Nothing transports you back to neon lights and shoulder pads like the tunes of the 1980s, but some of those songs make us cringe now more than ever. These cringeworthy tracks ruled the charts once, but today, their cheesy lyrics, overproduced sound, or tone-deaf content feel downright embarrassing. Whether you loved them then or now, wonder how they ever seemed cool, here are five major ’80s hits that still have us cringing. Buckle up for a trip down memory lane—to the land of questionable music choices.
1. “We Built This City” – Starship
“We Built This City” hit No. 1 in 1985, but today’s listeners call it the worst song of all time. Its overly slick production and muddled lyrics—criticized as anti-corporate drivel wrapped in corporate sheen—just don’t hold up. Blender magazine even crowned it “the most detested song in human history.” Despite its chart success, the song has become a punchline for everything wrong with mid‑’80s pop. Nostalgic? Maybe. Cringe‑worthy? Absolutely.
2. “Agadoo” – Black Lace
This novelty hit from 1984 reached No. 2 in the UK, but was later dubbed “magnificently dreadful” in a Q magazine poll. Its repetitive, conga-party lyrics made “Agadoo” a sock-hop disaster—so embarrassing that even BBC Radio 1 refused to play it. Yet the band leaned into the mockery, building a cult following and even celebrating “Agadoo Day.” Sure, it’s catchy in a guilty-pleasure kind of way—but “cringeworthy” fits it perfectly.
3. “Sussudio” – Phil Collins
Phil Collins’ 1985 banger “Sussudio” may still get toes tapping, but its fake-word chorus (“Sussudio!”) has long been singled out as one of the ‘80s’ most cringe lyrics. Critics slammed it as “insipid” and “indefensibly stupid.” Collins fans may call it a nostalgic disco-funk homage, but many listeners now cringe at its empty charisma. This juxtaposition—catchy beat with cringeworthy chorus—is why “Sussudio” still sparks eye-rolls today.
4. “Kokomo” – The Beach Boys
A surprise hit in 1988, “Kokomo” marked a low point for The Beach Boys. Critics blasted it as “smarmy vintage pop” and dubbed it the “worst summer song ever.” The accompanying music video, featuring bikinis and cheesy Caribbean vibes, landed on NME’s list of worst-ever videos. Sublime nostalgia? Maybe. But to many, its ultra‑yuppie vibe and syrupy sound secure its status as endlessly cringeworthy.
5. “The Lady in Red” – Chris de Burgh
Loved by romantics in 1986, “The Lady in Red” now inspires groans more than declarations of love. It was voted among the top ten most annoying songs ever in UK polls. Critics call it overly sentimental, cloying, and “not the best song” even by its creator’s admission. Weddings and elevator playlists still push this saccharine ballad, but it racks up major cringe points now.
Ready to Reevaluate Your ’80s Playlist?
Before you hit play, ask yourself: nostalgia trip or cringe trip? Revisiting ‘80s jams can be fun, but keep a critical ear for cheesy lyrics, dated production, or endless repetition. Better yet, curate your own “guilty pleasures” playlist—only what you truly enjoy, cringe included. That way, you own your nostalgia, not cringe at it.
Which ’80s song still makes you cringe today—and do any of your guilty-pleasure tracks belong on this list? Share below!
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Amanda Blankenship is the Chief Editor for District Media. With a BA in journalism from Wingate University, she frequently writes for a handful of websites and loves to share her own personal finance story with others. When she isn’t typing away at her desk, she enjoys spending time with her daughter, son, husband, and dog. During her free time, you’re likely to find her with her nose in a book, hiking, or playing RPG video games.
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