11 Worst Kidz Bop Songs: A Unique List

Hey there, fellow music enthusiasts! It’s TBone here, the heartbeat behind Level Tunes. As a DJ and an unapologetic music fan, I’ve always been passionate about sharing the best beats and tunes with you all.

But today, I’m taking a slightly different turn. I’m diving into the quirky, sometimes cringe-worthy world of Kidz Bop. Why, you ask? Well, while Kidz Bop has its charm, there are a few tracks that, let’s just say, missed the mark.

I’ve compiled a list of the “11 Worst Kidz Bop Songs” not to bash, but to have a little fun and maybe even appreciate the effort that goes into making music for kids. So, let’s groove through this list with a light heart and a curious ear!

Here are the worst Kidz Bop songs that you can check out:

List Of Worst Kidz Bop Songs

Worst Kidz Bop songs in a list format:

1. “Gangnam Style” – Kidz Bop 23 (2013, Razor & Tie)

“Gangnam Style” by Psy took the world by storm with its catchy beat and iconic dance moves. But when Kidz Bop covered it in 2013 on their 23rd album, it was a miss. The charm of the original lies in its unique style and Psy’s charismatic performance, which got lost in translation when performed by children. The song’s cultural nuances and humor didn’t quite resonate the same way, leaving us with a version that feels more awkward than amusing.

2. “Call Me Maybe” – Kidz Bop 22 (2012, Razor & Tie)

Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Call Me Maybe” was the catchy tune we couldn’t escape in 2012. Kidz Bop’s version on their 22nd album tried to capture the fun, but it felt overly sanitized. The playful flirtation that made the original a hit was replaced with a more juvenile rendition, stripping away the song’s charming cheekiness. While the Kidz Bop kids gave it their all, the cover couldn’t match the infectious energy and youthful spirit of Jepsen’s hit.

3. “Thrift Shop” – Kidz Bop 24 (2013, Razor & Tie)

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis’s “Thrift Shop” was known for its edgy lyrics and unique style. Kidz Bop’s take on it in their 24th album, however, turned this rebellious anthem into a watered-down version that lacked the original’s punch. The song’s essence, which is rooted in its sharp commentary and bold beats, was lost in an attempt to make it kid-friendly, resulting in a rendition that feels more comical than cool.

4. “Old Town Road” – Kidz Bop 40 (2019, Razor & Tie)

Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road” is a genre-bending masterpiece that brought a fresh twist to music. But when Kidz Bop added it to their 40th album, the song lost its groundbreaking edge. The fusion of country and trap, which was key to its success, didn’t translate well in the voices of children. Instead of the catchy and innovative hit we all know, the Kidz Bop version feels more like a novelty, lacking the original’s raw charm and clever mix of genres.

5. “Despacito” – Kidz Bop 37 (2018, Razor & Tie)

Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee’s “Despacito” was a global sensation, known for its sultry rhythms and Spanish lyrics. In Kidz Bop 37, the song underwent a significant transformation. The sensual overtones and cultural richness that made it a hit were toned down, resulting in a version that feels disconnected from its Latin roots. The attempt to maintain the song’s catchy melody without its original context left us with a rendition that feels more awkward than alluring.

6. “Shape of You” – Kidz Bop 35 (2017, Razor & Tie)

Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You” is a romantic and catchy tune that captured hearts worldwide. However, the Kidz Bop version on their 35th album lacked the subtle sensuality and playful flirtation that made the original so appealing. The attempt to adapt the song’s mature themes for a younger audience resulted in a rendition that feels more forced than fun, missing the effortless charm that Sheeran brought to the track.

7. “Happy” – Kidz Bop 26 (2014, Razor & Tie)

Pharrell Williams’ “Happy” is an uplifting anthem that resonated with audiences of all ages. But when it appeared on Kidz Bop 26, the song lost some of its universal appeal. The original’s infectious joy and soulful vibe were overshadowed by a more generic and less nuanced performance by the Kidz Bop kids. While their version is cheerful, it doesn’t quite capture the depth and charisma that made Williams’ rendition a worldwide phenomenon.

8. “Bad Blood” – Kidz Bop 30 (2015, Razor & Tie)

Taylor Swift’s “Bad Blood” is known for its catchy beat and strong narrative about betrayal and strength. Kidz Bop’s version on their 30th album, however, didn’t quite capture the original’s empowering message. The song’s intensity and emotional depth, which are central to its appeal, were diluted in an attempt to make it more kid-friendly. As a result, the Kidz Bop rendition feels less like an anthem of resilience and more like a superficial pop song.

9. “Uptown Funk” – Kidz Bop 28 (2015, Razor & Tie)

Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars’ “Uptown Funk” is a funky, soulful track that became an instant classic. In Kidz Bop 28, the song was transformed into a less groovy, more child-like version. The original’s charisma and energy, largely driven by Mars’ dynamic performance, were difficult to replicate with young voices. This led to a Kidz Bop version that, while fun, lacks the sophisticated funkiness and swagger that made “Uptown Funk” a hit.

10. “Blurred Lines” – Kidz Bop 24 (2013, Razor & Tie)

Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines,” featuring Pharrell Williams and T.I., was a controversial hit due to its lyrics and themes. Kidz Bop’s inclusion of the song in their 24th album raised eyebrows, as its adult themes were not suitable for a children’s album. The attempt to clean up the song for a younger audience resulted in a version that felt awkward and misplaced, highlighting the challenges of adapting certain pop songs for kids.

11. “Wrecking Ball” – Kidz Bop 26 (2014, Razor & Tie)

Miley Cyrus’ “Wrecking Ball” is an emotionally charged ballad that showcases her powerful vocals and vulnerability. However, when Kidz Bop covered it in their 26th album, the song’s emotional depth and rawness were significantly toned down. The result was a rendition that felt more superficial and less impactful, lacking the emotional resonance and intensity that Cyrus brought to the original. This cover serves as an example of how difficult it can be to translate deeply personal songs into a format suitable for children.

Fun Facts: Worst Kidz Bop Songs

“Gangnam Style” – Psy

• Viral Sensation: “Gangnam Style” became the first YouTube video to reach one billion views, turning it into a global phenomenon.
• Cultural Impact: This song popularized the Korean Wave (Hallyu) in Western countries and led to a worldwide appreciation of K-pop.
• Dance Craze: The iconic horse-riding dance was mimicked worldwide, including by numerous celebrities and in popular media.

“Call Me Maybe” – Carly Rae Jepsen

• Unexpected Success: Originally released by Canadian Idol contestant Carly Rae Jepsen, the song gained international fame after Justin Bieber tweeted about it.
• Cover Frenzy: The song inspired numerous covers and parodies, including by the U.S. Olympic Swim Team and the Harvard Baseball Team.
• Billboard Hit: It topped the charts in 18 countries and was one of the best-selling singles of 2012.

“Thrift Shop” – Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

• Independent Record: It was one of the few songs from an independent label (Macklemore LLC) to hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100.
• Social Commentary: The song is known for its critique of consumerism and the high cost of designer clothing.
• Budget Music Video: Despite its low-budget music video, the song became a viral hit, showcasing the power of social media in the music industry.

“Old Town Road” – Lil Nas X

• Genre-Bending: Lil Nas X blended country and rap, creating a unique sound that challenged traditional genre boundaries.
• TikTok Fame: The song gained initial popularity on TikTok, illustrating the growing influence of social media on music trends.
• Billboard Controversy: Its removal from the Billboard country chart sparked discussions about race and genre classification in the music industry.

“Despacito” – Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee

• Global Hit: “Despacito” became the first Spanish-language song to hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 since the “Macarena” in 1996.
• YouTube Record: It was the first video to reach 3 billion views on YouTube, highlighting the platform’s role in global music distribution.
• Remix Success: The remix featuring Justin Bieber helped the song reach a broader international audience, furthering its worldwide appeal.

“Shape of You” – Ed Sheeran

• Chart Dominance: Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You” spent 12 weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100.
• Streaming Records: It broke multiple streaming records, becoming one of the most streamed songs on Spotify.
• Songwriting Process: Sheeran revealed that the song was originally written with Rihanna in mind, but he kept it for himself due to its personal nature.

“Happy” – Pharrell Williams

• Film Connection: Originally written for the soundtrack of “Despicable Me 2,” the song transcended its movie tie-in to become a standalone hit.
• 24-Hour Music Video: “Happy” featured a groundbreaking 24-hour music video, showcasing people dancing to the song in a continuous loop.
• Global Movement: The song inspired an international “Happy” movement, with people around the world creating their own dance videos.

“Bad Blood” – Taylor Swift

• Star-Studded Music Video: The music video featured a host of celebrities, including Selena Gomez, Kendrick Lamar, and Cindy Crawford, making it a major pop culture event.
• Award Winner: “Bad Blood” won the Grammy Award for Best Music Video in 2016.
• Chart Performance: The song was a commercial success, topping the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

And there you have it, music lovers! A playful stroll down the Kidz Bop lane, where some covers shone less brightly than their originals. Remember, music is a world of endless exploration, and even the missteps can bring a smile. Keep grooving, and stay tuned for more musical adventures with TBone at Level Tunes!

Thanks for reading.

TBone