Nothing brings you back to neon and shoulder pads like 1980s music, but some of these songs are cringing more now than ever. These shocking tracks once dominated the charts, but today, their cheesy lyrics, over-sounding or Tone Deap content is embarrassing. Whether you love them then or now, wondering they used to look cool, here are five hits from the 80s that still make us cringe. Buckle, travel along Memory Lane – to a place of suspicious musical choices.
1. “We built this city” – Starship
“We Build This City” ranked No. 1 in 1985, but today’s audience calls it the worst song ever. Its overly smooth work and lyrics of chaos – an anti-corporate carnival criticized as a corporate gloss wrapping – just not sticking to it. Blender magazine even crowned “the most hated song in human history. ” Despite its success, the song has become the focus of all the wrong things in the mid-80s pop music. Nostalgia? perhaps. A worth mentioning? Absolutely.
2. “agadoo” – Black lace
This novelty in 1984 ranked second in the UK, but later called “magnificent and terrible” in Q magazine polls. Its repetitive Conga Party lyrics make “Agadoo” a disaster for sock jumps – so awkward that even BBC Radio 1 refuses to play. However, the band tends to mock, establishing a worshipful follower and even celebrating the “Agadu Day”. ” Sure, it appeals in a guilty way, but “cring” is perfect for it.
3. “Sussudio” – Phil Collins
Phil Collins’ 1985 Banger “Sussudio” may still be able to hit the toe, but its fake chorus (“Sussudio!”) has long been picked out as one of the most feared lyrics of the 80s. Critics lashed out it as “bland” and “defensive stupidity.” Collins fans might call it a nostalgic disco tribute, but many listeners are now cringing at its empty charm. This juxtaposition (with Cring’orthory Chorus’ foot beat) is why “Sussudio” still causes eye movement today.
4. “Kokomo” – Beach Boys
In 1988, “Kokomo” was hit by surprise, marking the low point of the Beach Boys. Critics blow it up as “Smarmy Vintage Pop” and called it “the worst summer song ever.” The included music video resonates with bikini and cheesy Caribbean, lands on NME’s list of worst videos ever. Sublime nostalgia? perhaps. But for many, its super yuppie atmosphere and syrup sound ensures its endless status.
5. “The Lady of Red” – Chris de Burgh
In 1986, The Red Lady was loved by Romantics in 1986 and now inspires the scope of chants, not just the declaration of love. It was named one of the top 10 most annoying songs ever in the UK poll. Critics call it oversensual, sticky and “not the best song” even in creators’ admission. Wedding and elevator playlists still push this saccharin ballad, but can now raise the big point.
Ready to reevaluate your 80s playlist?
Before playing ball, ask yourself: nostalgia or cringe trip? Revisiting the 80s jam may be fun, but keep the ears critical to cheesy lyrics, outdated pieces, or endless repetitions. Better yet, curate your own “Sinful Fun” playlist with only the things you really like, including cringe. This way, you have nostalgia without cringing.
Which 80s song still makes you cringe–Any of your guilty pleasure tracks fall into this list? Share below!
Read more
My favorite song about money
10 Fashions buy the FOMO push, these Fashions quietly ruin your budget
