Hans Worst Hits of the 80’s- “Kokomo”- The Beach Boys. The Beach Boys first #1 hit single since Good Vibrations in 1966. If there were a Grammy Award for Worst Single by a Legendary Group- this would have to at least be a nominee. It wouldn’t have been a hit in the first place if not for the Tom Cruise movie “Cocktail.” I hadn’t heard Kokomo until it was already a hit. I heard that The Beach Boys had a big hit and in 1988 this seemed rather odd- when was the last time they had been relevant? When I heard it I was shocked at how bad it was. Maybe America was feeling nostalgic about The Beach Boys at this point? I can’t explain it. Below I will attach a fine article on The Beach Boys in 1988 and Kokomo.
I had planned on going on a rant about Beach Boy Mike Love- but I am gong to save that for another day-
https://www.stereogum.com/2006749/kokomo-beach-boys-story/franchises/sounding-board/
I kind of like it 😳
I liked it when it came out. Now I realise what I dickhead I was and still am.
By the way, how small in stature must Elizabeth Shue be if Tom nestled her like that. Haha
she is 5 foot 2
That would explain it.
Man, did I have a thing for her soccer skills in the Karate Kid.
Yes, you are right in hindsight the Beach Boys laid a big turd on us with that one.
I am right with you re Elisabeth Shue back in the day- not remembering anything about soccer in Karate Kid though lol
Very interesting article at that link! This song is “the” song for a friend of mine and her husband. It was popular when they met and took a vaca to a tropical place. They are still married. I can take maybe a minute of the song and then have to turn it off. The chorus becomes a nightmare!
I think the song would have to have some kind of special meaning- like with your friend and her husband- for a person to be able to stomach it..
lol
Hans, I left comments on all of your posts earlier, but when I clicked “post comment”, WP ate them 😦 I’m attempting to go back through and re-comment. just an fyi
Cheese music for a cheese movie.
Kokomo did not seem to fi t in with The Beach Boys genre. A very shallow piece.
YES!! Jackpot!! This is my choice for all time worst song – God I hate this song. In my mind this would have won the Grammy in your category above. Almost sacrilegious next to their classic period – Pet Sounds to this???
I think at that point The Beach Boys minus Brian would have sold their souls for a hit- especially Mike Love would have. I recall hearing they had a hit- and when I heard it “This is a hit?”
Interesting read re the song. The original not much better although at least it doesn’t have the inane chorus. I am embarrassed to say I saw that episode of Full House!