Hey gang. So I had an idea while listening to a particularly offensive 80’s ballad last night: what if we could democratically determine the worst song in history? Now, the obvious answer to that question is “We can’t, you idiot. Individual musical tastes are far too varied to ever garner a consensus, plus there are way too many terrible songs to list.” Most rational people would stop there, but I’ve never been a big fan of rational thought, and thus comes my grandiose proposal:
A Worst Song in History Bracket.
Yes, a March Madness-style tournament bracket to determine the worst song ever recorded. We would use fan voting to decide who advances each round (i.e. which of the two songs in the matchup is worse), and eventually crown a champion as the biggest hunk of shit to ever grace our fair airwaves. My friends Tommy, Emily, and I did this a few years back to figure out who was the “Suavest Black Man in the World,” and response was terrific, eventually ending on Will Smith as the recipient.
So with that, I’d like your suggestions for the bracket. Which songs really suck more than all the other sucky songs? A few small caveats:
- Early leaders for 1-seeds off the top of my head are Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline” and Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’.”
- It has to have some historical significance, be well-known, and played a good deal. The song has to matter. A lot of unknown bands make a lot of bad music, but we aren’t concerned with them.
- Going off the previous point, I’m trying to stay away from anything that was made in the last 5-10 years. Let’s let it breathe for a bit to see if any of these newfangled songs stand the test of time, or if they (God willing) blow away like dust in the wind. (Hey! Add that one to the early favorites). So while I generally hate everything by LMFAO, Ke$$$HA!@#, and the Beebs, I’m holding out hope that one day nobody will remember who they are.
- Songs that will NOT be considered because they are actually excellent despite most people being idiots and thinking otherwise: “Your Love” by The Outfield, “Higher Love” by Steve Winwood, and anything by Kid Rock.
That should be a good start. So, what song would you like to see included? Either comment on this blog or the Facebook post, or hit me on the Twitter, and I’ll start putting together a list. With enough participation, we can put one special track in its rightful place as the worst song in the world! Yes we can! Yes we can!
May 20, 2013
Kid Rock? Seriously? Well, at least it’s not Nickelback… I had such high hopes after realizing I’m not the only one who actually hates Journey.
May 20, 2013
I am only 40% serious about the Kid Rock thing. I see “Bawitdaba” making the bracket. It’s too significant to leave out.
May 20, 2013
Eddie Murphy’s “party all the time” is horrendous, just sayin’…
May 20, 2013
Excellent choice.
May 20, 2013
Don Johnson, Heartbeat
May 20, 2013
Thank you, Lew!
May 20, 2013
Celebration by Kool & the Gang. Pretty sure I’m going to win.
May 20, 2013
Bohemian rhapsody
May 20, 2013
Taylor Swift- “we’re never ever getting back together.” Might as well include the rest of he songs while you’re at it.
May 20, 2013
I don’t care if it is within 5-10 years, it will never be good.
May 20, 2013
She bangs- Ricky Martin
May 21, 2013
Dancing Queen – ABBA
May 21, 2013
First of all, I love Kool and the Gang so please disqualify that person immediately. I used to listen to that song before all my baseball games as a kid while I put on my socks. Kind of a ritual.
I hate anything by the B-52’s – especially Love Shack.
May 22, 2013
Jason, it actually my mother who l left that comment about Kool and the Gang (ha!), so out of respect for her and my existence on this earth, it’ll probably make the bracket. Don’t worry though, you’ll have a chance to vote it off.
Love Shack sucks, good choice.
May 22, 2013
Oh God, I can’t believe I insulted your mother. To make amends, I’m going down in the basement right now, I’m going to find my Kool and the Gang record, and I’m going to smash it in your mother’s honor.
May 21, 2013
Piano man. Billy Joel
May 22, 2013
Desperado
February 26, 2014
I can’t dance by Genesis (can’t believe this was a hit), worse than Sweet Caroline