We may be mistaken, but it’s unlikely that any musical artist intends to create one of history’s most annoying songs. Yet, there are many songs from the last 50 years that fall into this category.
It’s unfortunate to say, but some of pop culture’s beloved songs are popular for the wrong reasons. Let’s begin with:
The Proclaimers, “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” (1988)
In 1983, Scottish rock duo The Proclaimers was formed by twin brothers Craig and Charlie Reid. They gained initial recognition with their 1987 track “Letter from America,” but their most infamous song, “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles),” was released in 1988.
Starland Vocal Band, “Afternoon Delight” (1976)
The Starland Vocal Band’s most successful single was undoubtedly “Afternoon Delight.”
The band consisted of Bill Danoff and Taffy Nivert, a married couple, who were later joined by Jon Carroll and Margot Chapman. The release of their namesake song in 1976 propelled them to instant fame, although it became both a classic and a somewhat annoying hit.
Unfortunately, the band couldn’t replicate their initial success, leading to their breakup in 1981.
Barry Manilow, “Copacabana” (1978)
Barry Manilow has enjoyed an incredibly successful career since 1964, excelling as a singer-songwriter, musician, arranger, actor, and producer.
Apart from his popular yet frequently played song “Copacabana,” Manilow is renowned for hits like “Could It Be Magic,” “I Write the Songs,” and “Can’t Smile Without You.”
Axel F, “Crazy Frog” (2005)
Surprisingly, one of the most irritating songs in history lacks discernible lyrics.
In 2003, playwright and CGI animation artist Erik Wernquist utilized a sound sample from Daniel Malmedahl, imitating a two-stroke engine, to bring to life the character we now recognize as Crazy Frog.
Astonishingly, the song went on to claim the top position on music charts in Australia, New Zealand, Turkey, and numerous European countries.
Cher, “Believe” (1988)
Cher, often referred to as the “Goddess of Pop,” has made a lasting impact as a singer, television personality, and actress since 1963.
With a career spanning over six decades, she has symbolized female power and independence in a predominantly male industry.
Known for her distinctive contralto voice, Cher has sold over 200 million records. However, it’s hard to escape the catchy chorus of her song “Believe.”
Baha Men, “Who Let The Dogs Out” (2000)
In 1977, a group of Bahamian men formed a musical ensemble called High Voltage, specializing in funk and disco. After 14 years, they caught the attention of Steve Greenberg at Atlantic Records, leading to a name change to the Baha Men.
However, it was their release of a remake of “Who Let the Dogs Out” in 2000 that truly defined their success as a one-hit wonder.
Sherman Brothers, “It’s A Small World” (1963)
The Sherman Brothers, Robert B. Sherman and Richard M. Sherman, are the brilliant minds behind the iconic song featured in Disney’s “It’s a Small World” musical attraction.
Incredibly, according to Time.com, “It’s A Small World” is considered the most widely performed song in public.
The brothers composed this piece as a response to the Cuban Missile Crisis, with a focus on promoting international brotherhood and peace through its lyrics.
Europe, “Final Countdown” (1986)
Europe, a band formed in 1979, hails from Sweden. They rose to prominence after winning the Swedish “Rock-SM” television competition in 1982.
However, it was their third album, “The Final Countdown,” released in 1986, that catapulted them to global fame. This is when we were introduced to the titular song, “The Final Countdown.”
Fortunately, Europe has other notable tracks like “Rock The Night” and “Open Your Heart” as well.
Rednex, “Cotton Eye Joe” (1994)
Once again, a Swedish musical group has managed to create an enduring, albeit irritating, cult classic.
Formed in 1994, Rednex was the brainchild of three Swedish producers aiming to blend dance/pop music with American country/folk elements.
Their euro-dance track, “Cotton Eye Joe,” became a global sensation that continues to be overplayed even today.
Tom Jones, “What’s New Pussycat” (1965)
Renowned for his powerful baritone voice, Welsh singer Tom Jones emerged in the 1960s, garnering a string of top-ten singles.
With a staggering 100 million records sold, Jones has rightfully earned the title of a musical “shapeshifter,” seamlessly transitioning from soulful rasps to smooth crooning.
His hits include “She’s a Lady” and “Sex Bomb.” However, it’s unfortunate that he is also associated with the infamous “What’s New Pussycat?”
Starship, “We Built This City” (1985)
Starship, a rock band originating from San Francisco in 1984, emerged from the earlier rock group Jefferson Airplane.
Prior to that, Jefferson Airplane had transformed into Jefferson Starship from a psychedelic rock band. Eventually, the name “Starship” was chosen as the band embarked on a new musical direction, parted ways with former members, and settled a lawsuit over the name.
Regardless of the name changes, the band gained recognition for their singles “Sara” and the oft-repeated “We Built This City.”
Eiffel 65, “Blue” (1988)
Despite their group name, Eiffel 65 is actually an Italian music group. Formed in 1997, the band, consisting of three members, achieved tremendous success with their 1999 album “Europop.”
This album spawned two massive hits, namely “Blue (Da Ba Dee)” and “Move Your Body,” which quickly climbed the Billboard charts.
However, their true breakout song, “Blue,” continues to puzzle listeners with its enigmatic lyrics.
James Blunt, “You’re Beautiful” (2005)
James Blunt, an English singer and songwriter, had an intriguing journey to success. He initially served as a reconnaissance officer in the British Army, including during the Kosovo War as part of NATO.
In 2002, he left the military and gained prominence in 2004 with his album “Back to Bedlam.”
It was during this period that his single “You’re Beautiful” became an anthem for romantic singers worldwide.
Rick Dees, “Disco Duck” (1978)
Rick Dees, originally known as Rigdon Osmond Dees III, gained significant fame as a radio personality hosting “The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown” show.
Beyond his radio career, Dees also dabbled in acting, comedy, and voice artistry.
In 1976, he released a satirical song called “Disco Duck,” which was inspired by Jackie Lee’s (Earl Lee Nelson) 1960s track titled “The Duck.”
Nickelback, “Photograph” (2005)
Hailing from Hanna, Alberta, Canada, Nickelback has solidified their place as one of the country’s top-selling rock bands. Since their formation in 1995, they have sold over 50 million albums worldwide.
Notably, Billboard recognized their hit song “How You Remind Me” as the best-selling rock song of the 2000s.
However, listeners have also developed a tendency to mock the band’s 2005 release, “Photograph.”
Hanson, “MMMBop” (1997)
Hanson, consisting of brothers Isaac, Taylor, and Zac Hanson, emerged from Tulsa, Oklahoma.
The band gained fame for their catchy yet somewhat nonsensical chorus in “MMMBop,” the hit single from their 1997 album “Middle of Nowhere.”
This song remains a memorable highlight of their career.
Justin Bieber, “Baby” (2010)
Justin Bieber, discovered on YouTube by record executive Scooter Braun, has achieved immense international success in the music industry.
While he initially gained fame as a teen idol in the late 2000s and 2010s, Bieber has successfully transitioned into a respected adult performer.
However, some people still hold a grudge against Bieber for his 2010 hit “Baby,” which remains one of the highest certified singles of all time in the US.
The Four Seasons, “Sherry” (1962)
Formed in 1960, The Four Seasons initially went by the name “the Four Lovers” before occasionally adopting the moniker “Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons” from 1970 onwards.
This American rock band holds a significant place in the history of rock music. Alongside The Beach Boys, they were among the few American bands to achieve success during the “British Invasion” of the 1960s.
The Four Seasons gained commercial and chart success with their 1962 single, “Sherry,” marking a significant milestone in their career.
The Police, “Message In A Bottle” (1979)
The Police, an English rock band from London, consisted of Sting, Andy Summers, and Stewart Copeland.
Blending elements of reggae, jazz, and punk, their music gained immense popularity worldwide in the late 1970s and early 1980s. From their 1979 album “Reggatta de Blanc,” The Police released the iconic “Message in a Bottle.”
While the song remains a favorite among band members, its irresistible hook has become somewhat (or quite) annoying in the modern-day.
Aqua, “Barbie Girl” (1997)
It might surprise you, but it is indeed true that Aqua, the Europop music group known for their 1997 hit “Barbie Girl,” holds the distinction of being the most profitable Danish band ever.
With three albums and 33 million singles/albums sold, Aqua has secured a significant place in Denmark’s musical history.
Interestingly, Aqua faced a lawsuit from Mattel, the makers of the Barbie Doll, claiming that the suggestive lyrics of “Barbie Girl” were damaging to the brand.
However, the judge presiding over the case simply advised both parties to “chill.”
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