Iconic 1968 Hit Voted ‘Worst Song of the ’60s’

A 1968 hit track that is widely considered iconic was voted “the worst song of the sixties” by Rolling Stone's readers. The choice is a surprising one since “Yummy Yummy Yummy” by Ohio Express was a hit at the time and has lived on long enough to be considered iconic.

‘Yummy Yummy Yummy’ by Ohio Express: Voted the Worst Song of the ’60s

During the 1960s, many legendary artists released songs that have become timeless classics. However, it also produced tracks that still annoy many listeners. That is why it is so interesting to see that in 2011, Rolling Stone’s readers voted, and Ohio Express’ song “Yummy Yummy Yummy” was named the worst song of the decade. The legendary outlet’s coverage of that choice ended by calling the tune “absolutely terrible.”

Also in 2011, Time included “Yummy Yummy Yummy" in its list of the Top 10 Songs with Silly Lyrics and called it an example of a track with “nonsense verses.” After considering the song's opening and most memorable lyrics, its hard to argue against that. “Yummy yummy yummy/I got love in my tummy and I like a-lovin’ you.” The rest of the track’s lyrics stay just as goofy. As pure bubblegum pop, it seeks to evoke positive emotions, but clearly failed in that regard for many of Rolling Stone's voters.

Still, the song arguably has attained iconic status despite any complaints about its quality. After all, many people who were born decades after its release still recognize it immediately. Part of the reason why the song’s legacy has lived on is the fact that it has been heard in movies and TV shows. Perhaps the most memorable example is when Homer Simpson sang “Yummy Yummy Yummy” during an episode of The Simpsons. The song’s media appearances make perfect sense since its ultra-sweet lyrics scream 1960s innocence and playfulness.

The rest of the songs that were chosen by Rolling Stone’s readers are worth a look, as the list features several other memorable novelty pieces. The most notable aspect of the voting results has to be that a song by arguably the greatest rock band of all time, The Beatles, made the cut.

The Complete List: Rolling Stones’ Readers’ Poll: The Worst Songs of the Sixties

1. Ohio Express – “Yummy Yummy Yummy” (1968)
2. Bobby Goldsboro – “Honey” (1968)
3. Richard Harris – “MacArthur Park” (1968)
4. The Association – “Cherish” (1966)
5. The Beatles – “Revolution 9” (1968)
6. Herman’s Hermits – “I’m Henry VIII, I Am” (1965)
7. The Archies – "Sugar Sugar" (1969)
8. Sonny and Cher – “I Got You Babe” (1965)
9. The Trashmen – “Surfin’ Bird” (1963)
10. Tiny Tim – “Tiptoe Through the Tulips” (1968)