Top 11 Best and Worst Diamond-Certified Songs

• There are over 150 songs that have been certified diamond by the RIAA.
• The list includes a vast range of quality, from “Bohemian Rhapsody” to “Baby Shark.”
• Below are our picks for best and worst (each batch listed in chronological order of certification).

Diamond is the highest award bestowed by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), reserved for songs that go 10x platinum in the US. By definition, a song must have tremendous commercial appeal to be eligible — but not all hits are created equal.

The current list, which includes over 150 songs, features a wide range of quality. Here are the 11 best and 11 worst diamond-certified songs in chronological order of certification.

“Bad Romance” by Lady Gaga is a perfect pop song. At the end of the aughts, Lady Gaga was the jolt of eccentric, unapologetic, unforgettable energy that top-40 radio needed, even if some people — 13-year-old me included — didn’t quite “get it” yet. Over time, many of Gaga’s hit singles have been rightly exalted as the stuff of pop genius. This is especially true of “Bad Romance,” which became the fourth song in history to be certified diamond in 2015. “Gaga, ooh la-la,” indeed.

“Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars is an irresistible banger that doesn’t take itself too seriously. “Uptown Funk” is some of Mark Ronson’s finest work, second only to Amy Winehouse’s “Back to Black.” The producer has a knack for blending funk rock, blues, and pop, as well as choosing collaborators who share his vision. Nobody could’ve sold the silly brilliance of “Uptown Funk” like Bruno Mars.

Lorde’s “Royals” has inspired hordes of alt-pop copycats. At the time of its release, Lorde’s breakout hit was praised for blending earworm melodies, minimalist production, and sharp cultural commentary — so sharp, in fact, that people couldn’t believe a 15-year-old girl wrote the lyrics. Despite being over a decade old, “Royals” still sounds as fresh, topical, and intelligent as ever.

“Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen is the best diamond-certified song, hands down. The chaotic magic of “Bohemian Rhapsody” defies language. It’s an absurd, six-minute single that invokes the devil and doesn’t have a chorus. Despite its unconventional structure, it has captivated audiences for decades, earning its diamond certification over 40 years after its release.

“Sorry” changed the trajectory of Justin Bieber’s career. For all of Justin Bieber’s flops and missteps in recent years, “Sorry” endures as his crowning achievement. The maximalist dance-floor anthem, produced by BloodPop and Skrillex, revitalized Bieber’s career and solidified his place as an adult pop star.

Nicki Minaj’s “Super Bass” paved the way for rappers with pop appeal. “Super Bass” took pop radio by storm, allowing Minaj to achieve unprecedented crossover success and creating a blueprint for future hits. The song remains a significant milestone in her career.

“I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston is arguably the best love song of all time. Whitney Houston’s rendition is a classic that speaks for itself. It’s a timeless love anthem that remains beloved by many.

Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” is one of the most celebrated songs in history. “Thriller” is the album’s centerpiece, featuring a game-changing visual that became the first music video inducted into the Library of Congress’ National Film Registry in 2009. Its lasting impact is undeniable.

Kid Cudi’s “Pursuit of Happiness (Nightmare)” never gets old. The collaboration with MGMT and Ratatat felt like something close to destiny. Despite its blend of electronic rock, psychedelia, and hip-hop, it was immediately loved and has remained a staple in pop culture.

Billie Eilish’s “Bad Guy” is an anthem for a new generation. “Bad Guy” is bizarre, creative, and hypnotic. It solidified Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell as significant figures in the music world, leading them to smash records and win multiple awards.

“Needed Me” is a key piece of Rihanna’s legendary discography. Even without releasing an album in over eight years, Rihanna continues to dominate. “Needed Me” stands out in her impressive collection, capturing her magnetic self-assurance and becoming Rihanna’s longest-charting hit.

“Thrift Shop” by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis is a novelty rap hit that didn’t age well. Macklemore’s opening line, “Walk up to the club like, what up, I got a big cock,” made “Thrift Shop” hugely popular yet immensely regrettable.

“All About That Bass” by Meghan Trainor gives body positivity a bad name. Despite seeming progressive at the time, “All About That Bass” is now seen as a backward attempt at pseudo-feminism that did more harm than good.

Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines” is an unfortunate symptom of rape culture. “I know you want it” became an anthem for creepy individuals everywhere, tarnishing the song’s reputation.

“I Gotta Feeling” by The Black Eyed Peas has been overplayed to death. Though it may have been a good song initially, it quickly became a grating staple at various events and parties, losing its charm over time.

“Cruise” by Florida Georgia Line is a predictable earworm that doesn’t measure up to other country hits. Despite being the first country song to receive a diamond award, it feels more like textbook pandering with its stereotypical lyrics.

“Baby Shark” has no business being diamond-certified. While it may be a useful distraction for parents with young kids, it doesn’t belong in the same elite tier as songs like “Bohemian Rhapsody” or “Thriller.”

“When I Was Your Man” by Bruno Mars is a standard ballad that lacks charisma. Despite Bruno Mars’ cross-generational appeal, “When I Was Your Man” is a cloying, by-the-numbers ballad that lacks his usual swagger.

“Moves Like Jagger” is one of Maroon 5’s worst songs. Despite having excellent tracks like “This Love” and “She Will Be Loved,” Maroon 5 is best known for “Moves Like Jagger,” an unoriginal bid for radio play.

XXXTentacion’s “Sad!” doesn’t deserve its popularity. Given the rapper’s criminal charges and the uninspired nature of the song, “Sad!” feels like a questionable addition to the diamond-certified club.

“Girls Like You” by Maroon 5 feels both corny and insincere. Given Adam Levine’s recent extramarital activities, the song has become downright unlistenable.

“Something Just Like This” by The Chainsmokers and Coldplay is an unimaginative bore. The song lacks creativity and feels like a cash grab, tarnishing Coldplay’s once-stellar reputation.

Source: Business Insider