In the pantheon of feel-good anthems, few songs have the staying power — or the sheer bounce — of “Walking on Sunshine.” Released in 1985 by British-American band Katrina & The Waves, this euphoric blast of brass and optimism became one of the most recognizable pop hits of the decade. And it almost didn’t happen.
☀️ From Ballad to Blast-Off
Believe it or not, “Walking on Sunshine” started life as a ballad. Guitarist and songwriter Kimberley Rew originally penned it as a slower, more introspective tune. But somewhere along the way, the band cranked up the tempo, added a horn section, and turned it into a full-on celebration of joy. The result? A song that practically radiates vitamin D.
Lead singer Katrina Leskanich belts out the lyrics with unfiltered glee, capturing the rush of realizing someone loves you back. Lines like “I’m walking on sunshine, whoa-oh! And don’t it feel good?” aren’t just catchy — they’re a declaration of emotional lift-off.
The band had already released an earlier version of the song in Canada in 1983, but it was the 1985 re-recording — with Capitol Records backing and a bright, bouncy video — that made it a global hit.
Chart Climber, Culture Staple
“Walking on Sunshine” hit No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100, No. 8 in the UK, and No. 4 in Australia, becoming the band’s biggest international success. It earned them a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist and a permanent spot on every feel-good playlist from then on.
The song’s infectious energy made it a go-to for movies (High Fidelity, American Psycho, Herbie: Fully Loaded), commercials, and even political campaigns. It’s been covered by Dolly Parton, Aly & AJ, and The Muppets, and it still earns licensing deals that keep the band’s legacy shining bright.
Fun fact: the band retained the publishing rights, and the song was reportedly one of EMI’s most lucrative catalog entries before being acquired by BMG for £10 million in 2015.
Legacy That Won’t Quit
Despite being dropped by Capitol after their next album, Katrina & The Waves continued making music — even winning Eurovision in 1997 with “Love Shine a Light.” But “Walking on Sunshine” remains their defining moment: a song that doesn’t just lift spirits — it launches them.
Whether it’s blasting from a wedding dance floor or soundtracking a morning jog, “Walking on Sunshine” is pure pop serotonin. And nearly 40 years later, it still feels just as good.