your just another Rita Ora....everywhere but like...why?

[PeterPan 0]

Lana and Bjork to make songs rk be on radio so

[NIghtmareElm 2,606]

Not really.  

NWA didn't really have any hits and they are considered to be a major figure in the hip hop genre and revolutionized the genre.

Tyler the Creator has never had a hit yet he's sort of an icon of today.

Lana has never had a hit.

 

[badgirlmeat 3,243]

55 minutes ago, Yo GagaGaga said:

Also Bjork will undoubtedly be remembered for decades, but her highest peak on the charts is #84

i came here to give this example 

[River 118,951]

Now you need a hit to be forgotten after one year, nothing is iconic today, it's more the "it" song of the 6 next months.. be prepare to a new Closer and Despacito very soon.

All the #1 in the last few years are barely resisting on the charts and radio..

Maybe up to 10 years ago a hit made you iconic because the song was really good, timeless and legendary..

 

[bobbby 939]

I wholeheartedly do not believe Lana Del Rey is iconic. My friend is a huge stan of her and we talked about this a lot. I think some music people will be into her and she'll forever live on in vintage shops etc. but I think she'll be a Tori Amos, Fiona Apple. Not a knock on her, she's just not a superstar (nor am I sure she wants to be). I work for a major media outlet and we NEVER cover her, even if I push for us to.

I think it's similar for Lorde. Lorde, is a critical DARLING and her music is incredible, but the GP at large isn't talking about how great Supercut and The Louvre are. I've had to tell multiple people recently that she even has a new album. 

I think the only people from late 2000s on that will be part of general pop culture in 20 years are: Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Katy Perry (in like a Pat Benatar, Cyndi Lauper way), Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift, and maybe Ariana Grande (Britney and Beyoncé, obviously, but they're from earlier). 

 

[drinkmytears 2,332]

People think Beyoncé is an icon, and she has reached that status, but she hasn't really had a huge global hit since like 2009. 

Cher hasn't had a hit in decades but she's still an icon. 

[heda97 2,399]

1 hour ago, Yo GagaGaga said:

Sub-Question: Do you think Lana Del Rey has any specific "Iconic Songs". asking for a friend 

Every song Lana sings is iconic. 

[Yo GagaGaga 6,541]

Just now, heda97 said:

Every song Lana sings is iconic. 

don't sass me, brenda

[Vodka 4,478]

I think it'd certainly help, but the artist themselves and other factors could lift them to be iconic. 

[Chr 4,217]

Lana doesn't need a hit song to be iconic, She's the iconic Queen of Depression