“Pop Goes the World” was written originally as an instrumental electronic song, more akin to the band’s 1972 hit “Hot Butter” from the Popcorn album. It also helped earn the band an armload of awards, including three Felix Awards for Best-Selling Single, Group of the Year and Rock Album of the Year, followed by nominations for Best New Artist at the Grammys and Juno nominations.
The song hit number 3 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart in 1983 and helped the album Rhythm of Youth to sell more than 2 million copies internationally. Let’s be honest: who among us doesn’t need a reason to dance these days? Or maybe feel a little rebellious after months of being home in COVID-19 lockdown? That’s the kind of spirit that inspired lead vocalist Ivan Doroschuk to write “Safety Dance” after he was kicked out of a nightclub for pogo dancing, deemed unruly and unsafe at the time. And although the aesthetic and sounds are emblematic of the ‘80s, the lyrics and messages are timeless and continue to take on new meaning to new audiences.” “You can’t help but dance to the synthesizer beats or have a smile on your face from the playful nature of their videos. “No ‘80s playlist would be complete without ‘Safety Dance’ and ‘Pop Goes the World,’” says Vanessa Thomas, the hall’s executive director. The virtual induction ceremony will take place later. The songs will be added to the permanent collection at the National Music Centre in Calgary and will be featured in an interactive exhibit alongside other fantastic songs and music memorabilia. Specifically, the hall is adding two of the band’s biggest hits, “Safety Dance” and “Pop Goes the World,” songs that sent the Montreal-based band to international fame. Break out your best ‘80s moves and turn up the volume on your old boombox, the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame is inducting synth-pop band Men Without Hats.