15 Songs That Make Boomers Roll Their Eyes

While the Baby Boomer generation has gifted us with some unforgettable tunes, certain songs make them cringe. These annoyingly catchy tracks have taken over the airwaves, and for many Boomers, they’re an earworm best left unplayed. Here are 15 songs that send Boomers reaching for the remote or turning down the radio. 

“MMMBop” by Hanson

A trio of long-haired teenagers singing nonsensical lyrics was enough to make Boomers cringe in the late ’90s. Hanson’s “MMMBop” was incredibly catchy but hard to understand, with its chorus becoming a mystery for anyone who tried to decipher it. Despite its feel-good energy, Boomers couldn’t help but find the song grating after the hundredth listen.

“Friday” by Rebecca Black

Few songs have been as universally ridiculed as Rebecca Black’s “Friday.” Released in 2011, this song’s simple, robotic lyrics and monotonous delivery baby boom wondering how it even became a thing. The song’s awkwardly cheerful tune and its repetition of the word “Friday” grated on anyone over a certain age.

“We Built This City” by Starship

For Boomers who were rock fans in the ’70s, “We Built This City” was a major letdown when it was released in 1985. The once-great Jefferson Airplane had transformed into Starship, producing what many considered overly commercialized music. This song, in particular, with its synth-heavy sound and corny lyrics, became a target of their frustration.

 “Call Me Maybe” by Carly Rae Jepsen

This bubblegum pop hit from 2011 took over the airwaves and was almost impossible to escape. Its repetitive chorus and sugary lyrics became a viral sensation, but for Boomers, it was more of a headache than a hit. The song’s constant presence on radio stations and commercials made it feel like it would never disappear. 

“Cotton Eye Joe” by Rednex

“Cotton Eye Joe” is one of those songs you either love or hate, and for Boomers, it’s often the latter. Released in 1994, this dance track fused country and techno, leaving many baffled. Its frenetic energy and relentless repetition made it a favorite, though Boomers viewed it as a noisy reminder of trends best left unexplored.

“Barbie Girl” by Aqua 

A throwback to the late ’90s, Barbie Girl brought a new catchiness to pop music. With its high-pitched vocals and plastic-fantasy lyrics, this song has a love-it-or-hate-it quality. For Boomers, the over-the-top bubblegum pop style is enough to leave them searching for the nearest mute button.

Macarena” by Los Del Río 

No wedding or party in the ’90s was complete without a rendition of the Macarena. The simple dance moves and the song’s infectious rhythm made it a global hit. However, the Baby Boomers often find the song irritating, especially after hearing it played on repeat for decades. 

“Achy Breaky Heart” by Billy Ray Cyrus

Country music isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but Billy Ray Cyrus took it to another level with “Achy Breaky Heart.” Released in 1992, the song’s twangy tune and simplistic lyrics had Boomers rolling their eyes. For those who grew up on rock and roll, this light-hearted, repetitive song was almost unbearable.

“Tik Tok” by Kesha

Kesha’s party anthem defined an era of carefree fun, but Boomers didn’t love it. With its auto-tuned vocals and party-hard lyrics, “TikTok” became the soundtrack for a generation of younger listeners. Boomers, however, saw it as a symbol of everything wrong with modern pop, and its repeated play didn’t help.

“Who Let the Dogs Out” by Baha Men

This 2000 hit seemed fun initially, but it’s repetitive hook soon grated on many listeners, especially Boomers. The question of “Who let the dogs out?” is one Boomers would instead leave unanswered. As much as it became a sports stadium favorite, its overuse in commercials and just about every other form of media left Boomers with little patience.

“YMCA” by The Village People

Despite its disco origin, “YMCA” has become a song boomers groan whenever it starts to play. The iconic arm gestures and party-friendly lyrics make it a go-to at every celebration, but for these individuals, it’s become overplayed. While it’s meant to bring people together, some can’t help but feel that the fun has long since worn off.

“Baby Shark” by Pinkfong  

Few songs have become as notorious as “Baby Shark” in recent years. This children’s tune, with its endlessly repetitive lyrics and infectious melody, has gone viral across generations, but for Boomers, it’s a song they can’t escape fast enough. Its simple structure and constant presence in pop culture make it an earworm that’s impossible to avoid, leaving many Baby Boomers cringing whenever it plays.

“It’s Raining Men” by The Weather Girls

“It’s Raining Men” is a disco classic boomers perceived as the personification of cheesy ’80s pop. Released in 1982, the song’s over-the-top vocals and dramatic lyrics played at parties but also a source of irritation. Boomers who preferred the grittier music of earlier decades found this song too flashy, flamboyant, and catchy. 

“Sugar, Sugar” by The Archies’

One of the earlier entries on this list, “Sugar, Sugar” by The Archies, was released in 1969 and was part of the bubblegum pop era. Even at the time, Boomers who were more into rock and protest songs found its sweetness too saccharine to handle. Its simplistic, candy-coated lyrics felt out of place in a world of cultural upheaval.

 “I Gotta Feeling” by The Black Eyed Peas

As a party anthem, this song was designed to get people moving, but Boomers found themselves tuning out. With its repetitive chorus and booming production, “I Gotta Feeling” became a wedding and event favorite that Boomers dreaded. While it’s meant to lift the mood, its constant play only made it more irritating for older generations.