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This week’s Song of the Week is The Turtles’ biggest hit “Happy Together.” “Happy Together” was released in February 1967 on single and also appeared two months later as the title track of the band’s fourth album.

Although “Happy Together” was one of the biggest hits of 1967, it had already been rejected by numerous bands before The Turtles decided to record it. The Turtles may in fact not have recorded the song either if they hadn’t been looking for a change of direction following a poor chart performance in 1966.

The song immediately engages the listener with the catchy opening guitar riff, which is repeated throughout, but less prominently. Both the verse and the chorus have strong melodies, which are brought to life by accomplished lead vocals, underpinned by some imaginative vocal arrangements for the backing singers. The song builds to a perfectly judged crescendo, complete with horns and strings.

Unlike many songs about relationships, this is not a woeful tale. “Happy Together” is a cheerful song, as the title suggests, with the lyric directed at the object of the singer’s affection.

The Turtles – “Happy Together”

Authorship

“Happy Together” was written by Garry Bonner and Alan Gordon.

Recording date/location

“Happy Together” was recorded on January 9, 1967 at White Whale Records, 11115 Dona Pegita Drive, Studio City, California.

Musicians

The following musicians played on “Happy Together”:

• Howard Kaylan – lead vocals
• Mark Volman – vocals, keyboards
• Jim Tucker – guitar
• Chip Douglas – bass
• John Barbata – drums.

Chip Douglas had replaced original bassist, Chuck Portz. Douglas came up with the arrangement used on “Happy Together.”

John Barbata replaced original drummer, Don Murray. Barbata had been a member of the surf rock band The Sentinels and after his time with The Zombies would play with Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young; Jefferson Airplane and Jefferson Starship.

Chart performance

“Happy Together” hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 on March 19, 1967 and stayed on top for three weeks. The song peaked at number 12 in the UK.

The album “Happy Together” hit number 25 on the Billboard album chart.

Covers

Johnny Panic – “Happy Together”

English punk rockers Johnny Panic put out “Happy Together” on single in 2006 after its use in an npower television commercial. The arrangement borrows from the original, but there are heavier drum and guitar parts, and a more aggressive lead vocal as the song progresses.

Vikki Carr – “Happy Together”

Vikki Carr covered “Happy Together” on her live album “For Once in My Life” in 1969. This cover starts off with sparse bass backing, before developing into a fully orchestrated swing arrangement. The song doesn’t really suit this treatment, but it’s an interesting attempt.

There will be a new Song of the Week on April 4.

“Happy Together” is available on a number of compilations, including “Save The Turtles: The Turtles Greatest Hits.”

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