Songs That Make Us Want To Dance Like David Byrne
What better way to celebrate our “Talking Heads” issue than with a staff-curated playlist dedicated to the iconic dance moves of the one and only David Byrne. Jam out to this groovy backdrop for your daily walk to class, and you may find that you start doing the wave. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
“Happiness (Dance Floor Edit)” by The 1975
This song is a no-brainer candidate. Matt Healy’s dance moves are eerily similar to Byrne’s, now that I think about it. And if you think Healy is a problematic individual, I recommend you get off Twitter (or X) and do some fact-checking.
— Linda Li ’24
“Mariana” by The Royston Club
The song has such an energy to it that it’s difficult to keep yourself from moving (or at least bobbing your head) when it’s on! It also does a good job at capturing the feeling of liking someone but simultaneously feeling that you can’t do anything about it, so you might as well have fun!
— Emelia Marshall ’25
“Looking for Somebody (To Love)” by The 1975
You wouldn’t guess behind the energizing 80s synth-pop that this is a song about toxic masculinity and guns and whatnot. Devastating vocals behind the most fun boogie of your life: The 1975 Special.
— Marion Biondi ’24
“Genius of Love” by Tom Tom Club (1981)
This song felt particularly appropriate, considering it was created by Talking Heads’ Chris Frantz and Tina Weymouth. With over 170 samples, the upbeat, robotic melody has solidified itself in the pop culture lexicon. It’s no wonder the 80s dance and club scene quickly accepted this groovy tune. You can’t help but break out into an unencumbered boogie.
“Dirty Dreamer (XXX)” by Hot Flash Heat Wave
I rarely hear songs with as groovy of a drum pattern as this one. I fight the feminine urge whenever this song comes on during my walks through campus to dance like an absolute baffoon.
— Rebecca Altman ’25
“Mary Jane” by the Copper Children
Who is Mary Jane? I don’t know, but she makes me wanna dance!
— Portia Dai ’26
“Voulez -Vous” by ABBA
There’s something about 70’s music that can always get me out of my seat and doing disco moves.
— Hannah Sawyer ’27
“Low (feat. T Pain)” by Flo Rida
I like Low by T Pain because the catchy beat always ets me in a good mood and makes me want to hit the floor.
— Arianna Stewart ’25
“Memory Machine” by The Dismemberment Plan
The song starts off sounding like the erratic machinations of a huge computer, sounding a tad unnatural but also fast-paced and catchy. Then it explodes into an exhilarating chorus that makes me want to bust some moves like Byrne (Fun fact: Travis Morrison, the lead singer, is a William & Mary alum!).
— Ella Smith ’24
“Kamikaze” by Carly Rae Jepson
— Danielle Seay ’25