Pop Culture | Music | 00s | 90s | 80s
15 #1 Hits That Will Make You Go "How Was It That Popular?"
The Billboard charts have been tracking America's taste in popular music since the 50s, and even after major changes in how the public listens to music, they continue to be a gauge of what people are listening to.
Oftentimes the results aren't surprising, but in the case of these 15 songs, we can't help but go "Really? THAT hit #1?!"
Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder - "Ebony and Ivory"
One of these most infamously hated songs of all time by music critics (and anyone with working ear drums), these two titans of music proved that two great tastes don't always taste great together.
Jan Hammer - "Miami Vice Theme"
Hey, don't get me wrong: the Miami Vice theme song is awesome! I love it! But... how did it hit number one on the pop charts?!
Starship - "We Built This City"
Often voted as the worst song of all time by fan polls. I wouldn't go that far, but it's definitely cheesy in all the wrong ways.
Los Lobos - "La Bamba"
Fun fact: my teacher used to play this for us almost every day when I was in kindergarten. Why was a song mostly beloved by little kids able to hit #1?
The Beach Boys - "Kokomo"
The Beach Boys are an indisputably legendary band in rock music, but this saccharine ballad about chilling on an island is just the worst.
USA For Africa - "We Are The World"
What was supposed to be a massive song to raise awareness for the plight of those suffering in Africa instead becomes a massive ego trip by just about every singer involved in the project, and the cost of producing it probably just should've been donated.
The next few songs will definitely have you wondering what we were all thinking.
Poison - "Every Rose Has Its Thorn"
The 80s hair metal scene had no shortage of cheesy love ballads, but it was the cheesiest of them all that managed to capture the hearts of America. Fun fact: Brett Michaels wrote this about his relationship with Pamela Anderson, which the world would get an entirely different look into after their sex tape was leaked.
Billy Joel - "We Didn't Start The Fire"
The Piano Man has a ton of hits that hold up to this day, but this ain't one of them, thanks to its super dated references and cheesy tune.
Bryan Adams - "(Everything I Do) I Do It For You"
One of the biggest apologies that Canada owes the music industry (we'll talk about another one in a second), this obnoxiously saccharine ballad is known to cause diabetes in its listeners. You have been warned.
Creed - "With Arms Wide Open"
This song topped the charts on the week of Veteran's Day, and personally I think our servicemen and women deserve much, MUCH better. Scott Stapp has always sounded like he's straining to pass gas, and nowhere is this clearer than in this song.
Nickelback - "How You Remind Me"
Ah yes, "Diet Creed" as they're often referred to. Canada's other biggest failing to the world of rock music, Nickelback are often referred to as "butt rock" by their detractors. Personally, I believe it, because Chad Kroeger both sounds like and has the personality of a butt.
Outkast - "Hey Ya"
Remember when literally everyone convinced themselves that this song wasn't awful? Including the Grammys, who threw as many awards as they could at it? What a different time that was.
Chris Brown - "Run It"
Even before Chris Brown proved himself to be an horrendous human being, he was able to turn in this whiny, nasal performance that he was just WAY too proud of. I personally blame the success of this song for the rise of Justin Bieber.
Gwen Stefani - "Hollaback Girl"
We all loved Gwen in No Doubt and were curious to see where she'd go from there, but I don't think anybody wanted to hear her rapping alongside one of the most obnoxious choruses of all time.
D4L - "Laffy Taffy"
...Why, America? Just... WHY?!