FIRST TIME HEARING Men Without Hats - Pop Goes The World REACTION

[@markmorgan3058]

That snowman is actually 'Bonhomme; the official symbol of the Quebec winter carnival . Men without Hats is from the province of Quebec, Canada

[@garylogan3640]

It is definitely his face, but that is not his hat, Le Bonhomme wears a red toque not a top hat, maybe they couldn't get the rights and so kind of blended Bonhomme with Frosty?

[@gregorymoore2877]

In fact, the lyrics even tell us this "Johnny played keyboard, Jenny played drum, call a little baby and a big Bonhomme..." but that would be difficult to catch for anybody only seeing and hearing this for the first time.

[@ruff500]

Brothers Ivan and Colin Doroschuk

[@renedoucet6245]

Try “Where do the boys go”!

[@SLam-ve3yp]

It isn't le bonhomme carnival from Québec City. Search it and you'll see he looks better. He has a red tuque on his head and a sash "ceinture flechée".

[@Progressive_Canadian]

The large snowman that you called Frosty Amber is actually called Bonhomme. He is is an iconic figure in Quebec culture, particularly associated with the winter festivities of the Quebec Winter Carnival. Bonhomme, whose name translates to "good man" in English, is a cheerful and friendly snowman character. Dressed in a distinctive red hat and arrow sash, Bonhomme has become a symbol of joy and celebration during the winter season. This amiable snowman engages in various activities, spreading warmth and cheer to participants of the Quebec Winter Carnival, making him a cherished and recognizable personality in Canadian folklore.

[@Robsan40]

An iconic 80's song you will love is "What Have I Done To Deserve This" by Pet Shop Boys.

[@elizabethfranco1284]

I’ve been suggesting that since they first reacted to Dusty Springfield

[@MrYoup11]

Is Jay a East end boy or is Amber a West end girl?

[@timme2844]

What've I, what've I, what've I done to deserve this? 😂

[@ejford5083]

Yes my favorite Pet Shop Boys song.

[@O_Towne_Bear]

Been pushing for "Being Boring"

[@williamgreco3046]

It took Amber a minute before she finally accepted it for what it was: just a happy, silly vibe. The smile laugh was tell tale. 😂

[@lysanderofsparta3708]

"On Tuesday" is a great Men Without Hats song. One of Ivan's best with a great Ian Anderson flute line.

[@josephpearce3650]

My daughter loved this song. She used to bop to this all the time. I still have the 45 record. So fun

[@peterjack840]

Being from Quebec, Canada, the video features Bonhomme the snowman, the official ambassador of the Quebec Winter Carnival.

[@billsantospianomore678]

I became a fan of Men Without Hats in the early 1980s, and I'm still a fan. This group is amazing. They have so many terrific songs. The entire "Pop Goes The World" album is amazing.

[@scottvanhille5688]

Hey guys, first like and comment, thank you so much for doing this request! I really appreciate it, it's one of my favorite songs. It went back to my teen years. I turned 7 when this came out. I do suggest "Moonbeam" next.

[@TheNotedHero]

This was all over the radio back in the day! Ten-year-old me was always super happy when it got played!

[@sandrasmile]

One of my favorite groups! I saw them in concert twice. Non-stop dancing! This group is much more than "Safety Dance" and this song. They have great songs .... "I Like", "Antartica","Ideas of Walls", "Where Do the Boys Go?", "I Got The Message" to name a few 😉

[@EasyZee69]

Yep, I was about to write the same list, but you beat me to it. Cheers.

[@mattbelinski7760]

I got the message should have been a single!!

[@chrisbutler5975]

This is a great feel good song! Hard not to smile when you hear this one. I highly recommend this one with the kids!

[@rodrigomaggio1208]

That song is one of the historic song cover performance boca juniors fans, of course with argentinian lyrics talk about the team..(oo dale dale bo.. dale bo.. dale bo.. dale dale bo)

[@BoosterGold52]

One of my all time favorite feel good songs. If you're having a down day this song will help lift you up. Music needs more fun songs.

[@Kike71-vg3gp]

The melody of this song is still used in many soccer stadiums to encourage the teams.

[@ShannonR1969]

This was always my favorite MWH song! Always such fun. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jamielandis4308]

One of the greatest lost songs and albums of the 80’s or perhaps all time. “Pop Goes The World” is a happy song and album. My favorite song from it is “In The Name of Angels,” followed closely by “Walk On Water,” and “On Tuesday,” (with Ian Anderson on flute.) and “The End of The World.” Others are from different albums: “Messiahs Die Young,” “I know Their Name,” and “I Got The Message.”

[@jodyskogen]

Great suggestions! Also "Folk of the 80's," "I Sing Last / Not for Tears," "O Sole Mio"

[@richardsteiner8992]

"Pop Goes the World" and "The Age Of Plastic" by the Buggles (Video Killed the Radio Star) are two of the CDs on my Secret Playlist. 🙂

[@shyman99]

One more Men Without Hats song for you and it is called "I Like". Their third best song.

[@michaelharris1088]

I like is a great song I like the video to

[@shyman99]

@@michaelharris1088 - I like that you like I Like too.😄

[@ultimatespinach]

How serendipitous. This wonderful song was playing on my memory stick in the car a couple of days ago and I couldn't help but wonder if Jay and Amber had reacted to it yet. Men Without Hats had a slew of hits in the 80's and 90's; they are wonderfully creative and full of "joie de vivre" Great reaction guys and Cheers from Ontario, Canada!

[@ericthuemmel5275]

Only 2 hits in the US - and now they've covered them both.

[@ultimatespinach]

@@ericthuemmel5275 There are plenty more. Cheers!

[@jethro1963]

Jean-Marc Pisapia was in MWH for a short while before starting The Box. I would love to hear Closer Together by The Box.

[@jethro1963]

A year before Closer Together, another iconic single was released by The Partland Brothers, Soul City. Another good song by them was Honest Man. I think GP Partland might swoon Amber more than Andy Gibb

[@ultimatespinach]

@@jethro1963 You're right, it's a terrific song but I'd rather hear "My Dreams" and "Ordinary People" by The Box, those are my favourites!

[@haydendegrow945]

This is a radio staple on my local classics station... Such an upbeat tune

[@GameRoomKid]

This song is catchy!! Thank u for doing it. Have you guys ever did Baltimora - Tarzan Boy?? I would love to see you do this song. I’m interested in your take on it.

[@gregorymoore2877]

I second the nomination for "Tarzan Boy" by Baltimora.

[@daganleavitt5578]

It really is a fun song!

[@billsantospianomore678]

Check out: "I Like" "Moonbeam" "Living in China" "Unsatisfaction" "Messiahs Die Young" "I Know Their Name" "Hey Men" "Everybody's Selling Something" "O Sole Mio" "On Tuesday" - This song has Ian Anderson as guest flautist; he's the lead singer and flautist for Jethro Tull.

[@andymageen5308]

This song, band and video are SO eighties, they are just so in that moment, and couldn’t exist outside that small window in time. It’s also a great representation of the creativity allowed during that period ✌️

[@ghstdnsr]

One of my favorites, the song is put together so well musically.

[@joemc1960]

Never heard this back in the ‘80s. And that’s a good thing

[@damonhines8187]

Saw them up close in a cool little club in downtown Toronto in the early-mid 80s. Loads of cool tunes driven by the hippest sounds going at the time. The top-hatted snowman is the Bonhomme(the "h" is silent), the mascot of Quebec City's Winter Carnival. Thanks for the taste of Canadiana. 😎🤙🏼🎶❤️✨️🕊🇨🇦

[@Leafsdude]

A lot of people hate happy songs because they think art has to make you sad or upset. But there is a talent behind making a legitimately upbeat, catchy song like this. And few are as consistently good at is as Men Without Hats.

[@mkmstillstackin]

Always been a fan of this! Haven't heard it in eons! Definitely takes me back to my youth. Light-hearted 80's alternative synth-pop at its best! The consummate earworm song! You guys described it perfectly, bubbly, upbeat, and creative. Thanks so much for doing this one.

[@tcpm]

You should try the band They Might Be Giants. Birdhouse in Your Soul is a great place to start. They have fun music with a good beat.

[@mkmstillstackin]

Major thumbs Up! If they did some TMBG I would lose my mind! Either "Birdhouse in Your Soul", "Ana Ng", or "Don't Let's Start" would send me bonkers!

[@Reani71]

Men Without Hats are very underrated, they had a lot of great songs. Next songs to check out by them: Where Do The Boys Go (killer track, my absolute favorite), I Got the Message, Antarctica, O Sole Mio

[@txheadshots]

And Messiahs Die Young

[@PriscillaV1964]

This is a must have for any "housework" playlist.

[@TheOutcast05]

Came here to say it but others beat me to it- 'Frosty' is Bonhomme Carnival, the mascot for Quebec/s Winter Carnival lol Also one of my closest friends is friends with the lead singer of the band.

[@DonAPWhiting]

I always see "Men Without Hats" listed as a "One Hit Wonder". But "Pop Goes the World" went to #2 in Canada. And #20 on US Billboard. Surely that's enough to get them into the "Two Hit Wonder" category?

[@magneto7930]

The song lives up to its title, very catchy and very POP!

[@sheldondyck8631]

Glass Tiger is another great Canadian 80s band from Nova Scotia. They have a lot of songs worth checking out. Someday, Diamond Sun, My Town, and My Song are just a few.

[@paulhenderson8201]

You mean Newmarket, Ontario.

[@sheldondyck8631]

@@paulhenderson8201 really? All these years I thought they were from Nova Scotia. Learn something new everyday.

[@TheErsu]

Also by Glass Tiger: Closer to you, You're What I Look For, Thin Red Line, and Watching Worlds Crumble.

[@marioibarra7886]

OG subscriber here😊 Depeche Mode live in concert “never let me down again”. I guarantee you’ll love it

[@brucedillinger9448]

I loved this group.

[@joanbecenti8938]

Love 'Men Without Hats'. Very upbeat song. First time seeing the video. Video definitely fits the song ❤️❤️ Forever 80's

[@geneaikenii1092]

I remember this on MTV, back when they used to actually play current Music videos. Thanks for this little number by M W H. That's a super cool happy tune. Peace.

[@lyndashields4185]

How about doing some " Blue Rodeo " a great Canadian band !!!!

[@adampound5975]

Or Cowboy Junkies!

[@jasonbuter9493]

its not Frosty the snowman - its Bonhomme, a french canadian figure for their winter festival.

[@fantasycamp4000]

How can you not love this video?

[@Sopmylo]

A little piece of 80's Montreal's alternative scene that has survived.

[@cricket1984]

I also like Antarctica and I Got A Message (and the message is good)

[@jsapcakrrow]

Wow! I have not heard this song in decades!! I didn’t even recognize it until he first sang Pop goes the world then it brought smile to my face 😁. It’s just a happy bubbley song

[@mattjohnson7725]

Music and John Hughes is what made the 80s great

[@shannsmith4207]

This was my absolute favorite song when I was a little girl!my dad and I used to dance to it lol I'm 40 now and my dad has passed..brought back great memories ❤..I love your reactions!

[@terrycunningham8118]

It's a ridiculously potent ear worm.

[@swinglow33]

Another artistic band, is called Sparks, with songs like “Edith Piaf (Said It Better Than Me)”, “This Town Ain’t Big Enough For The Both Of Us”, “Monster Of Love” and “I Predict” just to name a few. They’ve been around since the mid 60’s and still producing music.

[@MavenCree]

Growing up, we thought this group was Canadian because BonHomme (the big Snowman) was in the video and mentioned in the song. BonHomme is a Canadian, specifically a Quebec mascot/symbol. Not Frosty.

[@sehnbadt]

Was my favorite song in 1987

[@gwts1171]

This band actually has a pretty diverse catalog. They were marketed as a silly pop band, but they cover a lot of territory on their albums. Great stuff. And the silly pop songs are some of the best. :)

[@aarongoldstein7614]

Two women you should spotlight this week - Mary Weiss and Marlena Shaw. Both of whom passed away yesterday. Mary Weiss was the lead vocalist for The Shangri-Las. You've reacted previously to "Leader of The Pack". So go with "Remember (Walking In The Sand)" or "Past, Present, Future". Marlena Shaw's most famous song is "California Soul".

[@travisgordon2484]

Ohh yes, this Montreal band had some cool hits in the 80s

[@chrisgobeil4751]

I'm very surprised there has been no Kim Mitchell on the channel yet, another great Canadian artist. Patio lanterns is where I would start with him.

[@ryanfeit1420]

I would highly recommend reacting to the theme song from the movie "The Never Ending Story" from 1984 (which you have seen) which is sung by Limahl. That song is the song you hear in the beginning credits of the movie. The song is very catchy and fun and became a cult classic along with the movie. I also hope you play the song's original video. Fun fact: Limahl was the lead singer for the 80's pop group Kajagoogoo. Their biggest hit was "Too Shy" which hit the top 10 billboard charts in the summer of 1983.

[@DoomMomDot]

maybe the happiest song ever made about the end of the world.

[@kabpoetry]

The entire Pop Goes The World album is a concept album. This song sets the story that runs through the whole album. It's something you definitely need to listen and pay attention to...straight through. It's actually a brilliant album. It's about the music industry.

[@someoneoncesaid6978]

I wasn't a fan of the song when it came out, but listening to it again I can see the charm to it.

[@allendixon7700]

I do I do love all day of safety dance is amazing. I'm not aski want to have sexual fun songs

[@tylerhackner9731]

Love this group

[@sammcbride2149]

This song was totally new to me. I liked it.

[@pixiechick05171971]

I had completely forgot about this song!! It is just a really fun, silly, happy song!!

[@ryandtibbetts2962]

"Right On Track" by the Breakfast Club is another 80's song you should check out.

[@JaneWalters-ni7se]

The key to this album is to listen, don't even worry about watching, it's one of the best electronic music albums of the 80s!

[@Wisdom-Nuggets-Tid-Bits]

Brings me back to my 80s - love the early 80s best. Blessings.

[@LongGone77]

One of my favourite songs of all time. It's so happy, immediately puts you in a good mood.

[@bigcahuna42366]

This is the song that gets stuck in your head all day. A catchy song that would appear on any Kids Bop album.

[@Jude_196]

SO MUCH of the 80s were just about FUN! I watch reactors watch 80s music videos, and try so hard to "analyze" the songs or lyrics: and some where just made to have a BLAST! Some songs really made little sense at all!! But, they sure were fun!! (B-52s come to mind....and, DEVO....so tongue-in-cheek, or non-sensical....GLAD ya'll gave this one a listen!!

[@kidyubyub]

Just saw them in concert last night (4/19/24). Pop Goes The World was fantastic!!!!! Ivan has said that this song is about Mescaline LOL

[@hanierfamily]

Thank you for checking out this piece of nostalgia for us. This was all over the place when we were teens. They had another single off the First album, Rhythm Of Youth, called Antarctica. You might find it interesting. There won't be a Monsieur Bonhomme in that one. Or the baby. Anyway. Enjoy!

[@ECLynn]

First! Great song. Can’t wait to see your reaction.

[@beckiramsey9561]

I remember when the song came out, very fun song! Actually never saw the video though, strange since I used to watch MTV and VH1 all the time in the 80’s! More great memories of the 80’s!❤❤ Thanks to you two, Jay and Amber!!❤❤

[@darleneatkinson3906]

Rob Squad Reaction, this video is so funny I was laughing watching it I heard the song before but never seen the video to the song thanks for the laugh and doing this video.

[@Wade-h5m]

That song is as 80's as one can get. Back in the day when we had good music.

[@journeyCD]

man i love this song and still listen to it to date .....80s dance fest along with their hit song safety dance.....classic

[@epongeverte]

*I seem to recall this band having a song called I LIKE that I liked back in the 80s.*

[@mziobro7934]

Thx for the reaction on this. You are spot on. Happy song from a quirky band. I like men w/out hats!!

[@jenwinslow5602]

The world was not ready for them to do this song. As a fan of the band, I’d heard quirky bits like this hidden in albums. I’d love four you to check out the band James. -Sit Down -Ring The Bells -Getting Away With It -Laid -Say Something anything, really.

[@TWKOZAK]

We saw them earlier this year. A very fun band. Cool part was when the song was introduced, Ivan said it was a song about mescaline. I was the only person to go, "oh yeah."

[@andre.gorley]

Men Wirhout Hats are from Montreal and their lead singer is Yvan Doroschuk. They're still around touring and are a fan favorite in the province of Québec. "Frosty" is the mascot Quèbec city carnival that's been around for 60+ years and his name is Bonhomme Carnaval, loosely translated I guess as Mister Carnival. Being a native of Québec I would gladly suggest to come down for the Carnival in February. It's fun for the whole family with concerts, parade, games, ice sculptures and many more activities. It all happens in the streets of Québec city and it's fantastic!

[@WIDOW.OFFICIAL]

Great song during a great era! The prior hit for Men Without Hats was "Safety Dance" not sure if you covered that already. Fun video and another great song from the 80s.

[@kimmycook2698]

Well this unlocks a core memory...I forgot how much i missed this song!

[@puppetsnob]

So happy you enjoyed this. I have always thought this lead singer should have appeared on Sesame Street or other kid's show singing "A person in your neighborhood" or "Rubber Duckie" or something.

[@thegoodearth6943]

This is the title song from a great concept album. You really need to listen to the whole album to get it all [even if you dont react to it]. Love your content...

[@blankbruno70]

Since it seems no one has been here to say it yet, along with all the other wonderful recommendations for other Men Without Hats songs, you should also check out their lead singer Ivan Doroschuk's solo album The Spell from 1997. It's all good in my opinion, but I really like The Spell and Open Your Eyes. Thank you both for everything you do!

[@waltw4537]

Cool tune. Thanks.

[@john_wise]

I played the heck out of this cassette tape back in the day, then again on CD when that was available.

[@BillGraper]

Cool, catchy song from the 80's that a lot of people have forgotten. So many people think they were a one-hit wonder. On a side note, THANK YOU for only pausing once in each of your videos. I was just watching a reaction to "My Immortal" by Evanescence, and she literally paused the video at least 6 times BEFORE THE FIRST CHORUS!!! The video is over 21 minutes long. I wonder why? I couldn't stand watching anymore. I had to give it a thumbs down & leave. I never have to do that with you. 🙂

[@Cana-Dave]

You should check out their song "Sideways". You wouldn't believe it's the same band. Great tune, kicks ass. (He wears a hat in this video :) They also did another great song with Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull on the flute called "On Tuesday". Sadly I haven't heard these songs in like 30 years on the radio. I miss them and the World Is Missing them.

[@lauraheim8381]

Just pure fun!

[@Clownboy15]

OH MY GOD!! This song has become so important to me! I had never heard it originally, I just knew of "The Safety Dance." I had discovered this song in midsummer 2021 while my fiancee happened to be in the hospital. Sadly she didn't make it. The day I found out she had had a massive stroke I was on my way to buy an Asteroids arcade cabinet. Obviously I put that off! The next day after she had passed I needed something to do or I was gonna tear myself apart with grief. So I picked up the cab and brought it home. I shot video of myself putting it together, talking a bit about the history of the game and all and wound up creating a new channel for myself called, "Clownboy's Arcade." "Pop Goes the World" was a song that also helped me though this time period so I used an 8-Bit version of that as my theme song! Admittedly the channel is kind of abandoned now as I have no more room for arcade cabinets! Good problem to have I guess!

[@WIDOW.OFFICIAL]

Ahhh I spoke too soon. You covered Safety Dance. Another great song from Men Without Hats hit was "Antarctica". Great synth work in that track.

[@djd2819]

Men Without Hats was a band that cranked out a few decent hits in the 80s. I still have their first album but haven't listened to it in decades. By the time they put out this song (on their third album), they had moved from a drum machine to actually having a drummer. A friend of the band at the time told me that the name of the band came from the fact that they didn't initially have a drummer (so, no high-hats) but wikipedia offers a different story. You guys should look up the band "The The" from the same era. Either "This is the day" or "Uncertain Smile" - either song is worth a listen, especially if you really soak in the lyrics.

[@trevdog67]

Great group! Check out their song "You & Me" on their album "In the 21st Century". A friend had the CD back in the 90s, and I've enjoyed it for years. Recently I played it for my wife, and she absolutely loves it and now it's on her playlist. You are right -- very upbeat happy music. Good times. "Underneath the Rainbow" on the same album is very good too.

[@gregorymoore2877]

Definitely a fun song and video. The Elvis reference is obvious, but don't miss the Beatles reference: "Jenny" is playing (well... holding) what appears to be a Hofner bass, the bass Paul McCartney is most known for playing, and is "playing" left handed like Paul.

[@chrisgilbert9076]

I love when you throw a shout-out to Canada and it's amazing history of exporting talented musicians and bands. You'd be interested in hearing from one of our most beloved iconic rock acts. The Tragically Hip emerged in 1987 from the town of Kingston, Ontario. Their music has a homegrown feel and the band is overtly "Canadian" in their choice of themes, songs and cultural references. They never got to see a lot of success in the US and abroad (except for pockets in border towns and places with significant Canadian ex-pats). However, they became one of our most successful and beloved musical acts of the 90's and 2000's. They had dozens of top charting songs, exhaustively toured the country and connected with generations of fans. Sadly, their lyricist and lead singer Gord Downie, left this earth after battling brain cancer. When diagnosed, and before the disease could ravage his brain functions, the band set off on a final Canada wide tour. The Hip played dozens of cities over the spring and summer and returned to their hometown for one final, goodbye concert. Tickets were nearly impossible to get for that final show, and cities and towns across the country set up viewing parties and big screens in arenas, civic halls and parks. ven our Prime Mnister (Justin Trudeau) attended the concert as both a fan and to share in this historic moment of Canadiana. The concert was broadcast LIVE and COMMERCAL free by our National TV broadcaster (the CBC) and garnered one of the highest ratings in history. It was a national moment of connection and sharing of music and joy (and sadness at the end coming). Gord Downie lost his battle with cancer October 17, 2017 at only 53 years of age. He left behind a wife, four children his bandmates, millions of fans and an incredible musical and philanthropic legacy. There early work has a strong bluesy-rock feel and their sound evolved over the years to include many influences and permutations. Here's a few favourites from the amazing songs they released as singles throughout their career (chronologically): "New Orleans Is Sinking", "Boots or Hearts", "38 Years Old", "Locked in the Trunk of a Car", "Fifty Mission Cap", "Grace, Too", "Greasy Jungle", "Nautical Disaster", "Scared", "Ahead by a Century", "Fireworks", "Bobcaygeon", "In View". Non-singles that should not be missed include: "Long Time Running", "Fiddler's Green", "Wheat Kings", "Lake Fever" and "It's a Good Life if You Don't Weaken"

[@ryanawilson8549]

Love this one

[@fuiplu]

My teen years..I love it then and now

[@NancyStonebridge]

Mother was a music teacher all the 3 boys are talented colin on keyboards also opera singer his daughter in the band now also opera singer 🎉

[@daledubose3032]

Oh its been a while. Thank you for reminding me of this gem.