For fans of this Scottish new wave band, this song would probably better be termed underappreciated than forgotten, but for the rest of us who either missed or only now look back fondly on early-'80s new wave, "I Could Be Happy" qualifies as a criminally neglected dance-guitar-pop single. I'm completely astounded, as a matter of fact, that the only U.S. chart action for this tune was a slightly sub-Top 40 performance in 1982 as a fringe Club Play single. However, not atypically for a number of British acts, this band's reception was altogether different in its native country, as this track became a Top 10 U.K. hit in 1981.
The reason why this particular British import failed to make an impact in America even as fellow Scot Sheena Easton ruled the charts remains a mystery to me. Lead singer Claire Grogan's simultaneously girlish and sultry voice is tremendously pop-ready without sugar-coating or dulling the band's unique, equal opportunity blend of pop, rock and dance music elements. Early alternative rock of the post-punk persuasion may have had better moments than this one, but few of them sound this relevant or genuinely pleasant still today.
Album Cover Image Courtesy of Epic/Legacy
Comments
I remember that song.
I could be happy, I could be happy. XD
Journey was/is my favorite 80′s band (if you don’t include Prince’s band, The Revolution). Steve Perry could really sing. Actually, if it wasn’t for Journey I don’t think I’d like any Rock at all. I get my Journey music from http://www.song-list.net/journey/songs and so can anyone else. Good information too.
My hubby is a Scot and so I actually know this band–along with many other of his favorite eigties brit new wave bands…I really like it and am surprised it never made it big here. Thanks for profiling it, he will be psyched. As for Journey–I think Steve Perry wrote more number one eighties hits played at weddings than anyone else. Agree?
jh
THIS SONG ALONG WITH SCANDALS GOODBYE TO YOU AND KATRINA AND THE WAVES WALKING ON SUNSHINE WERE SOME OF THE MOST BUBBLY,SUGARY,STICKY SWEET SONGS OF THE 80′s (NOT THAT THERE’S ANYTHING WRONG WITH THAT!)ALTERED IMAGES HAPPY BIRTHDAY WAS ANOTHER HIT (NOT HERE!) THAT WAS EQUALLY INFECTIOUS.I HAVE THIS ALBUM(WHAT’S THAT?)AND I LIKE TO THROW IT ON FROM TIME TO TIME.
I’m an 80′s dj and love to play this song, however many don’t recognize it. I agree with you Steve, this is a great tune that is underappreciated!