The Untold Story of Starship's "We Built This City' - Rock's Biggest Sellout Song
How did the band that once fronted Jefferson Airplane’s countercultural movement end up producing this glossy, radio-friendly anthem? Is it a biting critique of the very system they sold out to, or just a hollow cash grab from a band past its prime?
This week on Worst Songs Ever, we tackle one of the most notorious examples of rock’s tragic fall from cool: Starship’s "We Built This City." How did a band that once embodied the rebellious spirit of Jefferson Airplane morph into the poster child for corporate pop sellouts? Was "We Built This City" an ironic wink at their own transformation, or a desperate attempt to stay relevant in the flashy world of ‘80s radio?
But that’s not all—we take this theme further by exploring other bands and musicians who tumbled from the mountaintop of coolness into the valley of commercial compromise. From metal gods softening their sound to stay on the charts to rock icons chasing trends they once rejected, no one is safe from our critical eye. Rob and Brennan debate whether Starship’s hit is a clever satire or a soulless cash grab, while Andrew digs deep into the sad, often cringe-worthy attempts by former legends to remain relevant.
Join us as we dissect "We Built This City" and discuss whether it truly deserves a spot in the pantheon of the worst songs ever—or if it’s simply a nugget of 80s cheese that we just can’t help but love. Either way, it's a fun and witty exploration of what happens when rock rebels sell out.
--------
38:40
Eddie Murphy and Rick James: The Story Behind 'Party All the Time'
This week we dive deep into the glorious train wreck of Eddie Murphy's 1985 hit single "Party All the Time". Join us as we explore the bizarre backstory of how comedy legend Murphy was lured into the recording studio by funk master Rick James at the height of his acting career, chasing dreams of pop stardom.
We compare the sad tale of a man forever chasing an untameable party girl in "Party All the Time" to other songs of lovelorn woe like Bell Biv DeVoe's "Poison" and Dr. Hook's "When You're in Love with a Beautiful Woman". They also riff on the long, dubious history of actors embarking on ill-advised pop careers, from Don Johnson to Patrick Swayze.
Andrew and Rob roast "Party All the Time" as one of the worst ever, while Brennan mounts a spirited defense of its unappreciated charms.
So is "Party All the Time" a misunderstood gem or an ego-fueled catastrophe? Tune in and decide.
--------
34:29
David Lee Roth vs. Sammy Hagar: The 'Poundcake' Debate in Van Halen History
This week, Brennan serves up Van Halen’s 1991 hit "Poundcake" as his pick for the Worst Songs Ever award, and the debate gets juicy. Released on the For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge album, "Poundcake" marks the Sammy Hagar era of Van Halen, complete with a drill-powered guitar riff and lyrics that some say walk the line between rock anthem and, well, a bro-fest. Rob, a die-hard fan of 80s metal, thinks this track could be one of the band’s best and is ready to defend it. Andrew? He thinks Hagar’s got more than just dessert on his mind—maybe even a deeper meaning hidden beneath the riffs. But Brennan isn't having it. For him, Van Halen without David Lee Roth is like cake without frosting—just too much of a bro-heavy vibe.
Join the guys as they break down "Poundcake," reminisce about Van Halen’s wild career, and dive into a fiery debate on whether Hagar could ever really fill Roth’s shoes. Is this song a rock classic, or did the band’s signature flavor disappear when Roth left? Get ready for laughs, riffs, and a bit of nostalgia in this fun-filled episode of Worst Songs Ever!
--------
26:36
Eddie Murphy sells his soul to Rick James with "Party All the Time?"
This week we dive deep into the glorious train wreck of Eddie Murphy's 1985 hit single "Party All the Time". Join us as we explore the bizarre backstory of how comedy legend Murphy was lured into the recording studio by funk master Rick James at the height of his acting career, chasing dreams of pop stardom.
We compare the sad tale of a man forever chasing an untameable party girl in "Party All the Time" to other songs of lovelorn woe like Bell Biv DeVoe's "Poison" and Dr. Hook's "When You're in Love with a Beautiful Woman". They also riff on the long, dubious history of actors embarking on ill-advised pop careers, from Don Johnson to Patrick Swayze.
Andrew and Rob roast "Party All the Time" as one of the worst ever, while Brennan mounts a spirited defense of its unappreciated charms.
So is "Party All the Time" a misunderstood gem or an ego-fueled catastrophe? Tune in and decide.
--------
34:29
Why Garth Brooks' 'Friends in Low Places' Is Both Loved and Loathed in Pop Country
In this episode of Worst Songs Ever, Andrew, Rob, and Brennan dive deep into the country classic "Friends in Low Places" by Garth Brooks. Rob, who selected this song, shares the psychological torment he endured during his first year at The Citadel, where a less-than-amicable roommate played the track on an endless loop. A psychological warfare campaign worthy of The Lords of Discipline, Rob discusses how this sonic assault led to his lasting disdain for the song.
Meanwhile, Andrew and Brennan take a different perspective. As they dissect the lyrics and melodies, they find themselves not only appreciating the song for what it is but even starting to like it. The trio debates Garth Brooks' intentions, his talents as a singer-songwriter, and his keen understanding of the country genre. They also draw comparisons to other legendary tracks like "Lord, It's Hard to Be Humble," "The Gambler," and "Family Tradition," exploring where "Friends in Low Places" fits within the pantheon of iconic country anthems.
Welcome to "Worst Songs Ever," the podcast where we dive into hits from every era, unearthing musical disasters that inexplicably topped the charts. Each episode, one of us picks a song they believe is a true abomination, and we all give it a listen before either agreeing that's it's cringe-worthy or arguing its merits. Tracks from a bygone era, 80s ballads, baffling 90s boy bands, or a head-scratching modern hits, nothing is off-limits.
But we're not just here to roast—it's a celebration of musical oddities and pop cultural relics.
Ireland