Famous singers are often assumed to have big egos; however, even famous musicians do occasionally apologize. I have gathered 10 of my favorite apology songs in no particular order. Instead of ranking them on song quality, I will be rating them on the likelihood that the singer would be forgiven, factoring in the quality of the song, content of the apology itself, and the event they are apologizing for. Enjoy!
Nobody’s Perfect by Hannah Montana – My first date was to Hannah Montana: The Movie when I was in third grade. While I never saw this boy again, I never escaped the unstoppable and undeniable force that is Hannah Montana. And why would I want to? This song is amazing. The guitars kill it and Miley’s voice is really unique, even when she was that young. Most of all, it is a great apology for what is most likely a minor misstep. While Hannah does recognize that she did something wrong, she appeals to the fact that everybody messes up sometimes. Hannah reminds us that we can’t reasonably hold others to a standard that we can’t maintain ourselves. While I do wish she touched more on the apology itself, if someone sang me this while apologizing, I would most likely forgive them. Forgiveness Ranking: 8/10
Oops, I Did It Again by Britney Spears- This song is a bop and is such a powerful vehicle for the one and only Britney Spears. Britney has so much star power in everything she does and touches that it would be almost impossible to not do anything she tells you to do whenever and however she tells you to do it. However, as far as asking for forgiveness – Britney is not that remorseful. She shows no sign of regret playing with your heart despite admitting wrongdoing. In fact, she even says she’s, “not that innocent”. Forgiveness Ranking: 5/10
If I Could Turn Back Time by Cher – I’m of two minds about this one. If Cher really does not know why she did what she did, she may need to do some more self-reflection so that this does not happen again. Otherwise, this apology is shallow and meaningless. On the other hand, the song deserves credit for being a classic 80s banger and because Cher does seem genuinely guilty. Also, I always forget how amazing Cher’s voice sounds, but it truly is something very very special. She can put emotion into every syllable of every word. The drums that sound like a clock are an amazing addition without being too distracting (take notes Zedd). The key change is beautifully done as well. Forgiveness Ranking: 7/10
Hello by Adele – This is Adele’s way of apologizing to her ex, who was most likely a horrible boyfriend, but probably did not deserve an entire album about how horrible they are blowing up as big as it did. It also is Adele’s way of apologizing to her loyal fans. “Hello” is her way of reintroducing herself to the adoring audience that waited many years for another classic Adele single. Her musicality is just as on-point as always. The admittance of wrongdoing is amazing and her attempts at repentance seem genuinely harrowing. There is but one flaw; an apology must be on the terms of the wronged party. She loses a point for trying to enforce her own conditions on the apology and not listening to the clear signal that this man is not ready to hear her out yet. Forgiveness Ranking: 9/10
Back to December by Taylor Swift- Akansha has already done an amazing review of this track that everybody should check out, so I am going to focus only on the apology itself. One of my biggest issues with Taylor swift is her reluctance to admit fault in most scenarios and an inability to see the world in shades of gray instead of clear heroes and villains. This track proves me wrong. Taylor Swift has one song, of her long extending discography, that contains a genuine apology with no qualifications or immediate blame-shifting. There is a reason that this is one of her best songs. When Ms. Swift decides to show remorse, she does it very well. Forgiveness Ranking: 10/10
Wasn’t Me by Shaggy and Rik Rok- If you never played this in your car and screamed it at the top of your lungs, were you really a teenager during the 2000s and 2010s? There is a naive charm to the track coming from Shaggy thinking this non-apology has a shot. Take note, admitting wrongdoing is the first step to forgiveness. However, Shaggy is so dumb, that this pathetic excuse for an apology just may work. He also gets some points for knowing the right thing to do, admitting towards the end of the song that he should be honest with his girlfriend. He immediately loses that point for not just doing that. Forgiveness Ranking: 2/10
Ms. Jackson by OutKast – My middle-aged dad who only listens to Neil Young and Bruce Springsteen, all my college roommates, and my discerning dog unite over a love for OutKast. This is a perfect song that everyone and their grandparents can jam to and still feel cool and fresh. As it turns out, OutKast is also amazing at apologies. They even apologize to the mother of the wronged party to cover all their bases. If you ever need to say sorry to someone, this is the way to do it. Forgiveness Ranking: 10/10
Sorry by Justin Bieber – I must once again stress that I am not rating the quality of the song, but whether I would forgive the singer. This song came out at a time when Justin Bieber had seemingly a lot to apologize for. Scandal after scandal showed a pattern of ego and a complete lack of regard for consequences. This song is almost like an apology to his fans. In this way alone, the apology works. The song is one of the best Justin Bieber had out at the time and maybe one of his best singles of all time. In every other way possible, this apology does not work. “I am missing more than just your body” is just not a forgivable line, even though the vibes of this track are completely immaculate. He does not sound remorseful, or even slightly aware of what he did wrong. He just wants her body back and is willing to say anything to get it. Forgiveness Ranking: 4/10
Cleaning Out My Closet by Eminem- As soon as you add a “but” to an apology, the quality of said apology is lessened. “I never meant to make you cry, but tonight I am cleaning out my closet” cries Marshall Mathers as he appears to be literally digging his own grave. Slim Shady is apologizing to his mother, with who it appears he had a very complicated relationship. White rapper #2 is famous for joking about killing his mother, even dedicating a whole track to it on one of his first albums. Eminem claims multiple times that she was not the best mother. While I do not have any personal insight as to whether she was a good mom or he was a good son, (I actually don’t know either of them personally) if this is the grammy-award-winning-fast- speaker’s genuine attempt at an apology, it is bad. Forgiveness Ranking: 3/10
Purple Rain by Prince- How do I even write about this song? It is just so perfect. When your guitar solo is that amazing, an apology is just a bonus. I genuinely have no words. What was I mad about again? Forgiveness Ranking: 11/10
