10 Hated Songs Much Better Than Their Reputations

"Shiny Happy People" has always garnered a bit of a reputation for being some of the most insipid alt-rock to come out of the genre's golden age. Interestingly enough, most of the initial rancor towards this song was delivered by the band members themselves rather than the fans.

R.E.M. frontman Michael Stipe has gone on record as hating the song and pointing out that it sounds like the band trying too hard to write a pop tune. However, that doesn't diminish the song's ability to get you out of a chipper mood. Right off the bat, this song has some of the stupidest lyrics the band have ever written, as they just talk about the idea of world peace amongst all people, who just happen to be shiny and happy.

While the song may not make you more intelligent after listening, the melody is still undeniably catchy, with fantastic guest vocals from Kate Pierson of the B-52's. It may not have been the band's most authentic tune, but the success it generated set the band up for more poignant material like "Everybody Hurts." The song is not the best example of R.E.M.'s real talent, but just try to get through one listen of this song and not nod your head with the rest of the band.