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Come on, get happy: Songs from the '80sOK, "Come on, Get Happy" — otherwise known as the Partridge Family Theme Song — is from the '70s, not the '80s. But if you were listening to music in the 80s, you have to admit that a lot of it was up-tempo, pretty happy stuff. With that in mind, several months ago, the Stuck in the '80s blog asked readers to submit the happiest songs of the '80s. The readers submitted their suggestions and the site winnowed them down to the 80 happiest songs of the 1980s. I was an adolescent in the '80s, so I'm reasonably familiar with the music of the decade. Consequently, some of the songs that made the list perplex me. For example, I certainly like No. 32 "Jenny 867-5309" (Tommy Tutone) but I don't know that I'd call this song about obsession with a stranger happy. And I probably wouldn't include Cheap Trick's similarly themed "She's Tight" (No. 25). I might be OK with the inclusion of Irene Cara's "What a Feeling" (No. 21) if I didn't associate it with my grandfather's death. But I definitely cannot see the Violent Femmes' "Blister in the Sun" in the top 10. I mean, it's a great song, but not the 10th happiest song of the 1980s. Had I been compiling their list, I would have dictated some basic criteria for inclusion:
Of course, after being critical, I had to compile my own mini-list of the happiest songs of the '80s. So here they are — in no particular order — starting with the ones the Stuck in the '80s blog got right: "New Song" – Howard Jones This was No. 1 on the Stuck in the '80s list, which is higher than I would have rated it. But there's no denying that it is a happy, upbeat, quintessentially '80s song. The video not only features classic '80s hair and clothes, but also includes a chained mime who seems awfully happy to be there. "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" – Cyndi Lauper Stuck in the '80s brings this one in at No. 5, and I definitely agree with it's inclusion in the top 10. This was Cyndi Lauper's first big hit, and its title spawned a happy movie with Sarah Jessica Parker and Helen Hunt.
And the video, featuring her real-life mother and wrestler, Captain Lou Albano, was a huge hit and a veritable happy-fest. The irreverence, the dancing, the big party … all of this screams HAPPY. "Head Over Heels" – The Go-Go's The Stuck in the '80s folks include the Go-Go's song "Vacation" in the top 10, but I would replace it with "Head Over Heels." Despite the lack of synchronized waterskiing found in the "Vacation" video, "Head Over Heels" features Belinda Carlisle's signature happy dancing, not to mention her sweatshirt dress with the torn collar. The band exudes happiness, and I always want to jump and clap with Jane Wiedlin during the instrumental section. Those are the only Stuck in the '80s top 10 songs that I would include in my list. But there are other songs among their 80 that I would include. "Walking on Sunshine" – Katrina and the Waves This came in at No. 15 on their list, but it is the first song I think of when I think of happy '80s song. Now I've never loved the song, but it's about as upbeat and happy as it gets.
In the video, look at how happily Katrina is dancing through the dreary, foggy streets of London. She's positively bouncy! This may be the most upbeat song of the '80s — although if you pay attention to the lyrics, it may be about obsessive, misguided love. "Footloose" – Kenny Loggins I'd rank "Footloose" much higher than No. 57. Talk about upbeat '80s movie themes!
This song is so happy that it inspires kids who have never been allowed to dance to break into fully choreographed group dance scenes. Now that's happy! Finally, I would include a few more songs that didn't even show up on their list. "Xanadu" – Olivia Newton-John and ELO Speaking of '80s movie themes, where was Xanadu? This one hit at the tail end of the disco era, so it had an inherently upbeat tune. But the message was spot-on too: It was about a place where all your dreams come true.
And look at the dreams that come true in the extended video. Michael Beck gets the girl. And Gene Kelly looks positively blissful as he rollerdiscos. I say, anything that makes Gene Kelly that happy must be pretty darn happy. "A Little Respect" – Erasure I'm cheating a little bit here because I'm not sure that the lyrics are really that happy. (Although everything from Erasure sounds kind of happy.) But it's the usage of the song in D.E.B.S. that makes it one of the happiest songs of the '80s in retrospect. In the sequence, put together perfectly by Angela Robinson, Jordana Brewster is a vision of reformed-evil-loveliness. "Don't Worry, Be Happy" – Bobby McFerrin I don't actually like this song, and I find the video annoying. But this is not a list of my favorite '80s songs; it's a list of happy '80s songs. And this one has happiness baked right into the title. This bit of annoyingness might well be the happiest song of the '80s.
So, what do you consider the happiest songs of the 1980s? Submitted by on April 14, 2008 - 4:00pm. |
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kim wilde - you came dire
kim wilde - you came
dire straits - walk of life
and probably a lot of hard n heavy songs about rock n roll all night and party every day ;)
"Walking on Sunshine" - Katrina and The Waves (1983)
ooooh ... so awesome.
Just Like Heaven - The Cure
Dead Man's Party - Oingo Boingo
Safety Dance - Men Without Hats
Come on Eileen - Dexy's Midnight Runners
Glory Days - Bruce Springsteen
We Got the Beat - the Go Go's
Baby of the 80's? Yes I am.
You know she's getting something other than the love of her mother.........
Great choices
I heart your list...
...ok and I am too lazy to make my own ;-)
- - - - - - - - - -
-Everyone is entitled to be stupid, but some abuse the privilege.
Who doesn't blog these days?
Thanks!
You really can't go wrong with the Safety Dance. ;)
And I forgot one!
88 Lines About 44 Women - The Nails!
Blister in the Sun
I have to disagree, I think "Blister in the Sun" is totally a happy song. That is just cemented by the awesome My So-Called Life scene of Angela, "finally over Jordan Catalano", dancing to it while getting ready for school.
I would add "Love Shack." It's impossible not to smile when you sing along. Plus, up tempo and happy lyrics. I mean, folks are lining outside just to get down. But I just realised it may have been released in the early nineties. If so, oops!
80's
I can't wait- New Shooz; cum on feel the noise- quiet riot; I love rock n roll- joan jett; You shook me all night long- Ac/Dc; Love Shack- the B52's; Venus- Bananarama; Walk Like An Egyptian- Bananarama; Let's Dance- David Bowie; I wanna be a cowboy-Boys dont cry; Gimme all your lovin'- ZZ Top; Land Down Under- Men At Work; Jump- Van Halen.
Happy Songs
These songs always made me happy:
Head to Toe - Lisa Lisa
Come Go With Me - Expose
Crush on You - The Jets
When I Think of You - Janet Jackson
Shake your Thang - Salt-n-Pepa
I really miss the 80's. It is hard to find happy music now.
Hey, Ace
Ha!
Sorry about that. :-)
love shack
Best 80's song EVER
I Ran - A Flock of Seagulls. Come on, this song is great. That being said, I just turned 20, so my knowledge of 80's music is limited.
these aren't all happy songs, but they make me happy in some strange way.
Sweet Dreams - Eurythmics
Body Language - Queen
Don't Stop Me Now - Queen (almost an 80's song)
Need You Tonight - INXS
Superfreak - Rick James
RADIO GA GA
By QUEEN. It may not quite qualify as a happy song, but it surely makes me feel more upbeat, when I feel let down. It's a Roger Taylor composition that has a very nice tune and lyrics, not to mention the wonderful effect it had on the stadium audience whenever the band played this song; the signature hand clapping in spectacular unison!
"I'd sit alone and watch your light, My only friend through teenage nights, --- Radio" This is typical of Queen. I love their sensitivity and poignance in the lyrics.
All of this unadulterated joy existed before Prozac...
You asked for happy... Some of this is so sweet it'll make your teeth hurt...
Neutron Dance - Pointer Sisters - http://youtube.com/watch?v=m8Ump37ddQA
Jump - Pointer Sisters - http://youtube.com/watch?v=WDtUvX1iUVg
Wake me up before you Go-Go - Wham! - http://youtube.com/watch?v=Hksil-KkebQ
Club Tropicana - Wham! - http://youtube.com/watch?v=EIzVoNq9f9s
Locomotion - Kylie Minogue http://youtube.com/watch?v=EevbQoXzGgA
If you lived anywhere in the UK in '88 and you're a big queer then you LOVED this track...
Stand up for your love rights - Yazz - http://youtube.com/watch?v=Iq9DXWg7JjQ
And if you were anywhere in Canada around '83, and you're a big queer, then you surely dug this... (I heart Lorraine Segato!)
Rise Up - Parachute Club - http://youtube.com/watch?v=kgWzll8B-uY
Paradise is exactly like where you are right now... only much, much better. ~Laurie Anderson
my favorite happy 80s song
I've loved this song ever since it came out, though I didn't really "get" the lyrics as a kid.
Belinda Carlisle - Heaven Is A Place On Earth: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQahvFdQVu8
80s music- sigh
The Outfield.
In the 80's one of my favorite movies was Oliver and Company (the Disney movie with the cat and dog) and as a kid I was known to bop around to Billy Joel's "Why Should I Worry?" from the flick.
I'd be full of crap if I didn't say George Michael's "Faith"
John Mellencamp's "Jack and Diane"
Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'"
Rick Springfield's "Jessie's Girl"
Proclaimer's "500 miles"
A cheesy classic is "We Are the World," but the 80's were fairly cheesy.
The Outfield's "Your Love" is definitely my number one (up-tempo, makes me wanna dance, i play it every time i get my hands on a jukebox, despite lyrics)...
if i were going for songs that are up-tempo and make me smile (despite lyrics), I would say Billy Joel's "We Didn't Start the Fire" The Clash's "Rock the Casbah" Whitesnake's "Here I Go Again."
The 80's...
I've been perpetually stuck in the 80's for most of my life... although I have been listening to other music throughout, but always enjoy going back to the 80's music for that nostalgic trip down memory lane.
As for "happy" songs it took me a bit longer to come up with some of those, as I seem to enjoy those power ballads and love songs from the 80's, but here are a few "happy" songs that come to mind:
No particular order:
- Celebration by Kool & the Gang
- Whip It by Devo
- Centerfold by J. Geils Band
- Mickey by Toni Basil (bonus points for great use of song in Bring It On)
- I Want Candy by Bow Wow Wow
- The Glamorous Life by Sheila E
- I'm So Excited by The Pointer Sisters
- Everybody Have Fun Tonight by Wang Chung
- I'm Alright by Kenny Loggins
- Girls Just Wanna Have Fun by Cyndi Lauper
- P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing) by Michael Jackson
- Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go by Wham
and I'm sure that there are many more, but these are some of my top choices!(Self Appointed) "#1 Bridget McManus Fan"
Power Ballads
yep -- i agree
and add:
Come Dancing -- the Kinks
Lips Like Sugar -- Echo & the Bunnymen
Sisters are Doing it For Themselves -- Eurythmics and Aretha
my strength lies in 80s depressing gothic bands though. World of Skin anyone?
Holiday
Holiday - Madonna!
"If we took a holiday, took some time to celebreate, just one day out of life, it would be so nice!"
80's Tack
I soo had to contribute to this - Born in 81 and love tacky 80's musak!
1)Waiting for a star to fall - Boy Meets Girl (off 3 Men and a little Lady)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OityKkm6t8k
2)Nothing's gonna stop us now - Starship ( Off Manequin)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PP1HEFlkdY
3)Somewhere in my heart - Aztech camera
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3g05UzwfyIE
4) Everybody wants to rule the world - Tears for Fearshttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOA4ixV-3jU
5) Young at Heart - The Bluebellshttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qgapOceOXg
6) Perfect - Fair ground Attraction ( As in it's got to beeeeeee perfect!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHAhaR7WNkY
7) Don't get me Wrong - The Pretenders (Used in Bridget Jones's Diary)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_Bj8wrXslk
8) The Voice - John Farnham (Upbeat in a powerful way - it's about war but gives me goosebumps everytime - think it'd make a great gay anthem!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99P7TTvpO1g&feature=related
9) Kids in America - Kim Wilde
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hWZqllm3mQ
10)I think w're alone now - Tiffany
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxsTrbI6NrM
11) The only way is up - Yazz
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55CW4LkG0QA
12) Manic Monday- The Bangles
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQ6zX5cuvxA
13) I wanna dance with somebody- Whitney Huston
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n52CzPvwPQ0
Enjoy!!!
Bizarre Love Triangle!
I don't know if it can be considered a happy song lyrically, but it's just so upbeat and damn irresitable. New Order were/are amazing.
Also, to whoever mentioned Radio GaGa by Queen kudos to you. And you must watch their Live Aid rendition of it. You'll never hear the song the same way again. :)
You are my center when I spin away.
Stuck in the 80's
As a self-professed child of the 80's, I'm so happy to see this thread!
I don't know these are necessarily happy songs, but they are some of my favorites. And I tip my hat to those of you who've mentioned songs I'd long since forgotten, but immediately perked up and started singing the lyrics when I saw the titles (marked with a +)
Come on Eilleen (although it's a cliche' "retro" song now I still love it)
Our House, in the Middle of the Street
In a Big Country (Big Country)
The Closer You Get (Alabama)
Whip It
True (Spandau Ballet)
Funky Town
+Mickey
+Come Dancing
+Manic Monday
+Safety Dance
+Rock the Casbah (an all time favorite, can't believe I forgot it!)
Bonus section:
Bands with excellent albums I remember and totally loved- from my monogrammed sweater (with polo with upturned collar under it, of course), down my pleated Palmetto pants, all the way to my topsider shoes: Def Leppard, The Police, Asia, Van Halen, Rush, Motley Crue, Go-Go's, AC/DC, John Cougar, J. Geils, Heart, and Prince.
What fun, thank you Ace14! :-)
DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY
By VAN HALEN. It makes me feel like dancing - with the love of my life - that would be heaven on earth... I was drawing a cartoon story based on two closeted gays and imagined they danced together to this tune the night before one of them was going to space war (yes, it was futuristic) to die. It appealed to me, the contrast between the happy and upbeat mood of the song and the tragic turn out of the story. Eddie Van Halen's guitar is great here. No showing off of his vast amount of talent, yet very effective. Love that.
am i alone here?
that is not at all the video i remember for walking on sunshine. and i remember it pretty clearly because it was one of my favorites when i was little and used to watch mtv all the time. they played it quite frequently and eveytime it came on i would dance around the loving room.
was there a different american version for mtv or something? i know they used to do that a lot but i can't seem to find any evidence of another video out there.
anyone?
Blister in the Sun
by the violent femmes is another in the top 10 they got right..... but Howard Jones's song - heck I barely remember it.