Everyone has a guilty pleasure song. Now, whether or not they admit it is a different story. Nonetheless, terribly catchy yet hit songs often reside in folk’s heads rent-free. It could simply be because it is so catchy, or it could be because they hate the fact that they do actually enjoy them.
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Regardless of what side you fall on, there is one common denominator between both of them. The common thread in question is that the hit song, no matter how annoying, is objectively catchy. Thus, in a way, objectively good. You can dispute that notion, but if a song sticks it sticks, no matter how much you despise it. That being so, here are three incredibly catchy songs that do just that.
“Never Going To Give You Up” by Rick Astley
Released in 1987, Rick Astley’s biggest hit song has often received backlash given its strict ’80s style and tone. However, this criticism is unfair, as Astley’s song has been cemented into the minds of several different generations ever since its release. Again, if it’s catchy it’s good, no matter how annoying or cringy it might be.
Regardless of people’s opinions, its chart and numerical history attest to its popularity. In 1988, the song peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remained there for a total of two weeks. Furthermore, younger generations have also proved its ever-growing popularity, as the song has been streamed 920 million times on Spotify and 1.6 billion on YouTube.
“My Humps” by The Black Eyed Peas
The Black Eyed Peas ruled the pop scene in the ‘2000s and their domineering presence can be heavily attributed to this hit song. Thanks to the film Blades of Glory, the song has taken on quite a humorous persona. However, its beat, melody, and lyrics are intoxicating. Or, as Will Ferrell says, “It’s provocative.”
Despite appearing in the film, the song carried the weight effortlessly all on its own. Released in 2005, it eventually reached the No. 3 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 and remained on the chart for a total of 36 weeks. So before you call it a “bad” song, just know, everybody who listened to it seemingly believed the same thing. But, numbers don’t lie.
“Sexy and I Know It” by LMFAO
LMFAO’s name is about as cringy as it gets and their 2011 hit isn’t all that great either. However, we are here still talking about it, so it has done something right. As painful as it might be to listen to it, the hit song has been able to integrate itself into the public memory of the ‘2010s. LMFAO went on to have little success after 2011, nonetheless, they cashed quite the check with this song. And, it’s thanks to all the people who claimed to “hate” the song.
In 2012, the song peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remained on the chart for 42 weeks. Additionally as of today, the song has a total of 498 million streams on Spotify and a billion on YouTube. Are the lyrics a bit dreadful, yes, but there is something about the beat and melody that just keeps bringing people back.
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