Once a chart-topping hit, Starship’s “We Built This City” has since found itself labeled as one of the worst songs ever by critics and even by one of the band members, Grace Slick. Despite reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 on Nov. 16, 1985, the song has earned a reputation as a cringe-worthy tune that has not stood the test of time. Various publications, including VH1, Blender, and Rolling Stone, have all ranked “We Built This City” as one of the most awesomely bad songs of all time.
Despite its less-than-stellar reputation, the song has found an unexpected resurgence in recent times. Thanks to a creative collaboration with Quilted Northern toilet paper, the tune has been featured in the company’s “Keep It Quilted” campaign. In a series of colorful and catchy commercials, the Quilted Queens, a trio of women, sing their own version of “We Built This City” as they go about their daily activities. The ads have become a surprising hit, capturing the attention of audiences with their ridiculous yet infectious vibe.
The lyrics of the new rendition, titled “We Quilt This City,” serve as an ode to comfort and coziness, mirroring the qualities of the advertised toilet paper. With lines like “So cushy and so plushy / Just give it a try / Feeling is believing / We quilt this city with a comfy roll,” the song reinforces the message of softness and luxury that Quilted Northern aims to convey to consumers.
Despite Slick’s own disdain for the original song, its adaptation for the toilet paper campaign adds a playful twist to its legacy. As Slick revealed in an interview, her decision to participate in recording “We Built This City” was motivated by a desire to make amends for past behavior. The unusual choice of using the song for a commercial further highlights the unpredictable path that music can take in the world of marketing.
The unexpected resurgence of “We Built This City” through the Quilted Northern campaign showcases the enduring power of music to connect with audiences in new and unexpected ways. Through this unlikely collaboration, the song has found a new context that adds a layer of humor and fun to its once-tarnished reputation.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.