Happiest songs of the 80s: The top 20

I know, I know. You'll be happy when this list is finally over. But seriously, do you know how hard it was to narrow the list down to only 80 tunes? I could have done 180 tunes, and we won't even be halfway through it yet.

Let's face it: We were all happier in the 80s.

Today's happiest 80s star: That'd be Cyndi Lauper, who finishes in the top 5 just in time for her big True Colors tour across the United States. Be honest, you may publicly disavow her, but you secretly love Cyndi. She knows it -- and she's cool with it.

Click here to see Nos. 21-40, 41-60, 61-80.

80 HAPPIEST SONGS OF THE 80s: The Top 20

20. Break My Stride (Matthew Wilder): [video]

19. Spirit of Radio (Rush): [live performance]

18. Tenderness (General Public): [video]

17. I'm Alright (Kenny Loggins): [listen]

16. And We Danced (The Hooters): [video]

15. Walking on Sunshine (Katrina and the Waves): [video]

14. Together in Electric Dreams (Phil Oakey): [video]

13. Working For The Weekend (Loverboy): [live performance]

12. Fascination (Human League): [video]

11. Lights Out (Peter Wolf): [video]

10. Blister In The Sun (Violent Femmes): [live performance]

9. In A Big Country (Big Country): [video]

8. Vacation (The Go-Gos): [video]

7. Magic (The Cars): [video]

6. Our House (Madness): [video]

5. Girls Just Wanna Have Fun (Cyndi Lauper): [video]

4. Jump (Van Halen): [video]

3. Safety Dance (Men Without Hats): [video]

2. Wouldn't It Be Good (Nik Kershaw): [video]

1. New Song (Howard Jones): [video]

The list is finally complete. Feel free to fire away with the choices and omissions. Our peers over at USA Today's Pop Candy blog added these suggestions.

Comments

[Marissa]

WEE! I'm so pleased. In fact, I'm so joyful that I'm walking on sunshine. Steve Spears you just made me the happiest girl in the blogosphere.

[Jeff in Cuba]

HoJo and the wee Nik Kershaw in the top 2 slots?

I couldn't be any happier.

But "Good Times" at #64 (behind the Cure?!!) still frosts my flakes.

[Walter Cox]

Kershaw at #2? Ugh.

[Spears]

I thought "Dancing with Myself" looked familiar. It's off, "Walking on Sunshine" is back.

[Big Tex]

Glad to see Nik Kershaw at the 2 spot - Pretty in Pink soundtrack represent! I'm also a fan of Fascination, specialkness it is easily my favorite League song. I would have liked to have seen Aztec Camera's Oblivious and (even though its a cover) Communard's Don't Leave Me this Way.

All in all a good list, Spearsy!

[Marissa]

But, but, but ... did I miss it or is my numero uno make me feel happy song not even on the list? Someone please tell me my failing eyesight simply overlooked "Walking on Sunshine" by Katrina and the Waves.

Helloooo even Jack Black was diggin' it High Fidelity, dude! Anyway, great list. I give you kudos for compiling it.

[jane]

PS: Cyndi's also happy about the Hooters (at least Bazilian and Hyman) being on the list, as they played on "She's So Unusual."

[jane]

Fab finale, Mr. Spears.

Have love long time for "And We Danced"(totally dig that melodica); "Fascination"; "Blister in the Sun" (I always clap along); "Lights Out" (anyone who survived marriage to Faye Dunaway is groovy in my book) and of course, the terrific top two.

Bravo!

[specialkness]

Love the list and I'm not ashamed to say that I loved Cyndi Lauper in the 80s. While most of my friends were singing and dancing to Madonna and trying to dress like her, I was going for the ecclectic Lauper look. Shaved the side of my head, with my mom's help tried a few interesting shades of hair dye, didn't quite dress like her (that would have been taking it too far at 12).
I love seeing the Human League in the top 20. I love that song!

[Bryan]

Not to nitpick...but Dancing with Myself is listed twice!

love the song though >>

[Emily]

I think Madness should be further up there but otherwise a very acceptable top 20.