There is a certain musical formula required in order to create an instant hit. But for some reason, some songs slip through the cracks, and then what's even more baffling is that these songs hit number one. These songs either rely on an incredible gimmick, perhaps a dance routine or an animated frog. Others are just terrible songs. But what were the worst number ones? Well, that's what we'll try to get to the bottom of. Taken strictly as songs, stripping away all gimmicks or the intentions behind their release, none of them deserved to hit number as they're all quite subpar songs. But why stall any longer, on with the show.
50. Robbie Williams: Millennium (1998)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcWOviMI6Lk What is that chorus? I dont even know. Released to coincide with the upcoming turn of the millennium, it was clear Williams wanted a sure fire hit. Now the production isnt horrible and the vocal isnt bad, by Williams standards. But the chorus is painful to endure, as is the outro. It doesnt even sound like him. The song is also horribly repetitive, which only really works if what youre repeating is actually any good. Williams has had much stronger songs where he is clearly in his comfort song, but I cant escape the feeling that Millennium was released as up to that point he had failed to land a number one on his own.
49. The Wanted: All Time Low (2010)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0LV_bETEzs Apparently, The Wanteds debut hit was shunned by a majority of radio stations, leaving a rather sour taste in their mouth. But can you really blame them? The lyrics are horrible, and the vocal delivery is rather bland. The songs second half is undoubtedly stronger than the first half, but only because the chorus pack that extra punch needed. Ballads have never been the strongest tool in their arsenal, so to kick off their career with a subpar mid tempo number was not a wise move. Its no surprise Glad You Came served as their debut single worldwide, as its a much stronger number that doesnt showcase the bands weakest assets.
48. Take That: Babe (1993)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MviFdVHltEM One of Take Thats weakest hits. Ive always found a majority of their songs which place Mark Owen at the forefront are quite lacklustre, despite his strong vocal. However, in order to show some type of fragility and vulnerability to his voice, Owen decides to whisper and mumble his way through a majority of his lines. Its quite a heinous crime, as the production is very lazy and dreary, thus his vocal offers nothing to the song. Owen nowadays reserves his voice for the upbeat numbers, leaving Gary Barlow to helm a majority of the bands ballads, and I cant help but think that this dismal effort is the reason why.
47. Hanson: MMMBop (1997)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHozn0YXAeE MMMBop was undoubtedly one of the biggest hits of the 1990s, but its actually quite a subpar song. The vocals are very strained, especially in the lacklustre verses. The chorus is able to salvage some credibility, but only because the bands harmonies chirp in and cover up the stretched lead vocalist. Nonetheless, the music is fun and engaging, so all is not list. But the vocal performance leaves a lot to be desired. Towards the end of the song, the backing vocalist is able to showcase his voice, and it actually asks the question that perhaps hed be able to deliver a much stronger performance.
46. Spice Girls: Too Much (1997)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4VoZ6afztc Aside from being their most forgettable hit, Too Much is also the Spice Girls blandest single to hit number one (I cant say blandest ever because Headlines (Friendship Never Ends) deserves that accolade). Its incredibly beige for a single, with very little that makes in stand out. Stop was a much more deserving number one. Sporty Spice is the only saving grace of this song, who manages to inject some life into her short lived verses. The chorus is incredibly dreary and mind numbingly dull, whilst the production offers very little in terms of variation, or decency for that matter.