Laid Back – “Sunshine Reggae”
Easy does it, worldwide

Released in July 1983 as part of their second album Keep Smiling, “Sunshine Reggae” became a surprise international smash for Danish duo Laid Back — aka Tim Stahl and John Guldberg. With its mellow groove, simple lyrics, and tropical vibe, the track stood out during a period when synth-pop, rock, and post-disco dominated the charts. It wasn’t just a summer hit — it was a slow-motion soundtrack for escapists everywhere.

Danish Duo, Caribbean Vibe

Laid Back had roots in electronic music and experimentation, but with “Sunshine Reggae,” they leaned into something radically different: island-inspired optimism. The result was not traditional reggae, but a pop hybrid — think soft synths, strolling basslines, easy drum machine loops, and vocals that seemed to float in on a coastal breeze.

The song radiated warmth and calm. “Gimme, gimme, gimme just a little smile / That’s all I ask of you,” it begins — a lyrical handshake offering peace, sun, and chill.

Laid Back - Sunshine Reggae - Official Music Video

Lyrical Simplicity, Maximum Effect

The lyrics embraced radical simplicity: “Don’t worry, don’t hurry, take it easy” — mantras of mellow. No metaphors, no drama, just feel-good repetition that welcomed listeners of any language or background. That’s a big part of why it spread so quickly: the song didn’t need translation. It was a vibe.

Global Success

Though it didn’t chart in the U.S., “Sunshine Reggae” was a major hit in Europe and Latin America. It topped the charts in West Germany, Austria, Argentina, and Uruguay. It reached No. 3 in Italy, No. 4 in Belgium and the Netherlands, No. 9 in Switzerland, and No. 15 in Ireland. Even in Canada, it had modest success, peaking at No. 46. The single’s B-side, “White Horse,” ironically became the bigger hit in U.S. clubs — a dark electro-funk track completely at odds with “Sunshine Reggae’s” gentle glow.

The success of “Sunshine Reggae” helped introduce the Keep Smiling album to a global audience and gave Laid Back their biggest international exposure.

Laid Back - Sunshine Reggae - Official Music Video

The Video: Sunsets from a Desk Job

The music video plays with contrasts, featuring the band as dreary office workers daydreaming of a tropical getaway. It was filmed in Sri Lanka, adding authentic warmth to the visuals. Like the song, the video didn’t need plot — just a fantasy of freedom, sunshine, and the perfect beat to sway to.

Laid Back - Sunshine Reggae - Official Music Video

Cultural Legacy

The song’s success even inspired the 1983 German comedy film Sunshine Reggae in Ibiza, cementing its place as more than a hit — it became an emblem of European summer escapism. Decades later, it’s a staple of chill-out playlists, retro beach bars, and playlists for when life needs to slow down just a little.

“Sunshine Reggae” hasn’t aged — because it never tried to be trendy. It offered a musical hammock when the world seemed noisy and fast. It was easy listening without being empty. It’s not just nostalgia — it’s a dose of emotional sunscreen.

Put it on, and suddenly the world breathes easier.

Laid Back – Sunshine Reggae – Lyrics