10 More Worst Rip Off Songs

Top 10 More Worst Rip Off Songs

Matrix link: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Zx4OBooSJtMz5GwK_8hYSDII-o88OrtHjm9ta1zUA2s/edit?gid=0#gid=0

Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the top songs that take even more inspiration than they should.

#10: Jorge Ben Jor “Taj Mahal” (1972) vs. Rod Stewart “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?” (1978)

At least this musical tug-of-war ended on a positive note. In the late ‘70s, Rod Stewart dipped his toes into the disco genre, but his chart-topper quickly sparked controversy. Brazilian pop star Jorge Ben Jor accused the British rocker of swiping elements of his song “Taj Mahal.” When Ben Jor sued Stewart for plagiarism, the singer admitted to subconsciously copying the tune. However, rather than engage in a drawn-out legal battle, the situation ended “amicably.” Stewart took the high road, deciding to donate all proceeds from his hit to UNICEF, turning what could have been a bitter dispute into a charitable gesture.

Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rod_Stewart

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jorge_Ben
https://www.vinylmeplease.com/blogs/magazine/jorge-ben-taj-mahal-rod-stewart
https://www.stereogum.com/2070302/the-number-ones-rod-stewarts-da-ya-think-im-sexy/columns/the-number-ones/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ben_(Jorge_Ben_album)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Da_Ya_Think_I%27m_Sexy%3F

YouTube: Time Warp (Distorsion Temporelle)

Jorge Ben - Taj Mahal (1972): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EhFPcqKIDcs

YouTube: Roskilde Festival

Jorge Ben Jor – Taj Mahal (Live at Roskilde Festival 2019)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGAJlkIIN-Q

“Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?” (1978)

Rod Stewart
Music video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hphwfq1wLJs

#9: Blur “M.O.R.” (1997) vs. David Bowie “Boys Keep Swinging” (1979)

This case doesn’t involve an insidious act of plagiarism so much as a clear instance of one artist drawing heavy inspiration from another. For their song “M.O.R.,” Britpop icons Blur looked to David Bowie’s “Lodger” album for creative influence. After experimenting with elements from Bowie’s work, they ultimately crafted a track that closely mirrored the chord progression of his 1979 classic, “Boys Keep Swinging.” While Blur’s lively rock anthem has its own distinct style, the parallels were unmistakable. In fact, the resemblance was so significant that both Bowie and his collaborator Brian Eno were later credited as co-writers on the track.
Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boys_Keep_Swinging
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Bowie
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_Eno
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blur_(band)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M.O.R.
https://web.archive.org/web/20150210110941/http://www.davidbowie.com/news/bowies-influence-becomes-bit-blur-37171
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lodger_(album)

“Boys Keep Swinging” (1979)

David Bowie
Music video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KcOs70dZAw
The chorus in question: https://youtu.be/2KcOs70dZAw?t=33

“M.O.R.” (1997)

Blur
Music video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEGNwMrsy30
Chorus: https://youtu.be/QEGNwMrsy30?t=64

#8: Toni Basil “Mickey” (1981) vs. Avril Lavigne “Girlfriend” (2007)

Toni Basil’s “Mickey” was a defining track of the 1980s, blending a cheerleader-style chant with an infectious beat that made it a pop culture staple. Decades later, Avril Lavigne’s “Girlfriend” stirred up controversy when listeners noticed its hook sounded remarkably like Basil’s hit. Critics argued that “Girlfriend” was more than just inspired by the original and accused the pop-punk star of lifting “Mickey’s” essence. Although Lavigne never faced legal repercussions, the similarities left many questioning whether her song was a tribute, a coincidence, or a blatant rip-off of Basil’s timeless bop. After all, let’s face it: it’s hard not to think of “Mickey” whenever “Girlfriend” comes on.

Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Girlfriend_(Avril_Lavigne_song)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mickey_(Toni_Basil_song)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toni_Basil
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avril_Lavigne

“Girlfriend” (2007)

Avril Lavigne
Music video: https://youtu.be/Bg59q4puhmg?si=Ewd-oCJ89uenBG3P
Song begins (similar to “Mickey”): https://youtu.be/Bg59q4puhmg?t=11

“Mickey” (1981)

Toni Basil
Music video: https://youtu.be/3E-Zrg9CB_Q?si=RER224ooNQ1XyqbC
Beginning part (similar to “Girlfriend”): https://youtu.be/3E-Zrg9CB_Q?t=7

#7: Flourgon “We Run Things” (1988) vs. Miley Cyrus “We Can’t Stop” (2013)

Miley Cyrus’s 2013 party anthem might have dominated the airwaves, but its success came with a hefty dose of controversy. Jamaican artist Flourgon accused Cyrus of lifting key elements from his 1988 reggae track – particularly the phrase, “We run things, things don’t run we,” which Cyrus sings verbatim. Flourgon alleged that the phrase and vibe of his song formed the foundation of Cyrus’s piece, leading to a $300 million lawsuit. While the case was eventually settled out of court, the likenesses between the two compositions are hard to deny. Here, we have a prime example of the fine line between inspiration and imitation.

Sources: https://www.thewrap.com/miley-cyrus-slapped-with-lawsuit-over-we-cant-stop-lyrics/

https://www.thewrap.com/miley-cyrus-slapped-with-lawsuit-over-we-cant-stop-lyrics/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/We_Can%27t_Stop#Lawsuit
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flourgon

“We Can’t Stop” (2013)

Miley Cryus
Music video: https://youtu.be/LrUvu1mlWco?si=Dvp0bN_JquE1bTZq
“We run things/things don’t run we:” https://youtu.be/LrUvu1mlWco?t=66

YouTube: ZionTopSound

FLOURGON - We Run Things - redman int. 7'' - 1988
Audio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xv1VO4aCrnI
The phrase in question: https://youtu.be/xv1VO4aCrnI?t=23

#6: Yeasayer “Sunrise” (2007) vs. The Weeknd & Kendrick Lamar “Pray for Me” (2018)

When Yeasayer’s experimental track debuted in 2007, its layered, choral-like vocals stood out as an original feature. Over a decade later, members of the indie band noticed parallels between “Sunrise” and The Weeknd and Kendrick Lamar’s “Pray for Me,” which was featured on the “Black Panther” soundtrack. Yeasayer filed a lawsuit, alleging that the track’s production replicated the unique, ethereal vocal effects of “Sunrise.” They even claimed that the segment in question had been extracted, manipulated, and pitched differently to disguise its origin. The Weeknd and Lamar denied the allegations, maintaining their innocence. The legal battle ended in 2020 when Yeasayer dropped the lawsuit, leaving fans wondering what might have happened behind the scenes.

Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yeasayer

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pray_for_Me_(The_Weeknd_and_Kendrick_Lamar_song)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All_Hour_Cymbals
https://www.complex.com/music/a/tracewilliamcowen/yeasayer-drops-lawsuit-against-the-weeknd-over-black-panther-song-pray-for-me
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Panther_(soundtrack)

YouTube: YeasayerTV

Yeasayer- Sunrise: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8eugvy_DYU
The choral part in question: https://youtu.be/x8eugvy_DYU

“Pray for Me” (2018)

The Weeknd and Kendrick Lamar
Official lyric video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XR7Ev14vUh8
Choral part they were accused of stealing: https://youtu.be/XR7Ev14vUh8?t=130

#5: Keith Jarrett “Long as You Know You’re Living Yours” (1974) vs. Steely Dan “Gaucho” (1980)

Steely Dan’s 1980 track “Gaucho”, from the album of the same name, landed the band in hot water when jazz pianist Keith Jarrett noticed that it, ahem, sounded familiar. Jarrett stated that “Gaucho” bore an uncanny resemblance to his jazzy 1974 piece, particularly in its melody and arrangement. Rather than deny the claim, Steely Dan’s Donald Fagen and Walter Becker reportedly admitted to being inspired by Jarrett’s work. The dispute was resolved when Jarrett received a writing credit on the track, but it remains a pointed reminder that even a subtle homage can tread dangerously close to infringement.

Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steely_Dan

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keith_Jarrett
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaucho_(album)#Track_listing

YouTube: Keith Jarrett

'Long As You Know You're Living Yours: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f59w35ZzZZo

YouTube: Steely Dan

Gaucho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GesEA9MJuII

YouTube: Peter Noss

Steely Dan Gaucho Oct 26 2018 NYC: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPjSGYEwK_Q

#4: Public Enemy “Security of the First World” by (1988) vs. Madonna “Justify My Love” (1990)

When Madonna released her sultry hit in 1990, fans couldn’t get enough of its sensual vibe. However, hip-hop group Public Enemy noticed something eerily familiar: the iconic drumbeat from their 1988 track “Security of the First World” is nearly identical to the one driving Madonna’s song. Public Enemy did not pursue legal action, but the offending drumbeat didn’t go unnoticed by listeners and critics alike. Adding to the controversy, Madonna’s piece was co-written by Lenny Kravitz, who admitted to sampling but didn’t credit Public Enemy for their work, stating the rap group themselves had lifted the beat from James Brown’s “Funky Drummer.” Can this alleged act of plagiarism ever be properly “justified?” We may never know.

Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Justify_My_Love

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_Enemy
https://ew.com/article/1991/02/01/controversy-over-justify-my-love/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Funky_Drummer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKB2N_Fyyh8

“Justify My Love” (1990)

Madonna
Music video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Np_Y740aReI
Drumbeat: https://youtu.be/Np_Y740aReI?t=2

YouTube: Channel ZERO

Security Of The First World: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHyCIDu6dSY
Drumbeat: https://youtu.be/YHyCIDu6dSY?t=1

YouTube: Funk Forum

James Brown - Funky Drummer (Full Version, 1970) - HQ: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AoQ4AtsFWVM

#3: The Isley Brothers “Love Is a Wonderful Thing” (1966) vs. Michael Bolton “Love Is a Wonderful Thing” (1991)

Love may be a wonderful thing, but nasty legal disputes aren’t. The Isley Brothers claimed that Michael Bolton’s song copied their 1966 track of the same name, citing resemblances not just in the title but also in its melody and lyrical themes. Bolton and his team denied any wrongdoing, but after a lengthy court battle, the jury sided with the Isley Brothers in 1994. The Brothers were awarded a hefty $5.4 million in damages – the largest-ever payout in a plagiarism case at the time. Opinions on the case were deeply divided, with some insisting that Bolton had indeed ripped off the Isley Brothers and others believing the singer was innocent.
Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_songs_subject_to_plagiarism_disputes
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Love_Is_a_Wonderful_Thing_(Michael_Bolton_song)
https://ew.com/article/1994/05/27/critics-review-michael-bolton-case/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Bolton#Early_life
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvY3iRq-2jk

“Love Is a Wonderful Thing” (1991)

Michael Bolton
Music video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_ezMbv2sr4
Chorus: https://youtu.be/H_ezMbv2sr4?t=48

YouTube: The Isley Brothers

Love Is A Wonderful Thing (1991 Remastered): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWh3GF8wrug
Chorus: https://youtu.be/MWh3GF8wrug?t=13

#2: Wire "Three Girl Rhumba" (1977) vs. Elastica "Connection" (1994)

Elastica’s single became a defining track of '90s alternative rock, but its success didn’t come without controversy. The British band Wire accused Elastica of borrowing heavily from their 1977 track “Three Girl Rhumba,” specifically its distinctive guitar riff. Upon closer inspection, it was revealed that the song’s synthesizer intro was essentially the same riff, just transposed down a semitone. Wire made their concerns known, and the two bands ultimately settled the dispute out of court. Although Elastica denied any intentional plagiarism, Wire was eventually credited as co-writers on "Connection." The case became a notable example of how reminiscent sounds can sometimes raise questions of originality in music.

Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Connection_(Elastica_song)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pink_Flag
https://www.popsugar.com/entertainment/essential-90s-alternative-girl-albums-38558681
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wire_(band)
https://www.avclub.com/elastica-s-debut-stole-from-the-best-embodying-britpop-1798237216
https://web.archive.org/web/20110605223904/http://www.bostonphoenix.com/archive/music/99/12/23/text/CONNECTION.html
https://archive.org/details/roughguidetorock00roug
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semitone

“Connection” (1994)

Elastica
Music video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilKcXIFi-Rc
Intro (allegedly plagiarized): https://youtu.be/ilKcXIFi-Rc

YouTube: meltingwax

Wire - Three Girl Rhumba: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qr9Cn3yFnnQ
Riff: https://youtu.be/Qr9Cn3yFnnQ?t=3

#1: Sleigh Bells “Infinity Guitars” (2010) vs. Demi Lovato “Stars” (2015)

Demi Lovato’s 2015 song “Stars”wasn’t released as a single. But that didn’t stop noise pop duo Sleigh Bells from hearing it and noticing uncanny similarities to their very own work. They filed a lawsuit against Lovato, the album’s producers, and the songwriters for copyright infringement, claiming “Stars” had sampled elements from their track “Infinity Guitars,” specifically the bass drum counter rhythm and hand claps. Co-songwriters Carl Falk and Rami Yacoub denied using any samples, asserting that Lovato had only written one line of the piece. After a heated legal battle, the case was dismissed with prejudice in 2017, essentially leaving the dispute unresolved.

Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confident_(album)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treats_(album)
https://www.vulture.com/2015/11/sleigh-bells-demi-lovato-copyright-interview.html
https://blogs.law.gwu.edu/mcir/case/inplay-miller-et-al-dba-sleigh-bells-v-demi-lovato/
https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/sleigh-bells-sue-demi-lovato-for-copyright-infringement-103642/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sleigh_Bells_(band)

YouTube: Demi Lovato

Demi Lovato - Stars (Official Audio): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMigoRFmL5I
Hand claps: https://youtu.be/nMigoRFmL5I?t=4

“Infinity Guitars” (2010)

Sleigh Bells
Music video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfGtB6K8q8k
Similar sound: https://youtu.be/WfGtB6K8q8k?t=13


Did we miss any brazen musical knockoffs? Let us know in the comments!