Don't stop! Belieeeeeving!

October 2, 2006 8:16 PM

What are the best incredibly cheesy yet persistently feel-good, over-the-top possibly-80's songs you can give me?

Until this weekend I had somehow never heard Journey's "Don't Stop Believing." As soon as I heard it, though, I recognized it as one of those songs that either in spite of or BECAUSE of their uber-cheese enthusiasm, they get me every time. I listen to these songs when I go on cleaning sprees or running or just for fun because they're ridiculous and catchy.

I know similar questions have been asked, but I'm not looking for training songs, or things to get me in a fightin' mood. I want songs that will make me absurdly happy and slightly embarrassed to be singing along.

Examples of other songs I adore in this fashion:

Baltimora - Tarzan Boy
Self - What A Fool Believes (this version is more beep-boop synthesized and way more fun, I think)
Depeche Mode - I Just Can't Get Enough
Queen - Good Old-Fashioned Lover Boy
Hanson - Lost Without Each Other (oh... the shame...)
Ben Folds - Annie Waits (this actually isn't that cheesy but it has the intensity style I love)

As far as I can tell most of these songs are major... key, as opposed to minor. (Please excuse my dearth of musical knowledge.) I'm definitely going for the bright and cheery here. Recommendations?

posted by dorothy humbird to Media & Arts (101 answers total)

"Don't Worry, Be Happy" by Bobby McFerrin -- for which he earned in 1988, 'Song of the Year', 'Best Pop Vocal Performance, Male' and 'Record of the Year.

Aaargh ... what were they thinking?
posted by ericb at 8:22 PM on October 2, 2006

I've Had The Time Of My Life from Dirty Dancing.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 8:23 PM on October 2, 2006

Katrina and the Waves, "Walking on Sunshine." Gets me happy every time.

Prince, "Let's Go Crazy." And if the elevator tries to bring you down, go crazy! Punch a higher floor!
posted by GaelFC at 8:25 PM on October 2, 2006

I'm not sure this is what you're looking for, but "One Way or Another" by Blondie seems like one of those horribly upbeat songs that just refuse to be assimilated into the musical graveyard, even if the recent slew of Swiffer commercials have somewhat killed their appeal...
posted by Phire at 8:25 PM on October 2, 2006

Hmm...
"Walking on Sunshine" by Katrina & The Waves?
"Come On Eileen" by Dexy's Midnight Runners?
"Faith" by George Michael?
"Freedom" by Wham? (Or "I'm Your Man")
"All Night Long" by Lionel Richie?
"Dancing With Myself" by Billy Idol?
posted by justonegirl at 8:25 PM on October 2, 2006

Arrgghhh...can't stop...

"Push It" by Salt n' Pepa?
"Whip It" by Devo?
"Uptown Girl" by Billy Joel?
"Karma Chameleon" by Culture Club?
"Freeze Frame" by J. Geils Band?
posted by justonegirl at 8:27 PM on October 2, 2006

Katrina and the Waves - "Walking on Sunshine"
Adam Ant - "Strip"
Bon Jovi - "Livin' on a Prayer"
Cyndi Lauper - "Girls just wanna have fun"
Bangles - "Walk like an Egyptian"
Tears for Fears - "Shout"
Spandau Ballet - "True"
posted by jzb at 8:29 PM on October 2, 2006

Okay, seriously, I need to be stopped...

"Break My Stride" by Matthew Wilder?
"We're Not Gonna Take It" by Twisted Sister?
"Cum On Feel the Noize" by Quiet Riot?
"Nothin's Gonna Stop Us Now" by Starship?
"Two of Hearts" by Stacy Q?
"Rio" by Duran Duran?
"The One Thing" by INXS?
posted by justonegirl at 8:30 PM on October 2, 2006

It's most certainly not cheesy, but I believe "It Must Be Love" by Madness is pretty much the apotheosis of ridiculously happy '80s songs.
posted by scody at 8:30 PM on October 2, 2006

As far as embarrassment factor goes, there's the whole "knowing all the words to Third Eye Blind's 'Semi-charmed Life'" type embarrassment. And one of those Smashmouth songs.. Allstar, I think it was.
posted by hopeless romantique at 8:32 PM on October 2, 2006

Seriously, after these I'm done...

"Jump" by The Pointer Sisters?
"When the Going Gets Tough" by Billy Ocean?
"Footloose" by Kenny Loggins?
"Flashdance...What a Feeling" by Irene Cara?
"This Old Heart of Mine" by Rod Stewart w/ Ronald Isley?
"Word Up" by Cameo?
"Wishing Well" by Terence Trent D'Arby?
"Hot for Teacher" by Van Halen?
posted by justonegirl at 8:34 PM on October 2, 2006

The Wand by the flaming lips.

lots of stuff by them would fit the bill, but this song has HAND CLAPS. you can't beat a song with hand claps.
posted by amethysts at 8:38 PM on October 2, 2006

"I think we're alone now" by Tiffany. Unfortunately.
posted by Kickstart70 at 8:38 PM on October 2, 2006

justonegirl eventually got all of mine with the last post. Except maybe:

"Solsbury Hill" by Peter Gabriel (every feel good movie trailer)
"Heart and Soul" by T'Pau (the group, not the Vulcan)
posted by ontic at 8:39 PM on October 2, 2006

Oh, and possibly the form of cheesiness:

"Safety Dance", Men Without Hates
"Pop Goes the World", Men Without Hats
posted by ontic at 8:40 PM on October 2, 2006

"Let's Hear It for the Boy" -- Deniece not a typo Williams
"Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" -- Cyndi Lauper
"Footloose" -- Kenny Loggins
"Holding Out for a Hero" -- Bonnie Tyler
"Material Girl" -- Madonna
"Hey Mickey" -- Toni Basil
"Yes" -- Merry Clayton

Not sure if the lyrics are perfect:
"Maneater" -- Hall & Oates
"Wake Me Up before You Go-Go" -- Wham!
"Tainted Love" -- Soft Cell (because you have to do that whomp whomp)
"867-5309 (Jenny)" -- Tommy Tutone
"I'm Free" -- Kenny Loggins
"Heaven Is a Place on Earth" -- Tiffany

I keep previewing and then I have to take titles away and then I have to preview again and then I have to take more titles away and help somebody stop me
posted by booksandlibretti at 8:40 PM on October 2, 2006

99 Luftballoons by Nina, of course!
posted by Jimbob at 8:40 PM on October 2, 2006

"I Touch Myself" the Divinyls
posted by muddgirl at 8:41 PM on October 2, 2006

If you're going to go with Madness, Our House would be better than It Must Be Love. And if you're going to go with 2nd Wave Ska, I'd say A Message to You, Rudy, by The Specials, would be better. And if you're going to go with The Specials, I think Guns of Navarrone would be even better (albeit less-recognizable).

I was going to say 99 Luftbalon, by Nena. sp?
posted by Alt F4 at 8:41 PM on October 2, 2006

"I Want You to Want Me" - Cheap Trick
"Celebration" Kool & the Gang (wait, what decade is that?)
"You're The One That I Want" - Grease
"Change the World" - Eric Clapton
"Jump, Jive & Wail"

And I wouldn't consider these cheesy (or 80's), but they are songs that I (sometimes) turn up and sing loudly to:
"Hand In My Pocket" - Alanis Morissette
"Dreams" - The Cranberries
"Bablyon" - David Grey
"Perfect Time of Day" - Howie Day

and when it first came out
"Float On" - Modest Mouse
posted by moonshine at 8:45 PM on October 2, 2006

Actually you're probably right, Alt F4. Has been many a year since I was forced to study German in highschool. . .
posted by Jimbob at 8:45 PM on October 2, 2006

"Dancing with Myself", Billy Idol
"Let's Hear it for the Boy", Footloose soundtrack
"(Nothing but) Flowers", Talking Heads
"And She Was", Talking Heads
"Wild Wild Life", Talking Heads
"Wild Wild West", Escape Club
"Roam", B-52s
Basically anything by the B-52s
posted by ontic at 8:46 PM on October 2, 2006

Here's a few that I don't think have been mentioned yet, if they have, sorry. Also, justonegirl? You're my new BFF.

"Love Shack" by The B-52s
"Goody Two Shoes" by Adam Ant
"Working For the Weekend" by Loverboy
"Summer of '69" by Bryan Adams
"Keep On Loving You" by REO Speedwagon

GAH, on preview, most of mine had been mentioned and I had to delete. Here are the survivors. THAT REMINDS ME, ONE MORE.

"Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor
posted by AlisonM at 8:48 PM on October 2, 2006

Sledgehammer - Peter Gabriel
Love Cats - The Cure

It's starting to occur to me that the 80s might have simply been an overly cheesy, feel-good period. It seems too easy to come up with these songs.
posted by Jimbob at 8:49 PM on October 2, 2006

(Everybody Was) Kung-fu Fighting - ?
Make Me Lose Control - Eric Carmen
posted by timepiece at 8:49 PM on October 2, 2006

By the way, with your newfound Journey song, you may want to read WWJD: What Would Journey Do?
posted by ontic at 8:50 PM on October 2, 2006

How the hell have we gone this long before mentioning "Mr. Blue Sky" by Electric Light Orchestra?
posted by chrominance at 8:50 PM on October 2, 2006

Tina Turner - Simply The Best. It's from 1989, it's totally over the top, feel good and whenever my girlfriend sings out loud to it, I'm slightly embarrassed just to be in the same room with her*. Fills your criteria, yes?

I say this in the most loving, affectionate way possible. I love you baby.
posted by Effigy2000 at 8:54 PM on October 2, 2006

Also, if you're going to include "Annie Waits" in your list, you'll almost certainly love "Kate" by the Ben Folds Five.
posted by chrominance at 8:55 PM on October 2, 2006

Good Thing - Fine Young Cannibals
Catch Me I'm Falling - Pebbles
Glory of Love - Peter Cetera
Joyride - Roxette
Strut - Sheena Easton
Take My Breath Away - Berlin
Who's Johnny? - Debarge
Angel Eyes - Jeff Healy Band

Seconds:
Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go - Wham!
99 Luftbaloons - Nena
Make Me Lose Control - Eric Carmen
posted by pedantic at 8:57 PM on October 2, 2006

Y.M.C.A. -- The Village People

...very cheesy but always fun.
posted by bim at 8:57 PM on October 2, 2006

Heaven Is a Place on Earth is by Belinda Carlisle, not Tiffany.

I'm embarassed.
posted by pedantic at 8:59 PM on October 2, 2006

More:
"I Got You" - Split Enz
"Something So Strong" - Crowded House
"Stand and Deliver" - Adam and the Ants
"Oblivious" - Aztec Camera
"Speak Like a Child" - The Style Council
"Life is Grand" - Camper Van Beethoven
"Like Wow, Wipeout" - Hoodoo Gurus
"She Bangs the Drum" - Stone Roses
"She Drives Me Crazy" - Fine Young Cannibals
"Our Lips are Sealed" - The Go-Go's
"Let My Love Open the Door" - Pete Townshend

If you're going to go with Madness, Our House would be better than It Must Be Love.

Perhaps, but the video for "It Must Be Love" includes full-grown men dressed like bees. Dancing bees!
posted by scody at 9:03 PM on October 2, 2006

Haha... thanks everyone. I hope you're all having as much as you seem to be. Keep it coming!

I'll add, though, this critical criteria: driving beat. I don't know what time signature, but once "Don't Stop Believing" hits full-stride (STRANGERS! WAITING! UP AND DOWN THE BOULEVARD!), you know that beat? That's the one I want.
posted by dorothy humbird at 9:05 PM on October 2, 2006

"Heaven Is a Place on Earth" is by Belinda Carlisle, not Tiffany.

You, sir, are correct. After previewing, I had to delete "I Think We're Alone Now" and wound up deleting artist - title instead of title - artist.

Also, "No More 'I Love You's" -- Annie Lennox. Again, lyrics aren't quite right, but . . . well, sometimes I loop the "Dibadibadip-dip-dip -- oh oh" . . . but I don't think we want to get into that.
posted by booksandlibretti at 9:07 PM on October 2, 2006

Tide Is High - Blondie
Oh Sherry - Steve Perry
Don't Treat Me Bad - Firehouse
Sister Christian - Night Ranger
To Be With You - Mr. Big

MUST HAVE
Run Runaway - Slade
posted by pedantic at 9:10 PM on October 2, 2006

oh golly, another:

"Pour Some Sugar on Me" - Def Leppard.

yes, I know. It did nothing for my hipster/alternative/new waver cred back in junior high, either.
posted by scody at 9:13 PM on October 2, 2006

MC Miker G & DJ Sven - Holiday Rap
posted by nitsuj at 9:21 PM on October 2, 2006

"Working for the Weekend" - Loverboy
posted by leftoverboy at 9:24 PM on October 2, 2006

I can't believe this wasn't the first response:

Stan Bush - The Touch

Awesome. Just awesome.
posted by mullingitover at 9:27 PM on October 2, 2006

Depeche Mode - The Meaning of Love
posted by Keane at 9:29 PM on October 2, 2006

Not necessarily cheesy or 80s, but songs that succeed through infectious enthusiasm and make ya wanna sing along in the car no matter how embarrassing it is and it's pretty goram embarrassing:

You Sexy Thing, Hot Chocolate
Brick House, Commodores (before they went all wussy)
most any AC/DC song about a woman's anatomy
Thunderkiss '65, White Zombie (or Rob Zombie)
King of the Road, the Proclaimers, sung along to with awful fake Scottish accent
Breakin' the Law, Judas Priest
posted by ROU_Xenophobe at 9:32 PM on October 2, 2006

"New Song" by Howard Jones. This used to be the song that I listened to whenever I got down, and it never failed to cheer me right up.
posted by kindall at 9:35 PM on October 2, 2006

Holy fuck, it's been a billion comments and nobody's said:

FUNKY TOWN, Lipps Inc.???

WTF.
posted by ROU_Xenophobe at 9:35 PM on October 2, 2006

Non, non, rien a changé, tout, tout a continué - Poppis
posted by jouke at 9:40 PM on October 2, 2006

Bananarama - Cruel Summer (or) Venus
Bangles - Manic Monday
Toni Basil - Mickey
Pat Benatar - We Belong
Peter Cetera - Glory of Love
E.L.O. - Don't Bring Me Down
Europe - Final Countdown
Fleetwood Mac - Don't Stop
Glass Tiger - Don't Forget Me
Haddaway - What is Love (Baby Don't Hurt Me)
Huey Lewis & the News - Power of Love, the
Mike and the Mechanics - All I Need is a Miracle
Modern English - I'll Melt With You
Naked Eyes - Always Something There to Remind Me
Prince - 1999
Shannon - Let the Music Play
Simple Minds - Don't You (Forget About Me)
Whitesnake - Here I Go Again

(Mmmm, so much good 80s lovin'!)
posted by metabrilliant at 9:51 PM on October 2, 2006

and nobody said "Everybody Wang Chung Tonight"??
posted by seawallrunner at 9:51 PM on October 2, 2006

The Final Countdown by Europe
I Love Rock N' Roll by Joan Jett
Take On Me by a-ha
posted by edlundart at 9:51 PM on October 2, 2006

"Your Love" by The Outfield.

"My Sharona" probably should get a nod as well.

I envy you for being able to hear Journey with fresh ears. I think hearing this stuff so often for so many years sometimes diminishes its impact for me in a way. That is still a great song though, even after endless repetition.
posted by First Post at 9:52 PM on October 2, 2006

Again not necessarily 80s but that sort of song maybe:

Groove is in the Heart, Dee-Lite
Brass in Pocket, the Pretenders
We Got the Beat or Vacation, the Go-Gos
no wait -- Head Over Heels, the Go-Gos
Jungle Love, Morris Day and the Time (??)

Also, more AC/DC. And then some more after that.

Also also, Sweet Home Alabama if you can get your redneck on.
posted by ROU_Xenophobe at 9:54 PM on October 2, 2006

Another Def Leppard: Armageddon It

Surprised no one's posted Sammy Hagar: I Can't Drive 55 - even if overtaken by events

This is fun, even if embarrassing
posted by Expat at 9:59 PM on October 2, 2006

"Raspberry Beret" by Prince. Possibly the happiest song ever about losing your virginity in a barn to a total babe while horses watch. And that's saying something!
posted by granted at 10:10 PM on October 2, 2006

perfect day by the the
posted by dawdle at 10:12 PM on October 2, 2006

i meant this is the day - the the
posted by dawdle at 10:14 PM on October 2, 2006

"Urgent" by Foreigner

"URGENT! URGENT! URGENT! URGENT! Emergency!"
posted by tristeza at 10:14 PM on October 2, 2006

relax - frankie goes to hollywood
walls come tumbling down - style council
only you - yaz
posted by dawdle at 10:19 PM on October 2, 2006

Nobody's posted "We Built This City (On Rock And Roll)" yet? I'm amazed.
posted by AmbroseChapel at 10:27 PM on October 2, 2006

kiss me - stephen tintin duffy
in between days - the cure
posted by dawdle at 10:28 PM on October 2, 2006

I can't believe nobody has mentioned "We Built This City" by Starship.
posted by snarkle at 10:48 PM on October 2, 2006

Broke out the iPod. I'm all about this shit.

"I Drove All Night" - Cyndi Lauper version. Belt it, baby!

"Open Your Heart" by Madonna. I love bubblegum-pop stalker songs. Actually, a lot of Madonna would work. "Express Yourself" was like my second-grade anthem. Satin sheets are very romantic, but what does happen when you're not in bed?

"Candy Rain" by Soul 4 Real. OMG, this was the ULTIMATE skating-rink song from sixth grade. I'm actually blushing from embarrassment about this one, maybe because I've listened to it more at age 23 than I ever did when I was eleven.

"Freedom '90" by George Michael. Pretend you're one of the supermodels in the video! Not that I do that.

ThePinkSuperhero suggested "I've Had the Time of My Life," and I would like to supplement that with..."Hungry Eyes," by Eric Carmen. In fact, just put the entire Dirty Dancing soundtrack on repeat.

"I'll Fly with You" by Gigi D'Agostino is another cheesy dance-pop love song.

"Dancing in the Moonlight" by King Harvest. I mean...kind of self-explanatory: everybody was dancing in the moonlight, for christ's sake.

"Jessie's Girl," Rick Springfield. I cannot believe nobody has said "Jessie's Girl" yet.

"Little Red Corvette" by Prince. Not happy, exactly...but, I mean, it's Prince. Even his semi-anguished songs are pretty happy.

"Mr. Blue Sky" by ELO actually kind of pisses me off because it's so cheerful. So beware.

OK, I'm starting to get a little embarrassed, so I'll just list the rest.

"Mysterious Ways" by U2.
"Candy" by Mandy Moore.
"Natural Woman" by Aretha Franklin
"Be With You" by Enrique Iglesias
"I Believe in You" by Kylie Minogue
"Open Arms" by Journey. Like "Don't Stop Believin'" but in power ballad form.
"She Is Staggering" by Polaris (if you're from the Nickelodeon generation, you'll recognize this from The Adventures of Pete & Pete)
"The Ballad of El Goodo" by Big Star. Not exactly cheesy, but definitely uplifting. Apparently I can't restrain myself from commenting on these.
"Ask" by The Smiths is MDMA in music form to me, but again, it's not as unabashedly cheesy as, say...

"THE WAY YOU MAKE ME FEEL" by MICHAEL JACKSON. For experts only.

Two more: "We're All Light" and "Grass" by XTC.
posted by granted at 10:59 PM on October 2, 2006

Another: "Tarzan & Jane" by Aqua. I don't think this was ever released, so you'll have to acquire it through, er, alternate means.
posted by granted at 11:05 PM on October 2, 2006

the Beach Boys - Kokomo
posted by anjamu at 11:10 PM on October 2, 2006

I can't believe no one included 'Everybody Wants To Rule The World' by Tears For Fears.

I mean this song pretty much defines summer-drive-to-the-beach music.

and pretty much anything by Erasure.... or Wham!
posted by lonefrontranger at 11:48 PM on October 2, 2006

Such a good thread. I'm having so much illegal fun at the moment.
posted by aerotive at 11:53 PM on October 2, 2006

If you want bright and obnoxiously cheery, you can't go wrong with Miami Sound Machine...one of the few 80s bands not mentioned. (Sadly I wasn't hip enough to be into new wave - oh, the shame...)

justonegirl (and everyone else!), thanks for all the suggestions. Talk about a stroll down memory lane!

Holy crap, someone even mentioned "Two of Hearts" by Stacy Q :D What, no "Perfect Way" by Scritti Politti?
posted by rmm at 12:00 AM on October 3, 2006

Not all from the eighties, but lots of cheesyness: (links to Youtube videos when available)

"Shiny happy people" - REM (perhaps *the* most cheesy song of all time)
"Kids in America" - Kim Wilde
"I like it, i luv it" - Koolmatch (Hard to find, but absolutely worth it)
"Young at heart" - The Bluebells
"Once in a lifetime" - Talking Heads
"Go west" - Pet shop boys version
"Two white girls 'pon a minibus" - The Word

"Escape" by Enrique Iglesias always makes me sing-out-of-the-embarassing-kind-loud

granted: Tarzan & Jane was by "Toy Box" (don't ask me how I know this), Aqua made the wonderful "Barbie Girl" (a.o.)

"Do you want me" - Da Buzz
"Knockin'" - Double Vision
"Get ready for this" - 2 Unlimited
"Ooh aah, just a little bit" - Gina G
"Freed from desire" - Gala (Also)

...and many, many, *many* more. (Maybe I should just post an export of my iTunes library...)
posted by lodev at 12:15 AM on October 3, 2006

...some more, and then I *really* need to get to work

"Jessie" - Joshua Kadison (not upbeat, but a great shower singalong nonetheless)
"Nothing's gonna change my love for you" - George Benson (ditto)
"Don't leave me this way" - The Communards version
"When the rain begins to fall" - Germaine Jackson & Pia Zaddora
"Brand new day" - Wiz Stars (make sure you get the extended version with the minute-long intro)
"Gimme hope, Jo Anna" - Eddy Grant
"Two princes" - Spin Doctors

On preview: I can't believe I forgot these:
"The Key, The Secret" - Urban Cookie Collective
"United - Prince Ital Joe & Marky Mark
posted by lodev at 12:25 AM on October 3, 2006

Holy crap! They sound just like Aqua!
posted by granted at 12:28 AM on October 3, 2006

What, nobody posted Fame yet? Shame on you, Mefites!

As a punishment, let me put "A Far L'Amore Comincia Tu" by Raffaella Carra in you head! (Scoppia scoppia mi sco. Scoppia scoppia mi scoppia il cuor.)

(best askmefi ever)
posted by lodev at 12:31 AM on October 3, 2006

Okay, now I really need to knock it off, but go search for some Eurovision Song contest songs.. Lots of happyness in there as well:

"On again, off again" - Julie and Ludwig (Malta)
"Fangad Av En Stormvind" - Carola (Sweden)
"Insieme 1992 " - Toto Cutugno (Italy)
"Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi" - Celine Dion (Switserland)
"J'aime La Vie" - Sandra Kim (Belgium) (another Belgian song you may know)
"Hold me now" - Johnny Logan

..and more
posted by lodev at 12:40 AM on October 3, 2006

(In A) Big Country, by Big Country.

And not 80's, but definitely one of my pedal-to-the-metal songs, Steal My Sunshine by Len.
posted by angeline at 12:51 AM on October 3, 2006

sorry - had to add
"Together in Electric Dreams" by Giorgio Moroder(?)
posted by olvar22 at 3:03 AM on October 3, 2006

Not 80s at all, but Steppenwolf's BORN TO BE WILD is great in this way. I had to write it in all caps, it's that great.

Someone mentioned Pat Benatar, which I will enthusiastically second. We Belong is the best, but also Love Is A Battlefield and Shadows of the Night.
posted by TheOnlyCoolTim at 3:11 AM on October 3, 2006

Wham - Club Tropicana
Tears For Fears - Change (Not the most happy song but the actual music is great for jogging)
Yazoo - Is This Love?
Captain Hollywood Project - Mr Vain
posted by PenDevil at 4:31 AM on October 3, 2006

The Waterfront - Simple Minds
So Alive - Love and Rockets
Kayleigh - Marillion
posted by rongorongo at 4:57 AM on October 3, 2006

These aren't from the 80's, but my favorite upbeat and/or driving-beat songs:

- Bis - "Shopaholic"
- Rilo Kiley - "The Frug"
- "The Best Day Ever" from the Spongebob Squarepants Movie (I'm dead serious, it's amazing)
- Since you like Hanson's "Lost Without Each Other," I'd also recommend "Get Up and Go" from that album.
- Robbie Williams - "Hot Fudge"
- Dogs Die in Hot Cars - "Godhopping"
- I have a techno remix of the Neverending Story theme song that I've been loving for years and years; unfortunately, I have no idea who originally did it.

If I think of more, I'll come back. Great thread!
posted by sarahsynonymous at 5:13 AM on October 3, 2006

From here on out, I'm going to start posting Pandora in every music recommendation thread. It really solves the problem ni an expert fashion.
posted by Mr. Gunn at 5:49 AM on October 3, 2006

Nobody mentioned "Any Way You Want It" by Journey?

Jeebus, what's wrong with you people?
posted by kaseijin at 5:58 AM on October 3, 2006

ABC - "Be Near Me"
When In Rome - "The Promise"
posted by candyland at 5:59 AM on October 3, 2006

I can't help but sing along with "Total Eclipse of the Heart" by Bonnie Tyler. There are even some modern dance remixes that try to punch a little more intensity into it. "...Turn around bright eyes...."
posted by chr1sb0y at 6:14 AM on October 3, 2006

Technically late 70's, but damn, man, you're not gonna get much cheesier than Styx's "Come Sail Away".

Except maybe with Yngwie Malmsteen's "Heaven Tonight," which I still can't figure out the intended irony level of.
posted by Mayor West at 6:44 AM on October 3, 2006

Wow. Quite the collection here. I must have half of these as mp3s (and maybe 1/5 of the videos still on videotape, packed away).

You say you wanted "feel good" and a driving beat.

Must second/third:

Final Countdown -- Europe
We Built This City -- Starship
Don't Bring Me Down -- ELO
Your Love -- The Outfield
Always Something There To Remind Me -- Naked Eyes
Word Up -- Cameo
anything and everything by Def Leppard (esp Love Bites, Photograph)

and add:

Don't Cry -- Asia
Rasputin -- Boney M
Radar Love -- Golden Earring
The Heat is On -- Glenn Frey
Ghostbuster -- Ray Parker (I'm going to hell)
Edge of Seventeen -- Stevie Nicks
She's a Beauty -- The Tubes
Hold The Line, Rosanna -- Toto
Wild Boys -- Duran Duran
More Than a Feeling -- Boston
Hot Blooded, Cold as Ice -- Foreigner
It's the end of the world as we know it -- REM
Superfreak -- Rick James

and feel good or cheese, but minus the driving beat:
Video Killed the Radio Star -- Buggles
Karma Chameleon -- Culture Club
Kiss on My List, You Make My Dreams, Private Eyes -- Hall and Oates
Pump up the Volume -- M.A.R.S. (ok, it has a pulse, but not driving)
Bye Bye Mon Cowboy -- Mitsou
The Weather With You -- Crowded House
Informer -- Snow (think Cameo but way lamer)
Gone, Gone, Gone (My Girl) -- Chiliwack
I Ran -- Flock of Seagulls
posted by dreamsign at 6:56 AM on October 3, 2006

What? no Hooters?
"And We Danced" is 1985
posted by nimsey lou at 6:59 AM on October 3, 2006

Gold! by Spandau Ballet

It's... gold!
posted by bent back tulips at 7:09 AM on October 3, 2006

What, no mentions of Rick Astley? "Never Gonna Give You Up", "She Wants to Dance With Me", etc.

Roxette's "Look Sharp" album was pretty happy as well.

For more ideas, check out this old thread of mine in which I asked for suggestions for happy music (from any era).
posted by orange swan at 7:35 AM on October 3, 2006

Ok, so I'm late to the party, but I can't let the thread pass with mentioning "What I Like About You" by The Romantics.
posted by mollweide at 9:20 AM on October 3, 2006

Digging your Scene by the Blow Monkeys
Alive and Kickin' by The Simple Minds
Is it a Dream? by The Damned
Steppin' Out by Joe Jackson
Fisherman Blues by The Waterboys
posted by strangeleftydoublethink at 9:36 AM on October 3, 2006

"I Want Candy" - Bow Wow Wow
posted by deborah at 9:41 AM on October 3, 2006

What -- no Icehouse? "Electric Blue"
posted by Rash at 10:05 AM on October 3, 2006

Ricky Martin's Copa de la Vida. Even the knockoffs of the song are fantastic.
posted by frecklefaerie at 10:32 AM on October 3, 2006

Oh, also lots of songs from Michael Jackson's Off the Wall. "Don't Stop Til You Get Enough" comes to mind.

I always play "Don't Stop Believing" and some MJ when I'm at my favorite dive bar.
posted by frecklefaerie at 10:33 AM on October 3, 2006

Whatever else you do, "You're The Best" by Joe Esposito has GOT to be on that mix. Not loving that song is positively un-American. Also seconding "Wild Boys" and "More Than A Feeling".

While more 70's than 80's, I guarantee cheesy fun with the following tracks:

"One Nation Under A Groove," Funkadelic
"Atomic Dog," George Clinton
"The Reflex," Duran Duran
"Apache," Sugarhill Gang
"Rubberband Man," The Spinners
"Get Dancing," Disco Tex and the Sex-o-lettes
"Haven't You Heard," Patrice Rushen
"Stomp," Brothers Johnson
"You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)," Sylvester
"She's Fresh," Kool and the Gang
"Do The Freak," Bootsy Collins
posted by Vervain at 11:36 AM on October 3, 2006

Just so this is in here for the future ... you could take about 90% of the songs on this list and make the best wedding dance mix ever.
posted by Alt F4 at 2:53 PM on October 3, 2006

Okay, I'm late to this thread but I have to mention one of my favorites: Major Tom (Coming Home) by Peter Schilling. Awesome and giddy and sing-a-long-able, with that cresting chorus beat. Hoo-oooooome! (Each 'o' represents a syllable.)
posted by paleography at 4:18 PM on October 3, 2006

"Human Touch" - Rick Springfield
posted by ersatzkat at 4:19 PM on October 3, 2006

Man! I was going to post Bow Wow Wow's cover of "I Want Candy", but deborah beat me to it. Pretty much anything by Bow Wow Wow fits the bill, really.

"Forget-Me-Nots", Patrice Rushen
"Another One Bites the Dust", Queen
"One More Shot", C-Bank
"You Spin Me 'Round (like a record)", Dead or Alive
"The Cutter", Echo and the Bunnymen
"What Have I Done to Deserve This", Pet Shop Boys
"Walking on the Moon" and "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic", The Police
"The Voice", Moody Blues
"We're Desperate", X
"I Need a Man", Eurythmics
"You Take Me Up", Thompson Twins
"Der Kommissar", After the Fire
"Buffalo Stance", Nenah Cherry
"Love Action", Human League
"Gloria", Laura Branigan
"Lucky Number", Lene Lovich
"Bizarre Love Triangle", New Order
"The Stroke", Billy Squier
"Kiss And Tell", Bryan Ferry
"Genius of Love", Tom Tom Club
"Train in Vain" and "Clampdown", The Clash
"Pump It Up", Elvis Costello

dear lord, someone stop me!
Some of these may not be strictly driving-beated, some may have already been posted. Apologies if that's the case.
posted by seancake at 4:34 PM on October 3, 2006

"Angel is the Centerfold" by J Geils Band
"Jungle Love" by Morris Day and The Time
"Head over Heels" Tears for Fears
the Theme from "Rocky"
(and I second Styx' "Come Sail Away")
posted by culberjo at 7:57 PM on October 3, 2006

Modern English "Melt With You"
Free "Alright Now"
Anything on the Abba Gold album
Trooper "Raise A Little Hell"
Trooper "The Boys in the Bright White Sports Car"
Trooper "Here For A Good Time (Not A Long Time)"
(Oh, just get Trooper's "Hot Shots" CD -- It's exactly what you're looking for)
Headpins "Don't It Make You Feel (Like Dancin')"
Eurythmics "Would I Lie To You?"
Steppenwolf "Magic Carpet Ride"
posted by winston at 8:09 PM on October 3, 2006

In the category of "I can't believe nobody's mentioned...": Steve Miller.
The following are all on the Greatest Hits CD:
The Joker
Fly Like an Eagle
Jet Airliner
Dance Dance Dance
Abracadabra
Swingtown
Jungle Love
Take the Money and Run
Rock 'N Me
posted by winston at 8:16 PM on October 3, 2006

"Love Is A Rock" by REO Speedwagon
posted by exceptinsects at 8:57 AM on October 4, 2006

What, no one's mentioned...

"It's Raining Men" - The Weather Girls
"Hot Hot Hot!" - Buster Poindexter
"Money For Nothing" - Dire Straits
"Vogue" - Madonna
"Mony Mony" - Billy Idol
"Nasty" - Janet Jackson
"The Boys Are Back In Town" - Thin Lizzy
"Brown Eyed Girl" - Van Morrison
"Rock Me, Amadeus" - Falco

...I could go on and on and on and...
posted by Adelwolf at 4:06 PM on October 5, 2006