3 Bad Classic Songs That Got Famous Just Because Of The Artist
Even music legends struggle to stay consistent; regardless of how many hits they have produced, even the greatest musicians have bad days. Let’s look at three timeless examples of songs that failed, even though they were written by incredibly skilled musicians.
1. Brian Wilson – “Smart Girls”
“Smart Girls” is evidence that even legendary people have bad days, even if it’s hard to imagine Brian Wilson, the mastermind behind The Beach Boys, could fall short. This 1991 “lost” single was Wilson’s attempt at a hip-hop song, fusing his trademark harmonies with rap.
The outcome? A campy experiment that lasts four minutes and is more confusing than catchy. Wilson’s eagerness to venture outside of his comfort zone may be admirable, but “Smart Girls” comes across more as a novelty act than as a true artistic endeavor. Though it’s not something you’ll listen to repeatedly, it’s definitely worth listening to—just to think it exists.
2. Lou Reed and Metallica – “Iced Honey”
Fans were anticipating something revolutionary when Lou Reed and Metallica collaborated on their 2011 album Lulu. Instead, they received … well, “something.” One notable blunder is “Iced Honey,” a song that aptly captures the peculiar collision of heavy metal and spoken-word poetry.
The combination left both fans and critics perplexed, and the album received a lot of negative reviews. Lulu has developed a small cult following among ardent admirers over time, but “Iced Honey” is still difficult to market. You might want to pass on this one unless you enjoy avant-garde experiments.
3. Bob Dylan – “Wiggle Wiggle”
Despite his undeniable talent as a songwriter, Bob Dylan occasionally leaves his fans perplexed. “Wiggle Wiggle” from his 1990 album Under the Red Sky serves as an example.
The words of this oddball song are as ridiculous as the title, and it sounds more like a joke than a genuine attempt. Slash, who played guitar on the song, even described the recording process as “such an awful experience.” Dylan’s experiments usually pay off, but this one fell right into the “what were you thinking?” category.
