Actually, wait, now that I think about it a bit more, “irrational hatred” may be a bit harsh. A far, far worse song is “Escape (The Pina Colada Song)”, though that probably registers on the “rational hatred” scale. God damn do I hate that song.
‘Have you ever really loved a woman?’ by Bryan Adams gets my vote. I hated it the first time I heard it; that was before it was overplayed for years. Just thinking of it makes me unhappy.
This is quickly veering off from the OP to “songs I hate”, which isn’t necessarily the same. Per this response, I would not say everything in U2s or the Stones catalog would be considered “popular”.
I hate The Eagles “Hotel California”, but I would not submit it for “most annoying”.
For most annoying I nominate The B-52’s “Love Shack”
Ring My Bell by Anita Ward was #1 for a while, and even as a youngster I wanted to gouge out my eardrums when she got to the chorus.
Yes!! “Love Shack” is the one. Followed by “How Bizarre”.
The video is pure comedy gold tho’.
I nominate “Silent Running” by Mike + The Mechanics - for the weird juxtaposition between the lyrics warning of apocalyptic doom perpetuated by a tyrannical government and the bland syrupy pop arrangement. Also calling your band Mike + the Mechanics is annoying.
The video was bizarre too.
Two choices for me. Wildfire, or, A Horse With No Name
If I have just one choice it’s the former. Both the girl and the pony sound as if they come from the shallow end of the gene pool.
If I never hear “Red,Red Wine” by UB40 ever again, I will be extremely pleased! It is one of those songs that I hear on the radio and quickly change it. I will listen to an ad, a weather update, a song I like, and then when I go back to the previous station, they are still extolling the pros and cons of alcohol in that tropical island staccato! How can that song keep going and going like an Energizer Bunny!
Same with that “Macarena” travesty! I would rather listen to a purple dinosaur singing about love than to ever listen to those 2 pieces of “art” ever again! …reek!
You’re thinking of Michael Penn, brother to both Christopher and Sean. He’s a favorite of mine…I have all his discs. The song title is actually “No Myth.”
I think Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA” is much, much, MUCH worse.
No hate for Muskrat Love?
It sounds like they are singing “life is life”. What is “live is life” supposed to mean? “Live” as in a live performance?
Anyway, the cartwheel onto stage was legendary. I’m not really sure if the whole performance isn’t ironic? But then, maybe the entire 1980s was ironic.
“Overplayed (in its day)” is often the key. I’ve heard songs that used to make me turn the radio off, but have not heard for decades, and found that they were at least OK.
Here’s my unpopular opinion: I cannot stand Lizzo’s “Truth Hurts.” I hated it by the second time the chorus came around. I like Lizzo the person but that song makes me want to punch babies and kick puppies.
Yes, It’s supposed to mean “live” music equals “life”. Have I mentioned the bad school English yet, besides all the other atrocities in the song?
I nominate Brand New Key by Melanie.
I don’t think the song itself was meant ironically, maybe only the video. The song was a massive hit in Austria and Germany, and at least the crowds they drew afterwards didn’t chant along ironically. It’s one of those dreadful party songs that gets played on every party of dull people.
Speaking of German/Euro hits, I seem to remember “Faster Harder Scooter” or whatever the actual title was, by Scooter being an amazing obnoxious song in like ‘98/‘99 or thereabouts.
All the single ladies is extremely repetitive and annoying almost by design or something
And
That song how to save a life or whatever, it just doesn’t get anymore sappy.