Successful pop music is not always good pop music. Many of us know that intuitively, but it doesn't really sink in until there is a particular song we wish would go away. Here are 10 that I have chosen (with the indispensable assistance of Daniel Wolfe) as the songs I think we've heard enough times already. Without further adieu...the 10 most annoying pop songs of 2006:
1. Paris Hilton - Stars Are Blind
The only justification for this song's presence on pop radio in the summer of 2006 that I heard was that it didn't turn out as badly as expected. That is no reason to turn a song into a hit. Thankfully, it seems that Paris Hilton has moved on from her dreams of being a pop star. She has moved on to befriending the post-K-Fed Britney Spears.
Note to Britney: Keep Paris far from the studio.
If you want to hear what may have attracted you to "Stars Are Blind" as recorded by a quality pop act, download a copy of Blondie's "The Tide Is High" and enjoy.
2. Eminem featuring Nate Dogg - Shake That
One of the most annoying aspects of this song is that the beat really is catchy. That seems the only explanation of why this song became a sizable hit. Ugly misogyny really has no legitimate place on pop radio.
3. Evanescence - Call Me When You're Sober
It was good to hear the voice of Amy Lee from Evanescence back on the radio this fall...for the first 3 or 4 times. After play 12 or 13 it all just sounds like unnecessary histrionics. Let's dig down deep for something new in the Evanescence repertoire.
4. Yung Joc - It's Goin' Down
Yeah, I got it the first time...wherever I may happen to be, it's goin' down! The snap genre is heading toward the annoyance level of overplayed disco in late 1979.
5. Blue October - Hate Me
Why oh why should clinical self loathing be trotted out as 3 minute pop song soap opera? Ick.
6. Fergie - London Bridge
Fergie captured the dubious honor of topping this list in 2005 with the pop wonder that was "My Humps." Her solo debut on "London Bridge" was annoying as well, but she had some real competition judging by those songs that beat her to the top.
On the positive side for Fergie, don't let "London Bridge" dissuade you from checking out her album The Dutchess...it is everything that this song isn't...fun, sexy, etc.
7. Ne-Yo - When You're Mad
Ne-Yo had a deservedly outstanding year as both an artist and a songwriter. However, I think he may want to forget this clunker that was buried between the memorable hits "So Sick" and "Sexy Love." Even if you think it's kinda hot when your girlfriend or wife gets upset, isn't that something to keep to yourself instead of sowing strife in the relationships of complete strangers?
8. Bo Bice - The Real Thing
Bo, in case you haven't figured it out, the world really only needs one Jon Bon Jovi. He is already larger than life on his own. Unfortunately, the seemingly self-assured Bo Bice from American Idol fame got lost in a musical no-man's land on his first solo album. "The Real Thing" had a longer life than it deserved as soft rock filler music.
9. Beyonce - Ring the Alarm
Yes, it caught our attention, and yes, it possibly helped save B'Day from sinking out of the public eye before we all got to rejoice in the splendor that is "Irreplaceable." However, those sirens, that maniacal Sharon Stone shtick in the video...it was all a bit much.
10. James Blunt - You're Beautiful
Once upon a time...in the early part of the year...it seemed that James Blunt had the annoying song category sewn up with this song. Little did we know what was to come. This song truly is accomplished and is beautiful, but that voice should come with a warning label about taking it in small doses.
