"I'm Happy Just to Dance with You" by Anne Murray

Song#:  0209
Date:  06/14/1980
Debut:  85
Peak:  64
Weeks:  6
Genre:  Pop, Adult Contemporary



Pop Bits:  This second single from Murray's "Somebody's Waiting" album was a remake of the Beatles song included on the "A Hard Day's Night" soundtrack. Whereas the Beatles original is a jangly, upbeat tune (a Lennon/McCartney composition with George Harrison on lead vocal), Murray transforms it into a ballad and it turned into a minor pop chart entry, with the song doing slightly better on the country chart peaking at #23 (although it did reach #10 on the Canadian country chart).

ReduxReview:  Okay, this is weird. I had to go back and refresh my ears on the Beatles original and then I listened to this one. Wow - I never would have guessed it was a Lennon/McCartney song. For me, it is an okay Beatles tune, so Murray's version comes as a bit of a surprise. I think it kind of works in an AC environment. I wouldn't say it is an improvement at all, but it does put a pleasant, listenable spin on the song. Plus, Murray's voice is alto heaven.

ReduxRating:  5/10

Trivia:  Murray had chart success with two other Beatles songs. In 1974, her version of "You Won't See Me" hit #8 (from "Rubber Soul," this song was not released as a Beatles single). Later that year, Murray's version of "Day Tripper" was a minor entry peaking at #59 (the Beatles' single hit #5).

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