In a throwback to a 2003 public poll conducted by Channel 4, the results of which were broadcast in January 2004, a countdown of the 'worst singles of all time' revealed a fascinating mix of pop culture hits, including some unexpected chart-toppers and a classic emotional single by Elton John.
Elton John's track was surprisingly listed as the fourth worst song ever.
The countdown was a testament to the subjective nature of musical taste, as it placed songs that were both commercially successful and critically divisive on the same list.
Among the top 10 were hits like Jennifer Lopez's 'Jenny From The Block' (2002), which reached number 3 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and was intended to show her Bronx roots but was widely parodied.
Billy Ray Cyrus's 1992 global hit 'Achy Breaky Heart' was also on the list at number 9, despite selling over a million copies and sparking a line-dancing craze.
The Danish-Norwegian group Aqua's 'Barbie Girl' (1997), a defining novelty hit of the 1990s, came in at number 8.
The song topped the UK Singles Chart for four weeks and even led to a trademark infringement lawsuit from Mattel, which was later dismissed.
At number 7 was Billie Piper's 'Because We Want To' (1998), which made her the youngest solo artist to debut at number one on the UK Singles Chart at just 15 years old.
Despite its commercial success, its 'youthful exuberance' earned it a spot on the list.
The countdown highlighted how public opinion can sometimes contradict commercial success, creating a treasure trove of pop culture oddities.
Elton John's track was surprisingly listed as the fourth worst song ever.
The countdown was a testament to the subjective nature of musical taste, as it placed songs that were both commercially successful and critically divisive on the same list.
Among the top 10 were hits like Jennifer Lopez's 'Jenny From The Block' (2002), which reached number 3 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and was intended to show her Bronx roots but was widely parodied.
Billy Ray Cyrus's 1992 global hit 'Achy Breaky Heart' was also on the list at number 9, despite selling over a million copies and sparking a line-dancing craze.
The Danish-Norwegian group Aqua's 'Barbie Girl' (1997), a defining novelty hit of the 1990s, came in at number 8.
The song topped the UK Singles Chart for four weeks and even led to a trademark infringement lawsuit from Mattel, which was later dismissed.
At number 7 was Billie Piper's 'Because We Want To' (1998), which made her the youngest solo artist to debut at number one on the UK Singles Chart at just 15 years old.
Despite its commercial success, its 'youthful exuberance' earned it a spot on the list.
The countdown highlighted how public opinion can sometimes contradict commercial success, creating a treasure trove of pop culture oddities.
