My next chart statistic will focus on those songs that peaked at #2. In seventeen and a half years of compiling a Top Ten Singles chart, 258 titles hit the top spot. Fewer titles hit the runner-up position because future and former #1’s would occupy that spot as they climbed to or fell from the peak position. I will not list former chart toppers that also spent time at #2. Titles are listed chronologically, and I list the songs that kept them from hitting the top spot.

Song title–Artist (weeks at #2) / Song title(s) that occupied the #1 spot–Artist(s) (weeks at #1 for each song that kept the #2 song from hitting the top spot, if multiple songs)

1983

001. The Safety Dance–Men Without Hats (8) / Say Say Say–Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson [a]
002. I Like–Men Without Hats (2) / Say Say Say–Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson

1984

003. Is There Something I Should Know?–Duran Duran (2) / Say Say Say–Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson [b]
004. So Bad–Paul McCartney (7) / Nobody Told Me–John Lennon
005. Pipes of Peace–Paul McCartney (3) / Nobody Told Me–John Lennon
006. I’ll Be Laughing–The Nomen Rumenals (2) / I’m Stepping Out–John Lennon
007. The Glamorous Life–Sheila E. (2) / Let’s Go Crazy–Prince and the Revolution
008. Too Late for Goodbyes–Julian Lennon (5) / No More Lonely Nights–Paul McCartney
009. Out of Touch–Daryl Hall John Oates (2) / No More Lonely Nights–Paul McCartney

1985

010. Jungle Love–The Time (2) / Neutron Dance–Pointer Sisters (1); Material Girl–Madonna (1)
011. Tears Are Not Enough–Northern Lights (5) / We Are the World–USA for Africa
012. Don’t You (Forget About Me)–Simple Minds (5) / Say You’re Wrong–Julian Lennon (1); Everything She Wants–Wham! (1); A View to a Kill–Duran Duran (3)
013. Baby Come and Get It–Pointer Sisters (1) / A View to a Kill–Duran Duran
014. Voices Carry–’til tuesday (4) / Get It On (Bang a Gong)–The Power Station (3); Summer of ’69–Bryan Adams (1)
015. Freedom–Wham! (1) / Summer of ’69–Bryan Adams
016. Money for Nothing–Dire Straits (2) / Dancing in the Street–Mick Jagger/David Bowie
017. Saving All My Love for You–Whitney Houston (3) / Dress You Up–Madonna (1); We Built This City–Starship (2)
018. Alive and Kicking–Simple Minds (3) / We Built This City–Starship

1986

019. Perfect Way–Scritti Politti (1) / Spies Like Us–Paul McCartney
020. Freedom–Pointer Sisters (1) / Spies Like Us–Paul McCartney
021. Life in a Northern Town–The Dream Academy (4) / Spies Like Us–Paul McCartney (3); She Sells Sanctuary–The Cult (1)
022. How Will I Know–Whitney Houston (2) / She Sells Sanctuary–The Cult
023. The Sweetest Taboo–Sade (1) / She Sells Sanctuary–The Cult
024. Sanctify Yourself–Simple Minds (4) / She Sells Sanctuary–The Cult
025. Manic Monday–Bangles (2) / She Sells Sanctuary–The Cult
026. Stick Around–Julian Lennon (1) / West End Girls–Pet Shop Boys
027. Move Away–Culture Club (3) / All The Things She Said–Simple Minds
028. Sledgehammer–Peter Gabriel (1) / Papa Don’t Preach–Madonna
029. Crush on You–The Jets (1) / Papa Don’t Preach–Madonna
030. Nasty–Janet Jackson (2) / Papa Don’t Preach–Madonna
031. New Gold Dream (81-82-83-84)–Simple Minds (3) / Press–Paul McCartney (2); Me, Myself & I–Chalk Circle (1)
032. True Colors–Cyndi Lauper (2) / Me, Myself & I–Chalk Circle (1); When I Think of You–Janet Jackson (1)
033. Typical Male–Tina Turner (1) / When I Think of You–Janet Jackson
034. Two of Hearts–Stacey Q (2) / Human–Human League

1987

035. C’est la Vie–Robbie Nevil (1) / Goldmine–Pointer Sisters
036. Let’s Wait Awhile–Janet Jackson (2) / All I Know is the Way I Feel–Pointer Sisters
037. Skin Trade–Duran Duran (2) / I Knew You Were Waiting (for Me)–Aretha Franklin and George Michael
038. Heat of the Night–Bryan Adams (1) / With or Without You–U2
039. Vertigo (Do the Demolition)–Duran Duran (5) / «Meet El Presidente»–Duran Duran
040. This Mourning–Chalk Circle (2) / I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)–Whitney Houston
041. Alone–Heart (3) / Funkytown–Pseudo Echo (1); Wanted Dead or Alive–Bon Jovi (1); Promised You a Miracle [live]–Simple Minds (1)
042. Only in My Dreams–Debbie Gibson (2) / I Just Can’t Stop Loving You–Michael Jackson (1); Bad–Michael Jackson (1)
043. Lost in Emotion–Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam (1) / Bad–Michael Jackson
044. Where the Streets Have No Name–U2 (1) / Who Will You Run To–Heart
045. The One I Love–R.E.M. (1) / Got My Mind Set on You–George Harrison
046. Pop Goes the World–Men Without Hats (2) / Got My Mind Set on You–George Harrison
047. Things I Do for Money–The Northern Pikes (2) / Got My Mind Set on You–George Harrison

1988

048. Tunnel of Love–Bruce Springsteen (1) / There’s the Girl–Heart
049. What Have I Done to Deserve This?–Pet Shop Boys (2) / Never Gonna Give You Up–Rick Astley
050. Man in the Mirror–Michael Jackson (2) / When We Was Fab–George Harrison
051. Devil Inside–INXS (2) / Wishing Well–Terence Trent D’Arby
052. Where Do Broken Hearts Go–Whitney Houston (2) / He Turned Me Out–Pointer Sisters
053. This is Love–George Harrison (2) / Together Forever–Rick Astley
054. Breakaway–Big Pig (1) / Dirty Diana–Michael Jackson
055. The Valley Road–Bruce Hornsby and the Range (1) / Dirty Diana–Michael Jackson
056. New Sensation–INXS (2) / Alphabet St.–Prince (1); These Boots Are Made for Walkin’–Nancy Sinatra (1)
057. Mercedes Boy–Pebbles (2) / These Boots Are Made for Walkin’–Nancy Sinatra
058. In Your Soul–Corey Hart (4) / Monkey–George Michael (1); Sweet Child o’ Mine–Guns N’ Roses (3)
059. Don’t Be Cruel–Cheap Trick (2) / Don’t Worry, Be Happy–Bobby McFerrin (1); Somethin’ Stupid–Nancy Sinatra & Frank Sinatra (1)
060. Love Bites–Def Leppard (1) / Somethin’ Stupid–Nancy Sinatra & Frank Sinatra
061. How Can I Fall?–Breathe (1) / Wild, Wild West–The Escape Club

1989

062. Kiss–The Art of Noise featuring Tom Jones (2) / Handle with Care–Traveling Wilburys
063. When Will I Be Famous?–Bros (1) / Handle with Care–Traveling Wilburys
064. American Dream–Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young (1) / She Wants to Dance with Me–Rick Astley
065. Armageddon It–Def Leppard (4) / She Wants to Dance with Me–Rick Astley
066. Eternal Flame–Bangles (2) / End of the Line–Traveling Wilburys
067. Don’t Tell Me Lies–Breathe (2) / Like a Prayer–Madonna
068. Real Love–Jody Watley (3) / Iko Iko–The Belle Stars
069. This Time I Know it’s for Real–Donna Summer (1) / Nathan Jones–Bananarama
070. Batdance–Prince (7) / Express Yourself–Madonna
071. Mixed Emotions–Rolling Stones (1) / Cherish–Madonna
072. Sowing the Seeds of Love–Tears For Fears (3) / Miss You Much–Janet Jackson
073. (It’s Just) the Way that You Love Me–Paula Abdul (2) / Love Shack–The B-52’s
074. Rhythm Nation–Janet Jackson (3) / Figure of Eight–Paul McCartney

1990

075. Ou est le soleil?–Paul McCartney (4) / Figure of Eight–Paul McCartney (1); Losing My Mind–Liza Minnelli (3)
076. Escapade–Janet Jackson (3) / Roam–The B-52’s
077. Deadbeat Club–The B-52’s (4) / Vogue–Madonna
078. Nothing Compares 2 U–Sinéad O’Connor (3) / Vogue–Madonna
079. A Little Love–Corey Hart (1) / Vogue–Madonna
080. Violence of Summer (Love’s Taking Over)–Duran Duran (1) / Suicide Blonde–INXS
081. Praying for Time–George Michael (2) / Suicide Blonde–INXS
082. Groove is in the Heart–Deee-Lite (1) / Ice, Ice, Baby–Vanilla Ice
083. Freedom–George Michael (1) / Impulsive–Wilson Phillips
084. Justify My Love–Madonna (3) / Love Will Never Do (Without You)–Janet Jackson

1991

085. Disappear–INXS (1) / Love Will Never Do (Without You)–Janet Jackson
086. Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)–C & C Music Factory Featuring Freedom Williams (1) / Wicked Game–Chris Isaak
087. Rescue Me–Madonna (4) / Being Boring–Pet Shop Boys (3); Cry for Help–Rick Astley (1)
088. Bitter Tears–INXS (2) / Cry for Help–Rick Astley
089. Here We Go–C & C Music Factory Presents Freedom Williams and Zelma Davis (1) / Losing My Religion–R.E.M.
090. I Touch Myself–Divinyls (1) / Losing My Religion–R.E.M.
091. Rush Rush–Paula Abdul (3) / See the Lights–Simple Minds
092. I Like the Way (The Kissing Game)–Hi-Five (2) / Shiny Happy People–R.E.M.
093. Let There Be Love–Simple Minds (2) / Shiny Happy People–R.E.M.
094. Things that Make You Go Hmmmm…–C & C Music Factory Featuring Freedom Williams (4) / Unforgettable–Natalie Cole (2); Gypsy Woman (She’s Homeless)–Crystal Waters (2)
095. Near Wild Heaven–R.E.M. (2) / Stand By Love–Simple Minds
096. Real Life–Simple Minds (3) / Cream–Prince And The N.P.G. (1); Black or White–Michael Jackson (2)
097. A Dream Like Mine–Bruce Cockburn (3) / Black or White–Michael Jackson

1992

098. Finally–Ce Ce Peniston (6) / Black or White–Michael Jackson
099. Getting Away With It–Electronic (3) / I’m Too Sexy–R.S.F
100. Remember the Time–Michael Jackson (1) / Justified & Ancient–The KLF
101. 100 Watt Bulb–Infidels (4) / Justified & Ancient–The KLF
102. Bohemian Rhapsody--Queen (1) / One–U2
103. Let’s Get Rocked–Def Leppard (2) / Smells Like Teen Spirit–Nirvana (1); Come as You Are–Nirvana (1)
104. Feel Every Beat–Electronic (1) / Come as You Are–Nirvana
105. Achy Breaky Heart–Billy Ray Cyrus (3) / Jump–Kris Kross
106. Lithium–Nirvana (2) / Even Better Than the Real Thing–U2
107. Disappointed–Electronic (4) / Baby Got Back–Sir Mix-A-Lot (2); Enid–Barenaked Ladies (2)
108. Tell it Like it T-I-Is–The B-52’s (3) / Erotica–Madonna
109. Drive–R.E.M. (2) / Layla–Eric Clapton
110. Goodbye Cruel World–Shakespears Sister (2) / Winged Mammal Theme–R.E.M.

1993

111. Revolution Earth–The B-52’s (2) / I Don’t Care--Shakespears Sister (1) / Hope of Deliverance–Paul McCartney (1)
112. Ordinary World–Duran Duran (5) / Hope of Deliverance–Paul McCartney
113. Bad Girl–Madonna (2) / That’s What Love Can Do–Boy Krazy
114. Brian Wilson–Barenaked Ladies (1) / Supermodel (You Better Work)–RuPaul
115. Off the Ground–Paul McCartney (2) / Regret–New Order
116. I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)–The Proclaimers (2) / If–Janet Jackson
117. The River of Dreams–Billy Joel (1) / World (The Price of Love)–New Order

1994

118. I’ve Got You Under My Skin–Frank Sinatra with Bono (2) / Don’t Walk Away–Pointer Sisters
119. Because of Love–Janet Jackson (1) / Don’t Go Breaking My Heart–Elton John & RuPaul
120. Big Time Sensuality–Bjork (3) / Don’t Go Breaking My Heart–Elton John & RuPaul
121. Moving on Up–M People (5) / I Want You–Juliet Roberts
122. Just Keep Me Moving–k.d. lang (1) / 100% Pure Love–Crystal Waters
123. All I Wanna Do–Sheryl Crow (3) / Swamp Thing–The Grid
124. Absolutely Fabulous–Absolutely Fabulous (6) / Turn the Beat Around–Gloria Estefan (4); True Faith-94–New Order (2)

1995

125. That’s Just What You Are–Aimee Mann (1) / Melody of Love (Wanna Be Loved)–Donna Summer
126. One Night in Heaven–M People (3) / She’s a River–Simple Minds (1); Here & Now–Letters to Cleo (2)
127. Medley: Aquarius/Let The Sunshine In–The Fifth Dimension (2) / Everlasting Love–Gloria Estefan
128. Bedtime Story–Madonna (3) / White Lines (Don’t Do It)–Duran Duran (2); Scream–Michael Jackson & Janet Jackson (1)
129. Sight for Sore Eyes–M People (3) / Scream–Michael Jackson & Janet Jackson
130. Fat Boy–Max-A-Million (7) / Runaway–Janet Jackson
131. Try Me Out–Corona (3) / Runaway–Janet Jackson (1); Free As A Bird–The Beatles (2)
132. Machine Gun–Party Nation (1) / Free As A Bird–The Beatles
133. Love Rendezvous–M People (6) / Free As A Bird–The Beatles

1996

134. Magic Carpet Ride–The Mighty Dub Kats (2) / Get Away–Shauna Davis
135. Crying in the Rain–Culture Beat (2) / Sexuality–k.d. lang
136. I Don’t Wanna Be a Star–Corona (2) / Lucky Love–Ace of Base
137. Wrong–Everything But The Girl (7) / Fastlove–George Michael (2); ooh aah…Just a little bit–Gina G (2); Se a vida é (That’s the way life is)–Pet Shop Boys (3)
138. Astroplane–BKS (3) / ooh aah…Just a little bit–Gina G
139. Here I Go–2 Unlimited (1) / ooh aah…Just a little bit–Gina G
140. keep on jumpin’–The Lisa Marie Experience (5) / Ladykillers–Lush (1); One By One–Cher (4)

1997

141. Wannabe–Spice Girls (6) / Don’t Cry for Me Argentina–Madonna
142. Morning Glory–Oasis (2) / Candle In The Wind 1997–Elton John
143. Just a Freak–Crystal Waters Featuring Dennis Rodman (5) / Candle In The Wind 1997–Elton John

1998

144. Free–Ultra Naté (2) / Together Again–Janet
145. Spice Up Your Life–Spice Girls (4) / Together Again–Janet
146. My Heart Will Go On–Celine Dion (2) / frozen–Madonna
147. Stop–Spice Girls (9) / ray of light–Madonna [c]
148. Amnesia–Chumbawamba (3) / ray of light–Madonna
149. My All–Mariah Carey (3) / ray of light–Madonna
150. I Think I’m Paranoid–garbage (3) / If You Could Read My Mind–Stars on 54: Ultra Naté, Amber, Jocelyn Enriquez

1999

151. Some Kinda Wonderful–Sky (7) / believe–Cher
152. nothing really matters–madonna (2) / Heartbreak Hotel–Whitney Houston Feat. Faith Evans & Kelly Price
153. dreaming–m people (3) / Heartbreak Hotel–Whitney Houston Feat. Faith Evans & Kelly Price
154. If You Buy This Record Your Life Will Be Better–The Tamperer Featuring Maya Days (2) / Livin’ La Vida Loca–Ricky Martin
155. Love Song–Sky (4) / Livin’ La Vida Loca–Ricky Martin
156. don’t let this moment end–Gloria Estefan (1) / Livin’ La Vida Loca–Ricky Martin
157. look at me–Geri Halliwell (1) / i want it that way–Backstreet Boys
158. I Will Go With You (Con Te Partiro)–Donna Summer (2) / I don’t know what you want but I can’t give it anymore–Pet Shop Boys
159. Mi Chico Latino–Geri Halliwell (1) / I don’t know what you want but I can’t give it anymore–Pet Shop Boys
160. Dov’è l’Amore–Cher (5) / my love is your love–Whitney Houston

2000

161. September 99–Earth Wind & Fire (1) / American Pie–Madonna
162. It’s My Turn–Angelic (3) / Crying at the Discoteque–Alcazar Starring Annikafiore Andreas Lundstedt Tess (2); Sandstorm–darude (1)
163. feel the beat–darude (3) / Sandstorm–darude
164. Proud.–Heather Small (1) / “Music”–Madonna

2001

165. Leppiäinen–Värttinä (1) / Seelinnikoi–Värttinä [d]

Three songs were kept out of the top spot by three different songs:

Don’t You (Forget About Me)–Simple Minds (5) by Say You’re Wrong–Julian Lennon (1); Everything She Wants–Wham! (1); A View to a Kill–Duran Duran (3)

Alone–Heart (3) by Funkytown–Pseudo Echo (1); Wanted Dead or Alive–Bon Jovi (1); Promised You a Miracle [live]–Simple Minds (1)

Wrong–Everything But The Girl (7) by Fastlove–George Michael (2); ooh aah…Just a little bit–Gina G (2); Se a vida é (That’s the way life is)–Pet Shop Boys (3)

I might end up making a list for each peak position. I wonder which position had the fewest songs to peak at it: #9 or #10?

[a] The Safety Dance had already been in release for about nine months and was on my chart when I started it in November 1983.

[b] Is There Something I Should Know? had already been in release for about eight months and was on my chart when I started it in November 1983.

[c] The record for the longest run at #2.

[d] Two album tracks, never released as singles. My chart ended shortly after I allowed album tracks and Leppiäinen never had a chance to peak higher.