The 1980s were a wild time for music, a decade bursting with creativity, rebellion, and some seriously questionable chart-toppers. If you grew up during this era or even just caught a whiff of its tunes through movies and retro playlists, you might have your own opinions about the hits that somehow snagged the coveted number one spot. Grab your favorite beverage, because we’re about to take a friendly stroll down memory lane to revisit some of those No. 1 songs that, let’s just say, probably didn’t deserve their moment in the spotlight.

“The Macarena” by Los Del Rio

Okay, let’s jump ahead a bit to 1996 for “The Macarena.” Yes, I know this song technically belongs to the ’90s, but it’s worth bringing up because of its absolute domination of the charts. You’ve got to hand it to Los Del Rio for making a dance that took over weddings, parties, and even the occasional awkward office gathering. But when we look back, it’s hard to fathom how a song with lyrics that most of us couldn’t even understand managed to capture the hearts (and feet) of so many. It’s like the song was just a catchy beat and a dance move that took on a life of its own. Not exactly a classic in the making!

“I Just Called to Say I Love You” by Stevie Wonder

Stevie Wonder is a legend, no arguments there. But “I Just Called to Say I Love You” is often debated as one of his weaker tracks, and it’s not hard to see why. Released in 1984 for the “Stevie Wonder’s Journey Through the Secret Life of Plants” soundtrack (yes, that’s a thing), it soared to number one. While the sentiment is sweet, the song feels more like a jingle than the soulful genius we expect from Wonder. Many fans would argue that his other hits, like “Superstition” or “Higher Ground,” were far more deserving of the top spot. Still, it’s hard to fault the guy; he’s got more hits than most of us have had hot dinners!

“Achy Breaky Heart” by Billy Ray Cyrus

Alright, let’s talk Billy Ray Cyrus and his iconic mullet—sorry, I meant “Achy Breaky Heart.” Released in 1992, this song may have been a huge hit, but it’s hard not to chuckle at how it took over the airwaves. It was catchy, sure, but let’s be honest: the lyrics are so simple they could fit on a post-it note. Yet, it topped the charts and made Billy a household name. I mean, who could forget the line about “don’t tell my heart”? It’s the type of song that makes you want to grab a cold drink and laugh at the absurdity of it all. But when you think about the timeless classics from that era, it’s hard to justify how this one made it to No. 1.

“Physical” by Olivia Newton-John

Now we can’t overlook “Physical” by Olivia Newton-John. Released in 1981, this song had everyone singing about working out in a way that was more suggestive than motivational. Sure, it was catchy and had a great beat, but the lyrics are a little cringeworthy in retrospect. It’s like Olivia tried to create a workout anthem, but instead, it turned into a cheeky invitation that left you wondering if you should be lifting weights or just lifting your eyebrows in disbelief. It was a massive hit, but I think we can all agree that plenty of other songs could have represented the ’80s fitness culture better.