Top 30 Most Annoyingly Catchy Songs

Top 30 Annoyingly Catchy Songs


Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the most addictive songs with hooks so catchy, you’ll find yourself humming them whether you like it or not.

#30: “Mambo No. 5 (A Little Bit Of...)” (1999)

Lou Bega

Originally released by Cuban musician Dámaso Pérez Prado in 1950, this song received a Latin pop treatment from German singer Lou Bega that turned it into the ultimate earworm. This version is an upbeat, quirky tune with swingy brass riffs that make it instantly recognizable. Featuring a catchy trumpet-filled breakdown, a laundry list of women’s names and its own dance craze, it was custom made to get you hitting repeat. So it was no surprise that “Mambo No. 5” became an immediate summer hit, topping the charts in several countries and reaching the number three spot in the U.S. Even decades later, there’s still a little bit of “Mambo No. 5” playing in the back of our heads.

#29: “Shake It Off” (2014)

Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift’s pivot from country to pop was solidified with this 2014 single that seemed to follow you everywhere, no matter how fast you tried to run. Lyrically, the song talks about brushing off your haters, and the music itself practically dares you to ignore it. With a repetitive sing-along chorus, handclap bridge and saxophone breakdown that are simply impossible to forget, this track was designed to lodge itself in your brain. Naturally, it became a hit all over the world and is now Diamond certified in the U.S. Whether you’re tapping your foot to it or rolling your eyes at it, one thing’s for sure, you just can’t shake this song off.

#28: “Dragostea Din Tei” (2003)

O-Zone

Moldovan pop group O-Zone hit the jackpot in the summer of 2004 when their single “Dragostea Din Tei” became a global sensation. But that success came at a steep price: our collective sanity. The song first exploded in Europe, then later gained popularity in the U.S. due to the viral “Numa Numa” video. Its infectious hook is what really grabs you, basically forcing your brain to replay it on a loop. And the fact that you don’t know what you’re singing just makes it even more addictive. With over 12 million copies sold worldwide, “Dragostea Din Tei” seems to be the musical equivalent of glitter—you’ll find traces of it long after you think it’s gone.

#27: “I'm a Gummy Bear (The Gummy Bear Song)” (2007)

Gummibär

The novelty genre is populated with songs that are made specifically to burrow their way into your head. And this one succeeds exceedingly at that mission. Inspired by the gummy bear candy, the song’s bouncy, almost too-happy techno beats feel like a sugar rush straight to your ears. And the lyrics are just simple and bizarre enough to stick on the first listen. So far, “I’m a Gummy Bear” has been translated into over 40 languages, ensuring that no matter where you live, no matter what you speak, you will never escape its relentless grip. Is it annoying? Of course. Nonsensical? Without a doubt. But will we go back for one more listen? Oh, you betcha.

#26: “Mickey” (1982)

Toni Basil

Many consider Toni Basil a one-hit wonder, but when that one hit is as annoyingly enduring as this one, does it even matter? “Mickey” has all the necessary elements to get it stuck in your head. The rhythm is fast, the claps are infectious and the energy just doesn’t quit. Throw in Basil’s peppy vocals, the punchy drumline and the relentless cheerleader chants and you’ve got the perfect recipe for an earworm. Just like the flyer in any cheerleading pyramid, “Mickey” shot to the top of the charts in the U.S., Canada and Australia, and was a top ten hit in a few other countries. That’s the magic – or curse, depending on your perspective – of “Mickey.”

#25: “The Hampsterdance Song” (2000)

Hampton the Hampster

Like many things in the early 2000s, “The Hampsterdance Song” was born out of a desire to produce the most internet traffic. Canadian art student Deidre LaCarte created a website called the Hampster Dance which eventually led to the making of this song that became a viral sensation. The track itself is basically a hyperactive remix of nonsensical squeaky vocals layered over a ridiculously upbeat melody. Listening to it feels like your brain is being tickled and tortured at the same time, and before you know it, you’re tapping your feet and humming along. Love it or hate it, once it gets in your head, good luck getting it out.

#24: “Baby” (2010)

Justin Bieber feat. Ludacris

Although Justin Bieber already had a mildly successful EP, it was “Baby” that truly launched his music career. The song shot to the top of the charts in a litany of countries, including the U.S., UK and Canada, cementing Bieber as a teen pop sensation. Unfortunately, our ears were the collateral damage. This track is impossible to get away from, and the proof is in the musical pudding. Its simple, repetitive chorus combined with the super smooth doo-wop-inspired melody ensures that it sticks like glue. While only few would openly admit to liking this song, with over 15 million units sold worldwide, it’s obvious more people were bopping to it than they’d care to confess.

#23: “Cotton Eye Joe” (1994)

Rednex

Released in 1994, this bizarre fusion of techno and country music became an unlikely hit for the Swedish Eurodance group Rednex. Of course, the group’s name, look and sound were clearly a tongue-in-cheek parody of white rural America. In that vein, the song took the traditional American folk song “Cotton-Eyed Joe” and turned it on its head. It’s a mashup of country fiddles, electronic beats and absurdly twangy vocals that make no sense but all somehow work together. The result is an irresistibly catchy tune that leaves you with no choice but to sing along. This quirky combo helped “Cotton Eye Joe” boogie its way up to number 25 on the Billboard Hot 100.

#22: “The Fox (What Does the Fox Say?)” (2013)

Ylvis

In 2013, Norwegian comedy duo Ylvis set out to release a song destined to fail. What they ended up creating, however, was a viral sensation that had everyone wondering, “Wait, what does the fox say?” A surprise top ten hit in the U.S., the track starts off relatively normal before diving into lyrics that could’ve been lifted straight out of a nursery rhyme. And let’s not even mention the ridiculous music video featuring the duo in animal costumes dancing in a forest. There’s no shortage of absurd sounds on this song, and that’s probably why it’s damn near impossible to get it out of our heads. In case you’re still curious, the fox goes… bark.

#21: “Macarena” (1993)

Los del Río

The secret to crafting an instantly catchy song is surprisingly simple. Step one: write a chorus that rhymes around one unforgettable word. Step two: throw in a call-and-response section. Step three: add an easy dance routine. Spanish pop duo Los del Río nailed all of these with “Macarena.” Originally released in 1993, the song got a second life when it was remixed by the Bayside Boys. This new version became an international dance anthem, thanks to its playful Spanish lyrics and hypnotic beat. Even if you haven’t heard it in years, the moment it starts playing, you’re instantly hooked again. It’s an annoyingly persistent song, and that’s exactly why it became a global phenomenon.

#20: “Party in the U.S.A.” (2009)

Miley Cyrus

Originally written for English singer Jessie J, this pop-rock song about being an out-of-place newbie in Hollywood was an instant hit for the then-teen idol. Detailing Cyrus’ move from Nashville, Tennessee to the “land of fame excess”, this song’s lyrics have just the right combination of relatability, repetition and good ol’ nostalgia to keep it on a constant loop in your head. It peaked at number two and three in the U.S. and Canada respectively, became diamond-certified and also saw a resurgence in the U.S. after the demise of Osama Bin Laden and the 2020 Presidential election. If there’s ever a reason to celebrate, there’s no question what jam we’ll be nodding our heads and moving our hips to.

#19: “Let It Go” (2014)

Idina Menzel

If you had little kids around you when this song was released, it’s understandable if you now have very mixed feelings! This show-tune track from the 2013 Disney animated film, “Frozen,” became a worldwide sensation, peaking in the top 20 of several countries. With uplifting lyrics about liberation and accepting oneself, it had kids around the world, and adults alike, shooting imaginary ice crystals from the tip of their hands and trying, but often failing, to hit the sky-high notes. This track perfectly blended pop and musical theater, eventually going on to win a Grammy and an Academy Award. When you got hit by the cold magic of this song, it was pretty hard to let it go.

#18: “Nookie” (1999)

Limp Bizkit

This hardcore rap rock song was released as the lead single from the band’s second album, becoming their first song to ever chart on the Billboard Hot 100. Complete with thrashing guitars, hard-hitting drums and fourth-grade level rhyming lyrics that roll off the tongue, this one will get you yelling responses from the top of your lungs before you even know it. Although it still receives bad rep to this day for the chaos that ensued at the 1999 Woodstock festival, the track marked a turning point for the band, bringing them to the forefront of the rock scene. If you ever find out where we can stick that cookie, let us know.

#17: “Hollaback Girl” (2005)

Gwen Stefani

Gwen Stefani described her debut solo album “Love. Angel. Music. Baby” as a “silly dance record”. It was certainly very different to the music she made with rock band No Doubt. But it became iconic even so. The third single from the album, “Hollaback Girl” is a call back to 1980s hip hop and dance music, written with Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo. Fans were more enthusiastic than critics, who panned it, despite it becoming the first digital download to sell one million copies. We can’t help but love it, but if someone could let us know what a “Hollaback Girl” is that would be great.

#16: “Never Gonna Give You Up” (1987)

Rick Astley

No, don’t worry, you aren’t being Rick Rolled. The debut single from British singer Rick Astley, “Never Going To Give You Up” quickly became a worldwide number one hit as well as becoming Astley’s signature track. While the song was popular on initial release, it also saw a resurgence of popularity via the “rick roll” meme and spread across the Internet like wildfire. “Never Going To Give You Up” rick rolled its way into our hearts and is not leaving anytime soon.

#15: “What Is Love” (1993)

Haddaway

Trinidadian-German singer Haddaway released this slick Eurodance song as the debut single from his very meta album, “The Album.” The soulful lead vocals, a groovy synth line and the classic “oontz oontz” beats came together perfectly to elevate this track above the dance singles of its time – and keep us coming back years after. It initially gained massive airplay worldwide, hitting number one in thirteen countries and the top 20 in several others, then got a resurgence after being used in the popular SNL “Roxbury Guys” sketches a few years later. If there’s anything hurting as a result of this song, it’s our legs, from too much dancing.

#14: “The Ketchup Song (Aserejé)” (2002)

Las Ketchup

You can’t talk about worldwide phenomena without mentioning this one. Before the craze of the Harlem Shake and TikTok dance challenges, there was “Aserejé.” The debut single by the Spanish pop group, this flamenco song had all the makings of an annoying earworm. A repetitive, nonsense chorus? Check. A signature dance routine? Check. A music video with three beautiful women dancing on the beach? Check, check, check. It was the Macarena of the early 2000s, reaching number one in more than twenty countries and selling over seven million copies worldwide. There wasn’t a school party around the world that didn’t have this song blasting through the speakers.

#13: “Surfin’ Bird” (1963)

The Trashmen

The bird is most certainly the word. This song was originally released in 1963 by American surf rock group The Trashmen and peaked at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100. Fun fact, “Bird of the Word” is actually a mash up of two songs by The Rivingtons, “Bird is the Word” and “Papa-Oom-Mow-Mow”. Nonetheless, we can’t help but just keep singing. Whether it’s Peter Griffin’s rendition of the song, or The Ramones’ cover, there’s no way you won’t have this song stuck in your head after just one listen.

#12: “MMMBop” (1997)

Hanson

Admit it, you’re already bobbing your head to this song. Inspired by the popular doo-wop, R&B harmonies of the ‘50s and early ‘60s, this bright-eyed and long-haired band of three teenage brothers put out this track as the lead single from their debut studio album. Its easily chantable lyrics and infectious, candy-coated instrumentation keep it lingering in the back of your head hours after you’ve heard it. Topping the charts in at least twelve countries and being nominated for two Grammys, it remains Hanson’s most successful song to date.

#11: “Sorry For Party Rocking” (2012)

LMFAO

Time for a little bit of party rock. The fourth single off of LMFAO’s second album, the track “Sorry For Party Rocking” is nonstop electronic and dance-pop anarchy. Redfoo, Sky Blu, dancing zebras, YouTubers Rhett and Link, and David Hasselhoff? Pure chaos. “Sorry For Party Rocking” is the perfect excuse for all millennials when someone asks them to turn the music down. Of course, it wasn’t the album’s only earworm, as singles also included “Party Rock Anthem" and "Sexy and I Know It". Unfortunately, LMFAO’s went on hiatus shortly afterwards, so they may have rocked the party a little too hard.

#10: “All About That Bass” (2014)

Meghan Trainor

You don’t get to displace Taylor Swift, the queen of heartbreak, from the number one spot without making an impression. After years working as an independent artist and songwriter, Trainor shot into the limelight with this bubblegum pop track about body positivity and self-acceptance. Expertly fusing retro doo-wop influences with modern hip-hop sounds, this song spread far and wide, connecting with a wide array of audiences and holding their ears hostage. It however received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its message and others criticizing it for shaming thin women. Regardless of critical reviews, it dominated the charts worldwide, reaching number one in more than fifty countries, and getting a Diamond certification in the US and two Grammy nominations.

#9: “Who Let The Dogs Out” (2000)

Baha Men

Face it, if you were growing up in the 2000s, you’ve heard of this cover song by the Baha Men. “Who Let The Dogs Out” is a bouncy pop track that’s synonymous with the warm weather and fun vibes of summer. The sunshine, the catchy beat, and plenty of dogs – it’s all there! The song was one of the best selling singles of the 2000s, although it never reached #1. It’s also considered by many publications to be one of the most annoying songs of all time, and we would agree, although we would be lying if we said it wasn’t catchy as hell.

#8: “Call Me Maybe” (2011)

Carly Rae Jepsen

We may have just met her at the time, but my God, did we all go crazy for this! Released in the summer of 2011, this upbeat teen pop track initially achieved moderate success in Canada, Jepsen’s home country, but received worldwide attention after Justin Bieber tweeted that it was possibly the catchiest song he’d ever heard. And he was right. This song is structured to get you hitting the repeat button. With its simplistic, rhyming lyrics and an endless layer of musical hooks, you’re bound to find yourself humming to it, no matter how hard you try not to. Bieber’s tweet may have brought attention to it, but it was the ridiculously infectious nature of this tune that made it stick with us.

#7: “Caramelldansen” (2001)

Caramell

This was THE internet meme way before internet memes became a thing. Originally released in 2001, this song didn’t gain international recognition until five years later, when a 4chan user made flash loops featuring animated characters from a Japanese visual novel dancing to a sped-up version. Like every other thing we have come to know as an internet craze, this flash loop spread like wildfire as many people created their own versions of it, eventually reaching YouTube and becoming a worldwide phenomenon. The insanely upbeat hook and bubblegum dance production left people doing the Caramelldansen long after the song was over.

#6: “Sandstorm” (1999)

Darude

Another song that became re-popularized by the internet, “Sandstorm” showcases some of the best that late 1990s electronic music has to offer. Produced by Finnish DJ Darude, this trance track was a global hit after its release just before the new millennium. With a classic high speed music video and a beat that will have you raving, what “Sandstorm” lacks in lyrics it makes up for in pure nostalgia. Just remember, if you don’t know the name of a song, it’s probably Darude’s “Sandstorm”.

#5: “Axel F” (2005)

Crazy Frog

If this wasn’t your ringtone at some point, then you were clearly doing something wrong. Released as a remix of the synthesizer theme music from 1984’s Beverly Hills Cop, this novelty song became an instant summer hit across Europe. Featuring distorted, nonsensical ramblings of the Crazy Frog character interspersed within the synth-heavy production, this tune crept up the charts, reaching number one in more than ten countries. Not bad for a ringtone, huh? It turns out that to make an annoying earworm, all you need is an animated frog, an imitation of engine sounds, the words ‘ring ding’ and you’re good to go!

#4: “Gangnam Style” (2012)

Psy

The world couldn’t get enough of this catchy K-pop tune back when it was released in the summer of 2012. Psy’s 18th single, this song features an infectious beat, hilarious dance moves, and some playful vocals from the Korean superstar himself. We may hate getting this track stuck in our head with a fiery passion, but we still will sing and dance along. Inspiring flash mobs and dancers around the world, “Gangnam Style” is a defining song of the 2010’s all thanks to the power of the internet.

#3: “Barbie Girl” (1997)

Aqua

Love it or hate it, you can’t deny this song is 100% pure fun. Unlike most of the other novelty songs on this list, this Eurodance track by the Danish-Norwegian group received critical acclaim when it was released. The song went on to take the world by storm, topping the charts in several countries. Sadly, it also attracted copyright infringement claims by Mattel, resulting in a controversial lawsuit between Aqua’s record label and the Barbie Doll makers. Legal troubles be damned, this track’s cartoonishly high-pitched vocals and bouncy dance beat made it an instant earworm. Life in plastic may not always be fantastic in these eco-friendly times, but for this song, we wouldn’t have it any other way.

#2: “Blue (Da Ba Dee)” (1998)

Eiffel 65

We sincerely apologize for reminding you of this one. The Mona Lisa of annoying earworms, this song was released as the debut single from the Italian electronic group. Widely noted for its heavily autotuned vocals layered over pulsating techno beats that are sure to get you tapping your feet, it remains the group’s most popular single to date. It topped the charts in several countries across Europe, peaked at number six in the US and received a Grammy nomination for Best Dance Recording. You may have been singing the wrong lyrics all this while, but who cares? You’re blue, I’m blue, we’re all blue. Da ba dee, da ba die.

#1: “Baby Shark” (2015)

Pinkfong

You’ll need a restraining order against your kids and brain surgery to get this one out of your head. This song originated as a campfire chant in the 20th century, but only saw worldwide popularity after it was uploaded to YouTube by a South Korean entertainment company. Because it’s a children’s song, it possesses repetitive, easy-to-remember lyrics and familial characters that allow them to easily connect with the music. It’s these features that’s helped this tune burrow its way into the heads of kids and adults around the world, cracking the top 40 in the US and becoming the most-viewed YouTube video of all-time. We’d like to have a stern word or two with whomever is responsible for this song.



We apologize for reminding you of these annoying earworms, but which of them are you humming right now? Let us know in the comments below.