Dancing in the Moonlight

Third is the One with the Treasure Chest

Dancing in the Moonlight by Toploader

Recommended by Michelle

"I love this song. I don't think Toploader are the original artist to perform, but it's my favorite version. It brings back very special memories of weekly trips with my son during a challenging time in our parent/teen relationship. It always made us smile and remember how much we love and need each other like all families do."

It was originally released by King Harvest in 1972, but the song didn't reach its peak in the top charts until the 2000 cover by Toploader hit #7 on the UK Singles Chart. (x)

I'm glad Toploader kept the intro because it sounds like moonlight in musical form. It sets the mood for a supernatural delight and reappears to shimmer between verses and during the chorus. Plus, it's, like, really pretty. 

This is a beautiful song to attach to a beautiful, if complicated, memory. I can imagine an endless array of situations that would be improved by playing this song, all of them positive. The beat is groovy enough for dancing, but the melody is sweet enough for sentimental moments.

I can see this playing over the final scenes of a movie.

Bear with me.

This song is heard distantly while the main character has a serious conversation with her mother, with whom she's been trying to reconnect. They aren't quite at the point that they're willing to hug it out, but it's clear that they're in a better place than they were at the beginning of the movie. Nice.

Then the pair walk out the back door, and the music gets louder because now it's not background music. There's an actual party going on in the yard, probably with a campfire, and we see the characters from the romantic subplot finally get together. <3

The overall effect of the repetitive lyrics, moderate tempo, and gentle melody is an endearing simplicity that carries with it a hint of nostalgia.

If I had only one word, I'd say this song is sweet.

Overview:

Genre:
Alt Rock / Post-Britpop

Favorite Lyrics:
You can't dance and stay uptight.

Verdict:
warm fuzzies