Baby Boomers Guilty Pleasures

Every generation has guilty pleasures—but boomers? Oh, they practically invented them. Long before Spotify Wrapped exposed everyone’s questionable listening habits, boomers were already hiding record sleeves under their beds and praying no one caught them humming along. These are the songs they loved…and would rather not talk about.

Chuck Berry: “My Ding-A-Ling” (1972)

Chuck Berry was a rock legend, yet this silly novelty tune became his only No. 1 hit. Boomers sang along like it was peak comedy, giggling through the chorus. Today, most pretend they were above it—despite knowing every single juvenile lyric by heart.

Don Paulsen/Michael Ochs Archives, Getty Images

Captain & Tennille: “Muskrat Love” (1976)

Boomers once slow-danced to a romantic ballad about… muskrats. Two muskrats falling in love! It was soft, sweet, and everywhere. Now, boomers insist they “only liked it ironically,” even though they definitely requested it at roller rinks and weddings.

ABC Television, Wikimedia Commons

Debby Boone: “You Light Up My Life” (1977)

This super-earnest ballad stayed at No. 1 for ten weeks, and boomers belted it out with Olympic-level sincerity. These days they switch stations before the second note, pretending they were never emotionally destroyed by its gentle, inspirational glow.

John Mathew Smith & www.celebrity-photos.com, Wikimedia Commons

Carl Douglas: “Kung Fu Fighting” (1974)

Boomers thought they were unstoppable on the dance floor when this came on. Everyone tried those lightning-fast moves—usually with mixed results. Now, it lives firmly in their don’t-bring-this-up-at-reunions category, especially if there’s video evidence.

Screenshot from Kung Fu Fighting, 20th Century Fox Records (1974)

Starland Vocal Band: “Afternoon Delight” (1976)

Boomers sang this catchy tune without realizing what the lyrics actually meant. And honestly? We’ll give them a pass—Will Ferrell and the Anchorman gang made this one cool for all generations to enjoy. When they finally understood the song’s midday intentions, the embarrassment arrived right on time.

Screenshot from Afternoon Delight, Windsong (1976)

Rick Dees: “Disco Duck” (1976)

Yes, boomers danced—enthusiastically—to a man quacking over disco beats. It was a radio phenomenon, and they were fully committed. Now they pretend they were far too sophisticated for such bird-brained entertainment. Spoiler: they absolutely were not.

Screenshot from Disco Duck, RSO (1976)

Rupert Holmes: “Escape (The Piña Colada Song)” (1979)

This breezy soft-rock tale of mutual attempted cheating was a massive boomer anthem. They loved the storytelling twist and sang along proudly. Today, they claim it’s “just catchy,” not deeply representative of their entire 1979 vibe.

Screenshot from Escape (The Piña Colada Song), Infinity (1979)

The Archies: “Sugar, Sugar” (1969)

A fictional cartoon band released one of the decade’s biggest hits—and boomers devoured it. Bubblegum pop at its purest. Now they insist they were more into Hendrix and The Doors, even though this record lived permanently on their turntables.

Screenshot from Sugar, Sugar, Kirshner (1969)

Ohio Express: “Yummy Yummy Yummy” (1968)

Boomers devoured bubblegum pop like this sugary anthem and proudly sang every goofy line. Now, they apologize for the entire genre and insist they moved on quickly—despite the hook still slapping in a nostalgic way.

Screenshot from Yummy Yummy Yummy, Buddah (1968)

1910 Fruitgum Company: “Simon Says” (1967)

Boomers once loved this sugary bubblegum hit so much they didn’t even mind being bossed around by a chorus. It was catchy, goofy, and everywhere. Today, most pretend they were far too sophisticated for follow-the-leader pop—but deep down, their inner kid still claps on cue.

Fdmarcus, Wikimedia Commons

Tommy Roe: “Dizzy” (1969)

This whirlwind bubblegum smash hit No. 1 and spun boomers into full-on pop frenzy. They adored its dizzying hook and cheerful energy. These days, they try to distance themselves from how intensely they used to twirl along, but the song still gets stuck instantly in their heads.

Screenshot from Dizzy, ABC (1969)

The Lemon Pipers: “Green Tambourine” (1967)

Psychedelic bubblegum was a thing—and boomers were absolutely into it. This tambourine-filled earworm sounded deep at the time, but now feels adorably kitschy. Still, the moment that shimmering intro plays, they remember exactly how groovy they once thought they were.

KRLA Beat, Wikimedia Commons

The Cowsills: “The Rain, the Park & Other Things” (1967)

This sunshine-pop classic made boomers feel like life was one big technicolor daydream. They adored its innocence and harmonies—but now pretend they preferred cooler bands. Yet somehow, they still know every whimsical lyric.

MGM Records, Wikimedia Commons

The Turtles: “Happy Together” (1967)

Boomers sang this earnest love anthem loud enough to embarrass themselves decades later. It’s wholesome, catchy, and deeply unironic—everything they pretend they were too edgy to appreciate. But once that chorus hits, resistance is futile.

Screenshot from Happy Together, White Whale (1967)

Blue Swede: “Hooked on a Feeling” (1974)

Boomers chanted Ooga-chaka like it was sacred ritual. It felt powerful at the time. These days, they claim they prefer the original, forgetting how loudly they embraced the Swedish theatrical flair.

Screenshot from Hooked on a Feeling, Scepter (1974)

Paul Anka: “(You’re) Having My Baby” (1974)

Boomers slow-danced to this sentimental ballad with zero irony. It was considered extremely romantic. Now, after decades of hindsight, they cringe a little and pretend it was mostly their parents’ favorite.

U. A. Saarinen, Wikimedia Commons

Ray Stevens: “The Streak” (1974)

Boomers absolutely lost it over this novelty hit about streaking. They quoted it, reenacted it, and probably annoyed everyone around them. Today, they quietly hope no one remembers how deeply they committed to it.

Gene Pugh, Wikimedia Commons

Terry Jacks: “Seasons in the Sun” (1973)

This emotional farewell song sent boomers into full dramatic mode. It was earnest, heartfelt, and tear-inducing. Now they admit it’s melodramatic—but still know every word because it once ruled their teenage sadness playlists.

Bell Records, Wikimedia Commons

Melanie: “Brand New Key” (1971)

Boomers adored this bubbly folk tune—long before they understood its playful innuendo. Once the meaning clicked, the embarrassment arrived. Still, they can’t help humming along when it pops up in grocery stores.

Pat Swayne, Wikimedia Commons

The Partridge Family: “I Think I Love You” (1970)

Boomers screamed for David Cassidy and played this bubblegum anthem nonstop. Today, they pretend it was a sibling’s obsession. But deep down, they remember every harmonized line perfectly.

ABC Television Network., Wikimedia Commons

The Carpenters: “Close to You” (1970)

Boomers melted over Karen Carpenter’s voice even if they won’t admit it now. This tender ballad was a staple at weddings and slow dances. They claim they were more into rock—but this one still hits the nostalgia button.

Screenshot from Close to You, A&M (1970)

Bay City Rollers: “Saturday Night” (1973)

Boomers spelled out S-A-T-U-R-D-A-Y like their lives depended on it. They wore the plaid, screamed the hook, and lived the hype. Now they downplay their Rollers obsession—but their muscle memory still knows the chant.

Harria, Wikimedia Commons

Leo Sayer: “You Make Me Feel Like Dancing” (1976)

Boomers didn’t just listen—they full-on danced to this falsetto-fueled hit. It was joyful, relentless, and irresistible. Today, they laugh nervously at how hard they committed to the groove, but their feet still twitch when it plays.

Screenshot from You Make Me Feel Like Dancing, Warner Bros. (1976)

ABBA: “Dancing Queen” (1976)

They once mocked disco but secretly loved ABBA. When this came on, even the tough guys danced. Today, they pretend they never judged disco—right before dancing again.

Screenshot from Dancing Queen, Polar (1976)

Sweet: “Ballroom Blitz” (1973)

Boomers rocked out to this glam anthem like their lives depended on it. They knew every chaotic shout and played invisible guitars with conviction. Now they laugh when someone brings it up—because they remember exactly how unhinged they got.

Screenshot from Ballroom Blitz, RCA (1973)

Right Said Fred: “I’m Too Sexy” (1991)

Late-boomer territory, but yes—many strutted around like runway models when this hit. Some even attempted the hip swivel. Today, they pretend they were merely aware of the song, despite strong evidence otherwise.

Pophq, Wikimedia Commons

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