Top 10 Great Songs RUINED by a DISGRACED Musician
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Top 10 Great Songs RUINED by a DISGRACED Musician
Welcome to WatchMojo, and today were counting down our picks for the most beloved songs that have become uncomfortable to revisit due to controversies surrounding the musicians behind them.
Originally set for release on September 11th 2001, this Ryan Adams song was postponed till November following the terrorist attacks. Despite the delay, New York, New York became an unexpected anthem for the shaken city, symbolizing its resilience and hope in the face of the tragedy. But the song has since become harder to enjoy after sexual misconduct allegations surfaced against Adams. In 2019, several women, including his ex-wife Mandy Moore, accused him of sexual harassment and emotionally manipulative behavior. Although Adams initially denied the allegations, he later admitted wrongdoing and apologized. Nevertheless, the feel-good New York, New York that once lifted peoples spirits, now carries the weight of Adams tarnished reputation.
After kicking off his career in the early 1950s, Jerry Lee Lewis scored his first major hit in 1957 with a cover of Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On. Famous for its energetic piano riffs and Lewis fiery performance, the song became a rockabilly classic and catapulted Lewis to international fame. Just one year later, while on a tour in Britain, it was revealed that Lewis had married his teenage cousin, Myra Gale Brown. This news damaged his rising career and yanked him away from the spotlight. The songs popularity also waned, as many couldnt listen to it without being reminded of the scandal surrounding the man who breathed new life into it.
Theres no question that Stronger was a massive hit when it dropped in 2007. Its blend of hip-hop and futuristic electronica beats was groundbreaking and propelled the song to the top of the Billboard Hot 100. But what was initially an anthem of self-empowerment and emancipation has now taken on a different vibe, amid Kanye Wests erratic behavior, controversial comments and troubling affiliations. Its hard to bop to a track that symbolized the future of hip-hop when the artist behind it now seems to represent divisive rhetoric that only pulls us back to the past. Dont get us wrong, the song still slaps, but its once empowering message has been drowned out by the noise of Wests seemingly never-ending scandals.
In November 2023, Sean Diddy Combs career essentially crumbled after his former girlfriend, singer Cassie, filed a lawsuit accusing him of physical and sexual assault. This opened the floodgates to a deluge of allegations from other women. Among them was Dawn Richard, a member of the musical trio Diddy Dirty Money, which also included Combs and singer Kalenna Harper. The groups most successful single was Coming Home, an uplifting song about returning to ones roots that was celebrated for its lyrics of triumph and survival. But those powerful themes have been overshadowed by the serious accusations surrounding Combs. Richard, in particular, who collaborated with Combs on the song, has claimed that he threatened and groped her during their time working together.
Today, Charles Manson is widely known as the cult leader who was held responsible for the TateLaBianca murders. But what many do not know is that Manson was also a musician. In his early attempts to get his career off the ground, Manson penned a song titled Cease to Exist for the Beach Boys. The band later tweaked the music and lyrics, releasing it in 1968 as Never Learn Not to Love. Less than a year later, Manson and his Family would go on to carry out the infamous murders. While the track itself is a mellow, introspective piece, its association with Mansons disturbing actions has made it a challenging listen, as it now serves as a reminder of one of historys darkest chapters.
The duo of singer-songwriter CeeLo Green and producer Danger Mouse created the infectious hit Crazy, which captivated listeners worldwide with its blend of R&B, funk and psychedelic sounds. The songs acclaim is undeniable; it won a Grammy and was the UKs best-selling single of 2006. However, its achievements have become eclipsed by the controversies surrounding one half of the duo. In 2014, Green pleaded no contest to charges related to drugging and sexually assaulting a woman. He received even more backlash when he put out a series of tweets attempting to redefine sexual assault. This controversy has tainted the songs legacy for some, reflecting the broader issue of how exactly to engage with art created by problematic figures.
Perhaps more than any other song, California Dreamin by the Mamas & the Papas captures that longing for sunshine and warmth, a dream of escaping winters gloom for the West Coast. It was written by band members, and married couple, John and Michelle Phillips. But while many have that relationship to thank for this tune, Johns daughter, Mackenzie, has made claims that cast a troubling shadow over her fathers work. In 2009, Mackenzie alleged that she and Phillips shared a 10-year sexual relationship that began with a sexual assault incident. Although some family members deny the accusations, the contrast between the dreamy escape the song offers and Mackenzies disturbing claims has made it harder for some to separate the art from the artist.
Six years after their formation, this Welsh alt rock band landed their first bonafide hit in 2003 with Last Train Home. The track cracked the top 10 in the UK and topped the Alternative Songs chart in the U.S., quickly turning lead singer Ian Watkins into a star. But Watkins terribly misused his platform, engaging in illegal conduct with minors and possessing highly inappropriate material. He was arrested for these crimes and in 2013, was sentenced to 29 years in prison. For many fans, knowing Watkins co-wrote and performed this song they once held dear has completely ruined it. Now, Last Train Home comes with baggage that just makes it hard to enjoy in the same way.
Even back in 2013, when this song was released, Lady Gagas choice to feature R. Kelly was already controversial. Although Kelly had been acquitted of sexual misconduct charges, rumors about him still persisted. And for a song about people trying to control and exploit her image, Kelly was clearly the worst possible collaborator. Nevertheless, Gaga initially defended her decision, dismissing some of the rumors as very untrue. She later acknowledged her error in judgment in 2019, following the release of the Lifetime documentary Surviving R. Kelly, and apologized for the collaboration. Since then, the version featuring Kelly has been pulled from streaming platforms and replaced by a much more dignified rendition with Christina Aguilera.
Although Gary Glitter had multiple top 10 hits in the UK, his only major success in the U.S. came in 1972 with his two-part single Rock and Roll. Over time, the second part of the song became a staple at sporting events in the U.S., frequently playing during NFL and NHL games. However, beginning in 1999, Glitter was convicted of multiple sex offenses involving minors. As a result, many sporting venues, teams and broadcasters stopped using Rock and Roll, in a bid to distance themselves from the singers tarnished image. Listening to the song now often triggers discomfort among fans, as many associate it not with nostalgia, but with Glitters reprehensible actions.
Are there any of your favorite songs you hesitate to revisit due to a controversy involving the artist? Let us know in the comments below.
Welcome to WatchMojo, and today were counting down our picks for the most beloved songs that have become uncomfortable to revisit due to controversies surrounding the musicians behind them.
#10: New York, New York (2001)
Ryan AdamsOriginally set for release on September 11th 2001, this Ryan Adams song was postponed till November following the terrorist attacks. Despite the delay, New York, New York became an unexpected anthem for the shaken city, symbolizing its resilience and hope in the face of the tragedy. But the song has since become harder to enjoy after sexual misconduct allegations surfaced against Adams. In 2019, several women, including his ex-wife Mandy Moore, accused him of sexual harassment and emotionally manipulative behavior. Although Adams initially denied the allegations, he later admitted wrongdoing and apologized. Nevertheless, the feel-good New York, New York that once lifted peoples spirits, now carries the weight of Adams tarnished reputation.
#9: Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On (1957)
Jerry Lee LewisAfter kicking off his career in the early 1950s, Jerry Lee Lewis scored his first major hit in 1957 with a cover of Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On. Famous for its energetic piano riffs and Lewis fiery performance, the song became a rockabilly classic and catapulted Lewis to international fame. Just one year later, while on a tour in Britain, it was revealed that Lewis had married his teenage cousin, Myra Gale Brown. This news damaged his rising career and yanked him away from the spotlight. The songs popularity also waned, as many couldnt listen to it without being reminded of the scandal surrounding the man who breathed new life into it.
#8: Stronger (2007)
Kanye WestTheres no question that Stronger was a massive hit when it dropped in 2007. Its blend of hip-hop and futuristic electronica beats was groundbreaking and propelled the song to the top of the Billboard Hot 100. But what was initially an anthem of self-empowerment and emancipation has now taken on a different vibe, amid Kanye Wests erratic behavior, controversial comments and troubling affiliations. Its hard to bop to a track that symbolized the future of hip-hop when the artist behind it now seems to represent divisive rhetoric that only pulls us back to the past. Dont get us wrong, the song still slaps, but its once empowering message has been drowned out by the noise of Wests seemingly never-ending scandals.
#7: Coming Home (2010)
Diddy Dirty Money feat. Skylar GreyIn November 2023, Sean Diddy Combs career essentially crumbled after his former girlfriend, singer Cassie, filed a lawsuit accusing him of physical and sexual assault. This opened the floodgates to a deluge of allegations from other women. Among them was Dawn Richard, a member of the musical trio Diddy Dirty Money, which also included Combs and singer Kalenna Harper. The groups most successful single was Coming Home, an uplifting song about returning to ones roots that was celebrated for its lyrics of triumph and survival. But those powerful themes have been overshadowed by the serious accusations surrounding Combs. Richard, in particular, who collaborated with Combs on the song, has claimed that he threatened and groped her during their time working together.
#6: Never Learn Not to Love (1968)
The Beach BoysToday, Charles Manson is widely known as the cult leader who was held responsible for the TateLaBianca murders. But what many do not know is that Manson was also a musician. In his early attempts to get his career off the ground, Manson penned a song titled Cease to Exist for the Beach Boys. The band later tweaked the music and lyrics, releasing it in 1968 as Never Learn Not to Love. Less than a year later, Manson and his Family would go on to carry out the infamous murders. While the track itself is a mellow, introspective piece, its association with Mansons disturbing actions has made it a challenging listen, as it now serves as a reminder of one of historys darkest chapters.
#5: Crazy (2006)
Gnarls BarkleyThe duo of singer-songwriter CeeLo Green and producer Danger Mouse created the infectious hit Crazy, which captivated listeners worldwide with its blend of R&B, funk and psychedelic sounds. The songs acclaim is undeniable; it won a Grammy and was the UKs best-selling single of 2006. However, its achievements have become eclipsed by the controversies surrounding one half of the duo. In 2014, Green pleaded no contest to charges related to drugging and sexually assaulting a woman. He received even more backlash when he put out a series of tweets attempting to redefine sexual assault. This controversy has tainted the songs legacy for some, reflecting the broader issue of how exactly to engage with art created by problematic figures.
#4: California Dreamin' (1965)
The Mamas & the PapasPerhaps more than any other song, California Dreamin by the Mamas & the Papas captures that longing for sunshine and warmth, a dream of escaping winters gloom for the West Coast. It was written by band members, and married couple, John and Michelle Phillips. But while many have that relationship to thank for this tune, Johns daughter, Mackenzie, has made claims that cast a troubling shadow over her fathers work. In 2009, Mackenzie alleged that she and Phillips shared a 10-year sexual relationship that began with a sexual assault incident. Although some family members deny the accusations, the contrast between the dreamy escape the song offers and Mackenzies disturbing claims has made it harder for some to separate the art from the artist.
#3: Last Train Home (2003)
LostprophetsSix years after their formation, this Welsh alt rock band landed their first bonafide hit in 2003 with Last Train Home. The track cracked the top 10 in the UK and topped the Alternative Songs chart in the U.S., quickly turning lead singer Ian Watkins into a star. But Watkins terribly misused his platform, engaging in illegal conduct with minors and possessing highly inappropriate material. He was arrested for these crimes and in 2013, was sentenced to 29 years in prison. For many fans, knowing Watkins co-wrote and performed this song they once held dear has completely ruined it. Now, Last Train Home comes with baggage that just makes it hard to enjoy in the same way.
#2: Do What U Want (2013)
Lady Gaga feat. R. KellyEven back in 2013, when this song was released, Lady Gagas choice to feature R. Kelly was already controversial. Although Kelly had been acquitted of sexual misconduct charges, rumors about him still persisted. And for a song about people trying to control and exploit her image, Kelly was clearly the worst possible collaborator. Nevertheless, Gaga initially defended her decision, dismissing some of the rumors as very untrue. She later acknowledged her error in judgment in 2019, following the release of the Lifetime documentary Surviving R. Kelly, and apologized for the collaboration. Since then, the version featuring Kelly has been pulled from streaming platforms and replaced by a much more dignified rendition with Christina Aguilera.
#1: Rock and Roll (1972)
Gary GlitterAlthough Gary Glitter had multiple top 10 hits in the UK, his only major success in the U.S. came in 1972 with his two-part single Rock and Roll. Over time, the second part of the song became a staple at sporting events in the U.S., frequently playing during NFL and NHL games. However, beginning in 1999, Glitter was convicted of multiple sex offenses involving minors. As a result, many sporting venues, teams and broadcasters stopped using Rock and Roll, in a bid to distance themselves from the singers tarnished image. Listening to the song now often triggers discomfort among fans, as many associate it not with nostalgia, but with Glitters reprehensible actions.
Are there any of your favorite songs you hesitate to revisit due to a controversy involving the artist? Let us know in the comments below.
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