
How did the band that once fronted Jefferson Airplane’s countercultural movement end up producing this glossy, radio-friendly anthem? Is it a biting critique of the very system they sold out to, or just a hollow cash grab from a band past its prime?
This week on Worst Songs Ever, we tackle one of the most notorious examples of rock’s tragic fall from cool: Starship’s "We Built This City." How did a band that once embodied the rebellious spirit of Jefferson Airplane morph into the poster child for corporate pop sellouts? Was "We Built This City" an ironic wink at their own transformation, or a desperate attempt to stay relevant in the flashy world of ‘80s radio?
But that’s not all—we take this theme further by exploring other bands and musicians who tumbled from the mountaintop of coolness into the valley of commercial compromise. From metal gods softening their sound to stay on the charts to rock icons chasing trends they once rejected, no one is safe from our critical eye. Rob and Brennan debate whether Starship’s hit is a clever satire or a soulless cash grab, while Andrew digs deep into the sad, often cringe-worthy attempts by former legends to remain relevant.
Join us as we dissect "We Built This City" and discuss whether it truly deserves a spot in the pantheon of the worst songs ever—or if it’s simply a nugget of 80s cheese that we just can’t help but love. Either way, it's a fun and witty exploration of what happens when rock rebels sell out.