"Happy" is a song originally recorded by British funk band Hi-Tension in 1984, titled as "You Make Me Happy". It was later covered by Surface for their self-titled album released in 1986. A hit single, Surface's version reached number 20 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and number two on the Billboard R&B charts in 1987.[1][3]
"Happy" was also featured on Surface's compilation album Perfect 10 and was produced by members Bernard Jackson, David "Pic" Conley and David Townsend.
"Happy" was covered by British R&B group MN8 and released in July 1995 by Columbia Records as the third single from their debut album, To the Next Level (1995).[9][10] The song was produced by Dennis Charles and Ronnie Wilson, and peaked at number eight on the UK Singles Chart. It also was a top-20 hit in New Zealand, where it reached number 11. The track was remixed by Dalvin DeGrate of Jodeci.[11][12]
In his weekly UK chart commentary, James Masterton described the song as "another immaculate slice of swingbeat pop and another smash hit to boot".[13]Music & Media commented, "Releasing singles at the speed of sound, here's their third already. It has nothing to do with the same-titled Stones number. The guys in MN8 work out in a very American swingbeat fashion."[8] Leesa Daniels from Smash Hits gave 'Happy' four out of five, writing, "The lads famous for perv dancing and flashing their knickers slow it down a tad this time. It's not quite as instant as their last two outings but it's soppy and sentimental in an extremely catchy, lovely kind of way. It'll leave you with a nice, warm, jelly like feeling in your tummy."[14]
^ abBreihan, Tom (November 3, 2021). "The Number Ones: Surface's "The First Time". Stereogum. Retrieved December 19, 2023. ...their glossy synth-soul single "Happy," a cover of a song from the UK group Hi-Tension, reached #2 on the R&B charts...
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