'Ugly and Different', Google Logo Works

"There are however many examples of what can arguably be called ugly design that have done very well in creating a strong visual brand.

The example that comes to mind is the Google wordmark. The same typeface, rainbow color scheme, drop shadow and beveled look applied to any other entity would never make it as logo of the day on the sites we frequent. Aesthetically, I find the wordmark horrible with its inclusion of many elements I would hesitate to put into any logo, let alone all of them into one. But wow, does it ever work."

Ugly and Bland Can Win the Race – idApostle: An Identity Love Affair / Logo Designer, Ottawa, Canada.