4 of the Most Skippable Songs on Otherwise Legendary Classic Rock Albums

Great Albums, Not-So-Great Tracks

Even the best albums in rock history aren’t flawless. Some of the most celebrated records feature songs that just don’t hold up — whether because of awkward lyrics, uneven production, or simply being out of place. These are the tracks that most fans quietly skip, even while calling the rest of the album genius.

Here are four examples of classic rock records that remain incredible overall, despite having one song that doesn’t quite hit the mark.

“A Man Needs a Maid” by Neil Young on Harvest (1972)

Neil Young’s Harvest is often hailed as one of the defining folk rock albums of the 1970s. But the track “A Man Needs a Maid” hasn’t aged well. Even in its time, the song’s concept felt dated — and today, it’s one of the hardest Young songs to defend.

Some fans have tried to argue that the song was meant to reveal Young’s own insecurities, showing his emotional distance rather than promoting outdated ideas. Still, the lyrics make it difficult to tell whether he’s being self-aware or serious. The result is a song that feels awkwardly out of touch on an otherwise thoughtful album.

“Cars Are Cars” by Paul Simon on Hearts and Bones (1983)

Paul Simon’s Hearts and Bones is one of his most personal and musically rich solo albums. But “Cars Are Cars,” a mid-album track, feels like an odd detour. Simon once said Hearts and Bones marked the point when his songwriting “started to become more interesting,” yet this particular song doesn’t reflect that growth.

While it seems intended as a commentary on equality, the message gets lost in a confusing metaphor. Musically, it’s less dynamic than the rest of the album, and thematically, it falls short of Simon’s usual storytelling clarity. For most listeners, it’s the one track they tend to skip without hesitation.

“I Spy” by Pulp on Different Class (1995)

Pulp’s Different Class helped define the Britpop era, filled with sharp lyrics and clever social commentary. But “I Spy” stands out — and not in a good way. The song’s moody pacing and strange vocal delivery make it sound disconnected from the rest of the album.

Jarvis Cocker’s performance here feels forced, and the song’s narrative doesn’t quite land. Compared to tracks like “Common People” or “Disco 2000,” “I Spy” lacks the charm and lyrical wit that made Pulp famous. It’s not a terrible song, but it’s easily the least essential one on an otherwise brilliant record.

“Run for Your Life” by The Beatles on Rubber Soul (1965)

Rubber Soul is one of The Beatles’ most acclaimed albums — a creative leap that shaped modern pop and rock music. But “Run for Your Life,” the closing track, has long been criticized for its unsettling lyrics. John Lennon sings about threatening to kill a woman if she leaves him, giving the song an uncomfortable tone that overshadows its upbeat melody.

Even Lennon later admitted his dislike for it, once saying he “always hated” the song. With its dark theme and borrowed inspiration from Elvis Presley, “Run for Your Life” feels completely out of step with the rest of Rubber Soul, making it one of The Beatles’ most skippable tracks.