by Mia Schoenbeck
So many songs have drifted across the radio waves this year. Here, we celebrate the worst, most awful ones that kept popping up on the radio or in the hallways, no matter how much we wished they’d stop.
#5
“Despacito” – Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee feat. Justin Bieber
Honestly, this is only on the list because of Justin Bieber’s unnecessary solo. Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee are both amazing, but Justin Bieber’s airy, apathetic vocals at the beginning bring down the song whenever this version plays on the radio. Also, I normally try not to let the character of the singer affect my listening to the song, but hearing him disrespect two amazing artists the way he did makes me like this version of the song even more. I love “Despacito,” but I despise Justin Bieber.
#4
“Versace On The Floor” – Bruno Mars
This was … boring. “24k Magic” and “That’s What I Like” were both exciting and upbeat, challenging the darker tone of music this year. So when I heard “Versace On The Floor,” I was underwhelmed. It almost reminded me of “Just the Way You Are,” except not in “Pitch Perfect.” At least Bruno Mars sounds like he knows what he’s talking about when it comes to romance, unlike Shawn Mendes and Charlie Puth.
#3
“Strip That Down” – Liam Payne feat. Quavo
This was a One Direction song sang by one artist. The format cheapened what could have been a halfway decent song into something that just felt dishonest. If you’re looking for a better version of this song, look no further than “Slow Hands” by Niall Horan. At least he knows what being a solo artist means, and performed a song meant for one person. And no, I don’t mean that Quavo being a featured artist resulted in the mess that was “Strip That Down.” I mean that “Strip That Down” would sound better if it was sung by a group called One Direction.
#2
“Body Like A Backroad” – Sam Hunt
I feel bad putting this on here, since I have a genuine like for this song. Unfortunately, “bro-country” has taken over, and I need to address it. “Body Like A Backroad” is the latest in country music that falls into a tired genre that can’t get over trucks, guns, and girls. Sure, it’s cool that hip-hop and country have intersections, but this song just doesn’t capture the spirit of classic Johnny Cash or Creedence Clearwater Revival. It’s hard for me to say “I hate country,” but with songs like this and “Cruise” by Florida Georgia Line, I can see why country music has its haters.
#1
“What About Us”- P!nk
Another fake empowerment ballad from the queen of fake empowerment ballads herself. P!nk tries so hard to be inspiring and emotional, but she just doesn’t get that synth-pop that sounds the same as other songs on the radio with a worn-out message (that borrows from “High School Musical,” of all things) sounds vapid and cliche. Kesha’s “Praying” was more empowering in the first few notes than in all of P!nk’s “What About Us.” “What About Us” was boring, cliché, and worst of all, fake. I took more offense to it than any other bad song out there (and yes, I’m including “Juju On That Beat”).
