When it comes to debating the merits of John Lennon’s “Imagine,” the world definitely does not live as one.
In late October, British music fan Edward Carter compiled a giant list of 337 nominations for the worst songs of all time from responses he got to a tweet requesting fellow music-fan input. Lennon’s 1971 ballad was mentioned regularly, but Post readers’ opinions were split down the middle.
“I thought I was the only one who can’t stand to hear this song,” said Rebecca Reed. “I find it so depressing, and will practically break my leg running to change the radio station when it comes on.”
Raymond Smith agreed. “Thought it was great when I was a kid. I listen to it now and it sounds like it was written by a 6-year-old,” he said.
But Lennon fans defended “Imagine” with equal fervor. Adam Hendricks praised the “positive sentiment” behind the lyrics, while Deborah Lindo Zingg called it a “prophets [sic] message.”
Post readers also gave us their own nominations for worst songs of all time, and here are some of the biggest offenders.
Starship: “We Built This City”
When even the co-singer of the song, Grace Slick (second from right), calls it “the worst song ever” (as she did in a Vanity Fair interview in 2012), it has to be pretty bad.
USA for Africa: “We Are the World”
The charitable intentions couldn’t hide what a stinker of a song it was. Prince knew it and, despite huge criticism at the time, wisely refused to take part.
Barenaked Ladies: “One Week”
Reader Heather Pink referred to this simply as the song “about Chinese chicken.” It’s not actually about that, but Barenaked Ladies’ one big hit is so heinously grating, it’s enough to spark eye rolls of recognition all ’round.
Bobby McFerrin: “Don’t Worry, Be Happy”
Righteously blasted in the lyrics of “Fight the Power” by Public Enemy, McFerrin’s whimsical a cappella hit also attracted withering criticism by reader Dave Richard, who regarded it as a “real steaming pile of crap.”
Terry Jacks: “Seasons in the Sun”
Adapted from a Jacques Brel song, Jacks’ wimpy delivery and the cornball lyrics about a man reflecting on his life make it one for the pop morgue.
Berlin: “Take My Breath Away”
For fans of “Top Gun,” it’s the song that signifies the on-screen passion of Tom Cruise and Kelly McGillis. For readers like John Farrell, it’s merely “vomit-inducing crap.”
Rick Dees and His Cast of Idiots: “Disco Duck”
A novelty No. 1 hit for radio DJ Dees in 1976, this maddeningly irritating hit marks where disco truly did suck.
Steve Miller Band: “The Joker”
Keeping classic-rock radio stations in business since 1973.
Baha Men: “Who Let the Dogs Out”
Fun for about two weeks in 2000, when it came out. The bane of music fans the world over in the 16 years since.
Piko-Taro: “PPAP”
In October, this Japanese comic made chart history when his 45-second viral hit became the shortest song ever on the Billboard Hot 100. It’s still long enough to be massively aggravating.
The Hues Corporation: “Rock the Boat”
Looking back, this early disco single feels so thin, it’s practically invisible.
Eddie Murphy: “Party All the Time”
Much mocked, but Murphy’s hit — written and produced by Rick James — is exasperatingly catchy.
Nena: “99 Luftballons”
Look closely, and “99 Luftballons” actually reveals itself as a song about nuclear apocalypse, but that subtlety was lost under the annoying melody.
The Beatles: “Hey Jude”
Paul McCartney famously does three-hour live sets these days. But two and a half of them is him singing the “na na na na” part of “Hey Jude.”
Bryan Adams: “(Everything I Do) I Do It for You”
Any marriage is deemed legally null and void without a playing of this song at the wedding.
Men Without Hats: “The Safety Dance”
This ’80s electro-pop track was always pretty lame — and its case wasn’t helped by the stupid dancing in the video.
Los del Río: “Macarena”
The dance craze that still rears its ugly head every summer.
Billy Ray Cyrus: “Achy Breaky Heart”
Cyrus might be cool again, but for many, that doesn’t forgive him this original sin.
Europe: “The Final Countdown”
The absolute nadir of bombastic ’80s poodle-rock. Now fittingly used in car-insurance commercials.
Desiigner: “Panda”
The Brooklyn MC’s mumbling No. 1 hit was a target for some confused readers. “The words don’t even make sense,” complained Jennifer Smith.