When a group or artist's most popular track is their worst
Discussion
Kings of Leon popped up in the news as they've had to cancel a run of gigs. This lead to me learning that their most popular track is 'sex on fire'.
I know any group would probably welcome success however it comes about, but... f
k. It must bother some that they end up being characterised by some puerile rubbish when they have made some great songs. Call me a cynic but... 'made-for-radio'?
So which group or artist has hidden depths I am missing out on, because the one song that gets played is rubbish?
I know any group would probably welcome success however it comes about, but... f
k. It must bother some that they end up being characterised by some puerile rubbish when they have made some great songs. Call me a cynic but... 'made-for-radio'? So which group or artist has hidden depths I am missing out on, because the one song that gets played is rubbish?
Supposedly R.E.M thought of "Shiny happy people" as a joke track, but it became immensely popular. Same is true for "Sex on fire" by Kings of Leon.
I believe it, but doubt the bands were ever surprised that their songs succeeded since they're undeniably catchy.
Can't really think of any examples, but I suppose I personally don't like Bohemian Rhapsody from Queen. I'm not about to call it their worst song, it's arguably their best for showing off their talents, but it's got weird parts and the lyrics are damn silly, plenty of more enjoyable songs to listen to from them.
I believe it, but doubt the bands were ever surprised that their songs succeeded since they're undeniably catchy.
Can't really think of any examples, but I suppose I personally don't like Bohemian Rhapsody from Queen. I'm not about to call it their worst song, it's arguably their best for showing off their talents, but it's got weird parts and the lyrics are damn silly, plenty of more enjoyable songs to listen to from them.
Not really 'worst' but most popular and therefore what people assume is all they sound like:
Love Will Tear Us Apart - Joy Division
So much more to Joy Division than that.
Ace of Spades - Motorhead
Please play something other than that by them on the radio. Bomber would be nice or some album track, not Ace of Spades all the time.
Love Will Tear Us Apart - Joy Division
So much more to Joy Division than that.
Ace of Spades - Motorhead
Please play something other than that by them on the radio. Bomber would be nice or some album track, not Ace of Spades all the time.
Hustle_ said:
Kings of Leon popped up in the news as they've had to cancel a run of gigs. This lead to me learning that their most popular track is 'sex on fire'.
I know any group would probably welcome success however it comes about, but... fk. It must bother some that they end up being characterised by some puerile rubbish when they have made some great songs. Call me a cynic but... 'made-for-radio'?
So which group or artist has hidden depths I am missing out on, because the one song that gets played is rubbish?
Lol, saw the title of the thread and instantly KOL, Sex on Fire popped in my head.I know any group would probably welcome success however it comes about, but... f
k. It must bother some that they end up being characterised by some puerile rubbish when they have made some great songs. Call me a cynic but... 'made-for-radio'? So which group or artist has hidden depths I am missing out on, because the one song that gets played is rubbish?
I've been a fan of KOL since their first album I read somewhere that they hate the track, however they play it because it is popular and it is the track that started their huge success.
(all opinions subjective of course)The Cure- Friday I'm in Love, The Cure have been my favourite band for the best part of 40 years but I cannot abide this track.
It is just awful, I've no issues with the poppier side of their work (Love Cats, Close to Me, Caterpillar, Hot/Hot/Hot etc.) but FIIL is always the one that gets played...definitely their worst for me.
It is just awful, I've no issues with the poppier side of their work (Love Cats, Close to Me, Caterpillar, Hot/Hot/Hot etc.) but FIIL is always the one that gets played...definitely their worst for me.
Roll To Me by Del Amitri. It's not a horrendous track, but definitely "made for radio" and from a couple of comments by the lead singer (Justin Currie) at gigs I've been to, the band aren't massive fans of it either 
They've made some truly brilliant songs (Nothing Ever Happens, Be My Downfall, Close Your Eyes and Think Of England) and for those not to have even half the attention is a massive shame.
They've made some truly brilliant songs (Nothing Ever Happens, Be My Downfall, Close Your Eyes and Think Of England) and for those not to have even half the attention is a massive shame.
I guess record labels want some accessible stuff that'll get a lot of engagament, so that's what they push as singles. Also, worth considering that an easy-to-engage-with three minute single can be a gateway to the cleverer stuff for people who would never otherwise have discovered it. There's a fine line to be trod between art and commerce.
Wilmslowboy said:
toon10 said:
James Sit down. Brilliant band with a huge back catalogue of great tracks but the one they are known for is not that great. OK maybe not the worst track they've done but definitely not their best.
This ^^^^Same for Whole of the moon and The Waterboys
My candidate would be "Karma Chamelon" by Culture Club - I actually HATE that song!
"Don't You Want Me" by the Human League, while far from their worst overall, is the worst track on Dare.
Oh, and probably the song I hate the most is Brian Adam's "Everything I do" - He's not really to my taste overall, but EVERYTHING I've heard by him is better!
M
Edited by marcosgt on Friday 30th May 12:37
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