Top 15 Most Infamous Rip-Off Songs Ever

Music has the incredible power to evoke emotions, connect people, and shape cultures. But sometimes, that creative process can go astray, leading to allegations of song plagiarism. Throughout musical history, there have been instances where songs seemed eerily similar to others, sparking controversies and debates among fans, artists, and legal experts. In this article, we’ll delve into the top 15 most infamous rip-off songs ever, exploring the similarities and controversies that surround them.

1. “My Sweet Lord” (George Harrison) – “He’s So Fine” (The Chiffons)

George Harrison’s “My Sweet Lord” faced a lawsuit for its resemblance to “He’s So Fine” by The Chiffons. The courts ruled that Harrison had unconsciously copied the melody, highlighting the fine line between inspiration and imitation.

2. “Blurred Lines” (Robin Thicke ft. Pharrell Williams) – “Got to Give It Up” (Marvin Gaye)

The controversial case of “Blurred Lines” vs. “Got to Give It Up” resulted in a legal battle, with Marvin Gaye’s estate claiming copyright infringement due to similarities in the groove and feel of the songs.

3. “Ice Ice Baby” (Vanilla Ice) – “Under Pressure” (Queen & David Bowie)

Vanilla Ice’s hit sampled the iconic bassline from Queen and David Bowie’s “Under Pressure.” Legal disputes were settled out of court, shedding light on the nuances of sampling and borrowing in music.

4. “Stay With Me” (Sam Smith) – “I Won’t Back Down” (Tom Petty)

Sam Smith’s “Stay With Me” was accused of resembling Tom Petty’s “I Won’t Back Down.” The matter was resolved with Smith acknowledging the similarity and crediting Petty.

5. “Viva la Vida” (Coldplay) – “If I Could Fly” (Joe Satriani)

Coldplay’s “Viva la Vida” came under scrutiny for its alleged resemblance to Joe Satriani’s “If I Could Fly.” Though no legal action was taken, discussions about song similarities continued.

6. “Come Together” (The Beatles) – “You Can’t Catch Me” (Chuck Berry)

The Beatles’ “Come Together” had lyrics reminiscent of Chuck Berry’s “You Can’t Catch Me,” leading to a legal settlement that included recording a song for Berry’s publisher.

7. “Uptown Funk” (Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars) – “Oops Upside Your Head” (The Gap Band)

“Uptown Funk” drew comparisons to The Gap Band’s “Oops Upside Your Head.” The songwriters of “Oops” were added to the credits, avoiding potential legal issues.

8. “How Do You Sleep?” (Sam Smith) – “Midnight City” (M83)

Sam Smith faced another controversy with “How Do You Sleep?” resembling M83’s “Midnight City.” While Smith’s team denied any intentional copying, discussions about creative influence persisted.

9. “Ghostbusters” (Ray Parker Jr.) – “I Want a New Drug” (Huey Lewis and the News)

Ray Parker Jr.‘s “Ghostbusters” and Huey Lewis and the News’ “I Want a New Drug” led to a legal battle, resulting in an out-of-court settlement.

10. “Taurus” (Spirit) – “Stairway to Heaven” (Led Zeppelin)

The iconic “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin was accused of copying the opening riff from Spirit’s “Taurus.” After a lengthy legal battle, Led Zeppelin emerged victorious.

11. “Creep” (Radiohead) – “The Air That I Breathe” (The Hollies)

Radiohead’s “Creep” raised similarities with The Hollies’ “The Air That I Breathe.” The songwriters of “The Air” were given co-writing credits on “Creep.”

12. “Halo” (Beyoncé) – “Already Gone” (Kelly Clarkson)

Beyoncé’s “Halo” and Kelly Clarkson’s “Already Gone” faced allegations of sharing similar chord progressions and melodies. Both artists downplayed the similarities.

13. “Photograph” (Ed Sheeran) – “Amazing” (Matt Cardle)

Ed Sheeran’s “Photograph” was accused of bearing similarities to Matt Cardle’s “Amazing.” Legal action was taken but was eventually settled out of court.

14. “Born This Way” (Lady Gaga) – “Express Yourself” (Madonna)

Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way” faced comparisons to Madonna’s “Express Yourself” due to thematic and melodic similarities. Madonna expressed her thoughts on the matter but no legal action was taken.

15. “Stay” (Rihanna ft. Mikky Ekko) – “Wasting My Young Years” (London Grammar)

Rihanna’s “Stay” was noted for its resemblance to London Grammar’s “Wasting My Young Years.” Discussions about inspiration versus imitation emerged among music enthusiasts.