Come on, get happy
Is it just me or do you feel like a million voices suddenly cried out and then were suddenly silenced? College football is over. Holiday bills are arriving. I still haven't gotten my Mon-Chi-Chi of the Month in the mail yet. Man, this time of year is just depressing.
What we need is clear: A list of the happiest songs of the 80s.
This task won't be easy. We'll have to wade through a ton of the usual depressing stuff and then some real awful tunes that masquerade as happy songs (Bobby McFerrin's "Don't Worry, Be Happy" comes to mind) in order to get to the true contenders.
So here are the rules for submitting to the list: Obviously, it must be an 80s song (so no "Shiny Happy People" by REM -- that was '91). Second, it has to actually cheer you up -- not want to tear your computer speakers out and throw them in the bathtub. Does it need to have "happy" in the title? Heck no, Smokey. Just use your common sense.
As always, I'll rank them later on. But for now, here are some to get your minds working:
Walking On Sunshine (Katrina and the Waves): Sure, very obvious. But after Jack Black blares it in High Fidelity, how can you hate it?
Girls Just Wanna Have Fun (Cyndi Lauper): It's cliche, but don't you still smile when you hear it?
What A Feeling (Irene Cara): Ah yes, Flashdance. The yin and the yang of 80s pop culture.
Break My Stride (Matthew Wilder): Where was this song when we did the one-hit wonders of 1983?
I'm Still Standing (Elton John): Believe it or not, the "Too Low For Zero" album in '83 was the first Elton John album I owned.
OK, it's your turn now.
Relive the music, movies and culture of the greatest decade ever with Times online editor Steve Spears. A teen during the decade, Steve is obsessed with everything from Duran Duran to Journey, John Hughes to John Cusack, and parachute pants to Reaganomics.
E-mail Steve Spears:
Well, I should say that I can read the blog at work.. but access is blocked when it comes to leaving comments. I still check it when I can, but am usually too busy.
Posted by: Carla | January 08, 2008 at 08:56 PM
This is a temporary list of my top 5 happy songs. I'm just trying to appease Lord God King Steve-o
(which reminds me..how about VALLEY GIRL ~ Moon Unit and Papa Zappa)
Walking On Sunshine ~ Katrina & the Waves
I Feel for You ~ Chaka Khan
Strip ~ Adam Ant
Wings of a Dove ~ Madness
One Way or Another ~ Blondie (a happy song about stalking)
Posted by: Marissa | January 08, 2008 at 08:54 PM
Wow I came in a little late to this party. My eyes are crossed trying to read all of these great listings. Putting my thinking cap on now.
Posted by: 80sfan | January 08, 2008 at 08:44 PM
I have no access at work, either, Carla. It's pure torture knowing a blog-fest might be taking place without me. I get home after trying to help other people with their eye issues, and I get all glossy eyed and surly reading the scads of comments.
Wow! I'm winded now.
Posted by: Marissa | January 08, 2008 at 08:43 PM
LOL.. poor Jane! I'm sure you're sick of it... but it was a classic skit on SNL!!
Posted by: Carla | January 08, 2008 at 08:42 PM
LOL Jane!
Posted by: Marissa | January 08, 2008 at 08:41 PM
I don't want to get serious yet. Jeez! I was just starting to have fun. I was on a roll. Now you're asking me to think and compile a noteworthy list of my top 5 happy songs? hmmph
Posted by: Marissa | January 08, 2008 at 08:40 PM
Ah, Marissa -- having a name like jane is a blessing and a curse.
Blessing: cool songs with your name in the title.
Curse: Hearing "Jane, you ignorant s*l*u*t" every Monday morning throughout middle school. Having people ask you where Tarzan and/or Cheetah are. Asking about Dick and Spot and wanting to see you run.
Posted by: jane | January 08, 2008 at 08:40 PM
Sorry Marissa... but great minds think alike! Nope, while you all were coming up with some great songs.. I was slaving away! (no blog access at work).
Posted by: Carla | January 08, 2008 at 08:39 PM
Ah, Marissa -- having a name like jane is a blessing and a curse.
Blessing: cool songs with your name in the title.
Curse: Hearing "Jane, you ignorant slut" every Monday morning throughout middle school. Having people ask you where Tarzan and/or Cheetah are. Asking about Dick and Spot and wanting to see you run.
Posted by: jane | January 08, 2008 at 08:39 PM
Stay focused, Mr. Spears! This will bring you back. And - dare I say - make the cut for your final list. I give you:
Nobody's Fool - Kenny Loggins
Posted by: Brad | January 08, 2008 at 08:36 PM
Funny, no one has written a song with my name in it yet.
Posted by: Marissa | January 08, 2008 at 08:34 PM
While everyone is submitting entries to the playlist, also consider this:
What would be your top 5 picks for a list of the top 50 happiest songs of the 80s?
Time to get serious!
Posted by: Spears | January 08, 2008 at 08:33 PM
I could mention another rather 'obscure' 80s song that could bring out the giddiness in some people, but I'll just sit on it for awhile.
Posted by: Marissa | January 08, 2008 at 08:33 PM
*claps hands in glee*
Way to go aaron, with "A Town Called Malice" -- love The Jam (Start! is another good one)
"Jane's Getting Serious" by Jon Astley and "Jane" by Jefferson Starship also qualify high on the list of happy 80s songs -- or at least they do on my list.
Posted by: jane | January 08, 2008 at 08:32 PM
Steve, I hang on your every word. I'm certain you mentioned Road Trip lol
Posted by: Marissa | January 08, 2008 at 08:32 PM
Can't confuse the holy trinity of Euro Trip, Boat Trip and Road Trip.
It's a fine troika of movies for a weeknight of drinking.
Posted by: Spears | January 08, 2008 at 08:30 PM
"Don't forget me when I'm gone" reminds me of this guy I met 3 weeks before my 21st birthday.
Posted by: Marissa | January 08, 2008 at 08:30 PM
Only 599 comments to go to fulfill Sean Daly's prediction of 700 total comments.
Posted by: Spears | January 08, 2008 at 08:29 PM
Perhaps in one of my many dreams about you. you talked about 'Boat Trip'.
It's been mentioned somewhere!
::waiting the fall out from Wake me up before you Go go and HOT HOT HOT:::
Posted by: Marissa | January 08, 2008 at 08:29 PM
Ah, some Glass Tiger. I think we've got a Canadian streak going. Where are my north-of-the-border fans???
Posted by: Spears | January 08, 2008 at 08:27 PM
It's a totally awesome suggestion, Carla. I thought so, too around 3:17pm lol but you weren't around then.
Posted by: Marissa | January 08, 2008 at 08:26 PM
Wake me up before you go go - Wham
A Town Called Malice - The Jam
hot hot hot - Buster Poindexter
Always somthing there to remind me - Nake eyes
Credit Card Baby - Wham
Don't forget me when I'm gone - Glass Tiger
Only in my Dreams - Debbie Gibson
I think We're alone now - Tiffany
Footloose - Kenny Loggins
Posted by: aaron | January 08, 2008 at 08:26 PM
Oh come on, I've never mentioned Road Trip before, have I?
Now "Beer Fest" is mentioned all the time. And rightfully so.
Don't even get me started on a list of movies from the last few years that have the spirit of 80s comedy in them...
Posted by: Spears | January 08, 2008 at 08:25 PM
If I may be permitted to go Canadian for a moment:
Magic Power -- Triumph
How could I have forgotten??
Posted by: Spears | January 08, 2008 at 08:23 PM
Nope. Just you Steve. lol I almost bought that at Target today based on the number of times you've mentioned it.
Posted by: Marissa | January 08, 2008 at 08:21 PM
How 'bout:
(Keep Feeling)Facination - Human League
Posted by: Carla | January 08, 2008 at 08:20 PM
One of my favorite movie scenes involves "It's Tricky." Anyone else enjoy the flick "Road Trip"? Dare I say classic?
Posted by: Spears | January 08, 2008 at 08:17 PM
Brad.. High On You.. EXCELLENT!
Posted by: Carla | January 08, 2008 at 08:16 PM
LOL How about this one from the Pointer Sisters "I'm so excited" That one has sentimental reasons for me...boy does it!
Posted by: Marissa | January 08, 2008 at 08:11 PM
Sitting here at work listening to the XM 80's station. How can we have left off the gem currently playing:
Jump (For My Love) - The Pointer Sisters
Posted by: Brad | January 08, 2008 at 08:09 PM
He charted in the 80's. I don't like it, but it's true. (And Richard Phelps beat me to it, it's in his comment way up there.)
Sorry chief.
Here's some more music to salve your wounds:
Armageddon It - Def Leppard
High On You - Survivor
Love Somebody - Rick Springfield
C'est La Vie - Robbie Nevil
Turn Up The Radio - Autograph
I Heard A Rumor - Bananarama
Goodbye to You - Scandal
Rockin' The Paradise - Styx
Summer of '69 - Bryan Adams
Runnin' Down a Dream - Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Slipping Away - Dave Edmunds
Posted by: Brad | January 08, 2008 at 08:00 PM
I do believe the ladies have spoken and "I Feel For You" has earned a righteous spot on the list.
Posted by: Marissa | January 08, 2008 at 07:57 PM
ahhh, I feel better now Marissa!! And (more than likely) Seans approval! I'm all set!
Posted by: Carla | January 08, 2008 at 07:57 PM
"I Feel for You" is indeed a most excellent song -- great groove.
Also "The Glamourous Life" -- Sheila E.
Posted by: jane | January 08, 2008 at 07:52 PM
That's an EXCELLENT tune, Carla. I'm sure SEAN would approve greatly.
Posted by: Marissa | January 08, 2008 at 07:45 PM
We Close our Eyes & Call Me ~ Go West
Faith ~ George Michael
I Want Your Sex ~ George Michael
I'm sporatic. Sorry,kids.
Posted by: Marissa | January 08, 2008 at 07:44 PM
Still waiting on some approval... lol
c'mon.. How can you not move when "It's Tricky" comes on. At my most recent christmas party.. I thought the place was gonna cave in when that song started... Everyone was up! lol
Posted by: Carla | January 08, 2008 at 07:42 PM
yeah! I got some approval. Now I'm doing the happy dance! Thanks Carla!
Posted by: Marissa | January 08, 2008 at 07:38 PM
Good one Marissa... I love 'I feel for you'.
I'm sure I have more.. I'll be back!
Posted by: Carla | January 08, 2008 at 07:36 PM
I like "Dog Eat Dog" and "King of Suede" by Al. I have his box set "Permanent Record", lots of 80's fun there.
Posted by: Tom | January 08, 2008 at 07:33 PM
OH Brad! You are a man who is prepared for battle. Smart!
Venus ~ Bananarama (cover, I know)
My Girl ~ Chilliwack (for Sean)
Wings of a Dove ~ Madness (did someone already mention that?)
The Tide is High ~ Blondie
One Way or Another ~ Blondie
Higher Love ~ Steve Winwood
I Feel for You ~ Chaka Khan
Posted by: Marissa | January 08, 2008 at 07:31 PM
Rupert Holmes as an 80s act? Jeesh. That's tough to swallow. Didn't he die in a planecrash with the members of Starland Vocal Band?
Posted by: Spears | January 08, 2008 at 07:23 PM
I've always been a fan of "The Biggest Ball Of Twine In Minnesota"
Another fine 80's song that tells a story and has a happy (if unlikely) ending:
Escape (The Pina Colada Song) - Rupert Holmes
(I hear you arguing "That's a seventies song!" but check this out - it was #1 on Billboard's Hot 100 on January 12th, 1980. Woot!)
Posted by: Brad | January 08, 2008 at 07:17 PM
Chiming in late... sorry if they've been mentioned.
It's Tricky - Run DMC
Summertime Girls - Y & T
Cool - Morris Day & The Time
When You Close Your Eyes - Nightranger
Shakin' - Eddie Money
Miss Me Blind - Culture Club
Posted by: Carla | January 08, 2008 at 07:17 PM
Aaron, you golden god! How could we have left Weird Al off the list so long??
Posted by: Spears | January 08, 2008 at 07:10 PM
Working in a coal mine - Devo
Dare to me Stupid - Weird Al Yankovic
Living with a Hernia - Weird Al Yankovic
Straight for the Heart - WhiteSnake
Holiday - Madonna
Rattlesnake shake - Skid Row
Girls Girls Girls - Motley Crue
Cherry Pie - Warrant
shy boy - Bananarama
I want Action - Poison
Heavy Metal - Sammy Hagar
Reach Out - Cheap Trick
Posted by: aaron | January 08, 2008 at 07:06 PM
"Come Dancing" is a brilliant choice, Ray.
And I almost picked "Power of Love" a couple of times, but I was overcome with the spirit. The spirit of Evan Williams.
Posted by: Spears | January 08, 2008 at 07:04 PM
I'm a little late to the party and there have already been a lot of great songs listed... anyway, here is my list
Weird Science - Oingo Bongo
Pink Houses - John Cougar Mellancamp
Lips Like Sugar - Echo and the Bunnymen
Power Of Love - Huey Lewis and the News
I Melt With You - Modern English
Come Dancing - The Kinks
A Little Respect - Erasure
You Might Think - The Cars
Hot In The City - Billy Idol
One Night In Bancock - Murray Head
Land Down Under - Men At Work
Panama - Van Halen
Heat Of The Moment - Asia
Photograph - Def Leppard
Wish I Had A Girl Like That - Henry Lee Summer
Posted by: Ray | January 08, 2008 at 06:53 PM
I wonder if Sean considers "Midnight Blue" a happy tune?
Posted by: Marissa | January 08, 2008 at 06:50 PM