Mr. Roboto: Righteous or dehumanizing?

So in generating our collective list of 50 Worst Songs of the 80s, I've stumbled upon another roadblock: Should Mr. Roboto by Styx make the offenders' list?

(If you're having trouble remembering the glory of Dennis DeYoung in his graying, short hairdo, click here to see the entire Mr. Roboto video.)

I'm too close to this song to decide. I was a huge Styx fan back then, bought the album and enjoyed most of the tunes. Plus, the only time I saw Styx live was on the Mr. Roboto tour at the now demolished St. Petersburg Bayfront Arena, and I consider it one of my top 3 concerts. But I understand it when people argue it's the worst of their work. (Worse than "Two Much Times On My Hands?" .... And even if it is their worst, that doesn't necessarily make it on the top 50 list with the likes of "Ebony and Ivory" and "I Wanna Be A Cowboy.")

Let's go over some pluses and minuses.

PLUS: It's a catchy little tune with a very distinctive beginning. And it's in Japanese!

MINUS: The translation: Thank you very much, Mr. Roboto. Until we meet again. Thank you very much, Mr. Roboto. I want to know your secret. OK, now that you know, it's sorta pointless since it's repeated in English later in the song anyway.

PLUS: There's a message in the song (that's a novelty in music these days) that tells the story of fictitious rock star "Kilroy" who is falsely imprisoned. He escapes by hiding inside the shell of a Mr. Roboto, the automated workers of the prison. The overall theme: Machines dehumanize.

MINUS: The message sounds like the disgruntled cry of a Detroit auto worker. (Maybe Michael Moore should have directed the video.)

PLUS: It's such a part of pop culture that the song is referenced in scores of other tunes, commercials, TV shows and films. (My favorite reference? In a Simpsons episode, when Homer is cheering on Otto at the bowling alley.)

MINUS: How much longer before "Domo Arigato, Mr. Roboto" becomes "Where's the Beef?" or "Whaazzzzup?" (It's been 13 years and counting for Styx. That's a long streak.)

So it's time to sound off. Drop me a comment and let me know if Mr. Roboto deserves a spot on the Top 50 Worst Songs of the 80s list.

Comments

[Anonymous]

Not my favorite Styx song, but not one of the worst songs of the 80s. Leave it off the list, Steve. If you must choose a Styx song, pick "Snowblind" or "First Time."

[Anonymous]

It's a ridiculous album and the end of the band's serious career, but one of the worst songs? Nah. Close, but no cigar.

[c.kelley]

No! Mr. Roboto is a classic 80's song. It is SOOO cheesy, but in a good way. Actually, I listened to this cassette on a trip to Epcot Center in 7th grade - Round trip from Chicago to Florida .... driving! I haven't listened to it much since then, but I have great memories of the trip.

[chilledbongo]

i only vaguely recall this song, but just the IDEA of styx, never mind the muzik, is the werst of the 80s, so i vote yes, it goes on.

[Greg Williams]

I am equally torn:It's a "typical" 80's tune, so I'd vote no. It's an oft requested song on the local 80's station here.On the other hand, it's completely NOT typical Styx work. It's like, there's all the other songs, and then there's THIS.I'd go on the "no" side, or if anything, make it #50.

[Matt]

Styx was a minor 70's rock band who are best remembered for "Come Sail Away" and their then-creative album covers. Then Dennis DeYoung started singing lead and they completely went to Hell. The Slits had more cred with just one album.

[highvoltage]

Styx had a couple great songs, and Mr. Roboto is not one of them. Not that it is a bad song, more like horribly week by Styx' standards. I don't think it deserves top 50 status though.

[highvoltage]

Styx had a couple great songs, and Mr. Roboto is not one of them. Not that it is a bad song, more like horribly weak by Styx' standards. I don't think it deserves top 50 status though.

[Steve Spears]

I'm sure I'll reveal more about my feelings on Styx in a future podcast. (I once threatened my podcast guests with the idea that we'll do an ENTIRE episode on the "Kilroy was Here" album). Bottom line: I credit Styx with helping me transition from KISS to normal rock music. (Likewise, I credit The Cars with helping me transition from rock into more alternative music.) Ah, who cares. I'm just glad Roboto won't be on the list.

[Anonymous]

There's another song off that album that should be on the list instead of Roboto. That song is "Don't Let It End". I still cringe when I hear it. That song was the real "end" for Styx. Dennis DeYoung got too carried away with those damn ballads after "Babe" became such a big hit.

[Bassnote]

I think Roboto is a terrible song. I was a big fan of Styx, and that song (and album) killed the band. That was the start of Dennis DeYoung going broadway. Is it worthy of top 50 worst? No, but I would put it in the top 100 worst. You want a Styx song for the top 50, go with Music Time from the Caught in the act album. It is the most stupid, juvenile, piece of garbage they ever recorded. That's saying a lot because let's face it, they did record some BAD songs.

[Six]

Ok, I love this song! LOL! True, it is cheesy, but it's classic 80s cheese, therefore, it's beloved by me. :)

[Wendy O]

Mr. Roboto is totally awesome. Full of drama and 80's electronica, it would be on my top 50 best songs of the 80's. I just love the lyric "My heart is human, my blood is boiling, my brain I.B.M." Classic!

[Rick Gershman]

Definitely, totally, completely a Worst 50 member. Likely Worst 10....and I liked Too Much Time on My Hands, personally......better than Too Much Jelly on My Hands, at least...

[Daniel]

Yes, cheesy but a classic that most remember quite well. The beginning is pretty cool. 20+ years later I am always reminded of this song as I always have to say Domo Arigato, Sensei at karate class. After the first year or two I could finally not have a smirk on my face after saying at the close of class.

[Anonymous]

I don't know what this says about the song, but I just heard it yesterday morning on the muzak in my OBGYN's waiting room. It was followed up by "I Think We're Alone Now". Then my mind went to bad places which included a speculum and robots and malls.

[Xamedu]

Anyone who spells the word music muzak, yeah thier vote should't count. So Styx is my favourite band, has been for A LONG time, with everyone of there albums in every form possible (newer cds not having tapes of course...) So yeah of course note, no way should it be on it. Put stuff like "She blinded me with science".

[Mr Spring Break Dennis]

I have Been to 22 Spring Breaks, Daytona 1982 & Panama City in the 90's. YOU SHOULD NOT PICK ON MR. ROBOTO. Those goofy songs should always be played for SPRING BREAK. HECK "PEACHES" BY THOSE PRESIDENTS WOULD HAVE BEEN TARGETED INTO "ORANGES". I'm going to go to Florida and drink a lot of ORANGE JUICE, millions of ORANGES, Orange Juice for Free. GO Gators, but you have to get through Georgia from Ohio. 1990 "Love Shack" was another crazy song like 1986 ROCK-ME-A-DENNIS. The Wadsworth Girls that love Andy Sonnanstine pitching in Tampa Bay should remember the Starship concert in Daytona. STYX HAS ALWAYS RULED IN CLEVELAND.