Rock and roll has given us some of the greatest music in history, but it has also produced its fair share of less-than-stellar tracks. From questionable lyrics to uninspired melodies, some songs just miss the mark. Here, we take a look at 25 of the worst rock and roll songs in history. This list is subjective, but each song included has earned its spot through a combination of critical panning, poor reception, and lasting infamy.
The 25 Worst Rock and Roll Songs in History
1. “We Built This City” by Starship
“We Built This City” is often cited as one of the worst rock songs of all time. Released in 1985, it was a commercial success but was heavily criticized for its cheesy lyrics and overproduced sound. Despite its popularity, it represents the epitome of 1980s rock excess.
2. “I Want to Know What Love Is” by Foreigner
While “I Want to Know What Love Is” was a hit, it has been criticized for its overly sentimental lyrics and lack of rock authenticity. The song’s pop ballad style feels out of place in the band’s typically harder rock repertoire.
3. “Mr. Roboto” by Styx
Styx’s “Mr. Roboto” is infamous for its bizarre concept and overly theatrical execution. The song’s robotic theme and repetitive chorus have made it a target for ridicule, overshadowing its initial chart success.
4. “Dancing in the Street” by David Bowie and Mick Jagger
This cover of Martha and the Vandellas’ classic was meant to be a celebration but ended up being an awkward and poorly received duet. The song and its accompanying video were criticized for their lackluster performance and awkward chemistry between the two rock legends.
5. “Cherry Pie” by Warrant
“Cherry Pie” is often derided for its overtly sexual lyrics and hair metal clichés. The song has become synonymous with the worst aspects of the glam metal era, overshadowing any musical merit it might have had.
6. “Muskrat Love” by Captain & Tennille
Originally by America, Captain & Tennille’s version of “Muskrat Love” is often mocked for its absurd lyrics about anthropomorphic muskrats. The song’s whimsical nature and lack of depth have earned it a spot on many worst-of lists.
7. “Kokomo” by The Beach Boys
“Kokomo” was a surprising hit for The Beach Boys in the late 1980s, but it has been criticized for its uninspired lyrics and overly commercial sound. Many fans feel it pales in comparison to the band’s classic hits.
8. “Ice Ice Baby” by Vanilla Ice
Though not strictly rock, “Ice Ice Baby” is often included in discussions of bad rock-adjacent songs due to its heavy sampling of Queen and David Bowie’s “Under Pressure.” The song’s lack of originality and Vanilla Ice’s questionable rapping skills have made it a target for derision.
9. “Rock Me Amadeus” by Falco
“Rock Me Amadeus” is a novelty song that became a surprise hit in the 1980s. While its quirky charm appealed to some, many critics found its repetitive nature and kitschy tribute to Mozart grating.
10. “MacArthur Park” by Richard Harris
“MacArthur Park” is infamous for its perplexing lyrics and overly dramatic delivery. Lines about cakes left out in the rain have baffled listeners for decades, making it a perennial favorite on worst-song lists.
11. “Achy Breaky Heart” by Billy Ray Cyrus
This song’s country-rock crossover appeal led to massive success, but it has been criticized for its simplistic lyrics and repetitive melody. “Achy Breaky Heart” is often seen as a low point in rock-country fusion.
12. “Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da” by The Beatles
While The Beatles are legendary, “Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da” is one of their most polarizing songs. Its upbeat, reggae-inspired sound and repetitive chorus have not aged well, leading many to consider it one of the band’s weakest efforts.
13. “The Final Countdown” by Europe
“The Final Countdown” is a quintessential 80s rock anthem, but its bombastic style and over-the-top keyboard riff have led to its inclusion on many worst-song lists. The song’s grandiosity can come off as more comical than epic.
14. “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor
“Eye of the Tiger” became an iconic workout anthem, but its repetitive nature and clichéd lyrics have made it a target for criticism. The song’s ubiquity in popular culture hasn’t helped its reputation.
15. “Rollin'” by Limp Bizkit
Limp Bizkit’s “Rollin'” is emblematic of the nu-metal genre’s excesses. The song’s aggressive style and Fred Durst’s rapped lyrics have been widely mocked, contributing to its negative reception.
16. “Party All the Time” by Eddie Murphy
Eddie Murphy’s foray into music with “Party All the Time” is often remembered more for its novelty than its musical quality. Despite its commercial success, the song is seen as a low point in rock-pop crossovers.
17. “Ebony and Ivory” by Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder
This well-meaning duet about racial harmony is often criticized for its simplistic lyrics and overly saccharine delivery. While the message is important, the execution is considered clumsy by many critics.
18. “The Safety Dance” by Men Without Hats
“The Safety Dance” is another 80s novelty hit that hasn’t aged well. Its repetitive melody and quirky lyrics have made it a target for parody and criticism over the years.
19. “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” by Bobby McFerrin
This a cappella hit became an anthem of positivity, but its overly simplistic and repetitive nature has led to it being viewed as one of the more irritating songs in rock history.
20. “My Humps” by The Black Eyed Peas
“My Humps” is a pop-rap song that has been heavily criticized for its repetitive lyrics and shallow content. While it was a commercial success, many consider it a low point in the band’s discography.
21. “Everybody Have Fun Tonight” by Wang Chung
“Everybody Have Fun Tonight” is often criticized for its repetitive chorus and lack of substance. The song’s catchiness doesn’t compensate for its perceived lack of artistic merit.
22. “Heartbeat” by Don Johnson
Actor Don Johnson’s attempt at a music career with “Heartbeat” is often cited as an example of a celebrity vanity project gone wrong. The song’s lack of depth and Johnson’s limited vocal ability have made it a frequent target of criticism.
23. “Rico Suave” by Gerardo
“Rico Suave” is a novelty hit that has been criticized for its stereotypical portrayal of Latin culture and its repetitive nature. The song’s cheesiness has led to it being viewed as one of the worst rock-adjacent songs.
24. “We Didn’t Start the Fire” by Billy Joel
While “We Didn’t Start the Fire” was a commercial success, it has been criticized for its laundry list-style lyrics and lack of musical innovation. The song’s rapid-fire historical references can come off as more gimmicky than profound.
25. “What’s Up?” by 4 Non Blondes
“What’s Up?” is often mocked for its overwrought delivery and repetitive chorus. Despite its initial popularity, the song has become a frequent target for parody and criticism.
See Also: What is Gothic Rock Music?
Conclusion
Rock and roll, like any genre, has its high points and low points. The songs listed above, while popular in their time, have not aged well and are often cited as examples of rock music’s missteps. Whether due to poor lyrics, overproduction, or just a lack of lasting appeal, these tracks have earned their place on this list of the worst rock and roll songs in history. Despite their flaws, they each contribute to the rich tapestry of rock music, serving as reminders of the genre’s diverse and sometimes unpredictable nature.
