The Worst Song in the History of the World

Neil_Diamond-The_Christmas_Album-FrontalHey 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 isĀ 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!

18 Comments

  1. Cat
    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.

    1. Sam
      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.

  2. dan
    May 20, 2013

    Eddie Murphy’s “party all the time” is horrendous, just sayin’…

    1. Sam
      May 20, 2013

      Excellent choice.

  3. Lindsay
    May 20, 2013

    Don Johnson, Heartbeat

    1. Sam
      May 20, 2013

      Thank you, Lew!

  4. Lois
    May 20, 2013

    Celebration by Kool & the Gang. Pretty sure I’m going to win.

  5. Anonymous
    May 20, 2013

    Bohemian rhapsody

  6. Ryan
    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.

    1. Ryan
      May 20, 2013

      I don’t care if it is within 5-10 years, it will never be good.

  7. Anonymous
    May 20, 2013

    She bangs- Ricky Martin

  8. Karl
    May 21, 2013

    Dancing Queen – ABBA

  9. Jason
    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.

    1. Sam
      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.

      1. Jason
        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.

  10. James
    May 21, 2013

    Piano man. Billy Joel

  11. James
    May 22, 2013

    Desperado

  12. Scott
    February 26, 2014

    I can’t dance by Genesis (can’t believe this was a hit), worse than Sweet Caroline

Comments are closed.