“Smack My Bitch Up”, The Prodigy’s 1997 single has been named the most controversial song of all time, in a poll by Britain’s Performing Right Society (PRS). It was banned by BBC and MTV, who refused to play the song as part of chart rundowns, though through high demand was later allowed to screen after midnight. The video (show below) particularly drew a lot of criticism from women’s rights groups, as it depicts graphic violence, sex and drug use. The song reached number eight in the UK chart and is still a rad track.
Coming at number two was The Sex Pistol’s 1977 single, “God Save The Queen,” which at the time, was deemed to be critical of the monarchy and therefore treasonist. The song led to the Pistols being dropped by Virgin Records, however, it still ranked in at number two in the UK charts.
Number three went to “Relax” by Frankie Goes to Hollywood (1983), which was also banned by the BBC as the song’s lyrics and cover sleeve were said to be overtly sexual and super gay, e.g. “all the nice boys love sea men.” The music video (posted below) is like Caligula in leather vests and was banned then replaced by the most boring video of all time.
Other songs that made the top 10 list were Eminem’s “Kim” where the rapper sings about killing his ex-wife; Rage Against the Machine’s “Killing in the Name”; “Ebeneezer Goode” by The Shamen because it supposedly promoted the use of ecstasy; Ozzy Osbourne’s “Suicide Solution”; Marilyn Manson’s “Get Your Gun,” about the assassination of abortionist Dr. David Gunn; Slayer’s “Angel of Death” about Nazi doctor Josef Mengele and lastly XTC’s tune “Dear God” which is blatantly anti-religion.
1757 respondents participated the online poll by PRS.
The top 10 most controversial songs:
1. Smack My Bitch Up – The Prodigy
2. God Save The Queen – The Sex Pistols
3. Relax – Frankie Goes To Hollywood
4. Kim – Eminem (could not find official video but this is the uncensored version of the song which is heavy)
5. Killing In The Name – Rage Against The Machine
6. Ebeneezer Goode – The Shamen
7. Suicide Solution – Ozzy Osbourne
8. Get Your Gunn – Marilyn Manson
9. Angel of Death – Slayer
10. Dear God – XTC
