Introduction
Get ready to hop into a time machine where pop hits collide! “That’s What I Like,” the 1989 chart-topper by the novelty group Jive Bunny and The Mastermixers, isn’t just a song, it’s a musical mashup masterclass. Buckle up as we delve into the history of this infectious track that had the world jiving from Buckingham Palace to Bondi Beach.
Born in the creative minds of the British production team Stock Aitken Waterman, “That’s What I Like” wasn’t your typical pop single. Instead, it weaved together eight iconic melodies from the 1950s and 60s, seamlessly blending rock ‘n’ roll, surf, and twist into a foot-stomping frenzy. The Ventures’ “Theme from Hawaii Five-O” kicks off the party, followed by Chubby Checker’s “Let’s Twist Again” and Chris Montez’s “Let’s Dance,” each expertly layered with snippets of The Surfaris’ “Wipeout,” Jerry Lee Lewis’s “Great Balls of Fire,” Chuck Berry’s “Johnny B. Goode,” and Little Richard’s “Good Golly Miss Molly.” It’s a nostalgic explosion, a musical kaleidoscope that celebrates the golden age of rock ‘n’ roll.
But “That’s What I Like” wasn’t just a clever remix. It was a pop phenomenon. Fronted by the adorable cartoon mascot Jive Bunny, the song topped charts across Europe and beyond, selling over a million copies in the UK alone. Its music video, a vibrant cartoon romp through musical history, cemented its place in pop culture, introducing a new generation to the timeless tunes of yesteryear.
So, whether you’re a seasoned rock ‘n’ roll veteran or a dancefloor newbie, “That’s What I Like” is an invitation to jump aboard the nostalgia train. It’s a reminder that good music transcends generations, and that sometimes, the best parties are thrown with a healthy dose of history and a whole lot of groove. So crank up the volume, grab your dancing shoes, and prepare to experience the magic of “That’s What I Like” – a song that proves that some things just get better with age.