Coming up with a title is hard, admittedly. Anyone who’s ever made an album or written a book will tell you that the hardest thing of all is simply figuring out what to call the damn thing. Still, on behalf of the music-loving public, we’d all prefer it if artists didn’t just say “screw it” and call their album something banal, overtly strange, or just plain stupid. What makes it worse, though, is when that album actually turns out to be good or even great. Below are some albums that we love to listen to with titles that make us wince.

Spoon – Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga

Rock critics love Spoon, and for good reason (they’re a great band). So we have to question exactly why they decided to punish rock writers everywhere by forcing them to type out that title over and over again in 2007. Plus, it’s literally the sound a baby makes in place of actual words. 

Coldplay – Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends

Brian Eno told Coldplay that the title was too long. Here’s a hint: when Brian Eno gives you advice, you listen to that advice.

Fiona Apple – When The Pawn Hits The Conflict He…oh, screw it.

Quick, say “Pretentious Album Title” in at 15 words or more!

Stevie Wonder – Journey Through The Secret Life Of Plants

Yes, it’s the soundtrack to a movie that’s based on a book. Honestly, though, every time I read the title, I keep thinking that the movie is a plant-themed version of Toy Story, and that’s actually kind of a scary idea.

Elton John – Captain Fantastic & The Brown Dirt Cowboy

Elton’s intention was something akin to a Flash Gordon-esque serial show, but the title implies something more unseemly. Also, the term “brown dirt” is, for the most part, redundant.

Eric Clapton – Old Sock

An album’s title is supposed to be something appealing to lure the listener in. Can anyone think of anything less appealing than dirty laundry?