Worst Song Ever?

What makes a great song? Not only should it have great chords, melodies, and lyrics, but it also should create some sort of reaction, or evoke a specific emotion. But can’t the same be said for a song that was voted by Rolling Stone magazine as the worst song of the 1980s? But this song was co-written by Bernie Taupin and Martin Page, two very good songwriters. But this song was performed by a band that had many big songs in the 1960s and 1970s. But this song went to number one on the Billboard Top 100 charts on this day in 1985. This song is “We Built This City” by Starship.

After a successful run as Jefferson Airplane and Jefferson Starship, co-vocalists Grace Slick and Mickey Thomas decided to outsource the songwriting, because as they put it, “Doesn’t every band want hits? We did.” In came Taupin who of course was wildly successful in his songwriting with Elton John for years, and Page, who also worked with major artists including Robbie Robertson, Heart and so many more. The song was originally intended as a lament against the closure of many live music clubs in Los Angeles.

Upon its release, critics said that this “unusual rock ‘n’ roll anthem is as wise as it is rebellious” and “an ear-catching tune” that is “dance rock with sharp hooks”. Radio and consumers agreed. The song went Gold in the US and Platinum in the UK and helped the album, Knee Deep in the Hoopla, sell over 1 million albums in the US alone.

So let’s dive into it - While Taupin and Page get writing credits, it wasn’t until Peter Wolf got a hold of it and turned it into a synthesized pop hit. The Synclavier was cutting-edge back then. The band didn’t feel like they were selling out; “We felt like we were trying to land a man on the moon.”

The behind the scenes are pretty ugly - Grace Slick just wanted to make a shit ton of money and retire, she wanted hit songs, but even this one made her stomach churn. “Oh, you’re shitting me, that’s the worst song ever.” Pete Sears, the bass player with the band ever since 1974 said, “That album for me, was musical hell.” And don’t get people started on the line: “Marconi plays the mamba, listen to the radio..” Was it mamba? Was it mambo? In 1985, you didn’t care, you just sang along.

Many involved still defend the song. Martin Page said, “The song is like Mickey Mouse. People want to knock it and they want to love it. It’s iconic, like Mickey’s ears. The moment it comes on, people go, ‘I know that. I love that.” Mickey Thomas still does shows and the most popular song he performs is still “We Built This City”.

You could make the argument that the song purports to be anti-commercial but it reeks of ‘80s corporate-rock commercialism. Was it a reflection of what practically killed rock music in the ‘80s? Were we turned off by the fact that this is somewhat of the same band that released songs like “White Rabbit” and “Somebody to Love”? The times they were a changing, as were band members and tastes.

But is this the worst song ever? No, it’s not. I can’t tell you what it is (“Achy Breaky Heart” or “I’d Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That)” do come to mind). But “We Built This City” certainly is not the worst.

What do you think? Love it? Hate it? Neutral about it?