The 1985 hit song “We Built This City” by Starship is undoubtedly one of the most iconic songs of the 80s. The song was written by Bernie Taupin, Martin Page, Dennis Lambert, and Peter Wolf, and was released as the lead single from Starship’s album “Knee Deep in the Hoopla”. The song was an instant hit and became Starship’s first number-one single on the US Billboard Hot 100.
Music Video
The music video for “We Built This City” was directed by Peter Kagan and Paula Greif and premiered on MTV in 1985. The video features the band performing on a futuristic stage in a city that looks like it was built for a science fiction movie. The video also features shots of people dancing and playing music in various locations around the city, as well as shots of the band members riding in a car and a helicopter.
Controversy
Despite its popularity, “We Built This City” has also been the subject of controversy over the years. In 2011, it was named the “worst song of all time” by Blender magazine, and in 2015, it was ranked number one on a list of the “100 Most Awful Songs Ever” by GQ magazine. However, the song’s fans argue that it is a classic example of 80s pop-rock and that its catchy chorus and upbeat energy make it a timeless classic.
Cover Versions
Over the years, “We Built This City” has been covered by many other artists, including Glee cast, Wilson Phillips, and Cobra Starship. In 2012, the song was even featured in a commercial for the Internet Explorer browser. The commercial featured Starship’s lead singer Mickey Thomas singing a new version of the song with lyrics that were updated to promote the browser.
Legacy
“We Built This City” may have its detractors, but there’s no denying its place in pop culture history. The song has been featured in numerous movies, TV shows, and commercials over the years, and its catchy chorus continues to be a favorite among fans of 80s music. Whether you love it or hate it, “We Built This City” is a song that will always be associated with the decade of excess and the birth of MTV.
