Plenty of songs have been banned from the radio over the years. However, a few noteworthy songs still hit the airwaves today, and I can’t imagine why. Such songs are either wholly offensive or downright dangerous in the subject matter they perpetuate. At the risk of angering those against censorship of any kind, there are at least two songs that I wish would finally get banned from radio stations, or at least fall completely out of rotation favor.
Keep in mind that this list is all a matter of opinion. If you’re a fan of any of the following duo of tunes, I don’t fault you for it. Just like you are probably sick of certain songs hitting the airwaves, I’m particularly over hearing these songs on radio stations. Let’s take a look, shall we?
Videos by American Songwriter
“Blurred Lines” by Robin Thicke feat. T.I. and Pharrell
This song was an enormous hit when it was first released. I can see why. “Blurred Lines” was the catchiest song to come out since the 2010s kicked off. It topped the charts in 2013 in both the US and UK. The song even nabbed a Grammy nom.
However, listeners eventually began to really listen between the “lines” of this song after it became huge. The lyrics of this pop song are all about stealing another man’s girlfriend and perpetuate dangerous notions of ignoring consent. “Blurred Lines” also apparently ripped off a Marvin Gaye song (his estate won a suit against Thicke over it), so I’m not sure why this song still pops up on pop radio here and there. The uncut music video has since been banned, and the song has also been banned from a number of universities in the United Kingdom.
“Pumped Up Kicks” by Foster The People
Alright, I’ll be the first to admit that when it comes down to it, this is a very good song. It’s an indie pop jam, actually, and I can see why it was such a big hit when it was first released.
However, in an age where school shootings are still on the rise, I don’t think this particular song is the most appropriate one to have on the radio. I don’t think it deserves to be totally banned, but the insidious story behind the lyrics of “Pumped Up Kicks” could be influential in a very dangerous way to the passing young listener.
Photo by Jack Buster
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